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.
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.
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!
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.
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
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.
“Crop Hop stops include Romano Winery & Vineyard in Brandywine; P.A. Bowen Farmstead in Brandywine, which features artisan cheeses; Bald Eagle Farm in Brandywine, which raises Black Angus cattle….”
See:
Cyclists to take spin around Brandywine, Upper Marlboro farms
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.
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I’ll bet our residents and readers of this site could tell more stories about her.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Reply
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.
Yard Sale this Saturday 6 AM to 1 PM on 10709 North Keys Rd.
Furniture and household misc. Priced to sell, some items free.
Please spread the word!
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 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.
Yard Sale this Saturday 6 AM to 1 PM on North Keys Rd. at #10709.
Furniture and household misc. Priced to sell, some items free.
Please spread the word!
From Our County Council Representative, Mel Franklin:
*New Location – Showplace Arena*
4th ANNUAL DISTRICT 9
FAMILY & FRIENDS DAY
Sunday, Aug. 3rd, 3pm-6pm
Please join me and your neighbors on Sunday, August 3rd outdoors at the site of the Showplace Arena and Equestrian Center at 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 for our 4th annual District 9 Family & Friends Day. In each of the past three years, over 1000 District 9 residents have attended this outstanding community event and this year will be even bigger and better! Please save the date and join us for fun, food, and valuable information from over 100 District 9 businesses, nonprofits, and county government agencies. Bring the children and enjoy the afternoon with us.
**The primary purpose of this event is to promote our local business community. If you are a business or nonprofit organization licensed to operate in the County and are interested in having a free display table at District 9 Day, please contact my Chief of Staff, Brendon Laster, at bllaster@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3820. Businesses and organizations based in District 9 will get preference. Please do not wait because space is limited.**
We are looking for volunteers so if you are interested in lending a helping hand please also contact Brendon Laster at bllaster@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3820. I thank you in advance for wanting to be a part of our 4th Annual District 9 Family & Friends Day!
Top Banana Home-Delivered Groceries, a nonprofit located in Brandywine that delivers groceries to those unable to get to a store, needs volunteer drivers on Wednesdays to deliver to seniors and people with disabilities in Waldorf, La Plata, Indian Head and Hughesville. Call 301-372-3663 or info@topbananagroceries.org.
Accokeek Foundation seeks volunteers for its museum garden program through November. 301-283-2113 or volunteers@accokeek.org.
Alternatives for Youth and Families needs foster parents in Southern Maryland. Sarah at 301-884-0312, Ext. 122.
Best Buddies-Southern Maryland seeks volunteers 18 or older to create one-on-one friendships with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 877-632-8339.
Boys & Girls Club of Southern Maryland needs volunteers for the following positions: parent volunteers to support the programs and activities; committee members; committee leaders; and board members. Contact info@bgcsm.net
Skip the city, see fireworks in Charles County
(The National Harbor has cancelled their fireworks.)
Or go up Rt. 301 to Six Flags or Bowie
Check for Activities at:
Baden Community Center
13601 Baden-Westwood Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
301-888-1500; TTY 301-203-6030
SPECIAL EVENT
Salute to the Miltary Open House
Surratt House Museum
9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton 20735
301-868-1121
BOATING & FISHING
Clyde Watson Boating Area in Brandywine
Patuxent River Park
BASKETBALL, PLAYGROUND, BIKING, PICNICKING
Cedarville State Forest
From Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS):
Now through August 1, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will provide free and nutritious breakfast and lunch for all children ages 18 and under at specific sites throughout the summer. “Providing continuous meals throughout the summer helps children receive the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow,” said Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell, Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools. The program will serve breakfast from 8:30-9 a.m. and lunch from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. School sites are:
Brandywine ES
Surrattsville HS (for people in the northwest part of Brandywine closer to Clinton)
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Also check out the latest Prince George’s County blogger posts and news here and specific news about the county from many sources at Newsvine.
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SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG with EMAIL here.
News from our County Councilperson, Mel Franklin, minus the partisan information:
MGM Development Agreement – Public Feedback
The County has negotiated a community benefits agreement with MGM National Harbor for local employment, local business opportunities, and other community benefits at the nearly $1 billion future resort-entertainment complex. The Council will consider approving the agreement in the next few weeks. Please share your feedback about the agreement by e-mailing the County Council at clerkofthecouncil@co.pg.md.us and cc mfranklin1@co.pg.md.us.
Please review this information for more details:
County Executive’s Summary of the Agreement (PDF)
Full Community Benefits Agreement (PDF)
County Council Statement on the Agreement
Washington Business Journal Article about the Agreement
Council Public Safety Town Hall Meeting – July 1
The Prince George’s County Council will host “Building On Our Successes: Making Prince George’s County an Even Safer Community,” a Town Hall Meeting focusing on public safety in Prince George’s County, Tuesday, July 1, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
The Town Hall Meeting will be held in the Council Hearing Room, First Floor, County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, in Upper Marlboro. We will feature the Police Dept., Fire/EMS Dept., Office of the Sheriff, State’s Attorney’s Office, Corrections Dept, and Dept. of Homeland Security. Citizens will also have an opportunity to participate in a question and answer session, and share their thoughts on issues of community concern with the County’s top public safety officials.
Prince George’s County Board of Elections Information
The 2014 MD Gubernatorial Primary is Tuesday, June 24, 2014 with polls open from 7AM-8PM
Here are some important links below:
View 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Ballots
Military and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA)
Voter Lookup
Maps
Voter Information
Election Results
Precincts: Polling Places, and Elected Officials
Absentee Ballots
“BRINGING THE WORLD TO PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY”
THE COMING HEALTH CARE BOOM
-A new $650 million Regional Medical Center coming to Largo
-$140 million in proposed investments in expanding MedStar Southern MD Hospital in Clinton
Bringing the World to Prince George’s County – Chair’s Show
Do You Have a Problem that the County Government Can Help With?
For constituent service issues in District 9, you have two options: (1) Please call the County Government’s customer service center by dialing 3-1-1 or online at http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov/, or (2) Contact the District 9 Office directly at councildistrict9@co.pg.md.us or 301-952-3820.
Follow District 9 on Twitter or Find District 9 on Facebook
For regular updates everyday on District 9 and our efforts to bring positive change to our communities, please follow District 9 on Twitter or find District 9 on Facebook.
Today is the last day of early voting. You can still vote early today. There’s a lot of information on this blog.
If you’re going to wait until the official Primary Election Day, Tues. June 24, you will be able to vote closer to home – check the new voter card you should have received in the mail to see if you have a new voting location. You can check on your registration and your ballot here.
One of the important elections is for local school board. We’re in District 9. The county’s candidate list is here (PDF). The “sample ballot” provided by County Executive Rushern Baker or the Democratic party lists only one school board candidate even though this is supposed to be a nonpartisan position. I wanted to look at all of my choices, so I asked the other candidates about what they stood for and if they have a website to learn more. Here is what I have received back:
Johnnie Isaac responded almost immediately, though he apparently does not have a website, he has a lot to say: “Here are just a few items we plan to focus on:”
- Replace all existing (>20 yrs.) Schools (starting in District 9) with state of the art, multi~use, community complexes.
- Funding will be acquired through a combination of developers, corporations, local and state taxes, grants, and federal awards. The facilities design goals would be to operate totally off power grids, using solar, wind and innovative sources.
- Halt privatization through charter school programs.
- Pair student development with school~based community services.
- Students should be career ready by 9th grade, skillfully employed by graduation.
- Any student that is career ready by 9th grade not only is more prepared for college at graduation but can pay for it themselves if they choose to attend. College isn’t just academic it’s purposeful. We must develop a driving purpose to attend and money should not be the only reason.
- Reform teachers salary scale to make more market sensitive.
- Provide cultured centered academic programs/Projects
Denise M. Joseph also replied not too long after the request and she wrote: “Thank you for contacting me. It is an honor to run for School Board for District 9 and I am passionate about making a bigger difference here in Prince George’s County. Here is my website www.votedenisemjoseph.com for more information about me and why you should vote for me for School Board in District 9. In addition, to find out more information on my School Board Race, go to http://voterguide.wamu.org/race-detail.do?id=12710258, this is a link to the candidates and information about the essence of who I am. I was also on two blog talk radio shows and here are the links to the shows: http://forestoftheraineducation.weebly.com/this-weeks-educational-view-the-importance-of-after-school-programs.html, http://www.blogtalkradio.com/stilettos-convos/2014/06/17/stilettos-and-convos-with-miss-lee-racism.”
I asked if she knew David Cahn of Citizens for an Elected Board and she replied:
“I know Mr. Cahn very well. He personally supports me and I attended his training on May 24th. It was very informative. I worked as an Intern with PGCPS and I gleamed best practices and policies to help our system to become greater. I graduated from the SUPES Academy that helps leaders transform school systems and I have been working with teachers, students, the community, and a coalition of non-profits to help our system become better. Here is the link to that program – www.supesacademy.com. Lastly, I am an Education, Community and Youth Advocate that is set out to continue to make a difference to help increase student achievement and help our students become more than “Awesome!” Let me know if you have any other questions and hopefully I won your vote and the vote of your friends, family, and colleagues.”
I have not heard back from Dominique Flowers who is the other candidate to whom I sent a query, but I will add her information to this page if I get anything or you can comment hear if you know about her candidacy.
The candidate being promoted, who is also our current Board of Education (BOE) representative appointed by County Executive Rushern Baker to serve out Donna Beck Hathaway’s remaining term, is Sonya Williams and can be found on this web site.
Donna Beck Hathaway was devoted to the children in the public school system in this county and was awarded for attending the most consecutive BOE meetings as a volunteer mother (known as a government watchdog) before she was elected to the BOE. She resigned to spend more time with her “growing family” including her 4 grandchildren. She resigned just as the bill was passed to allow County Executive Rushern Baker to appoint the school superintendent (now known as the CEO) and several BOE members.
We can vote for two out of the 4 candidates that will then be on the ballot in the general election. You should not have to be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote for nonpartisan candidates.
An article today in the Washington Post says, “The Maryland Transit Administration is considering a proposed 19-mile transit alignment along the State Route 5/U.S. 301 corridor to connect the Waldorf area in Charles County to the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George’s.” This, of course, goes straight through Brandywine.
“The $5 million study is viewed as an important first step to address traffic congestion and demand for public transit in some of Maryland’s most rapidly growing areas.” It would be great if this works! The congestion in that corridor is often a complaint of residents who use Rt. 5 south in the afternoon.
This is also supposed to help with the goal of “reducing Maryland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020”.
MTA will host three open house meetings this month, all between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.:
June 10 – Surrattsville High School, 6101 Garden Drive, Clinton, MD 20735
June 18 – Waldorf Jaycees, 3090 Crain Highway, Waldorf, MD 20601
June 19 – Thurgood Marshall Middle School, 4909 Brinkley Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748
SHARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS
HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR GOOD CAUSE
ON
MAY 3, 2014
While Having a Good Meal in Brandywine, MD
Good Day to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Print the image coupon below or the
FUNDRAISER BRANDYWINE COUPONS PDF .
For Homeowners
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Prince George’s and Charles County
“No Longer Accept Yard Waste in Plastic Bags!!”
For your convenience, we will haul your yard waste away for a nominal fee.
Call 240-320-7843 for our fast, clean, and courteous Monday thru Friday
HAUL-A-WAY YARD WASTE SERVICE
Brian Pillow, Marquist Taylor, and Bill Stillwell
DB CUSTOM LANDSCAPING SERVICES
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Landscape Contractors
The Association’s monthly meeting for April 2014 has been changed from Wednesday 16th to Wednesday 23rd. The change has been made because the school is closed for Spring Break this week.
Date: Saturday April 26th, 2014
Time: 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (Rain or Shine)
Place: 19070 Poplar Ridge Road, Brandywine, MD
at the barn – Just north on Rt 382 from the intersection of Rt 381
Benefits
Be green and sustainable.
Collect your own pure rainwater for your garden and landscape
Conserve a vital natural resource
Protect our bay and ocean from runoff pollution
Save MONEY by reducing water bills
Specifications
Recycled plastic “food grade” barrels
Dimensions: 39” tall, 23” diameter; 55+ gallon capacity
Brass 3/4” spigot for garden hose attachment; Side brass overflow w/cap
4” tight mesh screen to prevent mosquitoes from accessing water
Colors: Black or Terra Cotta
*$100 for single barrel, or $180 for two (which qualifies for $50 rebate!)
REBATE INFORMATION: Prince Georges County is currently offering a $50.00
rebate for 100 gallon water collection on rain barrels. You are required to purchase
two (2) of our rain barrels to qualify for the rebate.
Rebate Application:
http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/StormwaterManagement/Resources/AppForms/RCRF/Documents/Rain%20Barrel%20Application.pdf
The Black Swamp Creep Land Trust is organized as a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization with $25.00 of your purchase tax deductible
You Must Reserve your Rain Barrels in advance by April 24th at:
www.RainBarrelsIntl.com under the EVENTS tab for BlackSwampCreek
For information on the rain barrel contact 919 602-6316
Black Swamp Creek Rain Barrel Fundraiser
Proceeds Benefit The Black Swamp Creek Land Trust
From The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA):
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and CSX Transportation are making repairs to the railroad crossing at US 301 (Crain Highway) between Chew Road and the Marlboro Crossroads area just south of MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue). As part of the $400,000 maintenance work, SHA will temporarily close the four-lane highway on Friday evening, April 11 and reopen it no later than Monday morning, April 14.
This work is necessary to replace deteriorated rubber panels at the crossing. To ensure the safety of work crews and travelers, SHA will close both the northbound and southbound lanes of US 301.
SHA appreciates the patience and cooperation of those who work and live in the area communities. Our goal is to reopen this section of US 301 to traffic once repairs are complete.
SHA is providing signed regional and local detours for area residents and businesses. Local traffic will be directed to use MD 4 (Pennsylvania Avenue), US 301, MD 223 (Woodyard Road) and Rosaryville Road. Regional traffic, especially motor carrier and long hauler vehicles, will be directed to use US 301, MD 5, I-495 (Capital Beltway) and MD 4. All travelers are reminded to plan their routes and prepare for extra travel time.
While this weekend work is underway, SHA encourages area patrons to continue to support local businesses in the area. If inclement weather occurs, this work will be rescheduled for the weekend of April 25-27, 2014. More information is available by contacting the SHA District 3 Office at 301-513-7300.
Prince George’s school grows first agricultural studies program
Students at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine are planting the seeds of a new agricultural-themed academy, the first in Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Gwynn Park is the only Prince George’s school to adopt the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education, or CASE, program designed to introduce agricultural science into high school curriculums, said Gwynn Park’s CASE director, Donald Belle…. read more here
There will be a presentation on the Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Program at the Baden Fire Hall this Wednesday March 19th 7:30pm, as part of the Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association’s, every other month, community meeting.
The presentation will be educational on best management and conservation of rain water practices and an introduction to the Rain Check Rebate Program which offers rebates for rain barrels, cisterns, rain gardens, permeable pavement, green roofs, pavement removal etc.!
Also rebate eligible rain barrels will be offered at the meeting, for pick up at this year’s Black Swamp Plant Swap & Sale Sat. April 26th at the barn on Croom Rd. (Rt. 382) – 2/10 mile north of the intersection of Rts 381 and 382. (plant swap flyer)
Thinking Spring!
Open House date: Saturday, May 10, 2014 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM. 14201 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613. Event contact Fire Prevention Chairman Brian Clements (240) 682-3192. Special appearances by Secretary VFC Engine 162 and Nashville Country Music recording artist Ashley Forrest.
See Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department’s Facebook page here.
According to a message by Delegate James Proctor, the Aquatic Recreation Center for Brandywine is planned to be here Late 2015 – Spring 2016.
There is a Town Hall meeting tonight called “Celebrate Our Progress”. It will include an update on our recreation facilities.
The Town Hall meeting is at Surratts-Clinton Library Nov. 19 at 7:00 PM.
I did a review here about Jimmy Cooke’s as a top notch auto service here in Brandywine, but they have since closed. If you have auto services to recommend, please do.
Informational Meeting
Panda’s Matttawoman Power Plant Proposal for Brandywine
Wednesday Oct. 2nd, 2013
Time 7:30 pm
Baden Fire Hall in Baden
16608 Brandywine Rd., Brandywine Md. 20608
Information about the proposed gas fired power plant will be presented by Panda. Questions, answers and statements to follow presentation.
All welcome!
This meeting is arranged by the Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association
Also on Thursday Oct. 10th, 2013 this proposal will go before the Planning Board for “mandatory referral”.
On Monday, July 1, 2013, Charles and Prince George’s Counties will launch a new public transit service linking Charles County’s VanGO with Prince George’s County’s TheBus. The new transit service is the first transportation agreement between the counties and culminates more than one year of joint planning between the two jurisdictions. In addition, both jurisdictions applied for and received grants through the Job Access and Reverse Commute Program to implement the new service.
Prince George’s County initiated the new South County service between Clinton and Brandywine Crossing. The singular initiative expanded into a joint collaborative effort between Prince George’s and Charles Counties to provide service between Brandywine Crossing in Prince George’s County to Pinefield South Shopping Center in Charles County.
The extended service allows transit users to travel between Brandywine Crossing and Pinefield South shopping centers, as well as to points beyond because they will be able to connect with linking service routes at the Clinton Fringe Park and Ride Lot.
TheBus terminates service at 7:50 p.m. on weekdays and does not operate on Saturdays. As a result, VanGO will provide service from the Waldorf transfer point to Brandywine Crossing weekday evenings and Saturdays. On Monday through Friday, the last VanGO bus will depart Brandywine Crossing at 9:29 p.m. and arrive at the Waldorf transfer point at 9:45 p.m. to allow for connection with the 10 p.m. departures. On Saturdays, service from Waldorf to Brandywine Crossing will begin at 7 a.m. and end at 9:45 p.m., while service from Brandywine Crossing to Waldorf will begin at 7:14 a.m. and end at 9:29 p.m.
For more information on VanGO, please call 301-934-9305 or visit www.GO-VANGO.com. For TheBus information, please call 301-324-BUSS. Citizens with special needs may contact the Maryland Relay Service at 711 or Relay Service TDD at 800-735-2258.
This property is all wooded, over 100 acres both sides of Aquasco Rd., just south of Aquasco at the county line. This is a plea to help save the rural tier:
Conservation in the works – please help!
Notice to the Public
Doves Perch Estates, V-13002
We are hereby requesting help from the community to help us keep the hearing signs up. This property was approved for 20 lots as shown below and we are trying to vacate this subdivision (remove the lots from existence) and enter into an agreement with the State of Maryland to put this property into a preservation easement. We posted the site on Monday June 17th and the signs didn’t stay up for more than 48 hours, we have re-posted new signs now and need to have these signs stay up for 30 days till our hearing date of 7/18/13, to meet the conditions of the State settlement.
Please feel free to give Stephenie from RDA Engineers a call with questions @ 301-952-8200 or 301-699-CALL.
BNKCA is the civic organization that includes the area from Rt. 301 to North Keys Rd. and beyond (all are welcome). This week we’ll be meeting at the Brandywine Volunteer Fire Department on Brandywine Rd. since schools are closed.
Then the following Wed., there will be a meeting at the middle school for everyone in south county for SAARC, which is the Southern Area Aquatic and Regional Complex that’s being planned for the intersection of Missouri Ave. and Rt. 301.
From our county Parks and Planning:
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I heard a commercial on TV about checking your auto light for free. Our local service station, Jimmy Cooke’s at the Shell on Rt. 301 does that, too. They didn’t try to sell me anything either. They’ve always given me prompt service at a reasonable price when needed. They won’t try to sell you anything you don’t need. It’s great to have trustworthy service!
Supporting local corporations, too, is helpful as they usually hire locally and help our local economy. We have some businesses at Brandywine Crossing, including a movie theater, restaurants, and a new Car Max.Keep your money in Prince George’s County whenever possible, it helps more than your gas mileage.
Right next to the Elementary School. Plenty of parking off Baden Westwood Road.
Sue Jenkins says, “The best cooks in Baden donate baked goods to this one!”
May 17, 2013, the Prince George’s Federal Savings Bank on Brandywine Rd. will celebrate its one year anniversary. They will have light refreshments.
Note: If your bank is charging you fees, we have a business account there and are not charged (I think you need a minimum amount in savings, but it may be only $100). I hear non-profit organizations are being charged $15 per month elsewhere. There web site says, “We offer basic checking for our retail accounts with no monthly service charges.”
It’s good to support local businesses, because they invest in the county and bring funds into the county.
I got a report that Baden Naylor Road is still closed between Molly Berry Road and Croom Road.
It’s been closed for getting close to a year now according to this Gazette article.
If you have any other news, feel free to post on dmuuc-chat or comment here or the Facebook page.
WAMU’s Door-to-Door on Brandywine, Maryland
An interview about Brandywine will air on this week’s edition of Metro Connection on WAMU 88.5 FM. It is part of the Door-to-Door segment and will air toward the end of the hour long show. The air time for Metro Connection on Friday is 1 PM. Metro Connection will also air Saturday morning at 7 AM. You can also listen to a podcast and there will be a photo and a short article at the WAMU.org/metro connection website.
The Patuxent River Clean Up is Happening this Sat April 6th. Volunteers wanted!
The Black Swamp Creek Land Trust is hosting a clean up site at the very end of Milltown Landing Rd., in the Black Swamp Creek Watershed and on our State’s DNR property. Clean up for this site is scheduled from 2 – 5 pm, meet in designated parking area for sign in and instructions. Gloves, bags and water provided. No restroom facilities available. Ware old clothes and sturdy boots.
Directions: Croom Road to Milltown Landing Road. Continue on Milltown Landing Road approximately 1mile (becomes narrow gravel road). Turn right just before the gate and proceed to the parking area. Info. Joanne 301 502 3261 or jflynn1111@erols.com
Black Swamp Creek’s 4th Annual Plant Sale & Sale Grow It Fest
Saturday, April 27th, 9:00am-1:00pm
Bring labeled plants to swap for other annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, shrubs, trees, bulbs, seeds, farm and garden stuff. Plant swap begins at 10:00am.
Support local grown-compost sale, plant sale, farm displays, gardening demonstrations, land preservation information and more. FREE Refreshements!
Location: The restored Tobacco Barn at 19070 Poplar Ridge Road, Brandywine.
For more information call Joanne Flynn at 301-502-3261. Sponsored by The Black Swamp Creek Land Trust, Inc. & The Greater Baden Aquasco Citizens Association
Gwynn Park Learning Center offers many subjects for students at Gwynn Park Middle and High School at their afterschool and evening classes. Robert Brinckloe, an experienced teacher and tutor of middle and high school students is ready to teach at a price that is far more reasonable than the hourly rate he’s now charging in many areas of the region as a tutor.
Brinckloe says 100% of the students he worked with for SAT preparation were admitted in the college of their choice. All of his students for the GED obtained it. In Maryland, the GED is the same as a high school diploma. He tells success stories on the new web site.
They are awaiting enough students to get started and are offering a discount for their first students. This new business serving Brandywine is owned by Brandywine residents.
Prince George’s County Public Schools students from Gwynn Park and Bowie high schools joined more than 100 students from the metropolitan area at the 22nd Annual Blacks at Microsoft Minority Student Day on February 15.
Traffic congestion helps drive push for new bus route in south county
TheBus would add new route to Brandywine Road and Crain Highway if proposal is approved See more at:
WSSC meeting at Mattaponi about water towers & water/sewer pipe replacement
Phil Woodruff of Rosaryville Citizens & Community Association & PGCCF Foundation sponsored meeting.
Wayne Morris is project manager for sewer (Sr3) project.
Simon Baidoo is project manager for proposed water tanks in this area for water storage. Denice Funk made presentation. Have existing Clinton & Accokeek tank – Clinton supplies to Accokeek but is not tied to northern areas. System is to maintain water needs. Current growth projections which increases demand up to 2040.
3 purposes:
- maintain pressure (equalization storage),
- Fire Fighting, &
- Emergency Reserve (system problem like main break).
Existing storage is 4.0 MG in 385B zone (Greater Clinton). Proposing 2 new tanks to add 6.5 MG – one in east (Rosaryville/Croom area) & one in south (Brandywine). Tank elevation has to be 200 ft. & since needs 385 total ft., chose 185 ft. ground elevation sites, then had to consider other characteristics of sites – there were 4 sites considered. Tanks have concrete support or steel or combination. Cost for new development will cover it; it won’t raise rates. Developers support needed infrastructure. They monitor quality & distribution. 360 water samples taken per month.
Resident asked about residue on clean dish drainage rack. Karen answered that it could be iron from old pipes.
South tank (in Brandywine) should be ready by 2017. The east tank (near Duley Rd. in Croom/Cheltenham) will depend on rate of growth. They haven’t bought a site yet – looking around Dyson Rd on west of 301.
Joe Brice, of PGCCF, asked why we don’t see these water tanks in the city. It was explained that we’re at the end of the system, so we need more pressure. Elevated storage helps us the close to the tank we are during an emergency. Also we’re at a lower sea level than Montgomery Co.
South tank sites: SHA site but there may be road work, 2 sites off Brandywine & Dyson in woods near access road from rt. 5, the other near Jenny Rd. – see WSSC web site for Clinton Zone Water Storage. Have photographic representation of what tanks might look like on each site.
Sewer repair, replacement, & rehabilitation (Sr3) program (interactive map) – working in Piscataway Creek Basin. The infrastructure is old & there’s been some overflow. Deadline is 2015. Pipes in streams include restoring streams.
They give a percentage of business/jobs to locals. They notify local residents & are doing weekly outreach. They try to minimize impacts. They have to get permits. They post area to mark it for identification.
On page 11 of handout for Piscataway Creek stats, shows area is from Camp Springs & Upper Marlboro to Accokeek & Brandywine and where manhole covers are. Fixing & replacing pipeline & manholes.
Another public meeting scheduled for Feb 27 at Surratts-Clinton Memorial Library 6:30 – 8:30 PM more information here and Feb. 28 at Stephen Decatur Middle School more information here.
Residents reported that part of creek is in his front yard, a piece of equipment was left in his yard for months and when removed, they replaced soil with rocks; complaints were needed for these careless contractors. Form says they can do anything they want any time they want. He was told they wouldn’t do that, but he wanted it in writing & he hasn’t been able to get it. He’ll treat their presence as trespassing. WSSC said they have inspectors following up on contractors.
1900 people got the same letter & some people had people knocking on their door. The forms residents are being asked to sign are too vague about what and when work will be done. The forms are for “right of entry” and the back of form can be modified for each property, though language on front seems to give them carte blanche. People can contact Derrick Clark, of WSSC who manages those forms, about it. He says you can edit the form and put conditions on the back and they’ll take it to their legal team to see if they can use it.
Residents want more specific information about what will happen in their yard. People have had their yards destroyed by WSSC & never repaired. The current WSSC management is different & they can individualize the forms. They know the actual design of project and can tell the resident what will be done on each property. Contact Wayne Morris 301-206-8536.
More WSSC web sites:
A notice was sent to brandywine-chat soon after the accident happened to let the readers know that Brandywine Rd. was closed due to an accident. A train hit a car. Brandywine-North Keys Civic Association has tried to get a barrier to prevent such accidents, but have had no success. Support your local civic association and help us make Brandywine safer. Also, drive carefully. Here are articles about the accident:
Man Airlifted after Car Struck By CSX Train
Man In Critical Condition After Train, Car Collision In Md.
Driver critically injured in Brandywine train wreck
The Genesis company from Delaware submitted a application to the state in July 2012 to construct a natural gas-fired energy plant on North Keys Rd., called Keys Energy Center. They went to the local civic organizations and apparently some businesses and churches for support. A Facebook Page was created, “STOP 2nd Brandywine, MD Power Plant” and a petition was started.
According to the hearing on Jan. 24, 2013 with the Prince George’s County Planning Commission (video here – requires Windows Media Player or Microsoft Silverlight), only 43 letters were sent to nearby residents to inform them of the plan to have a power plant with 175-foot stacks. The county staff report stated they could not do the necessary studies to determine the local impact due to the lack of details in the plan. Cooling water will be delivered to the plant, though the route has not been determined. See the county Planning Commission’s staff report (PDF).
The impact of the lights on the stacks were not mentioned as a possible impact to be studied, though it was part of testimony by a few residents. The emissions and cooling water are potential impacts to the environment and people. The logistics of several plants nearby, especially the Panda plant which is about 2 miles away, also in Brandywine, has not been studied for the combined impact.
According to The Effect of Power Plants on Local Housing Values and Rents, Lucas W. Davis, May 2010 at Berkeley (read PDF), housing costs are affected by 4 – 7 % in 1 – 2 miles of a plant. The total loss to all residents could be almost $4 million since there are almost 400 properties in the area according to PGAtlas.
The Planning Commission is taking comments. Hearings from the Public Service Commission of Maryland by early May. Keep informed by joining our Facebook page.