WI Web Staff
At the ribbon cutting for MGM Resorts International's new office in Prince George's County, officials wanted to make one point clear – this is not a campaign office, it's an information office.
That message, which comes in the wake of a barrage of pro and con gaming advertisements on television and radio, was repeated by MGM executives in formal remarks.
The storefront office located on Waterfront Street at National Harbor is where Marshunda Johnson, MGM Resorts vice president of compliance, and Christopher Oh, ARIA Resort's director of finance and strategy, will operate from during the run-up to the election in which voters will decide if an additional video lottery facility in Prince George's County is approved. Both Johnson and Oh have temporarily moved to the county from Las Vegas, now residing in condos at National Harbor.
The Peterson Companies, developer of National Harbor, and MGM Resorts International have reached an agreement on developing a destination resort casino at National Harbor if voters approve the addition of a sixth casino.
Johnson has been with MGM Resorts for more than 13 years and works with a team to ensure all regulatory requirements, legal obligations, internal policies and procedures are followed. Oh, a native of Baltimore, has been with MGM for three years. He is on the team at ARIA Resort in Las Vegas that develops and supports financial and strategic initiatives to maximize operating performance.
Johnson wasjoined by Alan Feldman, MGM senior vice president of public affairs, and Kent Digby, vice president of operations for The Peterson Companies, in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In remarks prior to the ribbon cutting, Feldman commented that 60 percent of MGM Resorts revenue comes from non-gaming activities.
"We don't consider ourselves a gaming company," Feldman said.
The speakers encouraged those with questions about MGM Resorts International to stop in and learn about the company and the possible development.
Johnson said the office will provide information and hand out literature to those who are interested. She said she expects that the focus of most people's questions will be on jobs and traffic.
Establishing an office in a potential new gaming location is routine for MGM Resorts International, she said.
Johnson, who moved to Maryland August 26, said the company plans to be active in getting to know Prince George's County and its residents and already has scheduled to participate in several events such as For Sisters Only, Oktoberfest at National Harbor and the Congressional Black Caucus activities.
"We will be in the community," said Johnson. "That's what we are here for."
A Clueless Council
I enjoy reading James Wright's D.C.'s Political Roundup each week in The Informer. In addition to this week's roundup, his article "Council Members Discuss Hot-Button Issues with Residents" was most interesting. What the article shows me is just how clueless our council members are about the needs of the residents who live in Wards 7 and 8, and how to address those needs.
Everyone who walks the streets of the District of Columbia can see the development that is taking place all over the city, including east of the river. However, what's needed east of the river are jobs, and for the life of me, I don't understand why more residents can't get some of the jobs on projects that are currently underway. The District government needs to hold developers accountable for hiring District residents; that's what needs to happen.
Before you know it, projects will be finished, buildings will be occupied and employers will use the excuses that residents aren't qualified to do the work they need. It will be the same old story that is used time after time. If they really cared, they would do something about it.
Bernard Milton
Washington, D.C.
Finding Viable Solutions during the CBC
The Washington Informer special insert, "The Congressional Black Caucus 42nd Annual Legislative Conference, Inspiring Leaders/Building Generations," had some very good articles. While I was reading them I started thinking, what if there was something like this put out at the end of the conference to let people know what solutions and strategies were decided on to address some of the problems our communities face.
After 42 years of coming together we should be ready to share with the public a plan for action, something we can work on together to accomplish. Yes, we all need to vote, but there has to be something else we can do. If we can come together and celebrate being together, we should at least determine some goals while we are together, and publish them for everybody to see.
David Salter
Hyattsville, Md.
Voter Education, Mobilization and Registration
WASHINGTON, DC – Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal A.M.E. Church and the NAACP DC Branch partner to host a voter empowerment forum themed, "Voter Education, Mobilization and Registration," to be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 29 at Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal A.M.E. Church, 2498 Alabama Ave., in Southeast.
The forum will empower residents to understand their voting rights, educate the community on current political issues and encourage them to employ civic engagement and social responsibility to maximize voter turnout.
The panel moderator will be Minister Leslie Watson (Malachi), national director for African American Religious Affairs of the African American Ministers Leadership Council.
Panel participants will include:
Marion Barry -- Council Member, District of Columbia, Ward 8
Ulysses Currie -- Maryland State Senator, District 25
Karen R. Toles -- Council Member, Prince Georges County, District 7
Raheem DeVaughn to Perform at Center City Groundbreaking
Tuesday, 18 September 2012 13:36 Published in Local
SEAT PLEASANT, MD – Grammy-winning recording artist Raheem DeVaughn will be performing at the City Center groundbreaking ceremony, slated for Saturday, Sept. 29 at Goodwin Park in Seat Pleasant. The historical event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
DeVaughn will join a prestigious list of VIPs that include Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley and Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker, and celebrity guests to witness the kickoff of the Platinum LEED Certified City Center project.
Recently announced, tennis champion Venus Williams will be addressing the crowd with a pre-recorded tape. Additionally, the City of Seat Pleasant plans to engage Williams' interior design firm, V*STARR Interiors, for work inside the new City Hall and Community Center as part of the City Center project.
For more information about the City Center project or to RSVP for the groundbreaking ceremony, visit our new website www.seatpleasantcitycenter.org.
The National Zoo's 14-year-old giant panda, Mei Xiang, has given birth seven years after the zoo's only other cub was born in 2005.
The new cub was born Sunday at 10:46 p.m., and zoo curator Becky Malinsky, who was watching the 24-hour-a-day panda camera feed, heard the newborn's first squeal. It was described as high-pitched and loud.
"I got a call ... a little after 10:45" from a senior curator saying "the behavior watcher just saw a birth," Don Moore, associate director for animal care sciences, said in an interview. "I said, 'Yeah, yeah, it's not April Fool's yet, so I'm going back to bed. ' She said, 'No, no, really. There's been a panda. Congratulations.' "
On Monday, Zoo Director Dennis Kelly, who lives across the street from the zoo, extended congratulations to D.C. residents, as the birth has spawned a wave of "pandamania" across the District.
Mayor Gray Celebrates Anacostia High Modernization Project
Monday, 17 September 2012 14:25 Published in Local
Mayor Vincent C. Gray recently celebrated the final phase of the renaissance of the historic Anacostia High School, which now features state-of-the-art learning technology and community spaces.
Gray was also joined last week by Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, City Administrator Allen Y. Lew, D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) Chancellor Kaya Henderson, and Department of General Services (DGS) Director Brian J. Hanlon in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Ward 8 school.
"The final phase of this modernization project brings together the pride and history of Anacostia High School with 21st century technology to provide students, educators, and this community with a vibrant learning facility," Gray said. "This investment in our students' learning environment reflects the renewed sense of value we're placing on education in the District of Columbia."
Phase II of the $62 million project completes the modernization of the 247,000 square-foot facility, which consists of an original building that was constructed in 1935 and three subsequent additions built in the 1940s, the 1950s and the 1970s. The project also features the modernization of classrooms and the addition of energy-efficient mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
"Our design goal for Anacostia High School was to meticulously restore the exterior of the building to maintain its historic appearance, while simultaneously transforming the interior into a modern facility with state-of-the-art technology for students and teachers," said Lew.
A special feature of the new Anacostia High School is the cafeteria renovation that adds both floor space and ceiling height along with new skylights, a decorative stairwell open to the floor above and a mobile by artist Roberto Delgado (made possible through a grant from D.C. Commission on the Arts & Humanities D.C. Creates Public Art Program).
"It's a great day for Anacostia and DCPS. The final phase of all the tremendous work at Anacostia is an example of what we can do when we work together to help improve the quality of education for our students," said Chancellor Henderson. "This is the type of project that helps us move toward our vision of DCPS as a world-class school system where all students can grow, thrive and succeed."
The technology upgrades include state-of-the-art communications and information-technology systems to enhance the learning environment throughout the school as well as increased natural light, improved acoustics, interactive white boards and computer labs. The high school is completely ADA-accessible, and will be able to accommodate up to 1,200 students.
Atlas Performing Arts Center Wins 'Excellence' Award
Sunday, 16 September 2012 23:16 Published in Arts & Entertainment
The Atlas Performing Arts Center was awarded the 2012 Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in Service to the Arts on Sept. 13 at the annual ceremony held at the historic Lincoln Theatre.
It was the first Mayor's Arts Award for the performing arts center, which has stood as an artistic anchor in the historic and thriving H Street NE neighborhood since 2006.
"The Atlas looks to strengthen the cultural revitalization of the H Street NE Corridor," said Atlas Executive Director Sam Sweet, in accepting the award. "The Atlas is home to adventurous artists, audiences and ideas. We believe that the arts can bring people together to share these ideas and build a better community."
The honor was also shared with Washington Performing Arts Society. The Mayor's Arts Awards, which are the most prestigious honor given by the District, celebrates individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact and contribution to elevating the cultural and artistic landscape in the nation's capital.
The Atlas presents an extraordinary range of programs and services in arts education and workforce development. Additionally, the Atlas provides a collaborative environment in which artists and arts organizations can thrive and grow artistically and administratively. Combined with its thought-provoking performances and arts events, the Atlas has become the artistic heart of the H Street community.
Atlas Curator Brad Linde and the Bohemian Caverns Jazz Orchestra and Atlas Arts Partner Step Afrika were also awarded the Outstanding Emerging Artist Award and the Excellence in an Artistic Discipline Award, respectively.
"It is a great pleasure to congratulate Brad Linde and Step Afrika on their honors as well. Both play an integral role in the success and growth of the Atlas," Sweet said.
Last season, the Atlas added a new series featuring jazz, new music, theatre and dance to its current programming schedule.
This season the Atlas continues to expand its programming with new and contemporary performances that speak directly to the community, featuring Grammy-nominated composer/ jazz pianist Vijay Iyer and poet Mike Ladd, arts activist Marc Bamuthi Joseph and a host of local, national and internationally recognized artists.
Venus Williams to Address City Center Groundbreaking
Friday, 14 September 2012 23:47 Published in Local
Seat Pleasant, MD --Tennis star Venus Williams will be addressing the City Center groundbreaking ceremony with pre-recorded remarks on Sept. 29 at Goodwin Park in Seat Pleasant.
Williams joins a cast of VIPs involved with the event that include such as Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and Prince Georges County Executive Rushern Baker.
"This is the first major development project in Seat Pleasant in nearly 30 years, and I am honored Ms. Venus Williams and her company, V*STARR Interiors, were willing to come on board with this historic undertaking, said Mayor Eugene Grant. "The city of Seat Pleasant is combining an urban environment with nature and taking measures to reduce our carbon footprint. . . We hope this will serve as an example to the county, state and nation that by working together municipalities like ours can accomplish great things to leave a better future for our children."
Williams' interior design firm, V*STARR Interiors, has agreed to take on the interior design of the new city hall and community center as part of the City Center project. This $60 million endeavor will be the city's largest undertaking in its history and the largest public/private partnership of a municipality with a population of 10,000 or less.
The groundbreaking is an historic celebration for the community as the City of Seat Pleasant: "A City of Excellence," embarks on "Going Green."
The project will cover 15 acres of what is now known as Goodwin Park in Seat Pleasant and include a LEED-Platinum city hall building, which along with the other buildings, will be positioned with energy efficient solar panels and other renewable energy solutions to reduce the size of the carbon footprint of each of the facilities covering five buildings.
First Lady Michelle Obama to Address CBCF Awards Dinner
Friday, 14 September 2012 17:16 Published in National
Four to Receive Prestigious Awards Recognizing Contributions to America
WASHINGTON – First lady Michelle Obama will deliver the keynote address at the annual Phoenix Awards Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Mrs. Obama is scheduled to address more than 3,000 expected attendees at the evening's event, which marks the first time ever that a first lady has addressed the prestigious gathering.
"We are so pleased that Mrs. Obama will serve as the keynote speaker for the awards dinner," said Elsie L. Scott, president and chief executive officer for CBCF. "As a former CBC Spouse, Mrs. Obama is quite familiar with our mission at the Foundation, and we are certain that her remarks will be both thought provoking, and most importantly, inspire our audience to do their part to prepare the next generation of leaders."
The Phoenix Award symbolizes the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential. Four distinguished individuals will receive the prestigious award:
• U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr. will receive The CBCF Chair's Award. The award is presented to an individual whose work and accomplishments stand as a role model for the African-American community and the African Diaspora.
• Writer, director George Lucas will receive The CBC Chair's Award. The award is presented to an individual who exhibits the highest standards of dedication, ability and creativity;
• Representative Corrine Brown of Florida and the first African American Mayor of Charlotte, NC, the Honorable Harvey Gantt will each receive The Harold Washington Award. The award is presented to an individual who has contributed immeasurably to African-American political awareness, empowerment and the advancement of minorities in the electoral process;
Recent past recipients of the award include EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson; athlete, entrepreneur and humanitarian George Edward Foreman Sr.; civil rights activists the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery and Georgia Congressman John Lewis.
D.C. Delegates Continue to Fight
Great to see our delegates to the National Democratic Convention still pushing for D.C. Statehood for citizens of the District of Columbia ["D.C. Delegates Push Agenda despite DNC Snub" September 6, 2012].
As we all know the District is changing, and with the influx of new residents, I have a strange feeling that our fight will soon be won. Congress and the powers that be can no longer use the excuse that the District is a majority one party, which I believe is a code for majority black, and therefore did not deserve to have status as a state because it would add an additional Democratic senator.
Hopefully, our new residents will join the fight for full citizenship and help to put pressure on Congress for Statehood for the District of Columbia no matter what their party affiliation. Hopefully, Statehood is as important to our new residents as it has been to those of us who have been fighting this battle for years.
Kenneth Davis
Washington, D.C.
HIV/AIDS Doesn't Discriminate
That was a great article written by Freddie Allen in your September 6th issue, "Straight Black Men Ignored in AIDS Initiatives." The most dramatic statement to me in the article was the one you highlighted by Dwayne Morrow, "What we don't want 10 years from now, if there is still an HIV/AIDS epidemic, we don't want to find heterosexual Black men facing the same epidemic that White gay men were in the '80s."
If you know anything about the AIDS epidemic, that statement can be so real. I have heard some people say the media is now trying to make AIDS a black disease, or they are inflating the numbers to spread panic in the black community, or they are saying these things to make black churches look bad. All that stuff is just talk, the real issue is that AIDS is a disease, and if you are not informed, educated and careful you can be infected regardless of your gender or race.
Raymond Stevens
Alexandria, Va.
Featured Poll
ADVERTISMENT
ADVERTISMENT