Upcoming Events
The Town of Cottage City is perfectly located,just a stone’s throw away from America’s politics and historical events like the upcoming Presidential Inauguration. The 57th Inauguration of the President of the United States of America is this Monday, January 21st, 2012 at 11:30a.m. Chief Justice John Roberts will administer the oath of office to President Barack Obama on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Viewing the Inauguration ceremonies from the U.S. Capitol grounds requires a ticket. At the National Mall large screens will be set up for viewing the Inaugural ceremonies and swearing in and does not require tickets. The non-ticketed area of the National Mall begins at 4th Street NW, and extends towards the WashingtonMonument.
Inaugural Parade: January 21, 2012 at 8 a.m.-1500 Pennsylvania Ave NW,Washington, D.C.
During the last inauguration, Metro provided free bus service along Rhode Island to the Rhode Island Ave Metro Station; it is possible that the same service will be offered this year as well. For more info please go towmata.com/inauguration
Tips:Before getting on Metro, make sure you have loaded enough money onto each Smartrip card to cover the entire roundtrip. Peak fares will be in effect from 4am-9pm. Metro charges a $1 surcharge for each Metrorail trip taken with a paper fare card.
COTTAGECITY EVENTS CALENDER
Sunday, March 30, 2013– Easter egg Hunt (11AM-1PM)
Tuesday, August 6, 2013– National Night out (6-9PM)
Saturday August 17, 2013– CottageCity Day
(12-4PM)(Rain date for August 24, 2013)
Saturday, October 26, 2013– Halloween Party (3-5PM)
Saturday, November 16, 2013– Senior Lunch-In 1-3PM
Saturday, December 14, 2013– Breakfast with Santa (10AM-12PM)
2013 AnnualCollege and Career Preparatory Conferenceon Saturday, January 26, 2013 from 9:00 am – 3:00pm. Choosing a career path can be a challenging task for middle and high school students preparing to enter into the real world. Many Prince George’s County students will begin the process of exploring their options to ensure that they will be adequately prepared for life beyond graduation.It is towards this goal that the 2013 AnnualCollege and Career Preparatory Conference is being held.
There are over 50 scholarships available! Please go to the CottageCity website at to see the list, or pick one up at the Town Hall. In May the Town of Cottage City will be advertising the
Cottage City Scholarship Award to our residents. We strongly encouraged to them to apply.
2013 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
A word from our State Senate Representative Senator Victor Ramirez: During the session I will be working with my colleagues to balance the state budget, create jobs, create affordable housing, fund education, improve infrastructure, fund transportation, increase environmental protection, pursue alternative energy sources, continued implementation of health care reform, ethics reform, civil rights and much more. More specifically, we will be tackling some hard issues like the death penalty repeal, gas tax, off shore wind power, transportation funding and increasing minimum wage. Please let me know what you think by going to my website at
February 11, 2013 from 6-8pm Legislative District Night for District 47 will be. at the Miller Senate Office Building in the President’s ConferenceCenter (West). Please call my office to let us know if you need transportation at (301) 858-3745. We will have three buses stationed in various locations throughout the District to bring you to Annapolis and take you back.
We would like to Thank Senator Ramirez and ShabachChurch for donating Turkeys for needy families over the Holidays.
Wednesday, Feb 20th, March 20th, April 17th each from 6pm to 8pm. Free Cooking Classes by Chef Mark Haskell atColmarManorCommunity Center (3701 Lawrence Street) Please come out and get tips on preparing great dishes. You will also be able to eat what you have prepared. Please RSVP to Colmar Manor at
(301) 277-4920
Community Clean Up Days:
Saturday, March 9th Sunday, March 10th 9am-2pm
Clean out your basements, backyards or home. We will have 2 large dumpsters that will be located in the Town Hall parking lot for residents to dispose of their unwanted items. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities can call the Town Hall to obtain assistance from our Public Works Department prior to Dumpster Day. Tires are acceptable, but no construction materials or paint will be collected.
Cottage City Town Elections are being held Monday May 6th. There are 2 seats open for election. The Ward 1 Seat held by Commissioner Anna Angolia (you must live in Ward 1 to run) and the At-Large Seat held by Commissioner Demetrius Givens (you can live anywhere within CottageCity to run for this seat). Other requirements: You must be at least 21 years of age; a US citizen; and have lived in CottageCity for 1 year. You must complete an election petition 30 days prior to Election Day. If interested, please obtain a petition from the Town Hall.
Updated Town Information
Town of Cottage City Welcome Signs (not LED)
The Commission voted to adopt the slogan “United in Diversity” as our Town slogan, and it will be displayed on the Town’s three Welcome to Cottage City Signs. The color scheme you see above may be slightly altered, but this gives you an idea of what to look for. We have identified three potential sites for the signs to be erected:
1. 38th Avenue and Cottage Terrace
2. Bladensburg Road and Eastern Avenue 3. Bladensburg Roadcoming over bridge into Town
Breakfast with Santawas a huge success and we would like to thank all of those who volunteered their time to see that the children of CottageCity had a great event. We were able to provide a fresh, hot breakfast for those who attended and gifts for the children. We would like to especially thank all of our volunteers (both children and adults and Commissioners) who assisted in setting up and monitoring the events as well as clean up and a special thanks to newly hired Officer Martin, who jumped right into the holiday spirit by playing Santa and taking photos with the children.We definitely appreciate and need more of this type of assistance to continue to have successful events. Thanks again from all of the Cottage City Commissioners!
Volunteers are needed to assist in our community events such as: block parties, Cottage City Day, Town Clean Up-Day, etc. Please call the Town Hall to volunteer: (301) 779-2161.
Fire Repair Donation Update (for Ms. Brigitte Young):
A number of residents made donations to assist in the repair of resident Ms. Brigitte Young’s home after it suffered damage due to a fire in the residence next door to her. The electrical work has now been completed and the siding has been replaced. Thanks so much to all that supported our fellow resident in a time of need.
Town Cable Channel Down
The Hardware that controls the Town’s information for the Cable Cannels has failed and it is very costly to replace over $5,000. We are currently looking at other cost saving options that can tie into the cable channel and continue to provide Town information to the public. Please be patient, we hope to have it back up and running as soon as possible.
Dog Owners
We are continuing to receive a number of dog barking complaints. Please be courteous to your neighbors and bring your dog inside (day or night) to prevent complaints. The Town ordinance (Law) does address this nuisance as a $50.00 violation for the first infraction and $100 for each time afterwards. Please continue to pick up after your dog when walking them; if caught you will be cited, and there will be no warning for failure to pick up after your pet. Citizens wishing to file a complaint may contact a Cottage City Police Officer and may also contact Prince George’s County Animal Control at (301) 883 5804 M-F 9am -5pm. Dog owners are responsible for their pets.
HELPFUL INFORMATION
Anacostia Trails Historical Association ATHAhas been gracious in providing FREE 2013 calendars to the Town. Residents can come to the Town Hall and pick one up. Limit supply so first come, first serve!
Estate Planning Seminar:Learn how to get your legal house in order, why you need a Living Trust, how to set up your WILL, not to pay more than your fair share of estate taxes, keep your family out of probate court, protect yourself and your loved ones. Attorney Mike Collins holds 2 hour seminars in the MD area. There is a $30 fee with the opportunity to invite one free guest. 1-877-752-6669
Upcoming seminars held at 1:30pm and 7:00 pm in:
- SPRINGFIELD, VA: Wednesday, January 23, 2013
- GAITHERSBURG, MD:Thursday, January 24, 2013
- COLUMBIA, MD:Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Senior Legal Aid Help Line provides free legal services like drafting a will, Power of Attorney, Living Trust , Property Deed Changes, etc. to those seniors who qualify. If interested, please call 1 (800) 896-4213 ext.7750.
The Prince George’s County Senior Nutrition Programprovides meals along with recreational and educational programs. The Congregate Meal Program serves meals to seniors in a congregate setting the nearest center to Cottage City is theGwendolyn Britt
Senior Activity Center located at 4009 Wallace Row
North Brentwood, MD 20722.(301) 277-4231 The Home Delivered Meal Program provides meals to the homebound elderly, with the intent to assist the senior resident with remaining in their own home. One hot lunch meal is delivered to the senior’s door five days a week. To qualify, an individual must: be a Prince George’s County resident; be at least age 60 or older, or have a spouse that is 60 years of age or older. While the service is free, the program does ask for a $30 monthly donation to assist in covering the cost; however, it is not mandatory. If you or someone you know may be interested, please contact (301) 265 8475.
MEALS ON WHEELS PROGRAM: By providingnutritiousmeals to seniors and people who are homebound due to age ordisability, Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland supportsindependent livingand quality of life for individuals who wish to remain in their own homes. This program does ask for a small monthly donation from its recipients. It delivers once a day, Monday thru Friday, with one hot meal and one cold meal.Please call 1 (866) 558-0827 or go to more information.
CottageCityCommunityGarden Committee will be meeting at Town Hall onFebruary 2nd at 10:00am to start planning for their spring growing season. New members are encouraged to participate. Garden beds are free. Please call the Town Hall to get the date and time (301) 779-2161.
Bicycle safety tips
See and Be Seen:Whether daytime, dawn, dusk, foul weather, or at night, you need to be seen by others. Wearing white has not been shown to make you more visible. Rather, always wear neon, fluorescent, or other bright colors when cycling day or night. Also wear something that reflects light, such as reflective tape or markings, or flashing lights. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you.
Go With the Traffic Flow:Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.
Obey Traffic Laws: A bicycle is a vehicle and you are the driver. When you cycle in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
Xtreme Teens is sponsored by Prince George’s CountyParks and Recreation, and is a great program for our youth to become involved in. Xtreme Teens provides programs, classes, facilities and other fun things to do for teens ages 13-17 and pre-teens 10-12.These activities include: assisting teens in applying for financial aid for college;Mis Quince Años contest, boating, art, sports and much more. To find out more, please call (301) 446-3400 or go to: .
FYI: The Town of Cottage City has a loan program for tables and chairs for CottageCity residents when they host events at their residents. We do require a deposit which is refundable upon return of equipment. You must make reservations by contacting our Town Hall at (301) 779-2161. These tables and chairs are the older ones the Town replaced a couple of years ago, but instead of getting rid of them we opted to keep them in use for our residents as a public service.
Soccer Saturdays / Sundays
At the FebruaryTown Hallmeeting, the Town Commission will also be asked to consider adding the loan use of our soccer goal post(that we currently own, but underutilize) in hopes that our community residents will take an active role in creating some activities that can involve other residents.
Grants
Mr. Mosley, Town Grant Writer/Project Manager forCottageCityhe has gotten approvedanother grant on behalf of the Town of Cottage Citythe:
Maryland Energy Administration Grant
Are you having difficulty paying your energy bills? Does your home feel cold and drafty?
According the US Dept of Energy, “checking a home’s insulation is one of the fastest and most cost effective ways to use a whole-house approach to reduce energy waste and make the most of your energy dollars.”
Prince George’s County, Maryland, homeowners must meet income criteria and be willing to provide documentation that income is BELOW the following:
Number of people in household / Income under this amount annually / Income between these amounts and you are willing to pay 10% of the MEA cost1 / 45,180 / 45,180 and 64,000
2 / 51,600 / 51,600 and 73,100
3 / 58,080 / 58,080 and 82,300
4 / 64,500 / 64,500 and 91,400
5 / 69,660 / 69,660 and 98,700
6 / 74,820 / 74,820 and 106,000
The following make the home ineligible for this opportunity:
An energy audit completed within the last 6 months; Aggressive dogs not being safely handled; Drug use on premises; Threats to auditor; structurally inadequate; rental property; and/or other safety or issues prohibited by grant special conditions.
Nub and Tub wiring (means you can’t install attic insulation); Mold problem; water problem such as a hole in the roof or standing water in the basement; home sealed too tight resulting in the inability of fumes to escape through natural ventilation; major roof issues; major plumbing issues; or a Gas leak.
Veterans and/or Retired Homeowners will be given preference.
Please contact Stan Mosley (301)779-2161 to request that your house be considered for this opportunity.
¿Estás teniendo dificultad en pagar su factura de energía? ¿Su casa se siente fría y con corrientes de aire?
Según el Departamento de Energía de los Estado Unidos, el verificar la aislación de una casa es la manera más rápida y costo efectivo en reducir el gasto de energía y maximizar el dinero que se gaste en energía.
Propietarios de Casas en el Condado de Prince George, Maryland tienen que cumplir con el criterio de ingreso y estar dispuesto a proveer la documentación necesaria para comprobar que su ingreso es menor que lo siguiente:
Número de personas en el hogar / Ingreso anual menor de esta cantidad / ¿Si el ingreso anual está entre estas cantidades y estarás dispuesto a pagar el 10% del costo?1 / 45,180 / 45,180 and 64,000
2 / 51,600 / 51,600 and 73,100
3 / 58,080 / 58,080 and 82,300
4 / 64,500 / 64,500 and 91,400
5 / 69,660 / 69,660 and 98,700
6 / 74,820 / 74,820 and 106,000
Si su casa ha tenido una auditoria de energía, durante los últimos 6 meses. Si tiene perros agresivos, uso de drogas en la propiedad, amenazas al auditor, problemas de la estructura, propiedades de alquiler, o algún otro factor que pueda amenazar con la seguridad o condiciones especificas de la concesión.
El alambrado eléctrico en el ático está expuesto (no se puede instalar aislación), problemas de hongo o moho, problemas de agua, tales como goteras en el techo, agua en sótano o casas sin la habilidad de liberar gases naturalmente; problemas mayores en el techo, plomería o fugas de gas.
Se la dará preferencia a Veteranos y/ o a personas retirados.
Por favor comuníquese con Stan Mosley (301)779-2161 (Ingles solamente) o a su alcaldía para solicitar que su casa sea considerada para esta oportunidad.
Town Meeting Votes
December 2012
Present Commissioners: Givens, Styles, Robinson, Young, Angolia
Passed: MOU agreement to purchase Salt (for snow) from Hyattsville
Passed: Town Slogan “United in Diversity” for WelcomeTown Sign
Passed: Hire Robert Patton as Full Time Chief of Police $62,000
Passed: Hire Sara Simmons as Assistant Clerk - Admin at $17.00 hr
Passed: Hire Brittany Gabriel as Assistant Clerk - Admin Part Time at $14.00 hr
Passed: Pay Balance of $5,000 (grant funds) for Master Gardener Mark Haskell
Passed: Contract CPA Michael Lightfield to handle accounting duties $3,800.00
Passed: Sign MOU for negotiations w/other municipalities for Comcast franchise fee
January 2013
Present Commissioners: Givens, Styles, Young, AngoliaAbsent: Robinson
Passed: Purchase 40 replacement American Flags for Bladensburg Road@ $460.00
Passed: Change in policy on redlight camera citations to reflect “No Walk In Payments”
Failed:To transition Mrs. Brittany Gabriel –Adminto full-time position
Code Enforcement Concerns
Trash Pick-Up is every Tuesday and Friday (except Holidays). Recycled items are picked up every Wednesday. Bulk Trash is the last Wednesday of each Month (i.e., January 30, February 27, March 27).
Garbage Containers: Our Town ordinance requires all residents to place their garbage in containers with covered lids. We ask that you comply to avoid attracting rodents and other animals which are potential health hazards to our residents.
Indoor furniture: Please do not place indoor furniture (couches, etc) outside on your porch. This is a violation of our Town ordinance. Indoor furniture creates a place where rodents nest and they spread disease.