December 2008

As we look forward to celebrating the Holiday Season with our families and friends, I write to update you on some things happening in District 4 and throughout Prince George’s County.  I hope you find this information helpful.  Please continue to contact my office at (301)952-3094 or by email at bkmadison@co.pg.md.us if I may be of assistance.

I wish each and every one of you a safe and happy holiday season.  May 2009 bring peace and happiness to all.

Sincerely,
Ingrid M. Turner

District 4 Showcase Events

	Council member Ingrid Turner present a proclamation to Betty Sonneveldt of Greenbelt, MD for her work with the Literacy Council.
Council Member Ingrid Turner presents a proclamation to Barbara and Vail Clemmence and the FISH, Inc. group for their volunteer work providing transportation to the senior community from the Bowie area and vicinity.
	Council Member Ingrid Turner, along with Council Member Camille Exum, attend the Dedication Ceremony for the Outdoor Building of the Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, MD.
Council Member Ingrid Turner presents a check for $2,500 to Kimberley Wiemann, Director of the Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Fund.

News You Can Use

Prince George’s County Schools To Close For Presidential Inauguration

The Prince George’s County Board of Education has unanimously approved a resolution to close the County’s Public Schools and offices for Inauguration Day on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 without extending the school year.

More Funds Available To Help With Your Winter Energy Bills

Recently approved federal legislation increases the average assistance amount for participants of the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) from $355.00 to $550.00 per family in 2009.  The Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs administers MEAP for the state.  Maryland customers seeking help should call their local office for details and assistance at 301-909-6300.

Help Preserve our Historic Places in Prince George’s County!
The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission is hosting a series of initial public meetings on updating the Prince George’s County Historic Sites and Districts Plan.  Please attend one of the meetings to learn more about the plan to share your ideas.  Light refreshments will be provided.  For more information, contact Chris Wilson at (301) 952-3680 or visit http://www.mncppc.org/preservationplan.

Maryland Community Services Locator (MDCSL)
The Maryland Community Services Locator is pleased to announce that it has launched a NEW directory of job readiness/adult education service in Maryland. Please visit the website www.mdcsl.org for more information.

Tulip Grove Teacher Receives Milken Educator Award

Shannon Landefeld, a fourth grade teacher at Tulip Grove Elementary in Bowie, Maryland, received the prestigious Milken Educator Award.  The award is given to only two outstanding State of Maryland teachers annually.  Ms. Landefeld was recognized for her effective teaching style and rapport with her students and her excellence in teaching.  She was presented with a $25,000.00 award and an all expense paid trip to attend a national education conference in Los Angeles, California.

Bowie Senior Chorale To Present A Soulful Celebration

On Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 1:00 pm the Bowie Senior Chorale will present its “Soulful Celebration”.  This event will take place at the Bowie Senior Center located at 14900 Health Center Drive, Bowie, MD.  They will be accepting non-perishable items for the Bowie Food Pantry at this performance.   They will also perform on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 7:30 pm at the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts.  It is a free event, however tickets are needed for admittance.  They can be obtained at the Bowie Senior Center by calling
301-809-2300.

Eleanor Roosevelt High School Presents A Winter Band Concert

The Eleanor Roosevelt High School presents its Band and Orchestra Winter Concert on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7:30 pm.  The concert is free and open to the public.  For more information, please call 301-513-5400.

New Deal Café To Host Art Reception

The New Deal Café of Greenbelt, Maryland invites all to an art reception on Sunday, December 7, 2008 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm.  View the two shows hanging in the café and also meet the artists.  For more information, please call 301-474-5642.     

Bowie Business Incubator

The City of Bowie invites local entrepreneurs and small/home-based business owners to attend a special briefing for peer networking on Friday, December 5, 2008 at Bowie City Hall located at 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, MD from 7:30 am until 9:30 am.  For registration and more information, please call Guillermo Sohnlein 703-346-3041 or at Guillermo.sohnlein@angletec.com .

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Bowie:  On December 7, 2008 at 7:00 pm  Santa arrives at City Hall by fire truck for the holiday tree lighting festivities.  Enjoy caroling, a visit with Santa and entertainment.  View schedule of events at: http://www.cityofbowie.org/special_events/tree_lighting_program.pdf.

Greenbelt: On Friday, December 5, 2008 at 7:00pm, the tree lighting and opening ceremony will be held on the Community Center Front Lawn and all pages are welcome for FREE. View the schedule of events at:
http://www.greenbeltmd.gov/recreation/FestivalofLights2008.pdf.

On Sunday, December 7, 2008 at 7:00pm the Greenbelt East Tree Lighting will take place at the Greenbriar Community Building.  It is open to all ages for FREE.  Enjoy carols and hot chocolate.  For more Information please call 301.441.109

Saturday Fun with Santa

Bowie: On December 13, 2008 from 10:00 am-noon at the Bowie Gymnasium, come have “Saturday Fun with Santa”. This celebration for children ages 10 and under includes a moon bounce, games, refreshments, door prizes, contests and pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Admission is $2 or free with an unwrapped new toy for the Toys for Tots drive.  Call 301-809-2388 for more information.

Greenbelt: On Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 8:00am to 11:00 am, have a   Pancake Breakfast with Santa at the Greenbelt American Legion Post #136.  The event is open to all ages.  For pictures with Santa bring your own camera. Adult admission is $7.00, and children 12 & under are FREE. For more Information please call Linda Varda / 301.474.8964

Toys For Tots

The Bowie Police Department is having its first annual Marine Toys for Tots drive. Please support them by bringing in new unwrapped toys by December 22, 2008. Drop boxes are located inside the Police Department and at the front of City Hall located at 2614 Kenhill Drive, Bowie, MD  20715. All donations will go to needy families in the Bowie area. For more information, please contact Officer Henderson of the Bowie Police Department at 301-575-2480.

Holiday House Decorating Contest

Is the outside of your home all dressed up for the holidays?  If so, then consider entering the City of Bowie Holiday House Decorating Contest.  There are three categories - colonial, religious, and traditional - and there are cash prizes for the top winners.  The deadline for judging consideration is Monday, December 8th at 5 p.m.  Contestants must complete the Decorating Contest Form which can be found at http://www.cityofbowie.org/news/Events/house_decorating_contest.pdf.

 Help for Needy Families

Bowie is teaming up with the Bowie Baysox for Louie's Holiday Hope Project to help needy families. Visit the Baysox website for details at www.baysox.com.  The deadline is Friday, December 5th.

“Fulfilling the Dream” Art Contest

To celebrate and teach about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the City of Bowie is sponsoring a visual arts contest. The contest is open to all students (kindergarten – 12th grade) who live within the City limits of Bowie or who attend a school in Bowie.  There is a coloring contest for kindergartners through second graders, a poster contest for third through fifth graders, and a photography contest for sixth through twelfth graders.  The contest deadline is Thursday, January 8.  Details may be found at www.cityofbowie.org/committees/diversity/mlk.asp.

Holiday Safety Tips

The Bowie Police Department has prepared a brochure full of tips for keeping safe during the holidays.  It is available at City facilities and can be viewed at http://www.cityofbowie.org/Police/Holiday_safety_brochure.pdf.

If you would like to be included in our future E-News mailing or hard copy newsletters, please forward your name, address, and email to LCFerguson@co.pg.md.us.   Please pass this information on to other concerned citizens.  Remember, as a team working together, much can be accomplished.

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Season’s Greetings!

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