How One Neighborhood Uses Security Cameras to Reduce Crime

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"Some time ago we had an serious incident in our neighborhood that was beyond the usual burglaries and car theft, it was so serious that the Neighborhood came together in a number of meetings to discuss how we could build on the existing Neighborhood Watch Program that we were members of to achieve higher security. There was a strong feeling that something should be done and a feeling of coming together."

CountyClick Performance

(click on the image for the report)

This 2012 study by The Simmons Acres HOA looked at 29 requests for service made from Aug 31st-Dec 31st. The average time to close requests was 46.5 days and one request took 118 days to close.
While a new version of CountyClick is promised for release this summer, many of this report's recommendations relate to the county agencies, their leaders, and their employees, the engine behind CountyClick.

Victimization During Household Burglary

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After you read this report, take steps to protect your home and family. See "12 cheap, effective ways to defend your home against burglaries and home invasions"

Limited Time Special Maryland Mortgage Plan Rates for Military Personnel, Veterans and Disabled Veterans

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Say No to Gangs

Hybrid Technology Training (Free!)

Think Before You Click (Microsoft)

(Click on the image for the article - it is safe!)

According to the latest cybersecurity report from Microsoft, “deceptive downloads” were the top threat for 95 percent of the 110 countries surveyed.
Deceptive downloads are legitimate downloadable programs (usually free) such as software, games, or music that cybercriminals bundle with malicious items.
For example, you might receive a file in email or through social networking, but when you try to open it you see a message that says you don’t have the right software to open it. You do a search online and come across a free software download that claims it can help you open the file. You download that software, but you unknowingly might also be downloading malicious software (also known as “malware”) with it. This malware might have the ability to access personal information on your computer or use your computer for cybercrime.

Homemade stink bug traps better than store-bought (WTOP)

"Warmer weather will bring out stink bugs from cooler hiding places. To get rid of them, researchers at Virginia Tech found homemade stink bug traps work better than store-bought traps. 

A pan of soapy water under a desk lamp attracts and kills 14 times more stink bugs than commercially produced traps that can cost as much as $50, the study finds. The study was conducted in 16 houses over two years."

The full article is here and a short video clip is here.

Audio Clips from Recent County Council Briefings

County Council, Transportation, Housing, and Environment Committee, April 30, Briefer: Dr. Haitham A. Hijazi, Director, DPIE

• Problem Businesses
• Home Defects
• DPIE-MGM
• Foreclosure

Prince George's County Council, Tuesday, April 29, 2014, Briefers: Gwendolyn T. Clerkley, Associate Director, DPW&T, Susan Hubbard, Public Information Officer, DPIE, Thomas Fountain, Assistant District Engineer, SHA

• Strategies for addressing the County's litter and illegal signs problem along State and County roads (This audio clip is focused on the remarks about signs).

Right Tree, Right Place Program

(click on the above image for the briefing)

This program was briefed at the April 24th TCA meeting. 290 Bradford pear trees were identified for replacement in Tantallon. If we have the consensus of the community, TCA will request replacement of these trees at no cost to homeowners. Trees will be replaced during the dormant months. Trees identified by homeowners to be spared from replacement will not be removed.

Please let us know if you are in favor of or opposed to this program.

District VII Police Station Construction Timeline

Provided by County Office of Central Services, as of April 22, 2014

The Coming Plague of Pears (GardenWeb)

(click on the image for the complete article)

"The Cinderella story of the Bradford pear ended once it was discovered that these trees begin to fall apart when they reach an age of about twenty years, right at the pinnacle of their landscape glory. The very narrow crotch angles of the erect and plentiful branches are weak, and a gusty thunderstorm or a coating of wet snow or ice will bring the branches crashing down."

Package Theft Caught on Security Camera (WJLA)

(click on the image to see the story)

"This is what it looked like outside Adrian Dungan's basement apartment last Friday afternoon, when his camera captured two suspects rifling through a box that had just been delivered to his door."

The $10 part that will make your door lock safer

(click on the image for the Consumer Reports article)

"All an intruder has to do is aim a well-placed kick at the door to gain entry. This flaw in otherwise well-designed locks is central to our door-lock tests."

Tantallon History by Ed Carlstead

(click on the image for Ed's History)

The Tantallon Citizens Association (TCA) was founded in October, 1965. It was founded as a volunteer community association. As such, it differs from a so-called Homeowners Association with mandatory annual dues from all landowners. The original TCA founders were Judge Sam DeBlasis, Elmo Denton and BGen. William D. Elbert. On October 28, 1965, the Tantallon Citizens Association was incorporated as a non profit organization under the laws of the State of Maryland.

Freedom Farmers Market (next to Harmony Hall)

(click on image for more information)

In order to operate a Market for this year we need:
We need you to spread the word, if you are interested in being a Farmer, Vendor, Artist, or Market Manager or you or your organization would like to volunteer, contact us. We ask that you send this notice to civic groups, churches, community organizations, your neighbor and family members. Call friends tell a neighbor or make an announcement in a meeting you attend. Based on your response we will make the decision to host the Market again for our 4th year. The decision will be based on the results of the emails/calls we receive. We need to decide by April 18, 2014.

Tree Donuts, Not Tree Volcanoes

(click on the image for the brochure) 

Mike McGrath says, to turn volcanoes into donuts, "get a standard hoe and gently pull back the mulch from one of the poor trees until it's six inches away from the trunk. Then spread it out so it's no deeper than two inches. It can go out as far as you like."

Flow of MGM National Harbor $ to Prince George's County (Draft)

Unofficial Draft

Bee Fire Safe

(click on the image above to register online)

Pearls and Diamonds Gala Revue: 30 Years of TCP

(click on image for TCP Website)

We've decided to celebrate our 30th anniversary by drawing on our wealth of accumulated experience, inviting back old faces and welcoming new ones in a weekend-long showcase of the greatest moments in TCP's musical history. Featuring numbers from The Mikado (our first production) to The Wiz (our latest) and, yes, even Annie, the Pearls and Diamonds Gala Revue has a little bit of everything that makes TCP great. Come relive old memories, make new ones, and above all, celebrate with us! Happy 30 years!
May 30, 31, & June 1; Friday and Saturday at 8:00, Sunday at 3:00; Harmony Hall Regional Center.