Bladensburg’s industrial park, particularly Ernest Maier, is being unfairly assailed as the cause for the various real and perceived environmental and social ills associated with being a traffic hub and active business center located next to Washington, D.C. The park is set aside from the residential area and the main section of town. Its businesses provide needed services, revenue and jobs that sustain the town. The business owners are willing to work with local leaders and residents to address concerns and make operational and landscape improvements. The park’s existence neither precludes development and beautification of the town nor prevents its historical site tourism or Waterfront Park recreational and environmental education activities. Let’s try working together for a change.
Susan R. McCutchen
Bladensburg, Md.
Enjoy National Poetry Month
Now that we’re more than halfway through National Poetry Month, one question begs an answer: “What is the significance of poetry as we try to make sense of the world today?” We know that poetry is art. Poetry is also power. Even the Bible tells us, “In the beginning was the word.” There are those who profess the power of words. This is a growing, indeed thriving camp that is open to all who would embrace and seek to understand views and issues beyond their own. Such is the power of poetry. Whether sharing verse that shines bright for a cause glorious and noble, or casts gloom to denounce shamefully scurrilous deeds and demons, poetry is a vehicle through which voices and verses invite writers and listeners inside. Whether you write, read or listen, poetry has something to say. I say, pick up a pen! Happy National Poetry Month.
Joy Matthews Alford
Poet laureate of Ebenezer AME Church
Fort Washington, Md.