The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots,...

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Vol. 75, No. 44 November 1 — November 7, 2007 Prince George’s County, Maryland Newspaper of Record Phone: 301-627-0900 25 cents ACOMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Since 1932 The Prince George’s Post Make a point to change your smoke detector batteries this week. A5 INSIDE BUSINESS Sunday Chore By ANDY ZIEMINSKI Capital News Service By BERNIE BECKER Capital News Service By DANIELLE ULMAN Capital News Service WASHINGTON – A Prince George’s County man and member of the D.C. National Guard was killed by a roadside bomb in Bayji, Iraq, on Wednesday, Oct. 24, the Department of Defense said. Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr., 52, of Upper Marlboro, died of injuries suffered in blast that hit his Humvee in Iraq, during combat opera- tions. He was a member of 275th Military Police Company, 372nd Military Police Battalion, Washington, District of Columbia National Guard. Sergeant Towns’ death makes him the conflict’s old- est military fatality from Maryland. He was in Iraq less than two weeks at the time of his death. At least 71 people from Maryland have been killed in the war on Iraq, including 16 this year. In addition to being a member of the District of Columbia National Guard, he worked as a correctional offi- cer in Upper Marlboro at the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections. He is the second member of the District of Columbia National Guard to die in Iraq. Sergeant Towns had 20 years of service, and had served with his battalion since April 2006. Sergeant Towns was a member of The Sanctuary, a church in Capitol Heights. He was married for 10 years to Shelia Towns, and is survived by six children and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 4, at 3 p.m., at the District of Columbia Armory, 2001 East Capitol Street, S.E., Washington. D.C. The public is invited to attend. – Compiled from various news reports WASHINGTON – A reso- lution passed in Virginia’s Prince William County to crack down on illegal immigrants might bring a mass relocation to welcoming states like Maryland, experts said. The law bars illegal immi- grants from obtaining business licenses and using services for the homeless, elderly and drug- addicted. In addition, police must check suspects’ immigra- tion status if there is reason to believe they are here illegally. Full funding for the law has not yet been approved, so the effective date of the legislation has been delayed. Still, publici- ty about the law and its future enforcement may be enough to Odd Bills Bog Down Special Tax Session Courtesy DCNG Public Affairs Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr. was a resident of Upper Marlboro. He was killed nearly two weeks after arriving in Iraq. Local Soldier Killed in Iraq Opponents Say Slots’ Numbers Uncertain ANNAPOLIS – A new poll shows support for legalizing slot machines in Maryland is at its highest point in years, but some observers say pas- sage of a slots bill at the upcoming special session is far from a foregone conclusion. The poll from Gonzales Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one of the more popular parts of Gov. Martin O’Malley’s plan to bridge a predicted $1.7 billion shortfall. The General Assembly convened this week to consid- er that plan, which also includes increases in the sales and corporate tax and income tax breaks for most people. “No one likes to pay more taxes,” said Mark Plotkin, a political commentator at WTOP radio. “That’s why Maryland Could See Influx of Immigrants ANNAPOLIS – As legisla- tors converged on Annapolis Monday to begin wrangling over the state’s $1.7 billion budget deficit, Del. Tawanna Gaines wants them to remem- ber the three-wheeled motor- cycle. Gaines, D-Prince George’s, plans to submit a bill in the special legislative session that would change the state’s defin- ition of a motorcycle, allowing the 12 to 15 owners of three- wheeled motorcycles in the state to register them with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, she said. It is one of scores of bills that might be introduced in the session that is supposed to focus on the budget: The Department of Legislative Services was drafting at least 80 bills as of Wednesday for possible consideration in the special session. While the Maryland Constitution lets lawmakers submit bills on any subject they want during a special ses- sion, House and Senate leaders are urging legislators to stay focused on Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposals for solv- ing the deficit by raising some taxes and amending others. “The hope is to handle the special session as expeditious- ly as possible,” said Senate President Mike Miller, D- Calvert. Special sessions can last as long as 30 days, mean- ing the session starting Monday could run through the Thanksgiving holiday. District Heights Hosts Meeting on Electricity Rates BALTIMORE – Citing hardships, con- cerns and frustrations with the recent volatility of utilities rates in Maryland, more than 50 people came to the District Heights Municipal Building last week to participate in an AARP listening session on the issue. “My utilities bill was so high, I had to stop using my nebulizer,” said Lillian Taylor of Temple Hills. Taylor was recent- ly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pul- monary disease and uses the nebulizer for her health conditions. Ratepayers shared many similar stories at the session, expressing disbelief, frustra- tion and outrage at the situation and its impact in their lives. Industry experts gave short briefings outlining the background of electricity deregulation in Maryland and possible solutions for current rate instability within the state. The panel included Paula Carmody, head of the Office of the People’s Counsel; Barbara Alexander, consultant on consumer utilities issues; and former Public Service Commissioner J. Joseph “Max” Curran. “There is no easy solution,” Alexander told the crowd, “but there are initiatives that will help achieve the long-term lowest price for consumers.” She went on to outline recommenda- tions including portfolio management and the use of long-term procurement plans by the utilities companies, and the need to consider construction of new generation facilities. The deer herd above is beautiful and a wonder to witness, but during this time of year - especially in November - deer are mating and their rituals can mean trouble if they come into contact with an automobile. For more about this annual threat, read the story about deer and motorist safety during this time of year on Page A7. Virginia Crackdown Not Good Locally See IMMIGRANTS, Page A7 By DAN LAMOTHE Capital News Service See SLOTS, Page A7 Forget Life Insurance — You Might Have Afterlife Insurance and Not Know It ANNAPOLIS – A good insurance policy will protect you from cradle to grave — and then some. A little-known part of most home- owners policies is that they cover headstones, grave markers, monu- ments and urns. “That would be surprising to any- one,” said Mike McCartin, an inde- pendent insurance agent in College Park, who was surprised himself. “I’ve never had that question before, but it’s covered. It’s right there, number 5, cemetery property, in bold print.” Headstones are generally covered under the contents portion of a home- owner’s policy, said State Farm spokesman Dick Luedke. “Most people know that personal property refers to the things in a home, but gravestones you own are covered under that,” he said. Luedke said homeowners do not have to ask specifically for coverage, and that it is often included in stan- dard policies. But homeowners do “have to consider value of those items, when they’re considering how much coverage they want,” he said. The Insurance Service Organization, a private firm that does risk analysis and sets trends for insur- ance agencies, recommends covering damage to grave markers up to $5,000 in its homeowner’s forms. Its coverage includes “loss caused by various per- ils” including “vandalism and mali- cious mischief.” Policyholders have to report the damage to get the coverage. Unfortunately, cemetery vandalism goes unnoticed too often. “There’s been a bunch of vandal- ism, but the courts here are very slow GRAVE MATTERS By KATE PRAHLAD Capital News Service See MARKERS, Page A7 BILL FLURRY Courtesy AARP See BILLS, Page A7 DEER & CARS DON’T MIX A.M. Aikens of Temple Hills discusses her soaring electricity bills at an AARP-sponsored meeting. Sgt. Towns Worked at the County Department of Corrections

Transcript of The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots,...

Page 1: The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one

Vol. 75, No. 44 November 1 — November 7, 2007 Prince George’s County, Maryland Newspaper of Record Phone: 301-627-0900 25 cents

A COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Since 1932

The Prince George’s Post

Make a point to change yoursmoke detector batteries thisweek. A5

I N S I D E

BUSINESSSunday Chore

By ANDY ZIEMINSKICapital News Service

By BERNIE BECKERCapital News Service

By DANIELLE ULMANCapital News Service

WASHINGTON – APrince George’s County manand member of the D.C.National Guard was killed bya roadside bomb in Bayji,Iraq, on Wednesday, Oct. 24,the Department of Defensesaid.

Staff Sgt. Robin L. TownsSr., 52, of Upper Marlboro,died of injuries suffered inblast that hit his Humvee inIraq, during combat opera-tions.

He was a member of 275thMilitary Police Company,372nd Military PoliceBattalion, Washington,District of Columbia NationalGuard.

Sergeant Towns’ deathmakes him the conflict’s old-est military fatality fromMaryland. He was in Iraq lessthan two weeks at the time ofhis death. At least 71 peoplefrom Maryland have beenkilled in the war on Iraq,including 16 this year.

In addition to being amember of the District ofColumbia National Guard, heworked as a correctional offi-cer in Upper Marlboro at thePrince George’s CountyDepartment of Corrections.

He is the second memberof the District of ColumbiaNational Guard to die in Iraq.Sergeant Towns had 20 yearsof service, and had servedwith his battalion since April2006.

Sergeant Towns was a

member of The Sanctuary, achurch in Capitol Heights. Hewas married for 10 years toShelia Towns, and is survivedby six children and fourgrandchildren.

A memorial service willbe held on Sunday, Nov. 4, at3 p.m., at the District ofColumbia Armory, 2001 EastCapitol Street, S.E.,Washington. D.C. The publicis invited to attend.

– Compiled from variousnews reports

WASHINGTON – A reso-lution passed in Virginia’sPrince William County to crackdown on illegal immigrantsmight bring a mass relocationto welcoming states likeMaryland, experts said.

The law bars illegal immi-grants from obtaining businesslicenses and using services forthe homeless, elderly and drug-addicted. In addition, policemust check suspects’ immigra-tion status if there is reason tobelieve they are here illegally.

Full funding for the law hasnot yet been approved, so theeffective date of the legislationhas been delayed. Still, publici-ty about the law and its futureenforcement may be enough to

Odd BillsBog DownSpecial TaxSession

Courtesy DCNG Public Affairs

Staff Sgt. Robin L. Towns Sr. was aresident of Upper Marlboro. Hewas killed nearly two weeks afterarriving in Iraq.

Local Soldier Killed in Iraq

OpponentsSay Slots’NumbersUncertain

ANNAPOLIS – A new pollshows support for legalizingslot machines in Maryland isat its highest point in years,but some observers say pas-sage of a slots bill at theupcoming special session is farfrom a foregone conclusion.

The poll from GonzalesResearch and Marketing said59 percent of Marylandersfavor slots, the highest in thefive years Gonzales hastracked the issue. That makesslots one of the more popularparts of Gov. MartinO’Malley’s plan to bridge apredicted $1.7 billion shortfall.

The General Assemblyconvened this week to consid-er that plan, which alsoincludes increases in the salesand corporate tax and incometax breaks for most people.

“No one likes to pay moretaxes,” said Mark Plotkin, apolitical commentator atWTOP radio. “That’s why

MarylandCould SeeInflux ofImmigrants

ANNAPOLIS – As legisla-tors converged on AnnapolisMonday to begin wranglingover the state’s $1.7 billionbudget deficit, Del. TawannaGaines wants them to remem-ber the three-wheeled motor-cycle.

Gaines, D-Prince George’s,plans to submit a bill in thespecial legislative session thatwould change the state’s defin-ition of a motorcycle, allowingthe 12 to 15 owners of three-wheeled motorcycles in thestate to register them with theMaryland Motor VehicleAdministration, she said.

It is one of scores of billsthat might be introduced in thesession that is supposed tofocus on the budget: TheDepartment of LegislativeServices was drafting at least80 bills as of Wednesday forpossible consideration in thespecial session.

While the MarylandConstitution lets lawmakerssubmit bills on any subjectthey want during a special ses-sion, House and Senate leadersare urging legislators to stayfocused on Gov. MartinO’Malley’s proposals for solv-ing the deficit by raising sometaxes and amending others.

“The hope is to handle thespecial session as expeditious-ly as possible,” said SenatePresident Mike Miller, D-Calvert. Special sessions canlast as long as 30 days, mean-ing the session startingMonday could run through theThanksgiving holiday.

District Heights Hosts Meeting on Electricity Rates

BALTIMORE – Citing hardships, con-cerns and frustrations with the recentvolatility of utilities rates in Maryland,more than 50 people came to the DistrictHeights Municipal Building last week toparticipate in an AARP listening sessionon the issue.

“My utilities bill was so high, I had tostop using my nebulizer,” said LillianTaylor of Temple Hills. Taylor was recent-ly diagnosed with chronic obstructive pul-monary disease and uses the nebulizer forher health conditions.

Ratepayers shared many similar storiesat the session, expressing disbelief, frustra-tion and outrage at the situation and itsimpact in their lives.

Industry experts gave short briefings

outlining the background of electricityderegulation in Maryland and possiblesolutions for current rate instability withinthe state.

The panel included Paula Carmody,head of the Office of the People’sCounsel; Barbara Alexander, consultant onconsumer utilities issues; and formerPublic Service Commissioner J. Joseph“Max” Curran.

“There is no easy solution,” Alexandertold the crowd, “but there are initiativesthat will help achieve the long-term lowestprice for consumers.”

She went on to outline recommenda-tions including portfolio management andthe use of long-term procurement plans bythe utilities companies, and the need toconsider construction of new generationfacilities.

The deer herd above is beautiful and a wonder to witness, but during this time of year - especially in November -deer are mating and their rituals can mean trouble if they come into contact with an automobile. For more aboutthis annual threat, read the story about deer and motorist safety during this time of year on Page A7.

Virginia CrackdownNot Good Locally

See IMMIGRANTS, Page A7

By DAN LAMOTHECapital News Service

See SLOTS, Page A7

Forget Life Insurance — You Might Have Afterlife Insurance and Not Know It

ANNAPOLIS – A good insurancepolicy will protect you from cradle tograve — and then some.

A little-known part of most home-owners policies is that they coverheadstones, grave markers, monu-ments and urns.

“That would be surprising to any-one,” said Mike McCartin, an inde-

pendent insurance agent in CollegePark, who was surprised himself. “I’venever had that question before, but it’scovered. It’s right there, number 5,cemetery property, in bold print.”

Headstones are generally coveredunder the contents portion of a home-owner’s policy, said State Farmspokesman Dick Luedke.

“Most people know that personalproperty refers to the things in a home,but gravestones you own are covered

under that,” he said.Luedke said homeowners do not

have to ask specifically for coverage,and that it is often included in stan-dard policies. But homeowners do“have to consider value of those items,when they’re considering how muchcoverage they want,” he said.

The Insurance ServiceOrganization, a private firm that doesrisk analysis and sets trends for insur-ance agencies, recommends covering

damage to grave markers up to $5,000in its homeowner’s forms. Its coverageincludes “loss caused by various per-ils” including “vandalism and mali-cious mischief.”

Policyholders have to report thedamage to get the coverage.Unfortunately, cemetery vandalismgoes unnoticed too often.

“There’s been a bunch of vandal-ism, but the courts here are very slow

GRAVE MATTERS

By KATE PRAHLADCapital News Service

See MARKERS, Page A7

BILL FLURRY

Courtesy AARP

See BILLS, Page A7

DEER & CARS DON’T MIX

A.M. Aikens of Temple Hills discusses hersoaring electricity bills at an AARP-sponsoredmeeting.

Sgt. Towns Worked at the County Department of Corrections

Page 2: The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one

A2 — November 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post

NEIGHBORSTowns and

Prince George’s County, Md. Member National Newspaper PublishersAssociation, and the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Press Association.The Prince George’s Post (ISSN 10532226) is published every Thursday

by the New Prince George’s Post Inc., 15207 Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3151.

Subscription rate: 25 cents per single copy; $15 per year; $7.50 senior citizens and students; out of county add $1; out of state add

$2. Periodical postage paid at Southern Md. 20790.Postmaster, send address changes to Prince George’s Post, P.O. Box

1001, Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3151.

The Prince George’s Post

P.O. Box 1001 15207 Marlboro Pike

Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-3151

Phone 301-627-0900 Legal Fax • 301-627-6260

Editorial Fax • 301-627-8147

Contents © 2004, The Prince George’s Post

The Prince George’s Post

SubscriptionsAnna Curry

Acting EditorSuzanne White

Web ManagerKyler Quesenberry

Editor/PublisherLegusta Floyd

General Manager/Legal Advertising Manager

Brenda Boice

Legal Advertising Assistant Robin Boerckel

Brandywine-Aquasco

Clinton Conversations

Serving Suitland

Living near the ChesapeakeBay, we hear a lot about theimportance of coastal wetlandsfor wildlife habitat, water treat-ment and protection againstflooding.

Thanks to an article by TomPelton, “Can this muck save theplanet,” we can now add to ourlist of concerns about the loss ofwetlands the fact that wetlandsremove carbon dioxide, agreenhouse gas, from theatmosphere and help to store itin the soil.

However, readers shouldunderstand that wetlands alsorelease methane and nitrousoxide, two greenhouse gasesmore potent as causes if warm-ing than carbon dioxide.

Fortunately, tidal wetlandsare thought to emit these gasesrather weakly, so the net effectis likely to be a good one froma climate-change perspective.

This is from PatrickMegonigal, of Edgewater, whois wetlands scientist at theSmithsonian EnvironmentalResearch Center.

The Prince George’sCounty Democratic Party iscurrently interested in organiz-ing High School Young

Democrats Chapters. In District27A, they are looking for some-one (perhaps more than oneindividual) to lead the effort toorganize county high schoolchapters of young Democrats atthe following high schools:Surrattsville, Friendly, Gwynn

Park, and Frederick Douglasshigh schools.

If you or someone youknow might be interested inworking toward this grassrootseffort, please contact TamaraDavis Brown at 301-704-0930for information.

By NORMAFAZENBAKER301-579-6116

Catherine Best,November 1; KristieWilkins, November 3;Ronnie Donley, November4; Jacqueline Dinnis,November 5; Jane Tollefsonand Connie White,November 6; NancyWilliams, Glen Johnson andmy close friend, RockyJones, November 7; ShirleyJones, November 8; KittyCleaveland, November 9;Rosalee Hunt, JocelynGarrett and Richard King,November 10; my grand-daughter, Madison Toepperand Patricia King,November 11; AmandaWindsor and Jason Moore,November 12; DorothyEdwards and Franklin

Richardson, November 13;Sandy Trott, November 14;Jeraldine Cator and MarieAnonsen, November 17;Thomas DeRieux, LauraJoyner and MarcenaHaymaker, November 18;Fern Shuler, November 19;Russell Eton, November 20;Jim Dinnis, November 21;Nancy Coffren, November22; Lorraine Griggs, JoeRodgers and Buck King,November 23; Robin Best,November 24; AleaseManning, Nov. 25; WadeGarrett, November 26;Casey Powers, November27; Margaret Hunter, PeggyWechsler and RachaelLederer, Nov. 28; and MayA. Meier, Nov. 29.

November Birthdays ...

THE CABINESSFAMILY TREE

Will a member of theCabiness family please contactLegusta Floyd Sr. at the Prince

George’s Post Newspaper 301/627-0900.

I would like to return your “LIFE SIZE” Family Tree Chart.

Focus on Your FutureParents, middle school, high

school and adult students are invitedto attend a fair and speak with collegeand university representatives fromvarious East Coast schools. Questionswill be answered concerning yourchoices, financial assistance, whatyou need to do, etc. The event willtake place Nov. 17 at RiversideBaptist Church, 9111 Oxon HillRoad, Ft. Washington, from 9 a.m. to3 p.m. If you need additional infor-mation, call 301-567-4419.

Nottingham-MyersNottingham-Myers Church will be

celebrating its 140th church anniver-sity Nov. 11. There will be a briefservice at 10 a.m. at the Old SalemChurch site by the river. Following

the brief service we will proceed bytractor, bus, car or buggy to our cur-rent location for the 11 a.m. morningservice. The church bus will be usedfor those who cannot ride on the trac-tors. The corner stone ceremony willfollow the 11 a.m. service. Guestspeaker will be The Rev. Boswell,pastor from Asbury United MethodistChurch, who will deliver the messageat the 3 p.m. service. Call the churchon 301-888-2171.

Ballet’s NutcrackerThe Nutcracker will be performed

on Friday, Dec. 14, at 10:30 a.m. and7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15. All ofthe performances will be in the QueenAnne Fine Arts Building HallamTheatre at Prince George’sCommunity College.

Book FestivalAll children, parents and educa-

tions come celebrate diversity throughbooks on Saturday, Nov. 3. You willhave an opportunity to hear readingsby your favorite authors and specialguests. Dominique Dawes goldmedal-winning Olympic gymnast willbe one of our special guests.Pariticpate in illustration workshopsand many more opportunities.Everyone will get a chance to meetDora the Explorer and dance to Latinmusic on the Millennium Stage. Thefestival is free, and no tickets arerequired. The time of the book festi-val is noon in the Artrium at theKennedy Center, 2700 F Street, N.W.,Washington, D.C. If additional infor-mation is needed, call 202-467-4600or 800-444-1324.

Dance Like David ConcertNottingham-Myers Church at

15601 Brooks Church Road, UpperMarlboro, will sponsor a Dance Like

David Concert, centering around fiveseasons at 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 10.Call the church at 301-888-2171 formore information.

Volunteers in MissionA group of dedicated volunteers

will be leaving on the Katrina ReliefTrip to Biloxi, Miss., on Saturday,Jan. 5, and will be working fromMonday to Friday. The team is spon-sored by the community UnitedMethodist Churches: Brookfield,Immanuel, Christ and Nottingham-Myers. Call Eldon Baldwin at 301-888-1546.

October BirthdaysBest wishes and God’s blessings

to the following as you celebrateanother year of joy, hope and love:Herbert L. Brown Jr., ThomasCooper, Master Rashamel Everett,Herman Glascoe, Deatrice Hawkins,

Rudell Jones, Trecy Pinkney, PhondaSlater, Mistress Crystal Washington,Ora Wilson and Dinnis Worthy Sr.

October AnniversariesGod’s blessing to the following as

you celebrate another year of loveand togetherness: Mr. and Mrs. Lee,and Mr. and Mrs. William Taylor.

Health Tid Bit If you think you are having a

heart attack, call for emergencyimmediately. Time is of the essence,so it is important that you get help assoon as possible. The first hour iscritical. Be alert to symptoms. Manypeople who have a heart attack waittwo hours or longer after the onset ofsymptoms before seeking treatment.Did you know about 170,000Americans die each year of a heartattack because they wait too long forhelp?

Life as YouWill It

NewsUSA – The need for advancedirectives or living wills first caught thepublic’s eye as the nation watched the fateof Florida resident Terri Schindler Schiavohang in a balance wrought with familyhostility and debate.

And while most people don’t like toplan for it or even think about it’s a matterevinced by FindLaw’s survey that reportsonly that 44 percent of Americans have anestate will and still fewer, 36 percent, havea living will, therefore proper end-of-lifeplanning is necessary.

Research shows promise, however, forAmericans when it comes to end-of-lifeplanning. More and more people are sittingdown and making their wishes regardingpain management, life support and qualityof life known.

As a result, new, cutting-edge technol-ogy – My LifePlan biometric identificationsystems – allows health care professionals,with a read of a patient’s fingerprint oridentification card, to access not only apatient’s living will, but also their aller-gies, medication usage and affliction withchronic diseases.

“Peace of mind in an emergencyrequires two things. First, we all need legal

advice to get our personal documents inorder, including a will and advance direc-tives. Second, we need to make sure theinformation in those documents is accessi-ble to emergency workers in real time,”said Ruth Skocic of My Life Plan, Inc.

If you are looking to take the stepsnecessary to pen your living will, here area few tips:

• Talk with your family. It is not onlyimportant to write down your wishes, butalso to communicate them to your family,especially to your health care advocate orthe individual in charge.

• Consider your state’s laws. Researchand talk with your lawyer to ensure thatyour wishes are made in a format recog-nized by your state of residence.

• Be specific. Consider the many deci-sions that will need to be made.

Making a Living Will provides peace of mind tothose who write one.

By RUTH TURNER301-888-1139

Hands-On History Day for Kids Saturday

Children will learn about18th Century crafts andmake a variety of old-fash-ioned gifts on Saturday,Nov. 3, from 10 a.m.-noon.

All ages are welcome toattend this popular event.

Reservations are recom-mended. The fee is $7/per-son. The history day will beheld at the MontpelierMansion, 9650 MuirkirkRoad, Laurel. 301-953-1376.

This is really the beginning of the sea-son to be jolly, isn’t it? In November, thepoor turkey does not get much attention inthe media because everyone is gearing upfor the holiday season. I truly hope all ofus will take a moment of reflection inNovember to pray for the kind of holiday

season that will yield to a new year withlots more hope and promise. So, havingsaid my special prayer, let’s move on.

Thanks to the generosity and caring ofthe Roscoe C. Cartwright Lodge No. 129 inAccoceek and the Prince Hall MasonsFamily, youth will have an unique oppor-tunity to participate in a series of work-shops that will empower and motivate ourchildren to succeed.

The youth enrolled in ROJA’s AfterSchool Learning Centers are fortunate thatthe Mason’s have offered this wonderfulprogram to the them. In cooperation withthe Alpha Kappa Alphas, the lodge willoffer the “Alpha Academy Pilot Project,”with workshops that include: What is YourPurpose?, The Value of Money, the Art ofPublic Speaking, Essay Writing, First

By JANUCE EUELL301-736-3481

See SUITLAND, Page A7

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November 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post —A3

COMMUNITY

UPPER MARLBORO – PrinceGeorge’s County Executive JackJohnson’s nominees for the Park andRecreation Advisory Board wereunanimously confirmed by the countycouncil at a confirmation hearing.

Alfred Dasi, Janelle Jordan, EdieNkwelle, Ivy Thompson and SandyVaughns are serving their first term.Joyce Beck, Brenda Beitzell, GeorgeNicol, Elisha Pulvarti and RosaWingate were reappointed.

“The Park and RecreationAdvisory Board is an integral part ofPrince George’s County,” Johnsonsaid.

“Dasi, a resident of FortWashington, works as an engineerwith the Department of Public Worksand Transportation. He will representthe southern area of the county. Heholds a Bachelor of Science in engi-neering technology from theUniversity of Nebraska. A resident ofMitchellville, Jordan, works as anassociate county attorney for theOffice of Law. She is a member ofthe police’s District Two AdvisoryCouncil. She will represent the cen-

tral area of the county. She holds aBachelor of Arts in criminal justicefrom Clark Atlanta University and aJuris Doctor from Michigan State.

Nkwelle, a resident of UpperMarlboro, works as principal incharge at T. Curtis and Company. Heis a member of the American Instituteof Certified Public Accountants. Hewill represent the southern area of thecounty. He holds a Bachelor of Artsin accounting from the University ofthe District of Columbia and a Masterof Science in information technologyfrom American University.

A resident of Mount Rainier,Thompson is a senior planner withM-NCPPC. She is a member of theMount Rainier Tree Commission.She will represent the northern area

of the county. She holds a Bachelorof Arts in English from AlvernoCollege, a Masters Degree in commu-nity planning and a certificate in his-toric preservation from the Universityof Cincinnati.

Vaughns, a resident of Forestville,works as a citizen services specialistin the Office of CommunityRelations. He also serves as a volun-teer firefighter in Chapel Oaks. Hewill be an at-large member. He holdsa Bachelor of Arts from WiltshireUniversity of London.

A resident of Forest Heights, Beckis being reappointed to the board,after serving since 2000. She worksfor the county police with theCommunity Capacity Building pro-gram. She is also a volunteer at the

Prince George’s County Boys andGirls Club. She will represent thesouthern area of the county.

Beitzel, a resident of Bowie, isbeing reappointed to the board, afterserving since 1997. She is a businessowner and community activist. Shewill be an at-large member.

A resident of Lanham, Nicol isbeing reappointed to the board, afterserving since 2003. He is the associ-ate director for the Permits andRevision Division at the Departmentof Environmental Resources. He willrepresent the northern area of thecounty. He holds a Bachelor ofScience in civil engineering fromVirginia Polytechnic and a Masters

Degree in Civil Engineering fromCatholic University.

Pulivarti, a resident of Beltsville,is being reappointed. He is executivedirector of the Maryland IndianBusiness Center and a member of theMaryland Indian BusinessRoundtable. He is representing thenorthern area. He holds a Bachelor ofArts in business administration fromSpicer Memorial College in India anda Master’s Degree in marketing fromthe University of Bergen in Norway.

A resident of District Heights,Wingate is being reappointed to theboard. She is retired after 32 yearswith AT&T and with Hecht Company.She will represent the central area.

Park and Recreation Board ConfirmedCourtesy P.G. COUNTY COUNCIL

Members of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board are sworn in by the Clerk of the Court.

“I am confident these individuals will help tofacilitate comprehensive park and

recreation programs that meet the needs anddesires of all county residents.”

– Jack JohnsonCounty Executive

Chillum Home to “Green Street” Project

LARGO – Prince George’sCounty Department ofEnvironmental ResourcesDirector Charles W. Wilsonhosted a ribbon cuttingccCeremony to commemoratethe installation of the TalbertLane Trash Netting System andthe Knollbrook Drive “GreenStreet” project in Chillum.

Both are part of an overallcomprehensive project thatsupports the County’s LivableCommunities Initiative.

At the Knollbrook Roadand Ray Road storm drain out-

fall on the Takoma Branch trib-utary, the Trash Netting Systemoperates unattended and uti-lizes the energy of thestormwater flow to drive trashand debris into disposable nets.

Upon reaching its capacityof 1.25 tons, the net is dis-posed of and replaced with anew one. The “Green Street”project located in the medianbetween Knollbrook Drive andTalbert Lane employs land-scaping and Low ImpactDevelopment practices toclean, filter and improve thestormwater runoff.

“With one of the highest

levels of trash in the AnacostiaWatershed, the Takoma Branchis a major source of pollution.The Trash Netting System andGreen Street project willimprove the water quality inthe tributary and ultimately theAnacostia River,” Wilson said.

“The county recognizesthat this was a collective effortand greatly appreciates thetime and commitment of eachof these organizations gave tothis endeavor,” Wilson said.“We are especially grateful tothe Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) for funding 75percent of the entire project.”

Montpelier Fall Jazz Series Starts FridayOne of the east coast’s finest jazz gui-

tarists, Steve Abshire has made manyappearances at Montpelier with other jazzstars, including Keter Betts, Dick Morgan,Ron Holloway, and Buck Hill.

This is the first time Steve brings his own

group to the center. The event will take placeat 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2. All ages welcome.Tickets: $20/person, $18/seniors & mem-bers. Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 MuirkirkRoad, Laurel. 301-953-1993; TTY 301-490-2329

Courtesy DER

Free Workshop for Cutting College CostsA free workshop is being

held for parents of collegebound high school studentswho want to know some uniqueways of getting money for theupcoming college years.

The class will include topicsas how to double or triple youreligibility for free grant money,the secret to sending your childto a private or state school forless money and the singlebiggest mistake that nine out of10 parents make when planning

for a college education for theirchildren. Workshop dates are:Wednesday, Nov. 7 at theLaurel Public Library;Thursday, Nov. 8 at the LaurelPublic Library; and Saturday,Nov. 10 at the New Song BibleFellowship Church. Classeswill be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.on Wednesday and Thursday,and 10 to 11:30 a.m. onSaturday.

The workshops are beingtaught by Doug Vincent, an

expert on paying for college,and a 14-year veteran servicingthe financial needs of the pub-lic. Seating at each location isfree, but limited.

– Courtesy Doug Vincent

Prince George’s CountyCouncil Member David C.Harrington (D) – District 5,will be the honored recipient ofthe Zora NealeHurston/Richard WrightFoundation Ella Baker Awardfor Civic Leadership.

County Council MemberHarrington will accept theaward during theHurston/Wright Annual LegacyAwards ceremony on Friday atthe National Press Club, 52914th Street N.W., Washington,DC.

The Hurston/WrightFoundation, a non-profitresource center for writers,readers and supporters of blackliterature, established theaward this year in honor ofAfrican-American civil andhuman rights activist, EllaJosephine Baker, whose life’s

work was helping ordinarypeople rise to extraordinaryheights through activism.

“Council MemberHarrington was chosen toreceive this award because likeElla Baker he is committed tohis community on a grassrootslevel,” said Hurston/WrightFoundation Executive Director,Clyde McElvene. “In keeping

with this commitment, he hasbeen a staunch supporter of thefoundation and understandshow writing raises conscious-ness, empowers others andcommunicates issues thateffect change.”

“I am honored and hum-bled to receive this award fromthe Hurston/WrightFoundation, particularlybecause of the woman forwhom it is named,” saidCouncil Member Harrington.“Ella Baker was a civil rightspioneer who dedicated her lifeto empowering others -through education andactivism. Hers is a legacy ofshared-leadership to which weall should aspire to.”

Since 1990, theHurston/Wright Foundation hasworked to create a range ofnew opportunities for African-American writers, whileincreasing appreciation andawareness of black literature.

Harrington Receives Ella AwardCIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARD

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL

Council MemberDavid C. Harrington

Courtesy PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY COUNCIL

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Page 4: The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one

A4 — November 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post

COMMENTARY

TrueVoteMD.orghighlightedfindings from an independentpolling firm that found Marylandvoters overwhelmingly favor switch-ing from electronic touchscreen vot-ing to voting with a paper ballot.“The poll is consistent with findingsover the last four years. Voters wanta voting system they can trust.They want to know that a meaning-ful recount is possible” said KevinZeese, a co-founder of

TrueVoteMD.org.The Maryland state legislature is

returning for a special session thisweek to overcome a budget shortfall,but TrueVoteMD.org believes theswitch to paper ballots should befunded no matter what the specialsession accomplishes. “TheMaryland Department of LegislativeServices estimates that the switch toa paper ballot with optical scan read-ers will cost between $2 and $3 mil-

lion annually. This is a small budgetitem for Maryland. If the founda-tion of our democracy cannot beadequately funded we are in serioustrouble,” said Zeese.

Gonzales Research & MarketingStrategies conducted a telephonesurvey of Maryland voters recently.The survey found 64 percent of vot-ers statewide think that Gov.O’Malley should fund the changefrom touch-screen voting machines

to a system that uses paper ballotscounted by optical scanners. Thesurvey asked: “Last spring Maryland‘s General Assembly voted unani-mously to switch from touch screenvoting machines to a less expensivesystem that uses paper ballots count-ed by optical scanners. This wouldensure that votes are recorded asvoters intend, and make recountspossible. The change will happen in2010, but only if funded in next

year’s budget. Do you think the gov-ernor should, or should not, providefunding for this change?”

Of note is that Gov. O’Malley’spolitical base overwhelmingly sup-ports paper ballots. Gonzales foundthat 74 percent of Democrats, and 71percent of African Americans favor-ing funding the switch. Indeed, thereis such widespread support that amajority of voters in every region ofthe state endorse the change.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WASHINGTON – At apress conference in the shadowof the State Capitol dome inAnnapolis last week, the TaxFoundation, joined by theMaryland Public PolicyInstitute, unveiled a new studyrevealing that Maryland’s com-petitiveness will fall sharply ifthe tax changes proposed byGov. Martin O’Malley areenacted.

“Lost in the rush toincrease taxes is the crushingimpact these tax increases willhave on Maryland’s competi-tiveness,” said study authorCurtis Dubay. “Maryland’sincreased tax burden and lesscompetitive business tax cli-mate will severely lessen thestate’s ability to attract new orexpanding businesses and theirjobs.”

The Tax Foundation hastwo measures to rank and com-pare tax burdens and competi-tiveness among the states.The first is the State BusinessTax Climate Index.

The Index ranks statesbased on the taxes that mattermost to businesses and busi-ness investment: corporate tax,individual income tax, salestax, unemployment tax andproperty tax.

The states are scored onthese taxes, and the scores areweighted based on the relativeimportance or impact of thetax to a business.

In the 2008 Index,Maryland ranked 24th best inbusiness competitiveness.Under the O’Malley plan,Maryland would fall to 43rdbest. Maryland’s income taxwould be the 49th worst sys-tem, trailing only California.

The other measure is thestate and local tax burden. Theburdens are effective tax ratescalculated by totaling state-local taxes paid by taxpayersin each state, then dividing bytheir income. The burdens alsoreflect the economic incidenceof taxes that are commonlyshifted to out-of-state taxpay-ers.

Maryland’s 2007 burdenwas 10.8 percent, making it the23rd worst burden in the coun-try. If the full O’Malley planwere implemented, the burdenwould rise to 11.5 percent,making it the 11th highest bur-den in the country.

Maryland’s regional com-petitiveness would also fallsharply under the O’Malleyplan. The Tax Foundationconsidered Maryland’s neigh-boring states: Delaware,Virginia, Pennsylvania, West

Virginia and New Jersey. Inthose comparisons, Marylandhas the 5th (of 6) worst busi-ness climate index ranking, the2nd highest tax burden (justbehind New Jersey), and thehighest income rate.

The new study by the TaxFoundation on the O’Malleyplan, Fiscal Fact No. 109, isavailable online at:http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/22701.html

Also at the event, MarylandPublic Policy InstitutePresident Christopher B.Summers highlighted that,despite projections of steadyeconomic and revenue growth,Maryland legislators continueto grapple with a projectedlong-term structural deficit.Ongoing general fund revenuesare expected to grow 25 per-cent between fiscal years 2006and 2011 while ongoing spend-ing will grow 41 percent overthe same period.

Despite an estimated $1.3billion surplus in FY 2006,annual deficits loom in thenear future and will growrapidly, approaching 10 per-cent of general fund revenueby FY 2011. The cumulativegap between revenues andspending will exceed $5 billionover the next five years. Withcurrent revenue collectionsexceeding projections, law-makers may perceive anopportunity for the state to“grow” out of its structuralimbalance by increasing taxes.

Given current levels of tax-ation, Maryland total personalincome would have to growmore than 9 percent per yearinitially to close the structuralgap-nearly double the currentforecast.

“Annapolis leaders seem tobelieve that they have littleneed to constrain their spend-ing,” said Summers.“Maryland lawmakers cannottax Maryland into prosperity.”

Lawmakers should take acloser look at spending priori-ties in Maryland – especiallyregressive spending. Marylandlawmakers love to talk aboutstate spending as “investing inMaryland’s future,” but mostof the spending is symbolicspending.

Future pubic spendingshould pass a cost/benefitanalysis test. Lawmakerswould be wise to reformMedicaid, education spendingand testing, sell surplus realestate, reduce, and re-evaluateor abolish spending agree-ments on perennial money-los-ing ventures.

OP-ED

Set on highjacking children’s healthcare coverage, the Bush Administrationreveals its twisted priorities. The mostrecent administration budget is nearly $3trillion and racks up a $1.3 trillion deficit.

Yet, President Bush has executed one ofhis rare vetoes on bipartisan legislation toincrease health care coverage for childrenfrom low-income families under the StateChildren’s Health Insurance Program. Thelegislation, approved by a veto-proof 67senators, increases funding for the programby $35 billion over a five-year period tocover an additional 4 million children.The House of Representatives was 13 votesshort of a veto override.

Bush said he vetoed the bill to preventsocialized medical care and because mid-dle-income families would take their chil-dren out of private insurance plans andenroll them in SCHIP.

The President shows an appalling igno-rance of how most American families live,struggling and often unable to providehealth care coverage for their children.This year, the average monthly insurancepremium for a family of four is $12,106.Each year, fewer and fewer employers offerhealth benefits.

A Harvard study showed that in 2005,28 percent of the people who filed for bank-ruptcy were middle class, educated and hadinsurance that did not cover all of theirmedical expenses. They were underin-sured. About 400,000 Americans file forbankruptcy every year because of medicalexpenses.

Currently, SCHIP provides coverage for6.6 million children from families whoseannual income exceeds Medicaid incomelimits, but who cannot afford to buy healthinsurance for their children. However,there are nine million children in Americawho have no health insurance coverage,and therefore, rely on hospital emergencyroom care for medical care.

The Bush Administration spends $10billion a month on the Iraq War, but refuses

to spend $7 billion a year for children’shealth care coverage.

Bush has proposed increasing the pro-gram by $5 billion over a five year period.Because of rising health care costs, thisannual increase of $1 billion does not evencover the children currently enrolled inSCHIP. Bush wants to limit SCHIPenrollment to children from families whoseannual income is between $20,650 – thefederal poverty guideline for a family offour – and $41,300 – 200 percent of the fed-eral poverty guideline for a family of four.

In addition to refusing to spend ade-quate dollars on SCHIP, the BushAdministration also refuses to let statesspend their own dollars to expand the pro-gram.

According to new federal regulations,issued in August, in order to expand itsCHIP program to cover more children, astate must prove that 95 percent of theenrolled children come from families whoearn up to $41,300. Health experts assertthat no state can meet those criteria. InMaryland, 74 percent of SCHIP enrolledchildren come from that income level. The

new regulations eliminate the option thatstates previously had under SCHIP to setincome limits for eligibility up to 300 per-cent of the federal poverty guidelines.Maryland is one of 18 states that exercisedthat option.

In Maryland, children from familieswith incomes up to $61,950 or 300 percentof the federal poverty guideline for a fami-ly of four are eligible for SCHIP enroll-ment.

Maryland covers 106,000 childrenwhose families earn up to 200 percent ofthe poverty guidelines. Of that number,12,000 come from families with incomesabove the 200 percent threshold. Thosefamilies pay annual CHIP premiums rang-ing from $548 to $685.

The new federal regulations will throw800,000 children off of SCHIP rolls.About 3,700 Maryland children will losecoverage. Under the new regulations, theFederal Center for Medicare and MedicaidServices have denied New York and NewJersey permission to expand their SCHIPprograms.

Maryland has joined seven other states– New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire,California, Arizona, Washington andIllinois – who are suing the federal govern-ment for exceeding its authority by block-ing states from expanding their SCHIP pro-grams.

Among others, two conservativeRepublican senators – Orrin Hatch fromUtah and Charles Grassley from Iowaopposed the Bush veto, calling it “disap-pointing and even a little unbelievable.”Frankly, I cannot understand PresidentBush’s lack of compassion and understand-ing of the terrible dilemma of working fam-ilies who cannot afford health care cover-age for their children.

– Sen. Ulysses CurrieDemocrat, District 25

Prince George’s County

O’Malley’s TaxWould DampenBusiness Climate

AMERICA’S SHAME

Bush’s Effort to Highjack Children’s Health Care

Sen. Ulysses Currie

VOTING BALLOTSKevin Zeese

Maryland Voters Favor Funding Paper Ballot Bill By 64 Percent

Page 5: The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one

BUSINESSNovember 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post —A5

Practical Money SkillsBy Jason Alderman

Identity Theft ThrivesEven Beyond the Grave

In the 1970s-era spy thriller “The Day of theJackal,” a would-be assassin steals the identities of sev-eral dead people to further his plan to kill FrenchPresident Charles DeGaulle. Unfortunately, this once-shocking plot device has become all too common inreal life today.

Identity thieves use stolen personal information toborrow money, make fraudulent purchases or escapelegal or immigration problems. They’ve discovered thatit’s often much harder for authorities to catch on whentheir target is “dead.” By the time grieving relativesrealize that their loved one’s identity has been stolen,tremendous damage already may have been done – par-ticularly when a widowed spouse’s finances are inter-twined.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect some-one’s identity when they pass away:

Be discreet in obituaries. You want to honor thedead and notify their friends, but be aware thatunscrupulous people regularly troll obituaries, lookingfor clues. Be wary of including the person’s exact birthdate and location, most recent address and other per-sonal information that can make it easier to steal theiridentity.

Contact Social Security. When someone dies, thefuneral director notifies the state, which in turn informsthe Social Security Administration (SSA). This maytake weeks or months, so contact SSA yourself so itcan more promptly flag the person’s Social Securitynumber as “inactive” and cancel benefits – or, if he orshe was married or had surviving eligible dependents,convert the benefit to the proper status. For instruc-tions, go to www.ssa.gov/ww&os1.htm.

Tell the DMV. Criminals sometimes obtain dupli-cate copies of dead people’s drivers licenses with theirown photos superimposed, so be sure to notify theDepartment of Motor Vehicles as soon as possible thatsomeone has passed away.

Notify banks and creditors. Although SSA period-ically notifies financial institutions of recent deaths, it’salso a good idea for you to contact the person’s banks,credit card companies, mortgage lender, broker and thethree credit reporting agencies – Equifax(www.equifax.com), Experian (www.experian.com) andTransUnion (www.transunion.com). Often these com-panies will require a copy of the official death certifi-cate, so order ample additional copies – the funeraldirector can help.

You’ll probably want to close most accounts imme-diately, to prevent fraudulent use, keeping in mind thatoutstanding debts will need to be settled. It’s also agood idea for the surviving spouse to remove thedeceased from any joint accounts or to close thoseaccounts and reopen new ones in his or her name only.Consider consulting a financial advisor to help deter-mine the appropriate steps you should take.

If you’re having problems with identity theft, agood resource is Call for Action, an international non-profit network of consumer hotlines affiliated withlocal television and radio broadcast partners (www.call-foraction.org). Call for Action’s website features com-prehensive tips, and volunteer professionals on its hot-line (866-ID-HOTLINE) offer free, confidential ser-vices to individuals and small businesses.

Another good resource is Practical Money Skills forLife, a free personal financial management site spon-sored by Visa USA, which contains detailed identitytheft and security precautions everyone should take(www.practicalmoneyskills.com/security). Also visitthe National Consumers League’s site athttp://www.nclnet.org.

It’s hard to imagine someone stooping so low as tosteal a dead person’s identity, but unfortunately, thereare such people in the world.

ST. LOUIS – Twenty yearsago, the people from EnergizerBatteries and the nation’s fire-fighters came up with an ideathat likely has saved thousandsof homes and perhaps as manylives.

The idea connected twounrelated activities – changingclocks for Daylight SavingTime and changing the batter-ies in smoke alarms and carbonmonoxide detectors.

Residents could changetheir batteries on these impor-tant safety alarms almost any-time, but in fact, many didn’t.It’s a sad fact that approxi-mately 80 percent of firedeaths result from fires inhomes without working smokealarms.

Since hardly anyoneneglects to change their clocks,Energizer and the InternationalAssociation of Fire Chiefs(IAFC) decided to urgeAmericans through the ChangeYour Clock Change YourBattery program to use the“extra hour” to change theirsmoke alarm and carbonmonoxide detector batteries.

This year, the day to setyour clocks back and changebatteries in your smoke detec-tors is Nov. 4.

The program started in1987 with two fire departmentsin St. Louis and Atlanta. Now

as the Change Your ClockChange Your Battery programcelebrates its 20th anniversary,more than 5,900 fire depart-ments across the country areparticipating in the program.As a result, many Americanshave adopted the habit ofchanging their batteries at thesame time they change theirclocks.

“We have no way of know-ing exactly how many livesand homes have been saved asa result,” said Chief Steven P.Westermann, president of theIAFC. “What we do know isthat each year more Americansare replacing their batteriesbefore they wear out and thathelps make each alarm safer.”

Having a working smokealarm can cut the odds ofdying in a home fire nearly inhalf by adopting this simplehabit.

Most American homes – 96percent in fact – have smokealarms; however, more than aquarter of those homes have atleast one nonworking smokealarm, mostly due to worn outor missing batteries. TheIAFC estimates more than 25million homes are at risk.

“Many people mistakenlybelieve they will either see theflames or smell the smokewhen a fire breaks out,” ChiefWestermann said. “But most

fire fatalities happen whilefamilies are asleep. Smoke byitself doesn’t provide a wake-up call, but a working smokealarm surely does.”

Westermann also noted thatNovember usually brings theonset of severe weather, a timewhen power outages are morefrequent. He urged residents toavoid using candles, which areoften the cause of home firesand to instead use flashlights.Daylight Saving Time is agood time to check batteries inflashlights as well.

The IAFC is a non-profitassociation representing 13,000chief fire officers and emer-gency services leaders world-wide. Its members are leadingexperts in firefighting, emer-gency medical services, terror-ism response, hazardous mate-rials spills, natural disasters,search and rescue, and publicsafety legislation.

– IAFC

Change Your Batteries Sunday

COURTESY CHILLUM-ADELPHI VFDWorking smoke detectors can prevent house fires and save lives.

RIVERDALE – Samuel J.Parker Jr. and Royce Hanson,chairman and vice chairman ofThe Maryland-National CapitalPark and Planning Commission(M-NCPPC) announced theappointment of Oscar S.Rodriguez to the position of M-NCPPC Executive Director.

Rodriguez, an accomplishedmanager with more than 25years of experience in city man-agement and governmentadministration, is currently theDirector of ResourceManagement for the District ofColumbia. In that position, heheads the City Administrator’sOffice.

He has served the District invarious executive positionsprior to this assignment, includ-ing Interim Chief ProcurementOfficer in the Office ofContracting and Procurementfor the District of Columbia,and previously headed D.C.’sCenter for Innovation andReform.

As Executive Director,Rodriguez will serve as Chief

Administrative Officer of M-NCPPC, a regional agency setup under Maryland state lawand charged with conductingland use planning and acquiringand preserving park land andopen space in Montgomery andPrince George’s Counties, aswell as directing the publicrecreation program in PrinceGeorge’s County.

The bi-county agencyemploys over 2,000 career staffand more than 5,000 seasonalemployees and operates under a$345 million budget.

In his new position,Rodriguez will be responsible

for coordination of the M-NCPPC budget; administrationof Commission-wide policiesand procedures; direction of acentralized personnel systemincluding recruiting, training,merit regulations, affirmativeaction, collective bargaining,labor/employee relations, com-pensation and benefit plans;and the overseeing of centraladministrative support for oper-ating departments.

Rodriguez will also servethe role as corporate secretaryin the execution of policy andlegal documents for theCommission.

The Executive Director isappointed by and serves at thepleasure of the Prince George’sand Montgomery CountyPlanning Boards, which togeth-er make up The Maryland-National Capital Park andPlanning Commission.

Rodriguez started his careeras a budget and financial ana-lyst before progressing to sev-eral positions in local govern-ment in Texas, includingAssistant CityManager/Director of Planning

for the City of Del Rio, CityManager for the City of EaglePass, and Assistant CityManager for the City of Austin.

Before joining the Districtof Columbia Government in2005, he was Senior MunicipalAdvisor for the InternationalCity Management Association,providing advice and technicalassistance to local governmentsthroughout the world.

Rodriguez has also provid-ed advice on municipal ser-vices, financial managementimprovement and organization-al development projectsthrough Latin America as con-sultant to several organizations,including the World Bank andthe United NationsDevelopment Program.

“Oscar Rodriguez brings anoutstanding depth and breadthof experience to the position ofExecutive Director,” saidChairman Parker.

“We are confident that hisconsiderable knowledge andmanagement skills will be ofgreat benefit to the Commissionand its employees,” added ViceChairman Hanson.

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Program Stresses ChangingBatteries and Clocks Together

Here are five reasonshome smoke alarms donot function properly :

•Batteries are notreplaced in a timelyfashion.

•Batteries areremoved due tounwanted activationfrom situations suchas cooking fumes.

•Batteries areremoved due to a“chirping sound,”which actually indi-cates the batteryneeds to be replaced.

• Alarms and detec-tors are not cleanedregularly.

• Alarm is aged andcontains outdatedparts or technology.

Why AlarmsDon’t Work

Rodriguez Named NCPPC Executive Director

Oscar S. Rodriguez

Courtesy M-NCPPC

The following is a list of classesbeing offered this month by PrinceGeorge’s County Small BusinessInitiative:

Strategic Outsourcing Thursday, Nov. 1, 8:30 - 11 a.m. 301-583-4650. 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite115A, Largo. $539.99

FSC First Fridays - Access to Capital Friday, Nov. 2, 8:30 - 11 a.m. Presentedby Prince George’s Financial ServicesCorp. 301-883-6903. 1100 MercantileLane, Suite 115A, Largo. No cost.

Procurement Day - WashingtonMetropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 9 a.m. - noon.Learn how to become a vendor andother contracting opportunities.Procurement and small business spe-cialists will discuss upcoming opportu-nities. Must have a capability statement.1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite 115A,Largo. No cost.

Internet Advertising - Capture &Retaining Customers Wednesday, Nov., 3 - 5 p.m. Presentedby My Business Discount. 301-583-4650. 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite115A, Largo. $29.99

Building Your Dreams ThroughEntrepreneurship (Start-up)

Thursday, Nov. 29, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Management skills sets needed to

become a successful business owner.Successful traits for business leader-ship. Advantages and barriers to owningyour own business. Risks associatedwith ownership. Legal requirements,business planning, finding money andspiritual/ethical dilemmas. 301- 583-4650. 1100 Mercantile Lane, Suite115A, Largo. $50.

Counselors are available to provideassistance with funding, bonding, certi-fication, staffing and much more.Professionals will be available to teachstudents how to grow their businesses.Call to arrange an appointment. 301-583-4650.

Small Business Initiative Announces November Classes

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Out on the TOWN

A6 — November 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post

Calendar of EventsNovember 1 — November 7

THURSDAY, NOV. 1Xtreme Teens: Addressing Teen IssuesThis workshop addresses relationships in teen datingby learning to identify warning signs. 7- 9 p.m. Ages13-18. Fee: $8; Resident $10; Non-Resident $12.Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001Sheriff Road, Landover. Information: 301-583-2400.

FRIDAY, NOV. 2Small Fry ClubLearn about hibernation and migration. Reservationsrequired. 10-11 a.m. Fee: Resident $3; Non-Resident$4. Watkins Nature Center, 301 Watkins Park Drive,Upper Marlboro. 301-218-6702; TTY 301-699-2544.

Cashore MarionettesPuppets, backed by the music of Vivaldi, Strauss,Beethoven and Copland, will perform humorous anddramatic stories for children. Recommended forgrades 2-4. 10:15 a.m. and noon. Tickets: $6/single,$5/person in groups of 15 or more. PublickPlayhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. 301-277-1710; TTY 301-277-0312.

SATURDAY, NOV. 3Cabochon ClassMake cabochon using use rock cutting and polishingequipment. All supplies provided. 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Reservations required. Ages 18 and older. Fee:Resident $30; Non-Resident $36, Clearwater NatureCenter, 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton. 301-297-4575;TTY 301-699-2544.

Silverado Arms and Militaria ShowArms and militaria from past and present for displayand sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Sunday, Nov. 4. Call for admission information. ShowPlace Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, UpperMarlboro. 301-952-7999; TTY 301-952-7998.

Liturgical Modern DanceLearn modern dance with a gospel concept during this4-week course on Saturdays. 12:30-2 p.m. Ages 5-17.Fee: Resident $20/4 weeks; Non-Resident $24/4weeks. Oakcrest Community Center, 1300 CapitolHeights Blvd., Capitol Heights. 301-736-5355.

SUNDAY, NOV. 4Polar Bear Flag Football for AdultsJoin us and relive your glory days through polar bearflag football during this 8-week program. All gameswill be played on Sundays. Registration in person atthe facility. 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 25 and older. Fee:Resident $30/8weeks; Non-Resident $36/8weeks.Huntington Community Center, 13022 8th Street,Bowie. 301-464-3725; TTY 301-218-6768.

MONDAY, NOV. 5Digital Art ExhibitSee the extraordinary digital artistry of JonasBeauburn. All ages welcome. Free. Call for galleryhours. Huntington Community Center, 13022 8thStreet, Bowie. 301-464-3725; TTY 301-218-6768.

TUESDAY, NOV. 6Hotel Hershey Spa TripTreat yourself to a day of pampering, relaxing andshopping. Today and Nov. 7 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Ages18 and older. Fee: Resident $400; Non-Resident $480.Southern Area Office, 10701 Livingston Road, FortWashington. 301-203-6012; TTY 301-203-6030.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 7Nature Crafts ProjectTransform Mother Earth’s ingredients into a delightful,seasonal craft project. 4 p.m. Reservations required byNov. 5. Ages 6-12. Fee: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3.North Brentwood Community Center, 4012 WebsterStreet, North Brentwood. 301-864-0756. TTY 301-445-4512.

“Star Wars Battlefront: RenegadeSquadron” is a streamlined yet fleshed-outversion of LucasArts’ successful“Battlefront” series of team-based actiongames set in the “Star Wars” universe.

Based on the premise that Star Warsfans would love to jump intothe battle of Hoth from “TheEmpire Strikes Back” the“Battlefront” franchise appliesthe same basic formula to loca-tions throughout the Star Warsuniverse.

“Renegade Squadron” isbuilt exclusively for Sony’shandheld PSP. It’s a modest buteffective title that should appealto the existing base of“Battlefront” fans who like toHoth it up, online and off.

In November of 2005,Lucasarts, the gaming arm ofLucasFilms, piggybacked themultiplatform “Star Wars: Battlefront II”onto the marketing wave for the DVDrelease of “Revenge of the Sith,” the lastfilm in the recent Star Wars trilogy. Itbecame the top licensed game and one ofthe top-10 overall vidgames of the year interms of U.S. sales.

This latest installment has slighteraspirations. It’s being piggybacked ontothe release of Sony’s redesigned, lighter-weight PSP. “Renegade Squadron” isavailable as a standalone game or with theCeramic White PSP bundle, for people

who want their handheld gaming systemsthe color of the Millennium Falcon.

The basic concept of running (or fly-ing) around in Star Wars-themed arenasand shooting Star Wars-shaped characters(or spaceships) is solid. Though the soundeffects are as good as a console game onthe Playstation 2, graphics are strippeddown to fit the PSP, resulting in bland set-

tings and tiny targets off in the distance.The bigger problem, however, is the

interface, which offers two options: sloppyaiming or sloppy steering.

Still, this is a better PSP version ofBattlefront than gamers got in 2005, when“Battlefront II” was inelegantly adapted tothe PSP. Aside from “RenegadeSquadron’s” disappointing controls, itshows every sign of having been designedpurposefully for the PSP and has severalimprovements over “Battlefront II.”

Most notable is that players can equip

their characters in many different wayswith points they are allocated at the begin-ning of a gaming session.

Grab a cheap gun and spend heavily ona stealth suit, a speed boost and fast cap-turing, then sneak around seizing territorybehind enemy lines. Take a fast firingchain gun and extra health, then hang backand offer supporting fire. Bring the vehicle

repair kit and hop into a tankor AT-AT.

Or just mix and matchaccording to mood. There’s aDIY approach to the game’sbalance and playing style thatdoesn’t feel very “Star Wars”(seriously, a shotgun?), but itmakes for flexible and variedgameplay.

As a single-player game,“Renegade Squadron” presentsa set of missions intercut withillustrations in the style of agraphic novel, which far out-shine any of the in-game graph-ics.

These missions are largely an excuse tooffer a tour of the maps, where players canfight against computer controlled bots orjump into 16-player online. With morethan a dozen maps, a half-dozen gamevariants, and literally hundreds of charac-ter configurations, “Renegade Squadron”is refreshingly limber for a handheldvideogame.

A Lucasarts presentation of a gamedeveloped by Rebellion for the PSP. RatedT. $39.99

Blast Off with Star Wars’ Battlefront ReleaseVIDEO GAME

By TOM CHICKCourtesy variety.com

Star Wars Battlefront: Renegade Squadron game is loaded with action.

Call it the black “Scarface” or “theHarlem Godfather” or one hell of anexciting movie, but the fact-based,1970s-era American Gangster is alreadylooking like a major awards contender.

Denzel Washington looms like acolossus as notorious drug lord FrankLucas, and in the still, watchful centerof his volcanic performance you’ll findthe measure of a dangerous man.

There’s more good news: A com-bustible Russell Crowe channelsSerpico as Richie Roberts, the honestJersey cop who aches to take Frankdown. Steven Zaillian, sourcing MarkJacobson’s 2000 New York magazineinterview with Lucas (“The Return ofSuperfly”), brings scrappy life to ascript that spans more than a decade.

The movie is long (157 minutes),overstuffed (horn-dog Richie’s courtfight against his wife for child custodybelongs on Lifetime), shadowed byinnovators (Coppola, Scorsese, TheSopranos) and limited by giving equaltime to Richie when — don’t kid your-self — Frank is the draw.

We see Frank first torching a victim,then pumping him full of bullets. Inbusiness, Frank doesn’t believe in a jobhalf done.

An uneducated force of nature fromNorth Carolina who hits New York as adriver for black mobster Bumpy

Johnson (a knockout Clarence WilliamsIII), Frank is soon a star peddler of hero-in. And he does it the hard way, by cut-ting out the middlemen, including themob.

He flies to Southeast Asia to buy thejunk, smuggles it stateside in the coffinsof Vietnam soldiers, bribes police andthe military, hires his brothers andcousins to help run his operation, andsits back with his wife — no less thanMiss Puerto Rico (Lymari Nadal) — asthe millions roll in from the drug hecalls “Blue Magic.” He even buys hisversion of Graceland for his good mama(the superb Ruby Dee).

No wonder Frank believes inAmerica: The corporate lifestyle of lie-cheat-steal-kill works for him.

Frank damn near flies underRichie’s radar until he breaks conserva-tive form and pimps out by wearing achinchilla coat and hat (gifts from hiswife) to an Ali-Frazier fight. That makeshim a target. Who wants him deadmost? A rival dealer (Cuba Gooding Jr.,returned to form)?

A bad cop (Josh Brolin is chillinglygood)? A mob boss (Armand Assantedoing low sleaze to a high turn) whowill never see blacks as paisanos?

It’s the mobster who tells him, “It’ssuccess that took a shot at you.” It’s alsorace, class, and the absence of truth andjustice that currently define theAmerican way. American Gangsterisn’t all blistering action; it has bite and

timely relevance. Frank and Richie areboth outsiders playing by rules every-one else ignores. Even Richie’s crewlaughs at him for not pocketing a mil-lion bucks in found drug money.

But as Richie’s grip tightens aroundFrank, the movie closes in for the kill bycrosscutting (shades of the Corleones)between a massacre and a church ser-vice. The climax also allowsWashington and Crowe to finally occu-py the screen together.

Ditto the movie, which goes to theheart of America’s obsession with suc-cess as a killer instinct. That’s why thefilm’s moral indignation with Frankcan’t match its fascination with his ballsof steel. Superfly and Tony Montana areHollywood fantasies. Frank is for real.As the real Frank said, “People likeme.” Maybe that’s what’s so scary.

www.rottentomatoes.comRussell Crowe portrays an honest cop.

www.rottentomatoes.comDenzel Washington, left, is the criminal and Russell Crowe, is the police officer.

GANGSTERAMERICAN

By PETER TRAVERSThe Rolling Stone

Two Tough Dudes Square Off in This Awards Contender

Page 7: The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one

November 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post —A7

Slots Not In the Bag

Bills

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) invites interested persons to attend an Informational OpenHouse regarding the MD 197 Project Planning Study. The project involves an examination of potential trans-portation improvements to MD 197 (Collington Road) from Kenhill Drive to MD 450 Relocated in Prince George’sCounty.

WHAT: The Informational Open House will provide all stakeholders an opportunity to review and comment on preliminary findings from the engineering and environmental impact analyses. Display areas will be set up explaining the alternatives being developed and their potential environmental impacts. The Project Team hopes to gain a better understanding of community-related impacts associated with the proposed improvements. Project representatives will be available to discuss project issues, answer questions, and record your comments No formal presentation will be given. Feel free to arrive at any time and walk through at your own pace.

WHEN: Wednesday, November 14, 2007 – 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.Snow Date: Thursday, November 29, 2007 (same location and time)

WHERE: Bowie City Hall - Multipurpose Room2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, MD 20715

CONTACT: Ms. Felicia Alexander, Project [email protected] or toll-free 1-800-548-5026Maryland Relay Service for Impaired Hearing or Speech can bereached at 1-800-735-2258. Anyone needing special assistance to participate, please contact the Project Manager by November 7, 2007.

Please mark your calendars and plan to attend!

October 31, 2007 Neil J. Pedersen A-0491 State Highway Administrator

MD 197Project Planning Study

Informational Open House

prompt some to uproot.“They’re absolutely com-

ing. Some of the police offi-cers in my district have saidthey’ve seen an increase inVirginia license plates dri-ving around,” said WillCampos, Prince George’sCounty Council member. “Itdoesn’t mean they’re movinghere, but they’re browsing.”

Campos attributed PrinceGeorge’s tolerance of immi-grants to its minority majori-ty population.

“I believe we’re a littlemore progressive in thinkingand a little more open toimmigration,” he said. “Thereare things that can be com-promised and worked out asopposed to completely shut-ting the door and runningscare tactics like they’redoing in other places.”

Maryland is not the mostpermissive state when itcomes to immigration, saidimmigration expert WilliamHanna, however it “is proba-bly in the top half of states inthe United States that havebeen more receptive,” toimmigrants.

“Some people will obvi-ously be inclined to move toplaces where they won’t beharassed,” said the Universityof Maryland, College Parkprofessor.

Maryland has generallybeen more relaxed about ille-

gal immigration thanVirginia. For example, it isone of only nine states thatdoesn’t check immigrationstatus before issuing a dri-ver’s license.

“We have a growingimmigrant community inMaryland that’s made itseconomy number one,” saidDelegate Victor Ramirez, D-Prince George’s. That strongeconomy could draw peopleto Maryland, he said.

“You’re going to start tosee folks (in Prince WilliamCounty) spending theirmoney somewhere else,” hesaid. “It’s not just about ille-gal immigrants, it’s aboutlegal immigrants. Why investmoney in a county thatpreaches, to a certain extent,hate?”

Ramirez proposed legisla-tion in January to grant illegalimmigrants in-state tuitionfor public colleges and uni-versities. The bill receivedinitial support, but has beenshelved since the GeneralAssembly recessed in April.

Unlike Prince WilliamCounty, the MontgomeryCounty Council unanimouslyrejected immigration enforce-ment training. The federalprogram has U.S.Immigration and CustomsEnforcement agents trainingcounty police officers to con-duct residency status checkson criminal suspects.

“To go down the road

that a few counties have donein Northern Virginia —Loudoun and Prince William— is expensive, counterpro-ductive and leads to theharassment of our neigh-bors,” Council MemberGeorge Leventhal said at aSept. 26 town hall meeting.

Takoma Park actuallypassed a law in 1985 forbid-ding its police from checkingimmigration status and then,on Oct. 15, rejected PoliceChief Ronald Ricucci’s rec-ommendation to loosen thatrestriction and allow officersto arrest felons who weredeported, but returned to theUnited States.

“Even a fairly narrowamendment would probablyerode the trust of the immi-grants in the city,” saidTakoma Park Mayor KathyPorter.

“I think the way to keepthe community safe is towork with the immigrantcommunities so that they feelcomfortable calling the policeand alerting the police to ille-gal behavior.”

The city allows non-U.S.citizens to vote in elections.As for more immigrants mov-ing to Maryland, Porter said,“it’s not been a worrybecause we welcome immi-grants to our community.”

Immigration became astate concern after Congressfailed to pass large-scaleimmigration reform this sum-

mer. And many communitiesare now trying to take mattersinto their own hands.

Frederick CountyCommissioner CharlesJenkins’s recent attempt todeny public services likeschooling to illegal immi-grants failed.

“In Maryland we contin-ue to be a sanctuary state,” hesaid. “Until we start to do thethings I was hoping to getdone, we’re going to continueto see the impact.”

The state makes it “soeasy and so inviting” for ille-gal immigrants to live inMaryland, Jenkins said. “It’ssort of like water; water takesthe path of least resistance.”

The Virginia groupMexicans without Bordershas received many calls fromworried residents since theOct. 17 vote, said NancyLyall, a legal coordinatorwith the group.

“We’re advising people toremain calm and assess thesituation,” she said. “Wedon’t want people to get upand move before we see thisthrough.”

While no one that Lyallknows has left Virginia yet,she said she has receivedfrantic calls from peopleafraid to send their childrento school.

“There are a lot of mis-conceptions about the resolu-tion,” she said. “There’s atremendous amount of fear.”

LongabergerBasket Bingo

Join us Sunday, Nov.11, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.,for bingo at St. Mary’sSchool, Route 202,Upper Marlboro. Doorswill open at 1 p.m.Sandwiches and sweetsfor sale. Admission is$20. Proceeds benefit St.Mary’s Sodality. Formore information, callAnn at 301-627-2626 foradvanced tickets.

slots are so popular — because it’s a matter offree will. If you lose, you deserve to lose.”

Even in anti-slots strongholds likeMontgomery County, voters have figured outthat “one slots dollar is in lieu of one tax dol-lar,” said Gazette newspapers columnist BlairLee.

But opponents remain confident heading intonext week’s session, pointing out that slots havebeen debated in the legislature since the earlydays of former Gov. Robert Ehrlich’s adminis-tration. They also note that Republicans arerefusing to vote for slots in the special session.

Aaron Meisner, chairman of Stop SlotsMaryland, said he does not know if there arecurrently enough votes “in either house to pass abill.”

“I’m not sure that’s ever been the casebefore,” Meisner said.

Support in the latest survey topped aGonzales poll from August 2003, when 57 per-cent favored slots during another budget deficit.

The new survey, of 839 registered voters inMaryland, found even more people supportingslots as a way to raise revenue and to recapturegambling profits going to other states, with sup-port at 64 and 62 percent, respectively.

Richard Vatz, a professor of politicalrhetoric at Towson University, said that showsthe public is aware “that money is available forlessening the deficit, but just going to otherstates.”

But Meisner countered with an AARP pollfrom earlier this year of Maryland residents age50 and older that found 59 percent supportedslots, but that number dropped to 37 percent ifthe machines were located within five miles ofthe respondent’s house.

“The problem is, we don’t have the luxuryof having gambling with no locations,” Meisnersaid. “People find a way to support the generalconcept of gambling, but have a very hard timeaccepting” it near them.

While O’Malley estimates slots could even-tually produce $550 million a year for the state,the plan he will present to the special sessionwould only raise $27 million in the first year.

Slots have “been portrayed as the easy wayout,” said Allan Lichtman, an AmericanUniversity professor. The public thinks “we cancover a third of our deficit just with slots” but it“is not that easy.”

Ron Walters, a government professor at theUniversity of Maryland, College Park, said he isnot sure pro-slots forces have made enoughinroads in heavily minority areas of the state.

Insurance Could Cover Grave Markersto prosecute,” said GerhardtKraske, president of theCoalition to Protect MarylandBurial Sites. “And the vandalsdo thousands and thousands ofdollars worth of damage.”

But most people do not

consider cemetery damage apressing issue, said Kraske.His non-profit coalition,formed when a HowardCounty developer bulldozedand built foundations on acemetery, works to shed lighton the importance of preserv-

ing burial sites. “It’s not highon a list of priorities at all,”Kraske said. “If society doesn’tgive a hoot, the priority goesdown.”

Luedke said all types offunereal items are “coveredagainst all the perils against

which other contents are cov-ered.”

“Whatever your home isprotected against: vandalism,theft, if a windstorm damagedit in some way or hail,” hesaid. Likewise, if you are notcovered for floods, and a flood

sweeps away a headstone, itmight not fall under the policy.Gravestones of family mem-bers might be covered, too.“Even if you moved out of thestate, as long as you stillowned it, you’d still be cov-ered,” Luedke said.

Miller said bills unrelatedto the budget will probablystay in committees withoutgetting as far as a floor vote“unless there’s a clear consen-sus that it’s an immediateproblem that needs to be reme-died.”

In the last special session— a June 2006 meeting toaddress utility rates — leader-ship was able to keep a lid onthings. There were 49 billsdrafted for that session and 25introduced, but only one wasenacted.

But Gaines is not the onlylawmaker who plans to intro-duce legislation not directlyrelated to O’Malley’s propos-als, which include raising thesales tax and tobacco tax.

Delegate Ana SolGutierrez, D-Montgomery,said she is going to offer a billto raise taxes on alcohol sales,which she estimated couldgenerate an extra $40 millionin revenue for the state. Shesaid a similar bill has beenintroduced several times inrecent years, but “it gets killedin committee.”

“What I’m hoping is thatbecause of the special session,and we’re looking for a broadbase of revenue, the bill willget a vote, not only in thecommittees, but also on thefloor,” Gutierrez said.

With legislators facing amore complex issue in thissession, bills that do notaddress the deficit and thegovernor’s proposals “should-n’t make it,” said SenateMinority Leader DavidBrinkley, R-Frederick.

“They should die, becausethe special session should beto take care of the budget,” hesaid. “I don’t think we need tohold a special session, butsince we are, it should be onthe matter at hand.”

But Gaines is confident hermotorcycle bill will pass.

ANNAPOLIS –Deer smell love inthe autumn air, and that spells danger forMaryland drivers.

Mating season for the state’s 234,000deer peaks in November. During thattime, lusty bucks are willing to jumpacross roadways with reckless abandonas they travel on average four or fivemiles hunting for does, said statewildlife officials.

“Bucks are chasing the does, sothey’re a lot more aggressive, whichmeans more movement on their part andmore opportunities to come into contactwith vehicles, unfortunately,” said BobBeyer, associate director of the Heritageand Wildlife Service in the stateDepartment of Natural Resources.

The risk of car-on-deer collisions ishighest in suburban and urban areasbecause deer are forced to live in closeproximity to humans and their automo-biles, Beyer said.

“I know we hear a lot aboutincreased collisions this time of year,”said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokeswomanRagina Averella.

Deer populations are healthy inplaces like Montgomery County wherefood is abundant and hunting is limited,Beyer said.

But “they don’t have vast expansesof open areas because the counties arebroken up by roads and housing devel-opments,” he said. They are more likelyto cross roads “oblivious to what theyshould be concerned about.”

J.R. Correa, owner of J.R.’s AutoBody in Rockville, said his shop sees

about 50 deer-damaged vehicles eachNovember.

“It’s definitely a lot more” than othertimes of year, Correa said.

Maryland drivers reported collidingwith deer 1,479 times in 2006, resultingin three human deaths and 266 injuries,according to the Deer Vehicle CrashInformation Clearinghouse, which col-lects data from state agencies around thecountry. Deer collisions accounted for1.5 percent of the total accidents inMaryland last year.

But the Maryland State HighwayAdministration removed 6,764 deer car-casses from state roads in 2006, which isa more accurate approximation of howmany deer got hit by cars, said KeithKnapp, a Texas A&M Universityresearcher who maintains the clearing-house.

Beyer urged motorists to drive slow-ly and stay alert, especially if they spot adeer.

“If you see one, expect more, espe-cially during the mating season,” Beyersaid. “A buck will be chasing a doe andthe doe will be frantic, because maybeit’s not ready to mate, and it runs acrossthe road, and the buck is running rightbehind it.”

While deer are normally most activeat sunrise and sunset, Beyer said theirmid-day activity picks up during matingseason, so drivers should remain vigilantat all hours.

Officials advise drivers not to swerveif crashing into a deer becomes unavoid-able. Swerving can cause drivers to losecontrol of their vehicle and hit othercars, or slam into a tree or telephonepole.

Amorous Deer Threaten Road Safety in NovemberBy ANDY ZIEMINSKICapital News Service

Immigrants May Seek Out MarylandImmigrants, From Page A1

Markers, From Page A1

Bills, From Page A1

Suitland

Impressions, and ElevatedInterviewing.”

The workshops arescheduled to begin Dec. 1at the Parkway TerraceApartment Complex withstudents joining from theParkland Village site.Marshall of the Lodge,Brother Romeo Felder ofthe Roscoe C. CartwrightLodge, is to be commend-ed for researching andbringing this program tothe youth. When askedwhy his lodge is support-ing this program, he said,“ because we really needthis for our communities.We are trying to show kidsthat there are positivealternatives available forthem.”

Of course, none of thiswould be possible with thecooperation and approvalof the MWGM Shelton D.Redden of the Prince HallMasons in Maryland andits jurisdictions, RW LeeTaylor (DDGM) and WMCharles Robinson.

Parents and youthinvolved in this programand ROJA’s staff expresstheir heartfelt appreciationto all of you for caring. Itwill take the combinedefforts of people who gen-uinely care about childrenover money, status orthose who are legacies intheir own mind to fill thegap into which our chil-dren fall because no onetakes the time to be sym-pathetic about their pain.

Call Brother RomeoFelder at 301-645-0043 orArthur Allen at 1-800-313-6350.

Suitland, From Page A2

Slots, From Page A1

Page 8: The Prince George’s Post · Research and Marketing said 59 percent of Marylanders favor slots, the highest in the five years Gonzales has tracked the issue. That makes slots one

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A8 — November 1 — November 7, 2007 — The Prince George’s Post

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1901 Iverson StreetTemple Hills, MD 20748

(301) 894-8622 Fax (301) 894-7641Praise , Worship, Prayer,

Study, and Service

Church School: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Thursday Bible Study 7:00 p.m Thursday Noon Day Prayer

Reverend Vera Mitchell, Pastore-mail: UMCR@ wmconnect.com

“Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors”

Mount Ephraim Baptist Church

“A Church That’s Alive - Is Worth the Drive”

610 Largo Road UpperMarlboro, MD 20774

Church Sunday School:9:15 a.m.

Morning Worship: 7:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Prayer/Praise: Tuesday 7:00 p.m.

Salvation Class: Tuesday 7:30 p.m.

New Members Orientation: Sunday 9:15 a.m..

Baptismal Service: First Sunday - 11:00 a.m.

Church: 301-808-1584Fax: 301-808-3243

Rev. Joseph A. Gilmore, Jr.

Pastor

United MethodistChurch

“ACHURCH ON THE REACH FOR GOD”

8511 Westphalia Rd.

Upper Marlboro, MD

Two Worship Services:

8 and 10:30 a.m.

Sunday School: 9:30

(301) 735-9373

Fax: (301) 735-1844

Rev. Timothy West, PastorRev. John B. Pinkney Assistant

ALL ARE WELCOME

Web Site: www.westphaliaum.org

WORD OF GOD

COMMUNITY CHURCH“The Church Where Everybody is Somebody and

Jesus is Lord4109 Edmonston Road Bladensburg, MD

(301) 864-3437Intercessory Prayer:Sundays - 8:30 a.m.

Church School: - 9:15 a.m.Morning Worship Celebration- 10:30 a.m.

Wed. Night Bible Study - 7:45 p.m.Elder Willie W. Duvall, Pastor

FAITH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCHRev. Dr. Michael C. Turner, Sr., Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook ~ Capitol Heights, MD 20743

301-350-2200 ~ Website: fmbc111.com

Sunday Morning Worship: 7:30 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Communion Every 1st SundaySunday School: 9:10 a.m.

Monday Bible Study: 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday Prayer & Praise Service: 7:30 p.m.

“A Church Where Preaching is Intentional; Bible Study is Essential and Singing is Empowering and Inspirational.”

UnionUnited Methodist Church

14418 Old Marlboro Pike,Upper Marlboro, MD

Church (301) 627-5088

Sunday School: (Youth/Adults) - 8:30 a.m.Sunday Worship: 10:a.m.

Rev. Dr. Michael A. H. McKinney,Pastor

Christ UnitedMethodist Church

22919 Christ Church RdAquasco, MD 20608

301/888-1316Sunday Worship Service

9:45a.m.Church School 10:00a.m.Rev Robert E. Walker, Jr.,

Pastor

‘A Bible Based, ChristCentered & Spirit Led

Congregation’6801 Sheriff Road Landover, MD

20785 (301) 773-6655Sunday Biblical Institute:

9:45 a.m.Sunday Worship:

7:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 6:00 p.m.‘WONDERFULWEDNESDAYS

WITH JESUS’:12 noon (The Power Hour) and 6:45

pm“A Time of Prayer, Praise,

Worship, & The Word”Dr. Henry P. Davis III, Pastor

www.fbhp.org

COUNTYCHURCH DIRECTORY

UNITED METHODISTCHURCH OF THE REDEEMERHEMINGWAY

MEMORIAL A.M.E.CHURCH

“Raising the StandardGod’s Way”

6330 Gateway Blvd., District Heights, MD 20747

(301) 568-9127

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.Sunday Worship:

7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Services:Pastor’s Bible Study: 7:00 p.m.

“Hour of Power”: 12:00 noon

Thursday Services:Men of War Bible Study:

7:30p.m.

Rev. Samuel E. Hayward III, Pastor

www.hemingway-ame.org

HIGHER PLACE OFPRAISE MINISTRIES

BAPTIST

BAPTIST BAPTIST

BAPTIST

First Baptist Church ofCollege Park

Welcomes You Where JesusChrist Is Lord and King

Stephen L. Wright, Sr., Pastor

5018 Lakeland RoadCollege Park, MD 20740

301-474-3995www.fbc-cp.org

Sunday School 9:30a.m.Sunday Worship 11a.m.

Holy Communion 1st SundayWednesday Bible Study 7-8p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Service 8p.m.

THE SANCTUARY ATKINGDOM SQUARE

A Congregation Seeing the Need, Seeding

Into the Future,

And Serving the Savior

9033 Central Avenue,

Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Office: (301)333-9033

www.atthesanctuary.org

Sunday Worship Celebrations

7:00am and 10:00am

Lord’s Supper

5:00pm every 1st Sunday

Sunday School Hour

9:30am-10:30am

Wednesday Prayer & Worship

7:00pm

Bible Institute Class

7:00pm - Tuesdays and Thursdays

12:00 noon - Wednesdays

Anthony G. Maclin, Pastor

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMUNITY CHURCH

UNITED METHODIST

UNITED METHODIST

Higher Place ofPraise Ministries

(Formerly Christian Tabernacle Church)

A Prophetic Voice for this Time and Season

Dr. Jacqueline McEwanElder Leander McEwan

Senior Pastors

7973 Parston DriveForestville, MD 20747

SundaysMorning Dew Prayer 9:00 am

Sunday School 9:30 am

Morning Worship Service 11:00 am

Communion Every 1st Sunday11:00 am

Call Church for Weekly Services and Classes

(301) 420-2466

A Christ Centered Church,With a Christ Centered Message

15601 Brooks Church RoadUpper Marlboro, MD 20772

(301) 888-2171

www.gbgm.umc.org/nnumce-mail:[email protected]

Adult Sunday School: 8:30 a.m.

Youth Sunday School: 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m.

Pastor: Rev. Thomas N. Austin III

NO MONEY DOWN

Free List of Properties Available

with No Downpayment.

Up to $10,000 in Closing Cost.

301.459.5040 or

www.princegeorgeshomeinfo.com

AFRICAN METHODISTEPISCOPAL

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHOF HIGHLAND PARK

GENERAL MERCHANDISE

EMPLOYMENT

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Nottingham-MyersUnited Methodist Church

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