Friday, May 18, 2012
Ruling stems from divorce case filed by a couple married in California in 2008.
Same-sex marriages legally performed out of state must be recognized by Maryland Courts, according to a decision issued Friday by Maryland’s highest court. “Maryland courts will withhold recognition of a valid foreign marriage only if that marriage is ‘repugnant’ to State public policy,” wrote Court of Appeals Judge Glenn Harrell Jr. in the 7-0 decision. The case stems from a 2010 divorce case filed in Prince Georges County. Two women, Jessica Port and Virginia Cowan, were legally married in October 2008 in California. Eight months later, the couple separated and ultimately filed for divorce in July 2010. The judge in that case ruled that recognizing “the alleged marriage would be contrary to the public policy of Maryland” and declared it …
Thursday, May 17, 2012
As living trusts gain popularity in GHI, members will get a chance to vote on making them a part of bylaws changes on Thursday.
Two bylaws issues are up for a vote at the Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) annual membership meeting Thursday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Greenbelt Community Center. One of the suggested bylaws changes addresses contracts, the other—living trusts. The bylaws change on living trusts make it clear that GHI can allow them, according to GHI Treasurer Chuck Hess. Hess said that under the current bylaws, there's been a question about whether GHI could or couldn't allow living trusts, but no one has seen a good reason not to. "It's getting more popular and were doing it," Hess said. If members pass the suggested bylaws change on Thursday, "It makes it explicit that we're allowed to do this," Hess said. In some ways, a living trust is like a will. …
The worst of all the bylaws, when it comes to coherency, is up for a vote tonight, says GHI Treasurer.
Two bylaws issues are up for a vote at the Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) annual membership meeting Thursday, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Greenbelt Community Center. One of the suggested bylaws changes addresses contracts, the other—living trusts. When discussing the contract portion of the bylaws, GHI Treasurer Chuck Hess used the phrase "I think" liberally. Which gets directly to the point of why it is coming before the membership for a vote. It confuses people, Hess said, explaining that there has been much debate over what it means. "I know of nobody who thinks this is an easy to understand provision,” Hess said. Under the current bylaws (see below), if a contract with an outside vendor costs more than $20,000 in one year and its total …
Take a look at what GHI has planned for its annual membership meeting Thursday night.
Greenbelt Homes, Inc. (GHI) will hold its annual membership meeting Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Greenbelt Community Center auditorium. Note, bylaws changes and a members' petition are up for discussion. Look for a Patch article on the bylaws changes to be posted Thursday afternoon. The proposed changes will address requirements for GHI contracts and clarify the issue of living trusts. The members' petition will seek to create a smoke-free row of townhomes on the 13 Court of Ridge Road, and open up that possibility for other members who want to follow suit. GHI also has seven members running for five seats on its Board of Directors. Take a look at their bios before casting your votes. In addition to participating in agenda items, from 7-9 …
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Seven GHI members are running for five seats on the GHI Board of Directors.
Five seats are up for election on the Greenbelt Homes Inc. (GHI) Board of Directors—and seven GHI members are in the running for them. Find out more about the candidates in their bios, posted below. The voting will begin after GHI's annual meeting on Thursday, May 17 and continue through May 18. The annual meeting will be held from 7:30-10:30 p.m. in the Community Center gym. Friday's voting will take place at the GHI management office from 7-10 a.m. and 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, until noon is the deadline for members pick up applications for absentee ballots from GHI Director of Member Services Joan Krob at GHI's Management Office. Absentee ballots can be filled out on the spot or be returned to Krob before 6 p.m. Wednesday. GHI BOARD …
From a Greenbelt city official to a Baltimore shelter volunteer to a White Marsh dog groomer, concerned Marylanders hope legislators will stand up to the court on pit bulls.
As the Maryland General Assembly met for the second day of its special session Tuesday, Marylanders protesting a recent court opinion against pit bulls gathered at Lawyer's Mall in Annapolis on Tuesday afternoon. "I think it’s legitimate to say that the ruling amounts to a defacto statewide breed band," Celia Craze, who heads up Greenbelt Animal Control, told Patch on Monday. Craze knows firsthand about the challenges of a breed ban. Pit bulls have been banned in Prince George’s County since 1997, and the Greenbelt shelter has a practice of placing abandoned pit bulls outside the county. She stands firm on the shelter’s decision against euthanizing any animal because of its breed, but worries the court’s decision has potential to flood …
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Police Chief James Craze honored Cpl. Timothy White before Greenbelt City Council.
Greenbelt Police Chief James Craze honored three of Greenbelt's finest at City Council's regular meeting Monday. The trio had also been singled out for awards at the recent 2012 Chief's Award Ceremony for Prince George's County. Chief Craze honored Cpl. Timothy White as an award winner: Corporal Timothy White Community Services Officer of the Year After Cpl. Timothy White came on as the Greenbelt Police Department's public-private partnership officer in Franklin Park, crime in the apartment complex was reduced by 133 incidents, down 24 percent from the previous year, Craze reported. You can see a day in the life of Cpl. White through his own lense, as he patroled Franklin Park on a mountain bike, a golf cart and his police car. To address …
Lindsey Keifline is praised before Greenbelt City Council as the Greenbelt Police's Citizen of the Year.
Greenbelt Police Chief James Craze honored three of Greenbelt's finest at City Council's regular meeting Monday. The trio had also been singled out for awards at the recent 2012 Chief's Award Ceremony for Prince George's County. The first award Craze announced was: Communications Specialist Lindsey Keifline—Civilian of the Year Responding to a report of domestic child abuse last December, officers found two young children whose mother had injured them. The children were transported to Children's Hospital, and officers arrested their mother and transported her to headquarters. "Moments after she was processed and placed in the cell she attempted to hang herself by the use of her undergarments," Craze said. Communications Specialist Lindsey …
Monday, May 14, 2012
City Council will take up issues incluidng: a waiver for Parke Crescent Apartment, the location of the CSX Intermodal Facility, proposed improvements at Greenbelt Middle School and Springhill Lake Elementary.
Greenbelt City Council will hold a regular meeting Monday at 8 p.m. in the council room on the second floor of the Municipal Building. Council plans to take up the following presentations, reports, legislation and business, among other issues: Presentations Council Reports Committee Reports LEGISLATION A Resolution to Adopt the Maryland Municipal Public Works Officials’ Association (MMPWOA) Public Works Mutual Aid Agreement. The goal of the MMPWOA is to have all municipalities that have a Public Works Departments adopt and sign the agreement as part of their emergency management plan, according to City Council's agenda notes. City staff has recommended the resolution be introduced for first reading Monday night. BUSINESS Maryland National …
Sunday, May 13, 2012
This week's top Prince George's County news.
Speed, Buzzard Contributing Factors in Sunday's Motorcycle Fatality David Christopher Norris, of Upper Marlboro, died Sunday after his motorcycle struck a buzzard causing him to veer off the road. Engine Overheats in NASA Goddard Building Containing Radioactive Material An engine at NASA Goddard overheated and smoked in a building containing radioactive material Thursday. Cafritz Hearing is Adjourned After six days, the Prince George's County District Council ended the evidentiary hearing for the Cafritz rezoning request. The developers want to rezone about 37 acres just south of College Park, in Riverdale Park, to Mixed-Use Town Center so that they can construct a Whole Foods Market, almost 1,000 residential units, and both retail and …
Michael Middleton
1:40 pm on Friday, May 18, 2012
Yes, in certain circumstances, the legislators/courts are going against "the will of the people". Not the first time, and not the last time. "America" does not need to support gay marriage. However, America is required to afford the same rights and privileges to all of it's citizens. The case "against homosexuality" does not demonstrate significant harms against society, simplifying this down to … more ›