Tree Care Services

(Click on the image for the Washington Consumers' Checkbook report)

"Our ratings of area tree care services will help you find professionals who provide sound advice and high-quality work. But before hiring any company, obtain competitive bids from several. For tree removal jobs, we found big price differences—from $1,675 to $4,250 on one job for which a Checkbook undercover shopper got prices from tree care services.
It’s pretty easy to collect proposals from companies. Typically, you don’t have to be home when bidders are looking at the job—but do include a thorough description of the work in a written contract that specifies who cleans up afterward, hauls away debris and wood, and removes the stump. What is not specified in writing is very unlikely to get done.
Also, check whether a company’s liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance are currently in effect. Ask to see certificates of insurance, and call the company’s insurance carrier to verify. This is a serious concern because high-powered equipment, heavy branches and trunks, lofty heights, and proximity to power lines make tree work dangerous."
[Checkbook advice is free to access. Access to their ratings requires a subscription but libraries carry the publication.]

Md. bill would loosen restrictions on donations for Prince George’s candidates

(Click on the image for Rachel Chason's Washington Post Report)

"The bill being pushed in the General Assembly would repeal statutes prohibiting developers with pending projects in Prince George’s from donating to county executives or slates including them."

dereck.davis@house.state.md.us

Tantallon is represented in Annapolis by:
veronica.turner@house.state.md.us
kris.valderrama@house.state.md.us
jay.walker@house.state.md.us
obie.patterson@senate.state.md.us

Passing of Richard (Dick) Krueger

(Click on Dick's picture for his obituary on the Kalas website)

From Dick's son, Jay:
"As many of you may already know, Dick has been struggling to recover since falling and breaking his hip on November 30th. Early January 15, he passed peacefully in his sleep in the hospital after having been surrounded by family. While saddened by his passing, the family is comforted in our belief that he is in a better place and has joined his wife and our beloved mother.
The funeral will be Friday, January 25 at Kalas Funeral Home in Oxon Hill. Viewing will be at 10 AM with a service following at 11 AM and eulogy and reception afterwards. A formal announcement will follow.
Thank you for the thoughts, prayers and support."

It's hard to believe that Dick is no longer with us after giving so much of his 90 years to the betterment of Tantallon and Prince George's County. We can't forget the years he spent keeping our country safe. A friend to so many of us, he will be sorely missed.
For those who did not know Dick, among many of his significant and unique accomplishments is the District VII Police Station that he spent over 20 years fighting for. There are many others like that.
Ron
Dick's passing was noted during the January 15, 2019 meeting of the County Council. Got to 3:55 of the county video.

Federal Government Shutdown Assistance

(Click on the image for a link to the County links to Federal assistance)

Thanks to Del. Walker for this information:

• Visit www.PGCPS.org for information on free lunch for students.
• Visit www.MNCPPC.org for information on free childcare and free usage of the facilities.
• Late fess will be waived for utility payments and/or no shut off notices issued.  Please visit your utility company website for information and/or to ensure you qualify.
• Navy Federal Credit Union and Bank of America have some available assistance.  Please contact a local branch for details.
• Check your local churches and food pantries for assistance. 

Update on Livingston Square Shopping Center Site Development

Thanks to Indian Head Highway Area Action Council (IHHAAC) President Sarah Cavitt:

Hello Ms. Cavitt – thank you for your inquiry into the status of the redevelopment of the Giant Store at Livingston Square.  We have made significant progress over the past few months, and received conceptual site plan approval from the County a few weeks ago.  We are currently in the process of finalizing our entitlements for final site plan approval from the County, as well as the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) and the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District.  From there, we will be able to apply for our building permit for the redevelopment of the Giant store.
While it is our hope to break ground in early- to mid-2019, the exact timing depends on the receipt of our final approvals from the above-referenced organizations.  We thank you, along with our other neighbors, for your continued patience with this process.
Best regards, Ben Hoskins