FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ray Feldmann

Town of Upper Marlboro

ray@fcstrategies.com

410-507-7714 (mobile)

FOUR COMMISSIONERS SEATED IN HISTORIC FIRST

FOR THE TOWN OF UPPER MARLBORO

Sarah Franklin will serve as the town’s new mayor,

Janice Duckett becomes the new board treasurer

UPPER MARLBORO, MD (Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021) – Commissioner Sarah Franklin has been selected by her board colleagues as the new Mayor of the Town of Upper Marlboro in Prince George’s County, Town Clerk John Hoatson announced today. Franklin was chosen during an organizational meeting of the governing board following last month’s election, as per the town charter.

Commissioner Janice Duckett, who received the most votes in the Nov. 2 town election, was selected as the board’s treasurer. Duckett and Franklin received 82 and 78 votes, respectively. Franklin and Duckett were officially sworn in as mayor and commissioner, respectively, this past Monday, Dec. 13, along with incoming commissioners Karen Lott and Thomas J. Hanchett.

“I am honored that my fellow Commissioners have put their trust in me to be Mayor” Franklin said following Tuesday night’s town board meeting. “I am looking forward to working as a part of this team and living up to the responsibility.

“Our town is ready to thrive,” she added, “and I am invested in putting in the work to see this happen.”`

This marks the first time in the town’s 326-year history that it has four members sitting on its governing Board of Commissioners. Up to now, the town had been led by a three-member board.

Former Town Mayor Linda Pennoyer received 68 votes in the Nov. 2 election but declined to be sworn in, citing personal reasons. A special election will be held on Jan. 25, 2022 to fill her slot as a fifth commissioner.

The Nov. 2 vote totals were as follows:

Janice Duckett                 82

Sarah Franklin                 78

Karen Lott                        78

Linda Pennoyer               68

Thomas J. Hanchett        66

Bryan Bontrager              29

This past August, the then-three-member Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution that increased the composition of the Town's elected body from three to five members, consisting of four Commissioners and one President/Mayor.

###

Congratulations

President / Mayor Sarah Franklin

&

Commissioner Janice Duckett Treasurer

Special Election will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022 to fill the Board of Commissioner Seat vacated by President / Mayor / Commissioner Linda Pennoyer. More Details To Follow!

The Town of Upper Marlboro is proud to present the first annual Deck the Halls Holiday Decorating Contest for both residential properties and our businesses! Judging will be done by our Board of Town Commissioners on Friday December 17th, 2021, between 6 and 8pm.

CONTEST RULES

1. Contest is open to residential and commercial addresses within the Town of Upper Marlboro limits only. There is no nomination form, just decorate and wait! Not sure if your property is within the Town limits? Check Here
2. Prizes will be awarded for the top two residential properties and top two businesses.
3. Decorations must be visible from the street as judges may not exit vehicles to view decorations.
4. Winning properties will be announced on Tuesday, December 21st, 2021.
5. Photos of winning homes & businesses will be posted on the Town’s website, social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram), Landing’s newsletter, and possibly other Town media.
6. Winning properties will be awarded gift cards (amounts listed below) and an award yard sign.

AWARD CATEGORIES & PRIZES

Business:

• 1St Place Business $300.00 (Visa gift card)
• 2nd Place Business $100.00 (Visa gift card)
• Honorable Mention

Residential:

• 1st Place Residential $125.00 (in local business gift cards and/or Visa gift card)
• 2nd Place Residential $100.00 (in local business gift cards and/or Visa gift card)
• 3rd Place Residential $75.00 (in local business gift cards and/or Visa gift card)
• Honorable Mention

Other:

• Top Decorated Government Building (Library, Darnall’s Chance House Museum, Post Office, Courthouse, Fire Station Etc.)

Please reach out to Town Hall with any questions or concerns at 301-627-6905 or by email at Info@UpperMarlboroMD.gov. Happy Decorating!

A note to the businesses:

For the residential property awards, the Town would like to purchase gift cards from Town businesses as the prize. If your business sells gift cards, please let us know by emailing info@UpperMarlboroMD.gov or call Town Offices at 301-627-6905 ex1107. Gift card donations or “matching” amounts are also welcome!

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

from the Marlboro VFD

Christmas trees account for hundreds of fires each year. Typically, shorts in electrical lights or open flames from candles, lighters or matches start tree fires. Well-watered trees are not a problem. A dry and neglected tree can be. Here is everything you need to know about keeping your home and family safe from fires during the holiday season!

Facts About Holiday Home Fire Safety



• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes one in every four of Christmas tree fires.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires.
• One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom.

Blood Drive January 21, 2022 

The Town of Upper Marlboro has partnered with the Prince George's Soil Conservation District to schedule an Upper Marlboro Area Blood Drive at the @PGC Soil Conservation District 5301 Marlboro Race Track Rd, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, on Friday, January 21st, 2022, from Noon - 06:00 PM.

https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=PGSCD&fbclid=IwAR0y_NlKTUJtIm2_Op1p2vKYA953gEg7vSX0UiddUR17P_Jwk6ZlM-v5-7U

Schedule Your Blood Donation With The Red Cross

www.redcrossblood.org

Washington International Horseshow Coming to Downtown Upper Marlboro!

The Board of Directors of the Washington International Horse Show, presented by MARS EquestrianTM, is pleased to announce the show's return home to the greater Washington, D.C. area and its upgrade to a FEI 5* level in 2022. Pending FEI and USEF final approval, the 64th edition of WIHS will be held October 25 - 30, 2022, at The Show Place Arena at Prince George’s Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. 

For full release and info, please visit https://bit.ly/3y8vGsG. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2022!

Ordinance 2021-06 Residential Speed Camera Legislation Was Passed By The Town of Upper Marlboro

Board of Town Commissioners At The

December 14, 2021 Regular Town Meeting.

Presented Here Is The Ordinance.