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Vol. 81, No. 2 January 10 — January 16 2013 Prince George’s County, Maryland Newspaper of Record Phone: 301-627-0900 25 cents General Assembly Prepares For Legislative Session Casino Taxes, Death Penalty, Gun Control and Budget are Some of the Current Issues to be Discussed Revenue By JULIE BAUGHMAN cliff discussions in Washington threat - the most important issues in 2013 tion has been, generally speaking, will - Capital News Service ening to dramatically affect taxes and would be the proposed increase in gas ing to do that and vote for that. But it's the economy, plans for the 2013 session taxes to generate funding for transporta - more controversial in other areas of the Often Short ANNAPOLIS - An increase in gas in Maryland may be severely altered tion projects. state," Dumais said. "But I understand taxes, a repeal of the death penalty and depending on the outcome. "We have to somehow address trans - when you're in a rural area and you have a renewed discussion of liability for pit Maryland has a huge public sector portation funding," Dumais said. to drive farther just for groceries … it is of Promises bull owners are some of the issues cur - workforce, and is home to a multitude Dumais said that she, along with the sort of a different equation for a rural Pro-Gambling Groups rently on the table for Maryland's 2013 of government agencies and military rest of the Montgomery County delega - community than for a community like legislative session. operations. Any cutbacks in govern - tion, has supported raising taxes on gas, Rockville." Advertisements Pushed In addition, the recent shootings at ment spending or closure of govern - even if just by one penny, in order to Delegate Kathy Afzali, R-Frederick, Allowing Slot Machines Sandy Hook Elementary School in ment agencies would dramatically hurt generate desperately needed revenue. represents a county with many rural Newtown, Conn., have prompted Gov. the state. However, she thinks a bill proposing a communities like those Dumais By AISHA AZHAR Martin O'Malley and others to promise Delegate Kathleen Dumais, D- statewide raise would face challenges described, and is adamantly against any Capital News Service gun control legislation in the upcoming Montgomery, the vice chair of the because of the disparity between rural session. House Judiciary Committee, said that and urban areas. COLLEGE PARK -- When However, with the ongoing fiscal See ASSEMBLY, Page A 3 should the fiscal cliff be avoided, one of The "Montgomery County delega - Florida’s pro-gambling groups launched a series of advertise - ments pushing voters to allow slot Table Games machines in 2004, they claimed gambling would rake in $500 mil - Bring More lion for state schools annually. In reality, those slot machines have generated roughly $600 mil - Jobs Than Slots lion in total for the state over six years -- only 20 percent of what By KELSI LOOS was promised. Capital News Service Casinos have expanded across the country over the last two WASHINGTON - The imple - decades, as cash-strapped states mentation of table games and 24- have looked for new sources of hour gaming in Maryland will cre - revenue to plug their budget holes. ate employment opportunities, but Before 1989, only two states competition from Horseshoe allowed casinos in the modern era Casino in Baltimore and the pro - -- New Jersey and Nevada. posed casino at the National Since then, lawmakers in 20 Harbor will likely affect the labor other states have approved casinos, market geographically, according betting on the promise of high to experts. returns to fund public programs Maryland voters approved a like education or to cut taxes. But referendum last November in many of those states, the actual expanding gaming in Maryland. It payoff has been lower than what allowed for a new casino in Prince supporters initially promised, a George's County, the operation of CAPITAL NEWS SERVICE PHOTO BY DANA AMIHERE Capital News Service review of Morales, 39, and Costello, 30, aren’t unique. About 29,000 same-sex couples in the U.S. include a foreign partner, table games in Maryland, and 24- nationwide casino expansion according to UCLA researchers Gary Gates and Craig Konnoth’s 2011 analysis of census data. hour gambling. found. “Tables create jobs, they create “The fact is that revenue projec - a whole heck of a lot more jobs tions and benefits to the state are than slot machines,” said Frank Binational Same-Sex Couples widely exaggerated as a PR mech - Fantini of Fantini Research, a anism,” said Prof. John Kindt, a gaming industry e-daily. researcher at University of Illinois. Each 24-hour table will employ Maryland voters approved about five dealers and additional Still Seek Immigration Equality Question 7 in November, which staff such as supervisors and allowed casinos to stay open for 24 money handlers, Fantini said. By DANA AMIHERE tion. Morales’ mother is in the natural - only recognizes heterosexual mar - hours and added table games. It Gov. Martin O’Malley released Capital News Service ization process herself, her brother riages, bars same-sex couples for all also authorized the construction of a statement estimating that an can’t sponsor her by law, she doesn’t federal purposes, including filing a Maryland’s sixth casino in Prince additional 2,300 jobs would result POTOMAC - Maryland’s same-sex have any children and there’s a backlog joint tax return, Social Security sur - George’s county. from the gaming expansion. couples may have won the right to for nurses in immigration. vivors’ benefits and obtaining a green Supporters of casino expansion Pennsylvania introduced 624 marry on Election Day, but binational “As thrilled as we are and see it in a card. in Maryland billed it as a much- table games in July 2010 which couples like Kelly Costello and Fabiola positive light that we’re moving on the Morales, 39, and Costello, 30, aren’t needed boost for the state’s educa - led to 3,649 new hires the first Morales continue to fight to have their right path,” Costello said, “I think it’s unique. About 29,000 same-sex couples tion sector. Some advertisements year. By June 2012, 5,480 people unions recognized. important for people to realize that the in the U.S. include a foreign partner, claimed it would add around $200 had been hired to administer the Immigration law permits one’s par - state can’t give us that critical benefit of according to UCLA researchers Gary million annually to the education games, said Richard McGarvey ent, spouse or child to petition for a being able to sponsor a spouse (for nat - Gates and Craig Konnoth’s 2011 analy - fund. spokesman for the Pennsylvania move to the United States. uralization as a U.S. citizen). DOMA Gaming Control Board. However, a sponsor has to be a per - blocks that.” Maryland Live!, the state’s manent U.S. resident to make the peti - The Defense of Marriage Act, which See COUPLES, Page A 7 See PROMISES , Page A 5 largest casino, employs 1,500 and plans to hire 1,200 more people with the implementation of table games and 24-hour gaming, DC, Virginia Continue to Spurn Gaming, As Casino Numbers Explode according to a company press release. By CHRIS LEYDEN from the nation's capital and the Old considers himself one of the more pro- gaming in Maryland, West Virginia and The casino will add 150 table Capital News Service Dominion state. gaming members of the council. Delaware affect the District. Although games including blackjack, craps While both Virginia and D.C. have D.C. Councilman Jack Evans agreed Evans said the bill will likely expire at and roulette and plans to be open WASHINGTON – With casino legalized some forms of gambling in the with Brown, and noted that not only the end of the year and not be reintro - 24-hours starting on Dec. 26. approvals expanding down the East past (both have lotteries and the District would the City Council have to pass leg - duced, he could see a benefit to a casino Fantini confirmed that 1,200 Coast into the Mid-Atlantic, two juris - recently legalized online gaming before islation, but it would need approval from across the Potomac River in National new jobs would be a reasonable dictions remain resistant to their finan - repealing the law) neither has, nor is the U.S. Congress. Harbor. estimate for a casino installing cial allure – D.C. and Virginia – and expected to have, an actual casino. "Generally there is a lot of opposition "I think actually a National Harbor 150 table games. that's not likely to change anytime soon. "There's always been an attitude that in Congress to gambling in the nation's casino would be helpful to the city. You Hollywood Casino in Maryland's sixth casino, expected to the nation's capital should not have a capital, and among the residents, as well, know it brings people to the region that Perryville is also implementing 15 be built in National Harbor, would only bricks-and-mortar casino," said D.C. in the District," said Evans. might not come otherwise," said Evans. be about a mile from the borders of both Councilman Michael A. Brown. Brown, Evans, along with D.C. Councilman Virginia and the District of Columbia. who visits casinos himself and intro - Marion Barry, introduced a bill in See JOBS, Page A 3 It's expected to draw many customers duced the online gaming legislation, September that was meant to study how See EXPLODE, Page A 7

INSIDE

Super Storm Recovery Help The National Urban League Climate Change Construction Movie Review “Les Misérables ” Earth Talk Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and As 2012 closes, reflect on some of Gov. O’Malley signed an initiative to When it became his privilege to Dear EarthTalk: Ben Cardin announced Senate pas - the major triumphs and tragedies of increase the State’s long term resilien - direct the movie version of the Les sage of the Super-Storm Sandy the past year. The National Urban cy to storm related flooding and sea Misérables stage musical that has Is it true that asthma cases in chil - Supplemental Appropriations Bill, League’s number one priority was our level rise. He signed the Climate enthralled the world for more than a dren often correlate to living close which includes provisions that would “Occupy the Vote” campaign, devot - Change and Coast Smart Construction quarter-century, Tom Hooper made to roads and all the associated pol - provide additional support to states ed to defeating the onslaught of voter Executive Order, directing that all new one crucial decision. Instead of lution-spewing traffic? that continue struggle in recovering ID laws and other tactics designed to and reconstructed state structures, be recording the songs in advance and from the devastating storm. The suppress voter turnout. By all indica - planned and constructed to avoid or having the actors lip-sync, Hooper -- Jake Locklear, Senate passed the bill. (died in House) tions, our effort was successful. minimize future flood damage. had them sing live. San Diego, CA Community , Page A3 Opinion, Page A4 Business, Page A5 Out on the Town, Page A6 Features, Page A7 A2 — January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post Towns and N eighborS In and Around Morningside-Skyline by Mary McHale 301 735 3451 Neighborhood Events Garner family celebrates Witczak, longtime mother of Sheila Vaughan, Christmas baby Morningsider, who died Oct. Robert Gaither Jr., Mary Ellen Groups Petition Van Hollen, Hoyer-Cut On Christmas Day, shortly 23. I listed two surviving Bayne and the late Edward M. after 1 a.m., a baby girl was daughters, but there were three: Gaither; sister of Catherine born into the Garner family, a Mary Lou Entwisle, Helen Kay Rourke, Robert Connor, the late Pentagon, Not Soc. Sec., Medicare... grandchild Harry Garner Jr. had Emanuel and Martha Ann Edward Ryan, Paul Ryan and been looking forward to with Mencer. I also listed Jeff D. Albert Connor; grandmother of great anticipation. Sadly, he Needham as her son; he is actu - five and great-grandmother of died Nov. 21 in Little River, ally a grandson who was most - four. Mass of Christian Burial S.C. ly raised by Emma. Sorry, was at St. Philip’s with burial at Harry was the son of Harry Emma. Resurrection Cemetery. Sr., and Ruth Garner, founding In last week’s column I mis - Anna R. Coley, 80, a residents of Morningside, and spelled the name of Serena Suitland activist for 30 years part of a large contingent of rel - Holmes (I had “Selena”), the before moving to Florida in atives who made their home in Suitland High student who won 1998, died Dec. 22 in Morningside. He married first place by inventing Stanley, Washington. Her husband of Nancy Justice and they lived in a life-size octopus, for a contest 58 years, Walter Coley, died Waldorf before moving to using recycled materials to cre - exactly two months ago, on South Carolina. ate artistic sculptures. Oct. 22. The couple was active They became parents of Thank you to those who call in community recreation activi - three sons and daughter Kelly, or email when I make a mis - ties and is pictured in a large the only daughter born in their take. I hope you will continue montage above the gymnasium family—until December 25 to try and keep me honest. door at the Suitland Progressive Maryland, wasteful Pentagon spending, Kenneth Turner – B.A. when Baby Emma arrived, Morningside memories Community Center. Survivors community allies end the year, excessive CEO pay, and pro - Fine Arts - Football weighing just over eight On January 23, 1945, a include daughters Pamela deliver petitions to Reps. grams even the military hasn't pounds. group of Morningsiders met to Coley of Suitland and Sandra Hoyer, Van Hollen urging, asked for. Increasingly experts Former Student-Athletes Emma is the daughter of organize the Ladies Auxiliary Keaton of Ellicott City, and son "Stand up for the middle class and even the heads of many Receiving Masters Tom and Kelly Eno and the to the Morningside Volunteer Walter jr. of Clinton, three - cut Pentagon waste, not military contractors agree John Corey Stevens – M.A. 12th grandchild of Harry and Fire Department. The grandchildren, a brother and Social Security, Medicare and Pentagon spending can and Organizational Nancy Garner. She is a won - Auxiliary started with 18 char - five sisters. Services were at Medicaid" must be reduced significant - Communication – Men’s derful Christmas gift for the ter members, but by 1963—50 Pope Funeral Home in As two of the highest rank - ly." Find links to the petitions, Basketball entire Garner family. years ago—the membership Forestville. ing members of Congress, background and photos, which Apologies and corrections numbered 50 and Edythe Neale Phillip K. Buler, a member each is key in the budget nego - Progressive Maryland grants Mikulski, Cornyn I’m writing this column on was president. Other officers of the Fort Myer and Silver Hill tiations blanket permission to publish Announce Passage of Bill December 30, and feel oblig - were Audrey Holmes, vice fire departments, died in his A dozen members of and print, at: to Rename Provision That ed—before the New Year president; Helen Ditmars, trea - sleep early the morning of Nov. Progressive Maryland, and http://ProgressiveMaryland Leveled Retirement arrives—to correct some of surer; Jeanne West, recording 22 while on an annual hunting other Maryland veterans, labor .org http://signon.org/sign/tell- Savings Playing Field what I’ve written over the past secretary; Beverley Phillips, trip with friends in West and peace groups marked the rep-van-hollen- few weeks. I want to start 2013 corresponding secretary; Joyce Virginia. change to the new year by cut?source=c.url&r_by=6648 Senators Championed with a clean slate. Alley, membership chairman; Milestones delivering petitions to 980 http://signon.org/sign/tell- Hutchison Legislation in The most egregious item I and Jean Davis, canteen chair - Happy birthday to Jennifer Maryland’s two highest-rank - rep-hoyer-cut- 1996 to Allow Stay-at-Home ran was a note about the death man. Jung, proprietor of GI Liquors, ing members of the US House pentagon?source=c.url&r_by Spouses to Make Equal, of my neighbor Lucy Brewer. May they rest in peace J.B. Thomas and Christa Neale, with 500 signatures from con - =6648980 Fully Deductible Well, she didn’t die. One per - Mary Ryan Gaither, 90, Jan. 4; Ariel Thomas, Sarah cerned Marylanders. The peti - Contributions to Retirement son called to say she’d called known for her great wedding Vilky and Terry Foster, Jan. 6; tions demand that Congress Fifteen Student-Athletes IRAs Lucy’s home and Lucy and dozen-roses cakes, died Stephen Sarandos, Jan. 7; Eva make real cuts to Pentagon Earn Degrees in December answered the phone. Another Dec. 18. She was a longtime Hugings and Charles Boxley, waste, end tax cuts on the Commencement WASHINGTON – U.S. reported that Lucy had sent her resident of Auth Village and a Jan. 8. wealthiest, and fully protect (BOWIE, Md.) Fifteen cur - Senators Barbara A. a Christmas card. I don’t know founding member of St. Happy anniversary to my Social Security, Medicare, rent and former student-ath - Mikulski (D-Md.) and John where I got the bad informa - Philip’s Parish where she had son John and Michelle McHale, Medicaid, and other programs letes were among Bowie State Cornyn (R-Texas) tion, and I apologize. Glad served on the Parish Hall their 13th on Jan. 4; Diane and vital to the middle class. University graduates who announced Senate passage of you’re still with us, Lucy! Committee. She was the widow Steve Zirkle, Jan. 9; and David Petitions were delivered New received degrees in the 2012 their bill to rename legisla - I ran an obit for Emma of the late Robert F. Gaither Sr., and Lori Williams, Jan. 9. Year's Eve to Rep. Chris Van Fall Commencement – Friday, tion championed by Senator Hollen, Ranking Member of December 21st in BSU's A.C. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R- the House Budget Committee Jordan Arena. “It is always a Texas) to allow working The Tax Agreement: A Victory for at his Rockville office, and to proud moment to see our stu - spouses and homemakers to Rep. Steny Hoyer, House dent-athletes cross the stage contribute the same amount Middle-Class Families & the Economy Democratic/ Minority Whip in and receive their diplomas. We to their IRA savings as the At this make or break · Permanent extension ness incentives: The agreement Greenbelt Friday. Both are key understand all of the hard ‘Kay Bailey Hutchison moment for the middle class, of the middle class tax cuts: extends tax relief for businesses participants in Congress's bud - work, dedication, and sacrifice Spousal IRA.’ Senator the President achieved a bipar - This will provide certainty for through the end of next year. get negotiations. The petitions that goes into reaching this Hutchison spearheaded the tisan solution that keeps income 114 million households includ - This means extending the urged each to ensure any deal pinnacle in their lives. We effort after she was sworn-in taxes low for the middle class ing lower tax rates, an expand - Production Tax Credit, a key "Cut the waste at the wish them nothing but the best to the Senate in 1993 with and grows the economy. For the ed Child Tax Credit, and mar - incentive for renewable energy Pentagon, and strengthen, not and I know they leave us the support of Senator first time in 20 years, Congress riage penalty relief—steps that that many Republicans had cut Social Security, Medicare, understanding that once a Mikulski, and saw the legis - will have acted on a bipartisan together will prevent the typical been trying to end, as well as and Medicaid. In addressing Bulldog, always a Bulldog”, lation signed into law as part basis to vote for significant new family of four from seeing a the Research & this fiscal crisis, you must said Athletic Director Anton of the Small Business Job revenue. This means million - $2,200 tax increase next year. Experimentation tax credit. In fight for the needs of Goff. Protection Act of 1996. aires and billionaires will pay In addition, it includes a perma - addition, the agreement extends their fair share to reduce the nent Alternative Minimum Tax 50 percent bonus depreciation, Maryland’s middle class fami - “It’s fitting that we recog - deficit through a combination (AMT) fix. a cost-effective temporary mea - lies, not defense contractors Current Student-Athletes nize Senator Hutchison for of permanent tax rate increases sure to support investment and getting rich off of the bloated Ramono Flowers – B.S. her long-standing and stead - and reduced tax benefits. And · Most progressive growth. All of these would be Pentagon budget." "Key to Business Administration – fast advocacy for women,” this agreement ensures that we income tax code in decades: By extended through the end of resolving the fiscal crisis, Football Senator Mikulski said. “Her can continue to make invest - raising income tax rates on the 2013. Congress must cut wasteful Shayla Davis – B.S. commitment to this legisla - ments in education, clean ener - wealthiest and keeping taxes Pentagon spending," Sociology – Women’s Track tion and to the women of gy, and manufacturing that cre - low for the middle class, the · Fixes the SGR (“doc Progressive Maryland's direc - America reflects the values ate jobs and strengthen the mid - agreement will ensure we have fix”) with no cuts to the tor, Kate Planco Waybright, Former Student-Athletes of our nation. It rewards the most progressive income Affordable Care Act or to bene - dle class. spoke for participants at Van Joffrey Alcidor – B.S. good parenting and families tax code in decades. ficiaries: The agreement avoids In 2011, the President cut a 27 percent cut to reimburse - Hollen's office. "It is out of Sociology – Men’s Track and recognizes that not all spending. In 2012, he kept his · Extension of ments for doctors seeing control and defense contractor Ashley Bordonaro – B.S. work is done in the market - promise of asking the wealthi - Emergency Unemployment Medicare patients for 2013 by CEOs couldn’t be happier. Early Childhood/Special place. Moms and dads who est 2 percent of Americans to Insurance benefits for 2 million fixing the sustainable growth Even though the Iraq War is Education – Women’s are struggling to do the right pay more while protecting 98 people: The agreement will pre - rate formula through the end of over, and the draw down in Bowling thing for their family should - percent of families and 97 per - vent 2 million people from los - next year (the “doc fix”). The Afghanistan continues, con - Darren Clark – B.S. n’t be penalized for staying cent of small businesses from ing UI benefits in January by President stood firm against tractor CEOs making up to Communications – Men’s at home. By amending this any income tax increase—rais - extending emergency unem - Republican proposals to pay for 26,000,000 million a year are Basketball provision in our tax code, ing $620 billion in revenue. As ployment insurance benefits for this fix with cuts to the lobbying their friends on Joel Ellerbe – B.S. women and families across one year. we move forward to address Affordable Care Act or the ben - Capitol Hill to protect their Communications – Football America will know that our ongoing fiscal challenges, eficiaries. exorbitant corporate salaries Andrew Engel – B.S. they’re benefitting from the both spending cuts and continu - · Extension of tax cuts ing to ask the wealthy to do a for 25 million working families · Postpones the and profits, all at the expense Sports Management – Men’s Kay Bailey Hutchison little more will be part of a bal - and students: The deal extends sequester for two months, paid of middle class and military Basketball Spousal IRA.” anced approach. President Obama’s expansions for with $1 of revenue for every families. Enough is enough. Troy Gibson – B.S. Child “I’m pleased to support of the Child Tax Credit, Earned $1 of spending, with the spend - CUT THE PENTAGON and Adolescent Studies - this legislation to honor It is critical for our economy Income Tax Credit, and the ing balanced between defense WASTE and strengthen, not Football Senator Hutchison for her and future generations that we President’s new American and domestic: The agreement cut Social Security, Medicare, Alyce Harrell – B.A. Fine important efforts to help reduce the deficit. We cannot Opportunity Tax Credit, which saves $24 billion, half in rev - Medicaid, and other real and Arts – Women’s Track moms and dads who work keep racking up this debt on our helps families pay for college. enue and half from spending pressing needs!" Bethesda Kyle Moore – B.S. full-time caring for their chil - The President fought hard to kids. And the President looks cuts which are divided equally Army veteran and former fed - Business Administration - dren at home plan for their forward to working with extend these credits, overcom - between defense and nonde - eral staffer Charles Casper Football future,” Senator Cornyn said. Republicans to reduce the ing Republican insistence that fense, in order to delay the deficit in a balanced and bipar - income taxes go up by an aver - sequester for two months. This urged "evaluate every pro - Clifford Pigford – B.S. “As she retires from the tisan way.v Permanently age of $1,000 for 25 million will give Congress time to work gram on its merits and guaran - Communications – Football Senate, Sen. Hutchison will extends the middle-class tax working families and students. on a balanced plan to end the tee both our national security Devin Richards – B.S. be remembered for this and cuts and also extends credits for The agreement would extend sequester permanently through and vital domestic programs Business Administration – countless other contributions working families, with addi - them for five years. a combination of additional that returning vets and work - Men’s Track that have improved the lives tional measures to protect fami - ing families must rely on. But Teaunsha Robinson – B.S. of working Texans and lies and promote economic · Extension of renew - we don’t benefit from an Business Administration – Americans across the coun - growth. able energy incentives, the open-ended commitment to Women’s Basketball try.” R&E tax credit and other busi - See AGREEMENT, Page A 6 January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post —A3 CommuNiTy

Practical Money Skills Mikulski, Cardin Announce Passage of Bill that Includes By Jason Alderman Aid to Communities Recovering from Super-Storm Sandy By PRESS OFFICER help restore infrastructure and Helping the 'Unbanked' Get Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s Office house and help restore lives. During this Season of Light, I will Affordable Financial Services WASHINGTON – U.S. continue to fight to restore the According to a recent survey Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and light in some of our hardest hit by the Federal Deposit Ben Cardin (both D-Md.) communities,” Senator Mikulski Insurance Corp. and the U.S. announced Senate passage of the said. Census Bureau, 17 million Super-Storm Sandy “Marylanders who have been American adults now live in Supplemental Appropriations devastated by Hurricane Sandy "unbanked" households, while Bill, which includes provisions need more help. After a natural another 51 million are consid - that would provide additional disaster, the federal government ered "underbanked." In other support to states like Maryland has an obligation to step in and words, over 28 percent of that continue struggle in recover - help local governments where PHOTO BY JAY BAKER households either have no tradi - ing from the devastating storm. they feel the damage is just too U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Ben Cardin tional checking or savings The Senate passed the bill by a great to handle alone. Now is the accounts (unbanked); or their basic financial needs aren't being met vote of 61 to 33. time for the Federal Government help local municipalities with example, has an unemployment by their bank or credit union so they also rely on alternative lenders “It’s is long past time that to act as a true partner. We are all operating expenses; support for rate of 9.4 percent. While residents like check-cashing services or payday loans (underbanked). communities in Maryland and in this together,” said Senator the Army Corps of Engineers to suffered severe damage, 68 per - There have always been millions of Americans who are either across the nation get the resources Cardin. “With greater flexibility repair and rebuild coastal com - cent lack adequate insurance. This unable to – or choose not to – conduct their financial transactions and support from their govern - for FEMA and HUD, and provid - munities; and an expansion of the flexibility would allow FEMA to through a bank. Common reasons cited include: ment they need to get back on ing resources where they are Community Development Block take into account the economic Don't have enough money to need an account. track,” said Senator Mikulski, needed most, this bill will provide Grant (CDBG) to help restore ability of communities to recover Don't write enough checks to justify monthly fees and minimum Chairwoman of the Maryland and other affected infrastructure and housing. and provide those who need it balance requirements – just buy money orders when needed. Appropriations Committee. “The states the tools our communities Senators Mikulski and Cardin most with individual assistance to Lack of proper identification. clock is ticking. We’ve got busi - need to rebuild and get back to a fought to ensure Maryland is eligi - rebuild their homes and their lives. Denied accounts due to bad banking track record. nesses that need to restart. We state of normalcy. It also looks ble to receive CDBG grants for Team Maryland has been vigi - Language barriers. have homes that need to be ahead to the next storm, helping storm-related recovery activities. lant in seeking disaster assistance Bad previous banking experience or lack of trust in banking rebuilt. The TV cameras have left, to mitigate future damage with The legislation provides HUD since Sandy hit the Atlantic coast institutions. but the compelling human need proven initiatives that will save greater flexibility in determining in October. Big retailers and other alternative financial services providers has not. lives and property.” what CDBG grants can pay for so With the full support and back - have rushed to fill the void for customers who can't – or won't – use “This critical legislation pro - The Super-Storm Sandy families can get the help they need ing of Team Maryland, FEMA banks or credit card issuers. For example, Bankrate.com lists dozens vides resources to those who need Supplemental Appropriations bill most. reversed its initial denial of of prepaid cards that offer many of the same functionalities as regu - it most. I fought hard to ensure provides well-tailored resources The Supplemental bill also pro - Individual Disaster Assistance for lar credit or debit cards, including direct deposit, online purchases this bill gives our federal agencies to communities in Maryland and vides FEMA Administrator Craig Somerset County, approving this and bill pay, ATM access, etc. Other businesses provide such varied greater flexibility in providing aid states across the nation in need. It Fugate with greater flexibility to assistance, which provides critical services as check-cashing, money orders, wire transfers, and payday, to those hardest hit. It also ensures provides immediate resources for weigh economic factors when housing assistance and disaster- pawn shop or car-title loans. Maryland will be eligible to FEMA Disaster Relief to support determining eligibility for related support for families and However, charges for these services can quickly add up. After receive Community response and recovery; Individual Disaster Assistance. individuals coping with the imme - you've paid a fee to cash your paycheck and bought money orders to Development Block Grants to Community Disaster Loans to Somerset County, Maryland, for diate aftermath of the storm. pay your monthly bills, you probably will have spent far more than the $5 to $15 a month a regular checking account typically costs. Jobs from A 1 consultant, agreed that longer from Virginia and may have to reduce staff to save Although monthly checking and savings account fees at large hours and table games would Washington,” Woinski said. costs. Woinski said that banks have risen, you still may be able to find free or low-cost to 20 table games and plans to create more, better-paying jobs, He said that Hollywood Horseshoe Casino and the accounts at banks and credit unions. To find competitive bank offer around-the-clock gam - but he warned that the new casi - Casino and Ocean Downs are National Harbor casino could account rates, visit www.bankrate.com/checking.aspx. To find a bling on weekends. They expect no locations in Baltimore and likely to be the most affected by hire dealers from other casinos credit union for which you might be eligible, use the Credit Union to add up to 100 employees. National Harbor will cannibal - the increased competition should they be forced to cut staff. Locator at www.ncua.gov. Ocean Downs is considering ize the business of the others, because their revenues have He said that it is likely to be a High fees aside, there's also a safety risk factor to being adding table games. leading to lower tax revenues been dropping. wash in terms of number unbanked. Carrying or storing cash at home tempts robbers; also, Fantini said that table games for the state. The Baltimore Business employed directly by the casi - money can easily be destroyed in a fire or other natural disaster. will not only increase the “This is what happens when Journal reported that nos. Plus, money deposited in FDIC-insured banks is insured up to amount of available jobs, but the state does not think logical - Hollywood Casino Perryville “When you add in construc - $250,000 per account (similar insurance is available to credit union will likely increase tips the ly when it gives out licenses,” profits dropped 40.5 percent tion jobs, it’s a gain but we’re accounts through NCUA). It's also more difficult for unbanked con - employees earn. he said, adding that the from November 2011 and talking years down the road,” sumers to improve their credit scores due to lack of access to cred - “What it tends to do is that National Harbor casino is more Casino at Ocean Downs said Woinski. it-building products like credit cards and loans. tends to bring in people who tip likely to pull business from dropped 5 percent from $3.5 Despite the uncertainties To help bring unbanked and underbanked people into the sys - heavily... It’s not uncommon to Maryland Live! than it is to pull million in October. However, created by the new casinos, tem, an increasing number of public/private programs like Bank On make $90,000 or $100,000 a business from out of state. Casino at Ocean Downs’ rev - Woinski said that having table (www.joinbankon.org) are being formed. These voluntary partner - year as a dealer or cocktail “The logic of the state is that enue increased 6.9 percent com - games will be a benefit in terms ships between local or state governments, financial institutions and waitress at upscale properties in we're going to draw from pared with November 2011. of employment. community-based organizations provide low-income un- and Las Vegas,” he said. Virginia and Washington. What If the new casinos siphon “Table games are the best underbanked people with free or low-cost starter or "second Alan Woinski of Gaming they don't realize is that enough revenues from the older thing for employment, no doubt chance" bank accounts and access to financial education. USA Corp., a gaming industry Maryland Live! is drawing ones, the established casinos about it.” In addition, many financial education resources are available, including: Assembly from A 1 nomic growth," said Fry, a for - property owners also are liable special sessions … they would MyMoney.gov. the government's website dedicated to teaching mer member of both the for pit-bull-related incidents, has hope that this is not going to Americans the basics about financial education increase in gas taxes. Maryland House and Senate. left the legislature searching for have the same level of volatili - (www.mymoney.gov). "For me, in Frederick A "perennial hot-button ways to respond. ty." FDIC's MoneySmart program of financial education workshops County, it's particularly trouble - issue," the death penalty, is also Dumais said that because the Other issues to watch for (www.fdic.gov/moneysmart). some because I border three expected to make an appearance effort to nail down legislation include offshore wind, the bud - Practical Money Skills for Life other states … (it is) very easy in 2013, said Sen. Brian Frosh, regarding pit bull owner liability get, the implementation of feder - (www.practicalmoneyskills.com), a free personal financial manage - for people to purchase their gas D-Montgomery. during a special session in al healthcare reform, as well as ment program run by Visa Inc. out of state," Afzali said. "There will be another effort August failed, it is bound to potential legislation promoting There's no law that says everyone must have a traditional bank - The proposed increase in gas to repeal the death penalty," resurface in January. transgender equality. ing relationship. But if you choose to go unbanked, carefully inves - taxes is part of what Afzali calls Frosh said. "The members of the "Obviously, during the spe - However, House Minority tigate the financial consequences – you may not be saving money "a war on rural Maryland," and Senate have changed since the cial session, we tried to do some - Leader Anthony O'Donnell said after all. she said it would hurt middle last time there was a vote." thing," Dumais said. "The that regardless of what shows up Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To class families already struggling Frosh said this new composi - House and the Senate have two on the 2013 legislative agenda, Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: to make ends meet. tion of delegates and senators very different ideas (of what) fiscal security is the most impor - www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney. "It's extremely discouraging," could potentially tip the histori - should be done." tant issue. Afzali said. "I will be on the cally balanced scale towards a The Maryland Dream Act, "The reality is, that going into front lines fighting that." successful repeal. Question 6, which legalized the seventh year of the O'Malley Donald C. Fry, president and Frosh is one of the legislators same-sex marriage in Maryland, administration, we have failed to CEO of the Greater Baltimore who has said he will propose and Question 7 which approved put our fiscal house in order in AAIRLINEIRLINE CAREERS Committee, said that because of new gun laws in the wake of the casino expansion, were all the state, and we have not pre - Maryland's bad, and worsening, killings in Connecticut. passed as a result of the last two pared for the looming fiscal BEGIN HERE traffic conditions, the legislature He also said members of the legislative sessions, but, Fry said problems," O'Donnell said. has to come up with more fund - Judicial Proceedings Committee social issues will not be as pre - "Our focus should be solely ĞĐŽŵĞĂŶ ǀŝĂƟŽŶ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ ddĞĞĐŚ͘  ing for transportation projects. &ĂƉƉƌŽǀĞĚ ƚƌĂŝŶŝŶŐ͘ "have some unfinished busi - dominant in 2013. on creating an environment of "We have a situation where if ness," relating to another contro - "Most of the legislators are free enterprise and job cre - &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂůĂŝĚ ŝĨ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ ʹ ,ŽƵƐŝŶŐ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘  we don't start addressing the :ŽďƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ͘ versial issue: pit bulls. hoping that this is a much qui - ation," O'Donnell said. "That is problems sooner rather than A Maryland Court of Appeals eter year than last year," Fry more than enough to focus on. >>ǀŝĂƟŽŶ /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ DĂŝŶƚĞŶĂŶĐĞ later, you're going to have ruling earlier this year that said said. "They've gone through a That should be our first, fore - 800-481-8974 tremendous gridlock and that's purebred pit bulls are "inherent - very tough legislative session most and only focus in the going to effectively impact eco - ly dangerous," and decided last year as, well as a number of upcoming session."  AATTTEND COGELLEGEEO ONLI NE FROM HOMEO SPREAD YOOURUR MESSAGE ΎDĞĚŝĐĂů͕ΎƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ͕ ΎƌŝŵŝŶĂů :ƵƐƟĐĞ͕ Ύ,ŽƐƉŝƚĂůŝƚLJ͘ WET BASEMENTS STINK !! to ovvereerr 4 Million readers Mold, mildew and water leakage into your basement causes health with an ad this size fforor :ŽďƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ͘ ŽŵƉƵƚĞƌ ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ͘ justjust $1,450! For a limited DQG IRXQGDWLRQ GDPDJH :KDW FDQ EH GRQH WR ¿[ WKH SUREOHP" &ŝŶĂŶĐŝĂůŝĚ ŝĨ ƋƵĂůŝĮĞĚ͘ ^,s ĂƵƚŚŽƌŝnjĞĚ͘ D time, BUY 4 ADS, $OOVWDWH$PHULFDQ:DWHUSURR¿QJLVDQKRQHVWKDUGZRUNLQJORFDOFRPSDQ\ A HIS GET ONE FREE!* Call 877-206-4290 We will give you a FREEHYDOXDWLRQDQGHVWLPDWHDQGDIDLUSULFH:H T www.CenCenturaOnline.com KDYHUHSDLUHGWKRXVDQGVRIEDVHPHQWVLQWKHDUHDZHFDQSURYLGHORFDO E! CALLCALL TODAAY!Y! UHIHUHQFHV :KHQ \RXU QHLJKERUV QHHGHG ZDWHUSURR¿QJ WKH\ FDOOHG OR SAL $OOVWDWH$PHULFDQ:K\GRQ¶W\RX"&DOOQRZWRUHFHLYHDGLVFRXQWZLWK F 1-855-721-6332 your FREE ESTIMATE0+,& Wanda Smith, ext. 6 Press Service www.mddcpress.com CALL 1 800 420 7783 NOW! 2000 Capital Drive, Annapolis, MD 21401 *Certain*Certain conditions apply. A4 — January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post CommeNTary

The U.S. Air Force Band, Honor Guard Open to the Public

The United States Air Force Band and Honor The primary mission of the United States Air Guard are stationed at Joint Base Anacostia- Force Honor Guard is to render military honors to Bolling, Washington, D.C. Their presentations members of the Air Force, past and present, and instill patriotism, deliver positive messages about their families during funeral services at Arlington the Air Force and America, and demonstrate Air National Cemetery. In addition to this distinguished Force excellence to billions of people worldwide. duty, the Honor Guard also conducts military cere - Since its formation, The United States Air Force monies at the White House, Pentagon, and national Band has marched in 15 inaugural parades. (There memorials representing the Air Force in presiden - was no parade in 1945; the 1985 parade was can - tial, joint service, Air Force and public ceremonies. celled due to weather.) The Band began in 1941 The beginnings of the Honor Guard’s rich history when the newly-formed U.S. Army Air Corps acti - date back to May 1948 when it was originally acti - vated 59 bands into operation. It was initially called vated within Bolling Field’s 1100th Security The Bolling Field “Band” and consisted of five Squadron. It remained primarily a function of that men—a saxophone quartet and a bandleader. Over squadron until Jan. 1, 1972 when it became a sepa - the next 71 years, the Band expanded its size and rate unit. mission to include six primary performing ensem - The members of these elite Air Force units are Andrews Air Force Base bles and a global mission. The Band’s uplifting pro - proud to represent all Airmen, whose selfless ser - grams instill patriotism, deliver positive messages vice and sacrifice ensure the freedoms we enjoy as Home of Air Force One about the Air Force and America, and demonstrate American citizens. President Obama's first trip: Col. Steven Shepro, 316th Wing commander, and 316th Wing pro - Air Force excellence to billions of listeners on tele - The 99-piece band and 91-person Honor Guard tocol members render a salute as Air Force One departs.(US Air Force/Bobby Jones) Camp vision, radio, Internet, and at more than 1,600 live flight will march along the 1.5-mile Inaugural Springs, MD - Home to one of the nation’s largest annual air shows. It is also home to “Air Force events each year. This inaugural parade will be the Parade route that begins at 4th Street and One.” The Airlift Wing provides air transportation for the President, Vice President, cabinet first for many of the group’s members including the Pennsylvania Avenue and goes past the White members and other high-ranking US officials. For information contact the AAFB Public Affairs Band’s commander, Col. Larry H. Lang. House. office at 301-981-4511.

Vietnam Veterans Low Priority Child Watch By: John J. Bury, by Marion Wright Edelman US Navy, Retired, Vietnam War Veteran The new 113th Congress are now seated. The attributed to the deadly herbicide agent orange. 112th Congress failed to recognize Veterans of Every week approximately 400 to 500 sick the Vietnam War. House Bill HR-3612 and Vietnam veterans die. The legacy we leave It Is Time to Act to Protect Children Senate Bill S.1629, to restore The Agent Orange behind is our government does not care. Equity Act did not make it out of committee. In We advocates for Vietnam veterans must start Against Gun Violence all probability, these Bills are dead and must be over to convince our legislators to do what is re-introduced. right. We are groups who volunteer our time to Over the past few days requests for background checks lence that saturates Americans There are 439 members of Congress States help sick veterans gather evidence required by we’ve all learned a bit more from shoppers wanting to buy in violent language, violent and Territories, 100 members of Senate. The the Veterans Affairs for submission of claims. about twenty beautiful six- and guns on the day after imagery, and violent entertain - 112th assembly of both Houses only 126 We do the leg work, we meet with members of seven-year-olds who each seem Thanksgiving alone. Those ment. Right now, instead of Representatives co-sponsored the House Bill and Congress and Senate in support of veterans. Our as if they could have been any numbers are not about what responding as parents and a 14 Senators co-sponsored the Senate Bill. What only reward is knowing we helped a veteran. of our children or grandchil - many people think of as the nation by saying no to the cul - does this say about those Legislators who What we do is not enough unless we have sup - dren. Jessica asked Santa for “criminal” gun culture involv - ture of violence, we are appar - ignored the Bills? port from the Congress and Senate. We ask all new cowgirl boots for ing guns bought and sold on the ently responding by defensive - Veterans of the Vietnam War are low priority. Americans to urge our legislators to pass laws Christmas. Daniel’s family said streets. These are the guns ly arming ourselves with more We have become a liability for budget dollars. that will provide equitable VA health care and he “earned” all the ripped knees being sold to the millions of and bigger weapons. If that Our quality of life means little to our Congress compensation for sick Vietnam veterans so they on his jeans. James liked to Americans who are willing and cycle of violence and fear is and Senate. What is a veterans life worth who may realize better quality of life. remind people that he was six able to go through background having such a deep psychologi - honorably served Country and Flag? Freedom Is By: John J. Bury, US Navy, retired, and three-quarters. Grace loved checks and follow all existing cal impact on adults, how do Not Free. Vietnam War veteran playing dress-up and with her laws and proper legal channels we expect our children to navi - Every day another veteran falls ill to a disease Media, Pa. dog Puddin’. so that they can either buy guns gate or survive it? As the stories kept coming for their own pleasure or their The Brady Campaign to about the children and teachers own theoretical protection. It Prevent Gun Violence reports a at Sandy Hook Elementary appears the Newtown shooter’s gun in the home is more likely To Be Equal School and their families began mother fell into this very large to be used in a homicide, sui - saying goodbye, many of us category of Americans. There cide, or unintentional shooting Marc Morial, President and CEO have spent much of the last were 16.8 million background than it is to be used in self- week in tears. But many par - checks in 2012, nearly double defense, and other studies have National Urban League ents, especially those with their the number ten years ago. What found guns in a home are more own young children, have is it about American culture that likely to kill or injure a family instead gone through each day encourages tens of millions of member or friend than a desperately willing themselves Americans to either use guns as stranger. Guns lethalize anger not to cry—trying to do what a form of entertainment or feel and despair. Gun owners who Triumphs and Tragedies of 2012 little they could to protect their so fearful they believe they know these facts seem to either children from the overwhelm - need guns in their homes, discredit the research behind “I miss you baby girl. Sweet caramel the most horrific man-made disasters in ing adult sadness all around including semiautomatic them or hold to the belief their princess. African American, Puerto Rican American history – the shooting deaths of 20 ele - them. After all, for most parents weapons and high capacity own guns and families would Canadian with a wee bit of Irish…We will honor mentary school students and six others in a protecting their children is a ammunition clips designed certainly be the exception. If your classmates you loved so dearly too. As well school in Newtown, Connecticut. While the primal and primary instinct. specifically to kill large num - the Newtown shooter’s mother as the teachers and staff. Love wins.” nation is still mourning this tragedy, the National This is just one reason this bers of other people, to feel a knew those risks she likely felt Nelba Marquez-Greene, the mother of Urban League has called for a reinstatement of tragedy, which happened in sense of safety? the same way. In fact, if her son 6-year-old Sandy Hook victim, the assault weapons ban, along with a compre - school—a place where tens of Why are we so terrified of had only used her guns to kill Ana Grace Marquez-Greene hensive review of all gun laws to close loopholes millions of parents send their one other, even during periods her or kill himself, it would and strengthen enforcement. We must take children every single day and when actual crime rates go have been an outcome that As we come to the close of 2012, I want to action now to end the scourge of gun violence in need to trust they will be safe, down? There is an obvious con - take a moment to reflect on some of the major tri - America. has instilled so much horror and nection between that feeling of umphs and tragedies of the past year. Finally, this year we saw the passing of a despair. terror and the culture of vio - See WATCH, Page A 8 First, as many of you know, the National number of notable Americans. They include: When two serial snipers ter - Urban League’s number one priority this year Whitney Houston – The incomparable musi - rorized the Washington, D.C. was our “Occupy the Vote” campaign, devoted to cal prodigy whose amazing voice and songs area ten years ago, using a defeating the onslaught of voter ID laws and brought joy to the world. The Prince george’s Post Bushmaster .223-caliber rifle other tactics designed to suppress voter turnout Dick Clark – The long-time host of very similar to the one used in among African Americans and other progressive “American Bandstand,” who reigned as The Prince George’s Post the Newtown shootings, one of voters. By all indications, our effort, in concert “America’s oldest teenager” for 82 years and P.O. Box 1001 15207 Marlboro Pike the most horrifying moments with many others across the country, was suc - gave first-time national exposure to many Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-3151 came after the shooters targeted cessful. On November 6th, President Obama African American musical artists. Phone 301-627-0900 Legal Fax • 301-627-6260 a child on his way to school, was re-elected with overwhelming support from Neil Armstrong – The NASA astronaut who in Editorial Fax • 301-627-8147 later asserting in a note: “Your the very communities that were targets of the 1969 became the first human to walk on the Contents © 2013, The Prince George’s Post children are not safe anywhere voter suppression crowd. In fact, according to a moon. at any time.” After this latest new Pew Research Center analysis, “Blacks Sally Ride – Another NASA astronaut, who in tragedy, America’s mothers, Publisher Subscriptions voted at a higher rate this year than other minor - 1983 became the first woman to fly into space. Legusta Floyd Liz Brandenstein grandmothers, fathers, grandfa - ity groups and for the first time in history may Russell Means – The Oglala Sioux Indian who thers, and all those with a moth - General Manager/ also have voted at a higher rate than whites.” became the iconic leader of the American Indian Editor ering spirit must finally stand Legal Advertising Manager Legusta Floyd Our thanks to everyone who helped us Occupy Movement and fought tirelessly for the rights of Brenda Boice up and fight that truth and make the Vote in 2012. Native Americans. our politicians act to fight that Legal Advertising Assistant Web Manager We also want to again extend our gratitude to Sherman Helmsley – The spirited actor whose Kyler Quesenberry truth doing whatever it takes for Robin Boerckel all those who came to the aid of the victims of TV roles as George Jefferson in “All in the as long as it takes. We must Superstorm Sandy which struck New York and Family” and “The Jeffersons” kept us laughing seize the moment and say no Prince George’s County, Md. Member National Newspaper Publishers Association, the Mid-Atlantic region in October. The relief through the 70’s and 80’s. more. and the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Press Association. effort is progressing, but as the cold weather sets Ana Grace Marquez Greene and her 19 class - Right now the pervasive cul - The Prince George’s Post (ISSN 10532226) is published every Thursday in, many remain homeless and jobless. We are mates at Sandy Hook Elementary School. ture of violence in America by the New Prince George’s Post Inc., 15207 Marlboro Pike, pleased that on December 28th, the United States We pray that 2013 will be a prosperous and only reinforces the sense of Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3151. Senate approved President Obama’s $60.4 billion peaceful one for you and your family. Subscription rate: 25 cents per single copy; $15 per year; threat both children and adults aid package. We urge the House of We pledge to continue standing with you in $7.50 senior citizens and students; out of county add $1; out of state add $2. feel. This year’s “Black Friday” Representatives to quickly follow their lead. the struggle for economic, political and social Periodical postage paid at Southern Md. 20790. shopping set a record for gun Sandy was a natural disaster that claimed justice for all. Postmaster, send address changes to Prince George’s Post, P.O. Box 1001, sales: the FBI reported 154,873 more than 100 lives, but this year also saw one of Happy New Year! Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3151. January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post —A5 buSiNeSS Governor O’Malley Signs Executive Order Helping Small Business Spotlight State Prepare for Climate Change and Extreme Weather

By PRESS OFFICER to rise,” said Zoe Johnson, County Changes Minority Office of the Governor DNR’s Program Manager for Climate Change Policy. “The Business Division Name ANNAPOLIS, MD region’s recent extreme storms (December, 2012) – Governor and weather have demonstrated Prince George’s County Changes Minority Business Division Martin O’Malley has signed a just how vulnerable our natural Name to Supplier Development & Diversity Division landmark initiative to increase resources and infrastructure can New Name Reflects County’s Commitment to Local, Small the State’s long term resiliency to be to such events. The Executive and Minority Businesses storm related flooding and sea Order will be instrumental in level rise. He signed the Climate reshaping how we build along LARGO, MD – Prince George’s County is changing the name Change and Coast Smart Maryland’s coasts.” of its Minority Business Division to the Supplier Development & Construction Executive Order, The Executive Order also Diversity Division (SDDD). The change is an effort to rebrand directing that all new and recon - charges the Maryland the division and to better reflect its expanded commitment to structed state structures, as well Department of Natural serve the growing needs of businesses that are county-based, as other infrastructure improve - Resources to work with the small, minority, disadvantaged and veteran & service disabled ments, be planned and construct - Maryland Commission on owned. ed to avoid or minimize future Climate Change, local govern - “Prince George's County is committed to increasing econom - flood damage. ments and other parties as appro - PHOTO JAY BAKER ic opportunities for companies that are often overlooked in the “As storms such as Hurricane priate, to develop additional Governor Martin O’Malley has signed a landmark initiative bid process,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Sandy have shown, it is vital that Coast Smart guidelines within to increase the State’s long term resiliency to storm related Baker, III. “The name change signals to those businesses that we we commit our resources and nine months, for the siting and flooding and sea level rise. are serious about inclusion and we are committed to developing expertise to create a ready and construction of new and rebuilt long-term relationships with local, small, minority and disadvan - resilient Maryland, by taking the State structures, as well as other President of University of DNR’s CoastSmart Communities taged businesses.” necessary steps to adapt to the infrastructure improvements Maryland Center for Program will continue to provide The Prince George’s County Supplier Development & rising sea and unpredictable such as roads, bridges, sewer and Environmental Science, and on-the-ground sea level rise plan - Diversity Division exists to maximize the County government’s weather,” said Governor water systems, and other essen - chair of the Working Group. ning expertise, training, and tech - use of certified local, small, minority and disadvantaged and vet - O’Malley. “In studying and plan - tial public utilities. For example, a study by the nical mapping tools. Launched eran businesses for procurement opportunities. SDDD also ning for storms and climate Recommendations for applying U.S. Geological Survey pub - by Governor O’Malley in April encourages the private sector to utilize these businesses for major change, we can ensure that our the new construction guidelines lished this summer in the journal 2009, Maryland’s CoastSmart projects in the County. For 16 years, SDDD has worked dili - land, infrastructure, and most to non-state infrastructure pro - Nature Climate Change demon - Communities program has gently to build up Prince George’s County’s use of minority and importantly our citizens are safe jects that are partially or fully strated that the 1,000 kilometer awarded more than a half-million disadvantaged businesses through procurement assistance, busi - and prepared.” funded in the State’s capital bud - stretch of coast running from dollars to coastal communities to ness development, certification, education and training and The Executive Order enacts a get will also be developed. Cape Hatteras to north of Boston help prepare for the anticipated advocacy. number of policy directives, Additionally, the Executive is a “hot spot” of sea level rise. impacts of climate change. In including directing all State Order tasks the Scientific and The study found that since 1990, partnership with the National agencies to consider the risk of Technical Working Group of the sea levels along this stretch, Oceanic and Atmospheric University of Maryland Extension coastal flooding and sea level Maryland Commission on which includes Maryland, are Administration, the State pro - Ask the Plant and Pest Professor rise when they design capital Climate Change with providing rising at an annual rate three to vides grants ranging from budget projects and charging the updated sea level rise projections four times faster than the global $10,000 to $75,000 to coastal Question #1: My house is surrounded by large tulip poplar Department of General Services for Maryland. In 2008, the average. Dr. Boesch pointed out communities to support the plan - and oak trees. I am considering hiring someone to top the trees with updating its architecture and Scientific and Technical “the State should be using the ning and preparation. For more closest to my house to minimize potential damage if one or more engineering guidelines to require Working Group published sea most up-to-date sea level rise information on the CoastSmart should fall during a storm. When would be the proper time to do new and rebuilt State structures level rise projections for projections in order to ensure Program or to submit a funding this and will I be causing damage to the trees? to be elevated two or more feet Maryland, with a high end range that state infrastructure is sited request, visit Answer #1: Topping is a term used to describe the cutting above the 100-year base flood of 3.4 feet by the year 2100. and designed in a manner that dnr.maryland.gov/CoastSmart back of large branches or the central leader of a mature tree with level. However, considerable new will avoid or minimize future For more information on little regard to where the pruning cuts are made. This practice is “Over the past three decades, research on sea level rise has loss or damages.” Revised sea Maryland’s climate change adap - not highly regarded by the tree care industry as research has Maryland’s climate has become since been published requiring level rise projections are to be tation efforts, visit shown that topping a tree can cause it to become more haz - hotter and water levels within the the updating of these projections, issued by end of June 2013. http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/cli ardous. Drastically reducing the tree canopy reduces photosyn - Chesapeake Bay have continued according to Dr. Donald Boesch, To assist local governments, matechange/ thesis and limits the tree’s ability to produce the necessary car - bohydrates to stay healthy. Exposed bark is more susceptible to sunscald causing bark damage. The large wounds that this type of pruning creates are difficult for trees to compartmentalize or Promises from A 1 John Sowinski, president of the that was promised, not by a long Department of Higher wall-off allowing disease organisms or insects to enter the tree. Florida division of shot. It’s nothing but a smoke - Education. NoCasinos.org. screen to pay back gambling Nearly 200 community lead - The growth that is produced from the pruned areas, called water However, opponents called By the end of the 1980s, only interests,” Baldinger said. ers weighed in on the social sprouts or epicormic growth is weakly attached to the tree and is these claims misleading as they four states had some form of Colorado extended casino impact of casinos in a study this subject to wind and ice damage. Plus the trees become unsight - expected the state to cut other legalized gambling. But the hours and added table games year by consultancy firm VP ly. Our advice is to call a certified arborist to evaluate the health education funds, leaving 1990s saw 11 more states bring - through referendum in 2008 Communications and pollster of the trees and if the trees are a candidate, perform crown reduc - schools with little to no gain. ing casinos to their turf. with the promise of using a Peter D. Hart Research tion pruning. “It’s true that all of Maryland In Illinois, legislators majority of the revenue -- near - Associates. Most respondents To find a certified arborist go to the following website, gaming revenue is going to edu - promised to use casino revenues ly 80 percent -- to help commu - said casinos had delivered on www.treesaregood.org cation, but it’s also true that for education assistance and to nity colleges. However, the rev - their promises of jobs, growth, states are free to subtract an help local governments when enues have fallen significantly and tax revenues, and these ben - equal number of tax dollars. So gambling was legalized in 1990. short of state estimates. efits have been felt throughout there’s no guarantee that school State officials said the first 10 Economists projected casino the communities. funding would increase dollar casino licenses would be sold expansion would bring colleges More than half of the com - for dollar due to casino expan - for $5 million each, bringing $22 million in its first year and munity leaders surveyed said sion,” said Neil Bergsman, a state coffers nearly $50 million $38 million this year. Actual rev - casino revenues helped them spokesman for the Maryland in revenue. enues for community colleges avoid cutbacks in public pro - Budget and Tax Policy Institute. Instead, the licenses went for have amounted to roughly $6 grams and start new community As Maryland expands its $25,000 a pop to “political million for the first year and $7 projects. casino industry, the experience insiders”, Kindt said. million this year, according to “Results reveal that those of other states offers reasons to In the 2000s, another wave Colorado Joint Budget who know the industry best say be skeptical of the promised of casino expansion hit the Committee reports. that the gaming industry has boost for education, opponents country as seven more states Some argue that despite delivered on its promises to said. made gambling legal. worse-than-expected returns, bring jobs, economic develop - Gambling critics label casi - Pennsylvania legalized gam - casinos generate at least a mini - ment, tax revenue, increased no-funded public programs, like bling in 2004 with legislators mal income for public programs. tourism and more to casino com - education, as empty promises. promising that casino expansion “Even if they don’t match the munities,” American Gaming “Funding for education is would provide major statewide estimates, these are new dollars Association President Frank just a PR move. The actual property tax relief. Former Gov. for education programs that Fahrenkopf, Jr., said in their funding for education in real Ed Rendell said casinos would would not have survived other - annual report on the casino dollars has gone down in gam - pay the state more than $1 bil - wise,” said Chad Marturano, a industry. bling states versus non-gam - lion in slots revenue annually to spokesperson for the Colorado bling states,” Kindt said. offset property taxes. When state economists in The numbers tell a different Florida released casino revenue story. Roughly $700 million has estimates in 2004, they said rev - been injected into property tax enues could range anywhere relief each year, even though between $200 and $500 million casino revenues have increased per year. But legislators and drastically. pro-gambling groups focused The benefits are also not as solely on the higher end of the widespread as promised, said estimates in their promotions. David Baldinger, president of And even the low-end number the Pennsylvania Taxpayers offered by state economists Cyber Coalition. While a few proved too optimistic. residents have seen up to $400 The single largest annual of tax relief, many have seen revenue figure from gambling none or very little, because of a was $138 million in 2010 -- “complicated state formula” only a third of the projected that makes taxes vary greatly $500 million. from community to community, “Casino gambling never gen - Baldinger said. erates the jobs or revenues that “No, it (gambling) hasn’t they (legislators) promise,” said brought the property tax relief A6 — January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post OUT ON THE TOWN ERIC D. SNIDER'S IN THE DARK Sports Movie Review by STAFF “LES MISERABLES ” Roger Goodell: The Wayne LES MISERABLES Delivers especially problematic when the LaPierre of the Sports World Most of the Emotion and Some bigger, grander tale that's sup - of the Spectacle posed to be the backdrop -- the One flicker of hope in the Eric D. Snider, Featured French students' revolution -- aftermath of the Newtown, Critic wasn't that compelling on stage Connecticut massacre has to begin with.) Hooper, who been the mainstream media's previously directed The King's willingness to speak a self- When it became his privilege Speech, gives us a few moments evident truth: Wayne to direct the movie version of of eye-popping spectacle, but LaPierre, CEO of the the Les Misérables stage musi - overall doesn't take nearly as National Rifle Association is cal that has enthralled the world much advantage of the opportu - not only out of touch. He’s for more than a quarter-century, nity as he could have. part of the problem. From Tom Hooper made one crucial, Hugh Jackman is a sturdy, the New York Post to the momentous decision. Instead of sensitive Jean Valjean, the good Huffington Post, the verdict following the normal practice of man who is hardened and then PHOTO COURTESY ROTTENTOMATOES has been near-unanimous on LaPierre’s reaction to the recording the songs in advance re-humanized by poverty and Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les tragedy. Calling for a national mental health registry, the and having the actors lip-sync injustice. His response to the Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and turning of every school into a federal security zone, and the during filming, Hooper had Bishop's kindness early in the unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless arming of school administrators is not only tin-eared. It’s them sing live. (A pianist film has exactly the poignant testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays simply disturbed. Yes, as many have pointed out, he may just accompanied them on set; the impact that it's supposed to. He ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless be crazy as a fox, ramping up the fear factor, helping spur full orchestra was added later.) sings: policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When new gun sales and doing his true number one job: catching Freed from the duty of mimick - "He treated me like any Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) flack for the CEOs of "big ammo." If everyone in the media ing canned performances they'd other He gave me his trust He young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. In is busy calling out LaPierre, they're unintentionally covering given weeks earlier in a record - called me brother My life he December 2012, the world's longest-running musical brings its for the executives exploiting the jagged fears of a rattled pop - ing studio, the actors could now claims for God above: Can such power to the big screen in Tom Hooper's sweeping and spectac - ulace. But it still has been refreshing to see much of the press make choices in the moment, to things be?" ular interpretation of Victor Hugo's epic tale. -- (C) Universal abandon the pretense of false equivalence and call the adjust the emotion on this line -- and on the word "brother," LaPierre/NRA agenda out as the profit-driven, despotic or the delivery on that one his voice cracks with emotion. series of unrelated solos and voice has imperfections, but it's dystopia that it is. according to how the scene was That one small detail, that one duets. full of character and conviction. I do wish, however, this spasm of honesty would infect going. They could truly act. acting choice by Jackman, It muddies some plot points, Redmayne is committed to the every working reporter especially my brethren who toil in the And act they do! Not the big, speaks volumes about why the too. Why is it a secret that emotions of his scenes, particu - world of sports. Sports writers have become so conditioned stylized theatrical acting you see Bishop's kindness has touched Valjean rescued Marius that larly in "Empty Chairs at Empty to swallow whatever craven, logic-defying line oozes from in most stage musicals and Valjean so deeply: "He called night at the barricade? Why is Tables," and his interactions the league offices, it is rare to hear a writer point out that our movie adaptations thereof, but me brother." I get teary-eyed Eponine shown disguising her - with Cosette (a fine Amanda sports commissioners have no clothes. This ethical nudity intimate, realistic performances, just recalling the tenderness of self as a boy when neither she Seyfried, playing an underwrit - applies to Major League Baseball's feckless Bud Selig, NBA grounded in real human emo - the scene. nor anyone else is ever going to ten character) and Eponine (the czar David Stern, and the man seemingly driven to destroy tion. To take full advantage of Alas, Valjean's other chance reference it? Why does Valjean marvelous stage actress the NHL, Gary Bettman. this, Hooper made another to wreak emotional devastation decide he must separate himself Samantha Barks) benefit from But it's NFL chief Roger Goodell who has spent the last unusual decision and filmed on the audience, the soaring, from Cosette and Marius? I this. Barks' rendition of "On My year doing his best impression of Wayne LaPierre. A recent most of the songs in close-up, plaintive "Bring Him Home," is know the answers to these ques - Own" is a winner, too. cover story for Time Magazine, titled “The Enforcer: How often in long, unbroken takes. neutered by several factors. It's tions as spelled out in Hugo's Russell Crowe's Javert will Far Will Roger Goodell Go to Protect the Game He Loves,” It's better than a front-row seat too high for Jackman (and most novel and in the stage show, but be a little more controversial. is a case in point more of how far the media will go to tell us on Broadway. It's more like people) to sing comfortably, and if the movie were all I had to go Crowe has experience as a that "up" is in fact "down" if it’s in the interest of institution - being on the stage, staring Jean he's so focused on getting the by, I'd be in the dark. singer, fronting the rock bands al power. The article is a "bizarro world" profile that paints Valjean in the face while he notes right that there's no room These problems are mostly 30 Odd Foot of Grunts and The Goodell as someone working overtime to make the game as vocalizes his inner struggles. left for acting. The scene is also in the second act, though. The Ordinary Fear of God, and he safe as possible. It quotes Goodell stating that his altogether There are trade-offs to this hampered, as are many others in first act has Valjean's aforemen - can carry a tune well enough. violent sport can be made far safer if only certain reforms method, however, and while the second half of the film, by tioned high point, as well as What he does with Javert is were implemented like the elimination of kickoffs. This is Hooper's version of Les Hooper's poor sense of pacing, Anne Hathaway's grand-slam interesting. While most of the akin to saying that falling out of an airplane could be without Misérables is magnificent in going steadily from one number performance as the doomed other characters sometimes talk- risk if planes never traveled higher than 1,000 feet. Forget the many ways -- strengthened by to the next without pause or Fantine. Her rendition of "I sing the more dialogue-ish parts article. We know “how far Roger Goodell will go” to protect all-in performances from Hugh variation. We seldom get a Dreamed a Dream," alive with of their lyrics, Javert always the interests of football just by surveying the events of the Jackman, Anne Hathaway, chance to catch our breath, to heartbreaking emotion, is possi - sings. Always. This is a subtle past year. Eddie Redmayne, and contemplate what has happened. bly the best combination of reinforcement of the character: a - The NFL saw the number of former players suing the Samantha Barks -- it often feels There's a lot of drama and singing and acting ever captured strict, traditional, unwavering league swell to more than 4,000 in 2012, in what has become curiously small in scale. That's tragedy to be squeezed in here, on film. Others have sung bet - man who does exactly what is the largest class-action lawsuit in sports history. The play - what happens when so much of and while Hooper isn't rushing, ter; others have acted better. But expected of him. ers/plaintiffs claim that the NFL hid research that demon - the story is told through close- exactly, he does tend to main - in terms of both at once, I can't If the entire film were as strated a connection between football and the post-concus - ups and two-shots: you lose the tain the same fixed rate of think of a better performance. good as the first 30 minutes, it sive syndromes connected to head injuries. The NFL contin - sense that there is a bigger, speed. Sometimes it feels less As Marius, Eddie would easily be one of the year's ues to deny this, saying they have only been aware of the sci - grander tale unfolding. (That's like a story and more like a Redmayne's high, quivering best pictures. ence since 2009, despite the fact we now know that the NFL retirement board, which has one member of the commission - er’s office in its ranks, has over the last 14 years been secret - AGREEMENT from A 2 $250,000 (for singles) and could have raised a total of businesses: The agreement will $300,000 (for couples): The $715 billion over ten years if make it easier for families and ly paying players believed to have been suffering from such agreement reinstates the Congress acted again to extend businesses to plan and will help injuries. - Goodell made headlines over the league’s crackdown on revenue and spending cuts in Clinton-era limits on high- it permanently. However, the our economy grow. financial “bounties” aimed at inspiring the New Orleans a balanced manner. income tax benefits, the phase - Senate bill itself locked in only out of itemized deductions one year’s worth of savings so · Cuts the deficit and Saints defense to “take out” opposing players. Now a humil - v Raises $620 billion in rev - (“Pease”) and the Personal would have required additional reduces the debt as a share of iating subsequent investigation led by Goodell's predecessor enue according to Congress’ Exemption Phaseout (“PEP”), extensions to achieve those sav - the economy over the next five Paul Tagliabue found little-to-no basis for the commission - Joint Committee on Taxation for couples with incomes over ings. years: Since April last year, the er’s McCarthyesque accusations which cost the Saints their by achieving the President’s $300,000 and singles with President has signed into law season and did irreparable harm to the reputations of several v Part of a balanced process 1.7 trillion in deficit reduction, goal of asking the wealthiest 2 incomes over $250,000. These player including outspoken union leader Scott Fujita. In an two provisions reduce tax bene - of deficit reduction and including $700 billion in spend - percent of Americans to pay echo of McCarthy, Goodell even launched his public con - more while protecting 98 per - fits for high-income house - stronger growth. ing cuts from enacted appropri - holds. This sets the stage for ations bills in 2011 and 2012, demnation of the Saints by saying he had a list of “22-27 cent of families and 97 percent players” who took part in the bounty program before sus - of small businesses from any future balanced approaches to · Strengthens our recov - and $1 trillion in the Budget pending a grand total of four. As Saints quarterback Drew income tax increase. deficit reduction, which could ery next year by cutting taxes Control Act. This tax agreement include additional revenue for the middle-class: The inde - not only further reduces the Brees said to Time, “I feel like, in large part, this bounty · Restores the 39.6 per - through tax reforms that reduce pendent, non-partisan deficit, but raises $620 in new scandal, so to speak, is a big facade and a way to cover up the cent rate for high-income tax benefits for Americans Congressional Budget Office revenue from high-income shortcomings of the league with regard to player health and households, as in the 1990s: making over $250,000. (CBO) estimated that allowing households. Together with a safety over the last three years." The top rate would return to the full effect of the “fiscal strengthening economy these - These shortcomings are legion. They include the use of cliff” would cause our economy 39.6 percent for singles with · Raises tax rates on the steps will bring down the deficit dangerously incompetent replacement, scab officials for ¼ of wealthiest estates: The agree - to enter a recession and actual - as a share of the economy over incomes above $400,000 and the current season, the institutionalizing of Thursday Night ment raises the tax rate on the ly shrink next year primarily as the next five years. married couples with incomes Football which gives players less time to heal, and the con - above $450,000. wealthiest estates – worth a result of higher taxes on the upwards of $5 million per per - middle class and across-the- · Establishes a founda - tinual push for an 18 game season. It has also included a con - · Capital gains rates for son – from 35 percent to 40 per - board spending cuts. The final tion for additional balanced, tinual effort by the NFL to promote youth football as a safe, high-income households return cent, in contrast to Republican agreement prevents taxes from pro-growth deficit reduction wholesome activity for children as young as seven. The to Clinton-era levels: The capi - proposals to continue the cur - rising on the middle class and through tax and entitlement league has done this despite a study released in February tal gains rate would return to rent estate tax levels. delays the across-the-board reform: The agreement leaves “showing that head impacts among second-grade football what it was under President “sequester.” substantial scope for reducing players are sometimes as severe as those seen at the college Clinton, 20 percent. Counting · The agreement’s $620 tax expenditures for high- level.” Renowned concussion expert Dr. Robert Cantu, co- · Temporary measures to the 3.8 percent surcharge from billion in revenue is 85 percent income households, reforming director of the Sports Legacy Institute has stated that the of the amount raised by the support consumer spending and corporate taxes to broaden the the Affordable Care Act, divi - sport should be banned for children younger than 14. The dends and capital gains would Senate-passed bill, if that bill business investment: Extending base and cut the rate to make had been enacted and made per - unemployment insurance is one America more competitive, and NFL has not embraced Dr. Cantu’s suggestion. be taxed at a rate of 23.8 per - Time is correct that Goodell is an enforcer, but not for the cent for high-income house - manent: The agreement locks in of the more effective ways to to take further steps to reform greater good. Like LaPierre, Goodell enforces a disciplined holds. These tax rates would $620 billion in high-income encourage consumer spending. entitlements. apply to singles above revenue over the next ten years. And bonus depreciation will message that presents his harmful industry as American as $400,000 and couples above In contrast, the bill passed by give companies incentives to · Extends the farm bill apple pie in the name of profit. Unlike LaPierre, he gets a $450,000. Democrats in the Senate invest. through the end of the fiscal achieved approximately $70 year, averting a sharp rise in · Reduced tax benefits billion through one-year provi - · Provides greater eco - milk prices at the beginning of See ZIRIN, Page A 8 for households making over sions; these same provisions nomic certainty for families and 2013. January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post —A7 EARTH TALK ... Traffic Pollution and Asthma Calendar of Events Dear EarthTalk: not only makes things worse for people with asthma but can January 10 - January 16, 2013 Is it true that asthma cases in actually cause asthma to devel - children often correlate to liv - op in healthy children,” reports ing close to roads and all the Diane Bailey of the Natural associated pollution-spewing Resources Defense Council Mentor + Mentee II: Maryland Edition traffic? (NRDC), a leading environ - Date & Time: Saturday, January 26, Mondays-Fridays:10 am- mental non-profit. “It is even 7 pm; Saturdays:10 am-4 pm; Closed Sundays -- Jake Locklear, more sobering when you con - Description: The Brentwood Arts Exchange presents "Mentor + San Diego, CA sider that 45 million Americans Mentee II: Maryland Edition" in the gallery. The exhibition is a live within 300 feet of a high - partnership with Washington Printmakers Gallery (WPG), and fea - Living near a roadway cer - way and many of them are chil - tures original prints by thirteen of WPG's members, as well as tainly does exacerbate asthma, dren.” prints by their teachers and students. "Mentor + Mentee II: especially for kids. To wit, a USC researchers note that Maryland Edition" is the second iteration of the student-teacher recent study by the University new laws in California show, first presented by WPG in the fall of 2009, this time focus - of Southern California designed to reduce carbon out - ing on the groups Maryland membership. An insightful look into (USC)—the most comprehen - put—improving fuel efficiency the presenting artists creative foundations and influences, the sive by far to date on this and reducing vehicle miles by exhibit is a striking and eclectic exhibition of bold prints that topic—found that at least eight increasing public transit explores a wide range of traditional and contemporary approaches. percent of the more than options—will also help reduce Concurrent with the exhibition, the Brentwood Arts Exchange and 300,000 cases of childhood asthma triggers. Some of the CREDIT: HEMERA COLLECTION WPG will present gift-priced original fine art prints in the front of asthma in Los Angeles County policies designed to reduce traf - A recent study by the University of Southern California found the Craft Store, just in time for holiday shopping and collection can be attributed to traffic-relat - fic congestion and car usage that at least eight percent of the more than 300,000 cases of child - building. ed pollution at homes within include offering housing devel - hood asthma in Los Angeles County can be attributed to traffic- Cost: FREE Ages: All ages 250 feet of a busy roadway. The opers incentives to locate pro - related pollution at homes within 250 feet of a busy roadway. Location: Brentwood Arts Exchange at Gateway Arts Center findings, released in the jects closer to transit stops, thus 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood 20722 September 2012 online edition encouraging use of public tran - term health benefits beyond that pollution and minimize Contact: 301-277-2863; TTY 301-446-6802 of the peer-reviewed journal, sit. reducing the burden of disease exposure to it.” Environmental Health “Plans to reduce greenhouse due to asthma.” Senior Game Time Perspectives, indicate that pre - gas emissions and combat cli - According to NRDC’s CONTACTS: Date & Time: Fridays, Thru-June 8, 9 am-12 noon vious research underestimated mate change offer an opportuni - Bailey, prioritizing the land Environmental Health Description: Join us every Friday for our Senior Game Time. the effects of roadway traffic on ty to develop ‘win-win’ strate - directly next to freeways and Perspectives, Play cards, board games, bingo and many more fun games. Coffee asthma. gies that will maximize the other busy roads for commer - ehp.niehs.nih.gov; NRDC, and light refreshments served. “Our findings suggest that health benefits from reduction cial rather than residential use www.nrdc.org. Cost: $2/person Ages: 60 & better there are large and previously both of greenhouse gases and of is one way to keep people at a Location: Glenarden Community Center unappreciated public health air pollutants that directly harm safer distance from asthma-trig - EarthTalk® is written and 8615 McLain Avenue, Glenarden 20706 consequences of air pollution in children,” McConnell says. gering pollution. Those who edited by Roddy Scheer and Contact: 301-772-3151; TTY 301-218-6768 Los Angeles County and proba - already live near busy road - Doug Moss and is a registered bly other metropolitan areas “There is also emerging evi - ways can help mitigate pollu - trademark of E - The The 70s Disco Hand Dance Party with large numbers of children dence that other diseases may tion effects by planting trees— Environmental Magazine Date and Time: Saturday, January 12, 6-9 pm living near major traffic corri - be caused or exacerbated by foliage of all kinds is good at (www.emagazine.com). Description: Come get down, boogie, hang loose and have a groove- dors,” says Rob McConnell, urban air pollution, including absorbing pollutants—and by Send questions to: shaking good time at this year's 70s Disco Hand Dance Party. one of the lead researchers on atherosclerosis, lung cancer, filtering their indoor air to min - [email protected]. Cost: $10/person Ages: 18 & up the study and a professor of pre - chronic obstructive pulmonary imize overall exposure. But Subscribe: Location: Largo/Kettering/Perrywood Community Center ventive medicine at USC’s disease (COPD) and neurologi - given that traffic pollution www.emagazine.com/sub - 431 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro 20774 Keck School of Medicine. cal disorders,” McConnell increases asthma by some eight scribe. Contact: 301-390-8390; TTY 301-218-6768 “These findings confirm our adds. “Thus, policies to combat percent, says Bailey, “we better Free Trial Issue: understanding that air pollution climate change may have near- do everything we can do reduce www.emagazine.com/trial. Black History Month Opening Exhibit Date and Time: Wednesday, January 16-Tuesday, February 26 Opening reception: Sunday, February 3, 2-4 pm (reservations Couples from A 1 that we had to leave our family wife “live day by day and couples do not often get a lot of required) and friends and our community, semester by semester” in hopes Republican support. sis of census data. Description: View this year’s exhibition, Fighting on Two and her patients, and my stu - the Defense of Marriage Act “I think that we showed on “Through my mom it would Fronts: Black Military Service in the United States, which high - dents,” said Costello, an will be repealed. Another piece marriage equality in Maryland be 8-10 years (to become a citi - lights African American service and support of the U.S. Military English as a second language of federal legislation, however, that there is broad support that zen), and through my profes - from the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War. During this 200- teacher. Staying, however, has may help them and couples like doesn’t break down just sion it’s not possible,” Morales year period, African Americans have fought, worked and sacrificed come with its challenges. them sooner rather than later. because of party affiliation. The said. “My only way is my in support of their country. Fighting on Two Fronts explores their Under a student visa, The Uniting American question is finding the way to spouse, but that’s not possible.” efforts in the changing face of discrimination at home and abroad. Morales can no longer work. Families Act, currently before get it done,” he said. Morales left her native Peru At the opening reception, see the unveiling of the 2013 Black With only one income, the cou - the Senate and House Judiciary With this year’s session after earning her bachelor’s and History Month Poster designed by art students from Forestville ple was forced to move in with committees, would allow gay almost over, Cardin said the master’s degrees in systems Military Academy, with assistance from teachers Carlton and Costello’s parents. They’ve also and lesbian U.S. citizens and odds of moving the bill before engineering. Despite a lucrative Joshua Smith and resident artist Curtis Woody. accumulated significant debt lawful residents to help their 2013 are slim. But he thinks it job working for a Miami bank’s Cost: FREE Ages: All ages paying for Morales’ education “permanent partners” obtain has a chance to move as part of IT department, she said she Location: Montpelier Arts Center out-of-pocket. citizenship in the same way as an immigration reform package found her passion volunteering 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 Morales graduated cum heterosexual spouses. Maryland or a civil rights act sometime for a hospital. When she met Contact: 301-699-2544; 240-264-3415 laude from Georgetown, but Senators Barbara Mikulski and next year. Costello in 2007, she decided to isn’t eligible for any scholar - Ben Cardin, and Rep. Chris Van If or until something is done, become a nurse. Twelfth Night Ball ships or federal student aid Hollen, D-Kensington, are Morales and Costello will con - Following her graduation Date & Time: Saturday, January 12, 2013, 7:30 pm because she’s not a citizen. cosponsors of the bill. tinue to wait, but refuse to stand from Georgetown University in Description: Come in period attire or black tie to celebrate Attorney consultation fees have “Our laws in the United idly by. Both are active within 2010, Morales’ student visa the traditional end of the holiday season at this Regency-style ball. also added up. States still contain discrimina - the Washington-based organi - became a temporary work visa. Advance payment required by January 4; capacity is limited. “We thought that somebody tory provisions that we need to zation Immigration Equality, But that expired one year later, Cost: Resident: $35; Non-Resident: $42 has got to be able to have the correct. I think the more we can which advocates for and pro - Morales said. Location: Riversdale House Museum answer (to our problem), but put a face on the issue so that vides legal aid to lesbian, gay, “We had two options. I could 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park 20737 after five lawyers, everyone this isn’t an abstract problem –– bisexual and transgender immi - either keep studying, or we had Contact: 301-864-0420; TTY 301-699-2544 was telling us the same thing,” that this is a real problem facing grants. to leave the country,” Morales Costello said. “There’s nothing real families –– I think the bet - “The immigration system is said. The 70s Disco Hand Dance Party she can really do except contin - ter chance we have of getting it broken, but it can be repaired. She quickly enrolled in the Date and Time: Saturday, January 12, 6-9 pm ue going to school. If Fab keeps resolved,” Cardin said, in an I’m a US citizen and my family master of nursing program at Description: Come get down, boogie, hang loose and have a at it, she’ll end up with a doc - interview. is here and my wife is my life. Marymount University in groove-shaking good time at this year's 70s Disco Hand Dance torate in neurosurgery," Cardin said he’s hopeful for We work hard in our communi - Virginia. Party. Costello joked. bipartisan support even though ties and are trying to make our “Leaving the country meant Cost: $10/person Costello said she and her bills involving the rights of gay country as a whole better as Ages: 18 & up Location: Largo/Kettering/Perrywood Community Center 431 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro 20774 Explode from A 1 nization opposes gambling in the would be a very last resort for a "matter of local appetite." Contact: 301-390-8390; TTY 301-218-6768 state because it damages individ - legislatures to consider as a way "We're a company that's As for online gaming in the uals, families and culture, and is to raise money." always focused on expansion Black History Month Opening Exhibit District, Brown said this is a "against the principles in the Despite this, Virginia State and new opportunities, so we Date and Time: Wednesday, January 16-Tuesday, February 26 good way to bring in tax revenue Bible." Sen. L. Louise Lucas has pre- never say no to examining new Opening reception: Sunday, February 3, 2-4 pm (reservations from the industry, without hav - "Gambling is a plague on filed a bill for the 2013 General opportunities, but it's too early required) ing a casino that "possibly would people," said Blake, who said the Assembly session that would at for us to speculate of, you know, Description: View this year’s exhibition, Fighting on Two Fronts: also bring what I think a lot of reason people do gamble is least look at casinos in the state, what we would do," said Bailey. Black Military Service in the United States, which highlights social activists are concerned because they, "have desires that albeit in a limited nature. Gordon Absher, vice presi - African American service and support of the U.S. Military from about, a different kind of element they can't control sometimes." "It's been so long since the dent of public affairs at MGM the Revolutionary War to the Vietnam War. During this 200-year to the city." Even with a growing and question has come up," said Resorts International, the compa - period, African Americans have fought, worked and sacrificed in "Keep in mind that it's already more liberal population in the Robert Whitacre, who consults ny that will likely build a casino support of their country. Fighting on Two Fronts explores their going on in the District of northern part of the state, Blake for Lucas on casinos. in National Harbor, said there are efforts in the changing face of discrimination at home and abroad. Columbia. Thousands of our res - said the makeup of the Virginia Whitacre disagreed with the a lot of misperceptions about At the opening reception, see the unveiling of the 2013 Black idents are playing right now, House of Delegates and the religious argument, saying that gaming. History Month Poster designed by art students from Forestville today, without any regulations Senate of Virginia make poten - while that may have been true 10 From his personal experience, Military Academy, with assistance from teachers Carlton and and without the city reaping any tial casinos decades away. or 15 years ago, it is not the case Absher found that in Maryland Joshua Smith and resident artist Curtis Woody. of those revenue benefits," said Travis also noted the popula - today. The best-case situation, the definition of a casino was a Cost: FREE Brown. tion boom in the northern part of Whitacre said, would be to slot operation, whereas MGM is Ages: All ages In Virginia, the story is differ - the state, and said "this won't be authorize casino gaming in cer - in the "destination resort busi - Location: Montpelier Arts Center ent, but the conclusion is the the only issue," between this tain jurisdictions based on com - ness". Absher said 60 percent of 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel 20708 same: no casinos. region and the rest of the state. munity support. the revenue comes from non- Contact: 301-699-2544; 240-264-3415 Toni-Michelle Travis, an "I think very shortly the prior - If casinos were to be legalized gaming sources like hotel rooms, associate professor of govern - ities of Northern Virginia will in either Virginia or D.C., casino events and food, and this is, "one Puppet Show ment and politics at George dominate the state versus the pri - companies would almost certain - of the first things that we begin to Date & Time: Thursday, January 17, 2-3 pm Mason University, said this like - orities of our more rural legisla - ly jump at the opportunity to communicate when a new mar - Description: Participants will enjoy a seasonal themed puppet ly has to do with the Protestant ture," said Travis. build, but they're not trying to ket starts to consider bringing in show and meet a live animal. Reservations are required. tradition in the state. The economic strength of the push the door open. gaming." Cost: Resident $2; Non-Resident $3 "Many people would have state, Travis said, is also some - Karen Bailey, director of pub - Absher and Bailey both men - Ages: 2-10 reservations because of their reli - thing that should keep Virginia lic affairs for Penn National tioned that their companies will Location: Watkins Nature Center gious beliefs," said Travis. from needing to look to casinos Gaming, said the company has not try and push their industry 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro 20774 Don Blake, chairman and for added revenue. not to her knowledge made an onto an uninterested public. Contact: 301-218-6702; TTY 301-699-2544 president of the Virginia "We have a very balanced effort to push for casinos in the "We don't create new mar - Christian Alliance, said his orga - budget," said Travis. "I think that District or Virginia, and that it is kets," said Absher. A8 — January 10 — January 16 2013 — The Prince George’s Post CouNTy ChurCh direCTory

UNITED METHODIST BAPTIST BAPTIST UNITED METHODIST COMMUNITY CHURCH THE PRINCE WORD OF GOD WESTPHALIA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH First Baptist Church of Union GEORGE’S OF HIGHLAND PARK College Park COMMUNITY United Methodist Welcomes You Where Jesus United Methodist Church Church Christ Is Lord and King CHURCH ‘A Bible Based, Christ Centered POST Stephen L. Wright, Sr., Pastor “The Church Where Everybody is Somebody and “A CHURCH ON THE REACH FOR GOD” 14418 Old Marlboro Pike, & Spirit Led Congregation’ Jesus is Lord 9363 D'Arcy Road 5018 Lakeland Road Upper Marlboro, MD 6801 Sheriff Road Landover, MD College Park, MD 20740 CALL Upper Marlboro, MD 4109 Edmonston Road Bladensburg, MD 20785 (301) 773-6655 301-474-3995 Church (301) 627-5088 (301) 864-3437 www.fbc-cp.org 301-627-0900 Two Worship Services: Sunday Biblical Institute: Sunday School : (Children/Adults) - 8:30 a.m. Intercessory Prayer:Sundays - 8:30 a.m. 8 and 10:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 9:30a.m. FAX Sunday Worship : 10:00 a.m. Church School : - 9:15 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 Sunday Worship: Sunday Worship 11a.m. Holy Communion 1st Sunday Morning Worship Celebration- 10:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 6:00 p.m. Wed. Night Bible Study - 7:45 p.m. 301-627-6260 (301)735-9373 Wednesday Bible Study 7-8p.m. Rev. Kendrick D. Weaver, Pastor ‘WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS Wednesday Prayer Service 8p.m. Elder Willie W. Duvall, Pastor Fax: (301) 735-1844 Editorials & WITH JESUS’: Rev. Dr. Timothy West, 12 noon (The Power Hour) and 6:45 pm Calendar Pastor “A Time of Prayer, Praise, Church Directory EMAIL: ALL ARE WELCOME Worship, & The Word” Web Site: Dr. Henry P. Davis III, Pastor Advertisements are paid ads. [email protected] www.westphaliaum.org www.fbhp.org Please call the Have a Safe BAPTIST BAPTIST Weekend Forest Heights Baptist Churh Prince George’s Post today We exist to strengthen your relationship with God. Remember, 6371 Oxon Hill Road and have your Church Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 Sunday School (Adults & Children) - 9:30 A.M. Don’t Worship Service - 11:00 A.M. information published in our Wed. Prayer Service & Bible Study - 7:00 P.M. Drink

Office (301) 839-1166 Fax (301) 839-1721 Directory. Alcohol and E-mail: Office [email protected] Pastor: Rev. Waymond B. Duke Call Today! 301-627-0900 Drive!

ClaS Sifie dS

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