Wind power!

Time	Tuesday, September 13 · 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location	Joe's Movement Emporium 3309 Bunker Hill Rd. Mount Rainier, Maryland 20712

 

Free clean energy info session hosted by Joe's Movement Emporium
www.joesmovement.org

Joe's Movement Emporium is proud to be 100% wind powered...
AND YOU HOME CAN BE TOO!

When you sign-up for wind power through Clean Currents and mention Joe's, $25 will be donated to support the 11th Annual Sweeping the Avenue!

Come to Joe's Movement Emporium to learn about how easy and affordable it is to make the switch. Bring your utility bill so you can sign-up on the spot. You'll receive a free "Get Plugged In" Tshirt and a contribution will be made to Sweeping the Avenue.

Free refreshments too!

Learn more at: www.cleancurrents.com
Call: 301-754-0430 ext. 3
Email: gogreen@cleancurrents.com

News and upcoming events

NEWS

Election results
Jimmy Tarlau won another four-year term representing Ward 1 on the city council with 96 votes and no opponent. Bill Updike, who was serving Ward 1 on the city council by appointment, won a two-year term with 91 votes and no opponent. In Ward 2 attorney Brent Bolin defeated physician Adrienne Charles 112-46 for the open seat left by Council Member and former Mayor Brian Knedler's decision to not run. I can only calculate the voter turnout approximately, but it was south of 3 percent and perhaps closer to 2 percent. See the Gazette's take.

Have you "liked" Glut on Facebook yet? Also on Facebook: Joe's Movement Emporium, St. John's, Mount Rainier Historic District, Mount Rainier Farmers Market, and the Mount Rainier community page which so far is just a compilation of our blog posts but could be a lot more!

The first Thursday of every month Gateway CDC shows a free art-related movie. Yesterday's was Orson Welles' F for Fake. Next month: something else fantastic. 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood.

It looks like actor Jay Baruchel is in talks to write a screenplay called The Exorcism Diaries. Will this be yet another exorcist story set in Mount Rainier, or will Cottage City start getting its due? "[The] tale centers on a reporter searching for the truth behind the most famous exorcism in history, but soon discovers that the real-life story is not quite finished. As a result, she finds herself in harm’s way of the same supernatural entity that she is chasing."

Mount Rainier is getting money for trees! We're already one of the greenest DC-area neighborhoods but we'll be getting even greener.

Every Saturday from 1-4 p.m., 4001 33rd. St.: "Mt. Rainier Christian Church is hosting Inspired Teens, for ages 12-17, beginning Saturday, April 30, and continuing for every Saturday after that, from 1-4PM.  We will have video games with 5 TVs, pool, ping pong, air hockey, foosball, board/card games, arts/crafts, discussion about issues teens face, and homework help/tutoring.  Bring your student ID with you, and a parent/guardian must come with each teenager the first time they attend, to fill out forms and see the program.  We are a Christian Church, but this program is open to youth of all backgrounds, and we will not pressure anyone with our beliefs. We are also having a dance on May 7 and a talent show on May 21, and hope youth can attend those as well.  Call Pastor Brian Adams at 301-864-3869 with any questions or to let us know you are attending. We hope to see you soon!"


EVENTS

Saturday May 7 
1-3 p.m.
Free Workshop: How Square Foot Gardening Can Help You Live Like a “Locavore”
When: Saturday, May 7, 1 pm to 3 pm
Where: Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park, MD 20740

3:30 p.m.
Take a free three-hour bike cruise to look for local wild-growing edibles, then take the haul to Rhose Island Reds to eat a local salad. Meet with your bikes at the Mount Rainier Bike CoOp, 3601 Bunker Hill Rd.

7 p.m.
Time Leaves Us These Bones
"An evening of dance and theater includes "Fossil," a work for 5 dancers and 2 musicians, that explores the memories that emanate from objects and stories that we hold dear. The program also includes a new work from the participants in the Joe's Learning Center. A rich in movement, music and story performance that you won't want to miss." 3309 Bunker Hill Road


Wednesday May 11
10am-12pm
Toddler Time at Art Works Studio will be held Wednesday instead of Friday because of preparations for the Spring Art Show (see May 14). 3711 Rhode Island Avenue

Friday May 13
7:30 p.m.
Mount Rainier originals Emma's Revolution in concert at Joe's Movement Emporium. 3309 Bunker Hill Road
Watch a video of "Swimming to the Other Side": For tickets (going fast): https://joesmovement.secure.force.com/ticket

Saturday May 14
12-5 p.m.
7th Annual Gateway Open Studio Tour
"Get up close and personal with legions of local artists in their studios and see the work of this intensely creative community. Free shuttle bus transportation is available along the Route 1 / Rhode Island Avenue corridor to help get you to all the venues on the tour OR ... drive, walk, bike your way along this self guided tour. Maps and more information available at www.gatewaycdc.org and www.gatewayopenstudios.com in advance of the tour, or at the Gateway Arts Center on the day of the tour."

2-4 p.m.
Spring Art Show at Art Works Studio, 3711 Rhode Island Avenue.

8 p.m.
Nano
Quest Visual Theater, based in Prince George's County, MD is internationally recognized for its innovative work in visual theatre and its leadership in welcoming people from diverse backgrounds. "Nano," under the direction of Drew Richardson, explores the use of nanotechnology and its impact on our world and lives. The work incorporates digital media, masks, and movement into a surreal exploration of the nano world.
Joe's Movement Emporium 3309 Bunker Hill Road

Mount Rainier roundup

Tomorrow, April 28: celebrate City Council Member Brian Knedler's 14 years of service to Mount Rainier. Unfortunately he is not running for reelection. Star-Potts Hall 3405 Rhode Island Ave. from 6-9 p.m. There will be a roast and refreshments.

DC Urban Turf and other sites reported on MRIS's inclusion of Mount Rainier in its list of DC's top 10 green neighborhoods. Props to the city government for caring and especially City Council Member Brian Knedler's service on the Tree Commission and continuing interest in improving Mount Rainier! Also on Giltterazzi.

I went to the city council candidates forum last week. My impression is that all the candidates are sincerely dedicated to civic involvement and making Mount Rainier an even better place to live. Their answers to audience questions were generally thoughtful and well-considered. I will upload some pictures soon. In the meantime, if you didn't go, then before you vote on May 2 check out part 1 and part 2.And for Gazette Q&As with all the candidates, click here.

Don't know where to buy Serviceberry trees that are pretty to look at and great food for the wildlife? Think they're too expensive for a person of modest means such as yourself? Problems solved: here and here.

Mount Rainier Bike Co-op, 3601 Bunkerhill Rd.: Free flat tire clinic tomorrow April 28 from 7-8:30 p.m. "At this class we will learn to remove our rear wheel and practice removing and replacing the tire and tube."
Also,
"We are looking for enthusiastic supporters to help staff the bike coop so that more people can access it. Do consider becoming a member of the space, and helping to keep it open."

Save the frogs party! Friday, April 29 at Art Works School Studio, 3711 Rhode Island Ave. from 7-10 p.m. "Savethefrogs.com holds an annual international art/poster competition and Art Works Studio School is providing the opportunity for our neighbors and friends to join us in saving the frogs through a brief educational program, fun frog music, frog-happy foods, poster making activities, and OF COURSE...a game of LEAP FROG!!!" It's all free.

And, as always, check out what's going on at Joe's Movement Emporium. They have activities for all ages.

What's Going On?

Now - Prince George's Pool is accepting membership applications for the 2011 season. Join by 5:25 p.m. on 5 April to get $25 off. If you prefer to apply via hard copy instead of online, click here.

Now - As a resident of Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, or Pennsylvania, you can choose your electric supplier. Clean Currents is the region's leading, independent green energy company providing electricity sourced from clean wind power. The electricity that powers your house will still be delivered through the grid, so there is no installation of equipment and no change to the dependability of service at your home. Write "Gateway Arts District" in the space that says "Where did you hear about us?" so that the local nonprofit gets a $10 sign-up bonus.

30 March - 17 April - Active Cultures presents The Resurrectionist King at Joe's Movement Emporium. "This play explores the life of a man unlike any other in DC’s past - the true story of Vigo Jansen, a grave robber who became a local legend. Jansen robbed local cemeteries to get cadavers for DC’s medical schools and scientists. Hounded by the police, but loved by the press, he became a folk hero to DC residents. Set during a 24-hour period in 1884, the play follows Jansen’s disastrous attempt to create a stage play about his grave-robbing career. Written by Stephen Spotswood, winner of the Mark Twain Award for comedy, The Resurrectionist King is an amusing backstage drama about life, death and the theft of our earthly remains." 3309 Bunker Hill Rd.

30 Mar, 6 April, 13 April - The city council would like a committee of local artists and a business owner to present three designs for a painting of the intersection of 34th and Bunker Hill, and to present a plan of execution and maintenance. Meetings to process designs, and narrow them down to 3 that council will select from, are happening every Wednesday until the 4/15 council meeting. Anyone in Mount Rainier can bring a design to the table. A committee of artists will refine them into the final three. Rawberry Ranch, 4115 31st St., 9-10 p.m. For more information call Mike, 240-461-7026.

2 April - Marvin Gaye Day bike tour! Meet at Mt. Rainier Bike CoOp, 3601 Bunker Hill Rd., 11 am. A fun and free bike tour through DC this coming Saturday, a beautiful spring day, will feature spots relevant to Marvin Gaye's young life growing up here.

21 May - Mount Rainier's Farmers Market will be open from 10 am-2 pm at One Municipal Place. We will have tea, organic fruits and vegetables, coffee, Indian food, meat, eggs, a bakery, cheese and barbeque, cooking demonstrations and music, to start. You can "like" the market on Facebook.

City Councilmember Jimmy Tarlau's Ward [1] Report

I bumped into Councilmember Tarlau at ZZ Pizza the other day and he mentioned that I could use items from his regular Jimmy's Ward Report e-mail for this blog. Although it is aimed at Ward 1 residents the Report will interest anyone living in Mount Rainier. I would link to it if it were online, but as far as I know it's not. And because all the items are essential, here is the whole thing. Thanks, Jimmy! And if you want me to link to your report in the future instead of posting the whole thing just give me the URL.

Neighborhood Watch Activities– As a result of the recent rash of burglaries, a new neighborhood watch organization has been formed in our City. Over 35 people came to a Neighborhood Watch meeting on February 27th. The meeting was organized by Rick Ruggles and John Campanile. On Sunday March 13th they led over 20 residents in a neighborhood walk through the center part of Mount Rainier. Their next walk is scheduled for Sunday April 10th . They plan on doing these walks the second Sunday of every month. They are looking for block captains to help out in different parts of the city. If you are interested in participating, send me an e-mail and I’ll forward it on to John and Rick.

John Campanile also has an engraver that you can use to id valuables (electronics, bikes, cameras, et al) using your driver's license number. The deterrent: Pawn shops will not accept id'd items. If you would like to borrow the engraver , email me John at jbelltower@yahoo.com .

Senator Ramirez Submits State Bond Bill to Help with Civic Center – State Senator Victor Ramirez introduced in the MD State Legislature a bond bill that would give the city $250,000 to complete the detailed architectural drawings for the Civic Center planned at the current City Hall, the Eastern Starr Building and the library. Council members Knedler, Updike, and Thompson went to Annapolis last Saturday (March 12th) to testify in support of the bill. We do not know yet if it will pass in its entirety or the amount will be reduced.

Council Begins Budget Deliberations – On Tuesday March 1st the Council received a presentation from the City Manager and City Treasurer on next year’s proposed budget. Because of the cut-back of $200,000 in State Highway User Fees and the bond payment for the properties purchased by the City over the last few years, it has been proposed that the City take close to $400,000 out of its reserves to maintain its operations and not have to increase taxes. We will be continuing the discussions on March 24th and April 5th and there will be a public hearing on the budget on April 19th. I am basically in support of the transfer of the money out of the reserves. There is right now $1.6 million in the reserves and there will still be $1.2 million after the transfer. The reserves are being depleted and in the next two years we will need to get a developer to purchase the properties on Rhode Island Avenue or we will have to make some hard decisions on operations cut-backs or an increased revenue stream. You can see the whole budget presentation on our City web-site: (http://mrtv.pegcentral.com/player.php?video=ec7db10fa37366938e34d2b64a72e3a8 )

Spotlight Café Space – We were all saddened to see the close of the Spotlight Café. The owners were community minded and we were hopeful that it would succeed. Unfortunately they did not get the business they needed. The good news is that the City Manager reported that three potential tenants are interested in the spot and are in discussions with Artspace, the owners of the building. I’m crossing my fingers that we’ll get a well-run coffee place in the spot.

RFP Proposals for Downtown Properties – We were disappointed that no developer submitted a proposal by the March 11th deadline to develop the former Bass Liquor/Funeral Home lot. We know there still are people interested in investing in the City and we have a meeting planned with our consultant to discuss why we received no bids and to see if the RFP can be re-worked to be more attractive to potential developers.

Vacant Buildings – The City is aggressively going after abandoned property but it is a long and difficult process to get the owners to pay the fines. The City has requested $27,000 in property tax liens for failure of property owners to register vacant buildings.

Mount Rainier Day – May 21st - Save the Date

Better Block Project Coming on Saturday April 9th – 34th Street between Bunker Hill and Rhode Island Ave. Check it out!

Discussions on Noise Problems at Skate Park Continue – The City met with representatives of park and planning to discuss the continuing noise problems for the neighbors of the Skate Park at Otis and Wells Avenues. Park and Planning has budgeted $150,000 for park improvements and proposed an 8 foot sound barrier on two sides of the park but it is unclear whether that will actually improve the situation. The Council is considering all alternatives: restricting the hours, possibly turning it into a pump track (you can check it out on you-tube – it’s a bicycle track), a community garden, the proposed sound barrier, demolish the park, or keep it the way it is and improve the upper part of the park). The discussions will continue.

Revenue from Speed Cameras Decreasing which Means They are Working – The City has seen a dramatic decline in the revenue from the speed camera on Rhode Island Avenue. I do not consider this a bad development. It means that the speed cameras are working and people are slowing down. I do not believe that fines and fees should be used as a revenue generator but as a means to change behavior.

Electronic Recycling Set for April 19th - The next scheduled electronic recycling event is scheduled for Saturday April 16, 2011 between the hours of 9 AM to 1 PM. Bring stuff down to public works on Wells Avenue.

Singer Building – Resident Jack Priestly came to our Council meeting and discussed his plans for rehabilitating the Singer Building (on the corner of 33rd Street and Rhode Island Avenue). He has a working partnership with the owner, Mr. Butler. We wish him a good luck in getting financing for the project.

New Welcome Packets – The City Hall staff has developed a packet of materials for new residents. If you are new to the City and would like a ‘Welcome Packet’ please let me know and I will get you one.

City Works On Plan for Going Green – Mayor Miles has taken the initiative of developing a Mount Rainier Plan for Going Green. The plan is now being discussed with the City’s Environmental Protection Board. The Council had a first reading of an ordinance that mandates that the City look at “green” solutions for all infrastructure problems. The ordinance calls for preserving open space, promoting ‘green streets’ as a strategy for transforming the City’s transportation infrastructure, and encouraging even more recycling. This will be a main City priority over the next few years.