Thank you to our 3 volunteers for Clean Up, Green Up Day

Despite one of our lowest turnouts ever (only 3 other people participated), we still managed to plant 5 crape myrtle trees, 10 red bud trees, 50 daffodil bulbs, and pick up trash.  The trees are along Fort Washington Road between St. Andrews and the southern intersection with West Tantallon Drive.  We added one crape myrtle on the small island on St. Andrews Drive to replace the tree that had died there a few years ago. 
Thank you to Carter Ferrington (who helped me plant the trees), Jacque Akselrad, and JoAnn Davis.  And a big thank you again to Mariano Flaim, of Flaim Brothers, Inc., for picking up the trees, mulch, and bulbs from the county!  We really appreciate his help, as I would not have been able to pick up the trees myself.
Please consider helping us in the future.  It doesn't take that long, and we all enjoy the fruits of our labor.
The trees will need water, so if anyone is interested in watering them, please let me know.   We could also use some help trimming the vines off of the fences along Fort Washington Road. 

--Jamie Crist

Vote!

Which Grocery Store Has the Best Prices? (Spoiler, it's not Safeway)

(Click on the image for Susan Hogan's News4 report)

The Washington Consumers' Checkbook report is here.

What Flood Insurance Does and Does Not Cover

(Click on the image for the Consumer Reports article)

Of the millions of North and South Carolina homes damaged by recent flooding from Hurricane Florence, only about 339,000 are covered by national flood insurance, according to the most recent records of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The many victims without flood coverage will not get help from their homeowners insurance policies. Only flood insurance covers water damage caused by weather and other external forces.
It’s wise to consider buying flood insurance even if you don’t live in a flood-prone area, because flooding isn’t only caused by big storms. In fact, some 20 percent of claims through the government-run National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) are from homeowners and renters in areas considered at low or moderate risk of flooding.

Passing of Sharon L. (Passero) Crist

Dear Neighbors,
We are sad to report the passing of Sharon Crist, mother of Jamie Crist, a long-time resident of Inverness Lane and organizer of Tantallon's Clean Up-Green Up events.
Sharon died on September 21 at age 79. A visitation and funeral mass will be held in the next few days in Rochester, NY.
Please keep Jamie and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Passing of Macy Cooper West

Dear Neighbors,

We are sad to report the passing of Macy West, wife of Bob West and mother of Keith West, TCA Treasurer. Macy and Bob West are long-time residents of Surrey Circle Dr and have many neighborhood friends.

Please keep the West family in your thoughts and prayers.

From Mary's obituary (Kalas Funeral Home):

Macy Cooper West, 86, of Fort Washington, MD, passed away September 22, 2018. She was born on August 15, 1932, in North Carolina to the late John Carr Cooper and Juanita Honeycutt.

Macy valued and exemplified love of family, sweetness, kindness, generosity, and devotion to her church. She consistently put her faith into action and her faith never wavered. She had been an active member of the Oxon Hill United Methodist Church since 1963, and also served as the Lay Visitor from 1967 to 1993. She enjoyed being with her family and friends, shopping, playing bridge, attending Bible study, and going to the pool, Myrtle Beach, and the family lake house in North Carolina.

Macy is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Elmon West, to whom she was married for almost 66 years. She also leaves to mourn her beloved children Keith West and Lynn Linde (Karl), grandchildren Macy Ketcham (Jeremy), Karl Linde (Renae), Clarissa Linde, Cooper Linde (Sarah), Dietrich Linde (Carlie), Caroline Vining (Louie), and her great-grandchildren Hope Ketcham, Caleb Ketcham, Hannah Ketcham, Kylie Ketcham, Kezia Ketcham, Jayden Linde, Priya Linde, Kevon Linde, Henry Linde, and Cecilia Linde. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Ruth Honeycutt, and many nieces and nephews.

Macy was predeceased by her brothers George Cooper and J.W. Cooper, her sisters Mary Anna Bryan and Elizabeth Wade, and great-grandchildren Alvin Linde and Azzi Linde.

A Life Celebration will take place on Monday, October 1, 2018 from 5-8 pm at the GEORGE P. KALAS FUNERAL HOME, P.A., 6160 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. A Funeral Service will be on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at 11 am at the Oxon Hill United Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Interment will follow at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery. 11301 Crain Hwy, Cheltenham, MD 20623.

Donations in Macy’s memory can be made to Oxon Hill United Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745.

Tantallon Home Featured in the Washingtonian

(Click on the image for Mimi Montgomery's report in the Washingtonian)

Kristin Corrigan and her husband, Sam, moved to their Fort Washington home in 2015 after living in Capitol Hill for four years. They were drawn out of DC by what Kristin calls the “modern, quirky house,” which is located in the waterfront community Tantallon.
“It’s so peaceful here, while still being close to the city and our offices,” says Kristin. “I go for a walk every morning on the tree-lined streets winding through the golf course and check out all the other homes.”

The Conservancy of Broad Creek Invites You to Join Them

(Click on the image for our website)

Dear Conservancy Members:

On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Conservancy, I want to thank you for your support over the past year. It is because of your membership that the Conservancy is able to undertake several projects and programs aimed at improving the Broad Creek Historic District, providing continued stewardship of the Broad Creek Woods and in providing new educational lectures free to our members and the general public. I am pleased to report that the Conservancy has had great success this past year in pursuing its goals, as well as planning for the future.
The Conservancy’s Broad Creek Woods, a 72-acre forested property located across from St. John’s Episcopal Church on Livingston Road has been a continued focus of the Board of Trustees. The Conservancy received a Community Improvement Grant as well as a Prince George’s County Council Special Appropriation Grant from Councilmen Obie Patterson. Both grants were used to remove invasive bamboo and greenbrier from the property. Driving along Livingston Road, you can see that a major portion of the bamboo strand has been cut and the land treated to reduce the prospect of new bamboo sprouting. The remaining bamboo will continue to be harvested by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Further in the interior of the Broad Creek Woods, some 2 acres of greenbrier, an invasive weed with thorns, was cut and removed. The Conservancy also successfully petitioned the Maryland Highway Department to install metal guard rails along the dirt right-of-way road that is located at the corner of Old Fort Foote Road and Indian Head Highway (route 210). This new guardrail will prevent the illegal dumping to trash that has existed for years to be stopped.
With these initiatives completed, the Conservancy can start the work to create a public educational trail through the Broad Creek Woods. The goal of this proposed trail is to provide identification and information about the various trees and plants on the property. It will also offer information on the conservation of wooded areas.
The Conservancy also presented two lectures during this membership year, one in the Fall of 2017 and one in the Spring of 2018. Jennifer Stabler, the County’s archaeologist with the Historic Preservation office, gave a lecture on the historic cemeteries in Prince George’s County. This event took place on September 16, 2017 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. A tour of the historic St. John’s cemetery followed the lecture, along with a reception.
The spring lecture was entitled, “To Do Right and Overcome: Reflections on Some Prince George’s County Women.” It was held in Bayne Hall at St. John’s Episcopal Church on June 9, 2018. The Speakers were Dr. Rita Robinson and Dr. Leigh Ryan. Rita Robinson focused on County members in the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame, while storyteller Rita Robinson followed the life of a county slave. Following the lecture was a reception.
As with most Conservancy events, these two lectures were free to members and the general public. It is a continuing theme of the Conservancy to offer these educational lectures on elements of Prince George’s history. They were made possible through the membership dues of the Conservancy.
It is hoped that another educational experience can be offered by the Conservancy this coming fall. It will be an Educational Treasure Hunt for kids as well as parents. The game will feature historic sites and landmarks in our southwestern part of the County. More information on this upcoming event will be announced later this year.
As has been said in years past, in order for the Conservancy of Broad Creek to be at all effective and credible, it needs the support of its members. Having a growing and caring membership allows the Conservancy to stand tall and be respected when it speaks and engages with others. Knowing that there is a community of support behind it, gives strength to the Conservancy to pursue its mission and goals.
I truly hope that all of you will continue to be members of the Conservancy, and will ask your friends and family members to join and support the Conservancy of Broad Creek as well. If you have already renewed your membership, I truly thank you. If you have not, please consider renewing your membership today.  [Membership application here]
Again, thank you for all of your past support to this non-profit organization.
Sincerely,
Michael S. Leventhal, President, Board of Trustees

Fort Washington Clippers Youth Lacrosse featured on Fox 5 News

(Click on the image for the Fox5 report)

From Clippers founder Arthur Cutler: "Our 3rd-4th grade Championship Team also received the Hometown Team Award. Members of this team reside in Fort Washington, Brandywine, Accokeek and Clinton. This was a great and proud moment for our first year program and the Fort Washington/ South County community."
If you know of any young men in grades Kindergarten through 7th grade who are interested, email fortwashingtonlacrosse@gmail.com

Champion Tree Tour

(Click on the image to register)

Join us for the Prince George's County Champion Tree Tour and learn about outstanding trees that stood witness to our nation's history. This bus tour will take you through a tour of notable trees in Southern Prince George's County.

Locally Grown Food Sources

Click on the image for the Washington Consumers' Checkbook article)

There are many local- and organic-focused markets and suppliers in the area. Their sheer number—and the fact that what’s in season or in stock constantly changes—make it impossible for us to make meaningful comparisons of their prices and quality.
Fortunately, however, nonprofit LocalHarvest.org at least makes it easy to find them by maintaining a searchable online database of farmers’ markets, CSAs, farm stands, pick-your-own farms, food co-ops and groceries, and restaurants.
LocalHarvest.org doesn’t check the bona fides of listed suppliers, and since some businesses make dubious claims, we recommend doing a bit of homework before buying. But the website does offer excellent advice on how to choose providers of locally grown and organic food, along with questions to ask suppliers.

‘Like the Wild West’: Prince George’s continues to fight abandoned cars, litter

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

• For decades, residents in Prince George’s have bemoaned litter in the county. For just as long, officials have tried to do something about it.
• Incoming County Council member Jolene Ivey said litter and illegal dumping were two of the issues raised most often when she was door-knocking this campaign season.
  “People want to live in a place that makes them feel proud, and it’s hard to feel that way if you’re surrounded by litter and nasty old mattresses and couches.”
• Adam Ortiz, director of the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment, said although he recognizes that improvements could be made in enforcement, county workers and community groups “are picking up more trash than we ever have before.”
• But the county can do only so much, said Tiaa Rutherford, Prince George’s litter reduction program manager. There are 11 county employees charged with removing litter for the jurisdiction of nearly 1 million people, Rutherford said.
  “It’s not possible for us to do it all ourselves as the government,” Rutherford said. “Nor should that be our job. . . . We need community engagement.”

Farewell to DPW&T Director Darrell Mobley

Now former DPW&T Director Darrell Mobley and now Acting DPW&T Director Gwen Clerkley (Photo courtesy of ENPPhotography)

Quieter skies - Aircraft Noise Bother You? Here's What You Can Do

(Click on the image for Lori Aratani's Washington Post report)

Thanks to John Mitchell, Moyaone Reserve:

• There is an important proposed amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Act, sponsored by MD Senators Cardin and Van Hollen, to seek greater dispersion of flights to avoid having them come over the a swath of the same residences every 90 seconds. The FAA Reauthorization bill has passed the house, and awaiting Senate action. Now is the time to contact the ranking Senators on the Senate Transportation Committee, asking for passage of the Markey/Warren/Cardin/Van Hollen Overflight Dispersion Restoration Amendment to the FAA Budget Reauthorization Bill. (See the Fair Skies Nation message at https://mailchi.mp/3503222f1410/take-action-for-fair-air-traffic-today-takes-only-a-minute-372555?e=93218c8141 for details.)
• The draft amendment seeks dispersion of flights and increase in arrival altitudes. For your reading pleasure: https://fairskiesnation.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/draft-faa-amendment-0618.pdf

See: "DC residents angry about airplane noise ponder next stop"
Click here for the online Reagan National aircraft noise complaint form.

Public Campaign Financing

• CB-004-2018, a bill to establish a Fair Election Fund to provide public campaign financing for a candidate for a County elective office, is being considered by the Prince George's County Council. Video of an informative briefing on public campaign financing is here starting at 22 minutes in.
• Related, is a Prince George's County Central Democratic Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 89 (2905 Old Largo Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772), at 6:30 PM, to discuss making a public statement regarding unofficial "official" ballots (AKA, slates). They will be taking testimony from the public. If you wish to testify/or submit testimony, please send an email to the chair at: Cheryl.Landis@verizon.net.

Harmony Hall and Fort Washington Happenings

Happening at Harmony Hall:

Aug 25 (Sat.), 12:45 PM	Talks with the National Park Service held on the Harmony Hall grounds. Come visit and learn the important history of this house and property to this area. Free
Oct 6 (Sat.) 12-3 PM	Silesia Citizens Foundation and the National Park Service are looking for Volunteers to help us clean the Harmony Hall grounds. Bring your rakes, boots, gloves, bug spray, and clothing for yard work etc. We appreciate your help in spreading the word. Please respond if you can volunteer. (Rain date is the following Saturday, Oct 13)
Oct 24 (Wed.) 7:30-9 PM	Lecture and Power Point from Dir. of Archaeology Luke Pecoraro of Mt. Vernon. He is here to talk about the history of our area and George Washington's connection to Harmony Hall. This same lecture was held at St. John's Church of Broad Creek with great attendance and appreciation.

Happening at Fort Washington Fort:

Sep 29 (Sat.) 10 AM-4 PM

Good Neighbor Day: Held in the Fort at Fort Washington. Join our friends and Partners as we welcome you to Fort Washington Park. There will be displays, exhibits and talks from various groups on a wide variety of subjects. Fee Free Day.

If you have questions or need more information please call Carol Tilch, Silesia Citizens Foundation, 301-292-3148

DPIE Launches Administrative Hearing Process to Streamline Adjudication of Code Enforcement Violations

August 15, 2018
The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) has started a new program to reduce the time it takes for property standards citations to be adjudicated. The Administrative Hearing Process will allow hearing officers to adjudicate citations issued for properties in violation of Prince George’s County code, instead of waiting for courts to hear the cases.

Dozens of times each day in Prince George’s County, codes and property standards are violated, leaving homeowners and business leaders frustrated. The current process takes as long as nine months from the time a complaint is received to the time the respondent appears in District Court for a final disposition. The Administrative Hearing Process was created in response to legislation passed by the County Council in 2017 – CB-64-2017.

“The objective is to streamline the process,” said Adjudications Administrator Eric Wardford. “Currently, it takes too long to get these cases into court. This process will exponentially speed up the time it takes to adjudicate these matters.”

The process will be implemented in stages, with certain jurisdictions targeted for the first phase, which began August 1 with DPIE property standards inspectors issuing citations in those areas. The process will be operational County-wide by early 2019. The first hearings will be held in September 2018.

The hearing officers are trained attorneys who have the power to issue summonses, notices and default orders for noncompliance. They will handle complaints about unlicensed vehicles; debris; tall grass and weeds; commercial vehicles on residential property; and other property standards issues.

“This new Administrative Hearing Process will benefit our citizens, neighborhoods and businesses and offers the County a powerful tool that will resolve property standard issues much more expeditiously,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III.

Citizens with complaints about code violations should call 311 to make their initial report. [or use CountyClick] The calls will be forwarded to DPIE. Citations will be issued to the property owner, who can request a hearing within 30 days of the issuance of a citation. The hearings will be held within 30 days of a request.

Testimony and evidence will be presented at the hearings. The hearing officer will issue a decision within five days. If the respondent is held liable, civil and monetary fines can be assessed and the respondent will be ordered to abate the violation.
Parties aggrieved by the decision have the right to request reconsideration by the adjudications administrator. The administrator’s decisions can be appealed to the Prince George’s County Nuisance Abatement Board. That board’s decisions can be appealed to the Prince George’s Circuit Court.

Wardford, the adjudications administrator, is an attorney who previously served as a hearing examiner with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles and the D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services (DYRS).

The hearings will take place at DPIE headquarters, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Suite 500, in Largo.

Are Your Investment and Retirement Accounts Protected?

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

Bank robbers used to target banks because that’s where the money is.
But the real money these days is someplace else: Individual investors hold far more assets in stocks, mutual funds, and retirement accounts than they do in bank and credit union checking and savings accounts.

Weighing the costs and need for long-term care insurance

(Click on the image for Nina Mitchell's report on WTOP)

According to Fidelity, the average couple retiring today at age 65 can expect to pay $280,000 in health care costs assuming lifespans of 87 for a man and 89 for a woman. However, this estimate does not include the cost of long-term care, such as home health aides or assisted living.

Summary of Genworth’s median annual 2017 long-term care costs are below:

• Adult Day Care (5 days/week)              $18,200
• Assisted Living (one-bedroom)             $45,000
• Homemaker Services (44 hours/week) $47,934
• In-Home Health Aide (44 hours/week) $49,192
• Nursing Home (semi-private room)      $85,775
• Nursing Home (private room)               $97,455

Take precautions against mosquitoes to prevent West Nile and other mosquito-borne diseases.

Prince George’s County Confirms its First Human West Nile Virus Case of 2018

LARGO, MD – The Prince George’s County Health Department has confirmed the county’s first and locally acquired human case of the West Nile virus of the 2018 season. It’s reported the person showed symptoms last month. Lab results later identified the West Nile virus as the cause. The person is currently under medical care.
In 2017, there were six reported cases of the West Nile virus in Maryland with no fatalities. None of the reported cases were in Prince George’s County. The county works with the state to routinely track and respond to mosquito-borne infections.
The West Nile virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus cannot be transmitted from one person to another or from birds to people. The virus affects the nervous system. Most individuals infected with West Nile will not have any symptoms, however some people may experience:

• Body Aches
• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea
• Rash
• Swollen Lymph Glands
• Vomiting

While West Nile is the most common virus spread by mosquitoes in the United States, bites from an infected Aedes species of mosquitoes spread the Zika virus, as well as dengue and chikungunya viruses.
The Prince George’s County Health Department reminds residents to follow the three D’s to keep mosquitoes away:

• Drain: Standing water attracts mosquitoes. Empty out any outside water containers near your home at least once per week
• Dress: Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Defend: Properly apply an EPA-registered repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR 3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus.

Watch Justin Finch's News4 report, "How to Protect Yourself From Mosquitoes"