The Beltsville Citizens Association’s next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 18, at 7 pm. We have two presentations this month from representatives from the Prince George's County States Attorney's Office and the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department. October is Domestic Violence Month and Fire Safety Month. Melissa Hoppmeyer, the chief of the Special Victim & Family Violence Unit, will speak on domestic violence crimes, and Franklin Shelton, the chief of the Special Prosecution Unit, will speak on environmental crimes.
Coffee with COPS will take place on Wednesday, October 16, from 11–noon at the Calverton McDonald's. Senior Coffee with COPS will take place at the Laurel Senior Center, 7120 Contee Rd, Laurel, MD 20707, on Thursday, October 3, from 1–2 pm. A representative from the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will be there.
FIREFEST, an open house hosted by the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department (4911 Prince George's Avenue), will be held on Sunday, October 20, from noon–4 pm. There will be activities for children such as face painting and a moon bounce. There will also be fire safety demonstrations as well as exhibits from other community groups.
The Police District 6 COPS unit will host a TRUNK or TREAT on Thursday, October 24, from 6:30–7:30 pm at Beltsville Academy (4300 Wicomico Avenue). Decorate your car, bring some candy, and join in the fun!
Here are some safety reminders. Rear tags are being stolen. If they are stolen, immediately file a police report. Remember: "If you see something, report something." Call 911 for suspicious criminal activity, and call 311 for additions, driveways, fences, or construction that you think isn’t legal. General permits are required and should be posted on the home. If you think a home is a rental property, also call 311. Landlords are required to have a rental license and have the home inspected before they can rent.
Watch for details on future meetings in The Beltsville News and on Nextdoor. Future meetings will be on November 20, 2019; March 18, April 15, and May 20, 2020. (January 15, February 19, and June 17 meetings are as needed and weather permitting.) If you have any questions or concerns, I can be reached at 301.937.3490 or karenmcoakley@msn.com.