Stacey-Ann's Blog

Bridgette Davis Miles is a senior sales executive for DIBZ Merchandising LLC.  

DIBZ merchandising provides marketing and promotional materials that are customizable.  Over 800,000 products are available.  

Available products include:

• t-shirts
• keychains
• notebooks
• pens
• tape measures
• lotions
• hand sanitizers

Angie Houtz was born in Charles County, MD in 1974.  She spent her entire life in Southern Maryland and graduated as the salutatorian from McDonough High School in Waldorf, MD.  Angie attended UMBC on a full scholarship and graduated with a degree in english in 1996.  Angie began working for the Office of Naval Intelligence in Suitland, MD as an intern and then eventually graduated to a full-time job as a navy analyst.  She was evenutally placed at the Pentagon.  Angie was killed instantly in a conference room in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

I met Angie during orientation for college in 1992.  She was my room-mate for all four years of college and forever my best friend.  We shared many special times.  The month before she died we had actually gone to Jamaica together to celebrate my father's 50th birthday.  We had debated whether to make the trip because it was very expensive and my husband had just been laid off from his job.  I will forever be grateful that I made the trip because the memories I have of those few weeks helped keep me sane in the months following her death.

(The picture below shows my housewarming in July 2001 where she showed up wearing the same thing I had on even though we had not planned it)

To honor her memory we (my husband and I, her sisters, and 2 other friends from college) started the Angie M. Houtz Memorial Scholarship Fund.  Angie had dedicated her life to serving other people, so it was decided that the scholarship would honor college students who also value community service.  

All students attending a Maryland public tertiary institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a dedication to community service are eligible.

The fund is supported by three main sources:

1. Tax deductible donations which can be made via paypal on the website www.angiehoutzfund.com or by mail to: 

• Angie Houtz Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 634, Olney, MD 20830-0634

 2. Family Fun Day Fundraiser

• Held on the weekend before the memorial day weekend
• Charles County Fairgrounds

 3. Angie Houtz Memorial Golf Tournament

• Held every September
• Oak Creek Golf Club
• Upper Marlboro, MD

Since its inception the fund has been awarded to the following students

• Karissa Pavelka (2008) - Towson University $3000
• Margaret Williamson (2008) - UMBC $3000
• Michael Atlas (2007) - Univ of MD - College Park $2000
• Jaclyn Nutt (2007) - Univ of MD - College Park $2000
• Kelly Slentz (2007) - UMBC $2000
• Ashley Brown (2006) - Salisbury Univ $3000
• Sarah Reardon (2005) - Salisbury Univ $3000
• Amanda Wilson-Ely (2005) - Salisbury Univ $2000,   (2004) - Salisbury Univ $3000
• Kelly Subramainian (2004) - UMBC $3000
• Janice Green (2004) - UMBC $1000
• Antonio Burton (2003) - Univ of MD - Eastern Shore $1000
• Stacey Edwards (2003) - Cecil Community College $500
• Katie Bassler (2003) - UMBC $500

 There is still time to support the Angie Houtz Memorial Fund for 2009.  Registrations are currently being accepted for players and sponsors for the 2009 tournament which will be held on Friday, September 18, 2009. www.golfdigestplanner.com/12017-angie

I can think of no better way to honor her memory than to be able to help well deserving students in their quest for a college education.   

I you would like more information about this wonderful charity visit the website or give me a call. www.angiehoutzfund.com

This morning I was watching Real Sports and we saw a story about a young girl dealing with a malignant brain tumor.  She was a lacrosse player prior to her becoming ill.  She was "adopted" by the Northwestern University women's lacrosse team.  These team members treated her like a VIP.  They invited her to games, sent her text messages, emails, and videos.  Both the little girl and her father felt that this special treatment by the team helped her heal.

Jaclyn and her father started a charity called Friends of Jaclyn.  This charity matches children suffering with brain tumors to college teams.  Once the team and the child have been matched there is a formal adoption process.  The gift of friendship and support has helped many young kids grapple with the painful effects of childhood brain cancer.

As I watched this story, tears ran down my cheeks, and I was reminded of the fundamental good of the human spirit.

Please check out this charity and learn more about this heart-warming story.  www.friendsofjaclyn.org

All contributions to Friends of Jaclyn are tax deductible.  If you know someone who could be helped by this wonderful organization please pass this information along.

www.friendsofjaclyn.org

The decision to use childcare can be one of the most difficult decisions for working parents.  Having good quality childcare allows the parent to focus on work during the day without the worry about the children's well-being.

My son started at Pampered Kids Daycare when he was about 8 months old.  From the first time we walked through the door I knew that we had found the person who would love our son as much as we did.  Miss Bev treated us like family.  She was warm and engaging and not only did my son love her but so did his older sister who was attending pre-school.  Soon we began allowing my daughter to spend days there with Miss Bev too.

While my son was in Miss Bev's care I never needed to give him a second thought during the day.  I was never concerned for his safety or well-being and always knew that he was receiving top notch care.

My son stayed at Pampered Kids Daycare until he was 3 when we moved away from the area.  We've been away for 1 year now and the kids still ask about her.  I take them to spend days with her occasionally.  

Miss Bev always went the extra mile to make sure the kids (and the parents) were happy.  

If you are looking for high quality home daycare in the Olney area look no further than Miss Bev and Pampered Kids Daycare.  She is fully licensed and can accommodate 2 infants and 4 other children.  Her rates are reasonable and they include breakfast, lunch, and snacks.

If you are interested give me a call 240-481-3565 and I will be happy to put you in touch with this wonderful, caring daycare provider.

Marlboro Ridge is Upper Marlboro's premier, luxury equestrian community featuring homes built by Toll Brothers. 

Planned amenities for Marlboro Ridge include a club-house, outdoor swimming pool, exercise facility, tennis courts, walking & biking trails, community parks, ballfields, and playgrounds, and an equestrian center. 

The Glen at Marlboro Ridge - Single Family Homes

• 5 floor- plans available
• Base prices from $499,995-$621,995
• First floor master bedrooms available

The Hunt at Marlboro Ridge - Luxury Single Family Homes

• 5 floor-plans available
• Base prices from $635,995 - $698,995
• First floor master bedrooms available 
• Quick delivery home available - Columbia Georgian floor-plan

The Estates at Marlboro Ridge

• 6 estate floor-plans available
• Base prices from $751,995 - $899,995
• 3 car side load garges and 4 car courtyard garages available 

All homes at Marlboro Ridge include fire sprinkler systems in accordance with Prince George's County Requirements.

If you would like to learn more about this exclusive equestrian community located only a few miles from the Nation's capital please give me a call.  I would love to show you around and fill you in on the many amazing amenities that Marlboro Ridge has to offer.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Marlboro Ridge or any of the other new home communities in Prince George's County, MD I would be happy to help navigate the process of choosing the perfect builder and the perfect floor plan for you.  

Your New Home Specialist

Oak Creek is Prince George's County premier gated luxury home community.   This beautiful community located in Upper Marlboro, MD features 24 hour guard gated access on the main gate and a full-time concierge.  Located on the property is the fully restored Bowieville Mansion.  

The hallmark of Oak Creek is the private, exclusive 18 hole golf course that is woven throughout the community. The homes are artfully arranged along the course so as not to encroach on play.

Planned amenities for Oak Creek include a club-house for the golf course, a swim & tennis facility for the residents, park, walking & biking trails, and a shuttle to the Morgan Boulevard metro station. 

 NV Homes

• 5 floorplans ranging from 2,700 to 3,800 base square feet
• Base prices range from $436,000 - $506,990
• Several floor-plans with available first floor bedrooms.

K&P Builders

• 6 floorplans ranging from 2,400 to 3050 base square feet
• Base prices range from $399,900 - $493,900

Craftmark Homes

• 8 floorplans ranging from 2700 to 5136 base square feet
• Base prices range from $444,900 - $619,900
• Optional attic spaces available

Re-Sale Homes

• Currently 7 single family homes for sale.
• Prices range from $505,000 - $810,000
• 2 large single family homes available for rent

All homes at Oak Creek include fire sprinkler systems in accordance with Prince George's County Requirements.

If you would like to learn more about this exclusive country club community located only a few miles from the Nation's capital please give me a call.  I would love to show you around and fill you in on the many amazing amenities that Oak Creek has to offer.

If you are interested in purchasing a home in Oak Creek or any of the other new home communities in Prince George's County, MD I would be happy to help navigate the process of choosing the perfect builder and the perfect floor plan for you.  

For a virtual tour of Oak Creek:  http://vu.realbiz360.com//Listing-194326.html

Your New Home Specialist

Last week my mother, aunt, and I went to see the Pentagon Memorial to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Those of you who know me know that 9/11 was intensely personal for me because I lost my best friend, Angie Houtz that day.  Seeing her name on one of the benches was intensely jolting, even though I knew it would be there.

The Pentagon Memorial consists of benches organized by year of birth.  Each person who died at the site has a bench with a reflecting pool beneath it.  We went in the late evening but I can only imagine how gorgeous it would be at night when the benches are lit.

If you are in the DC area, be sure to visit the Pentagon Memorial.  It's an important reminder of the horror the nation endured almost 8 years ago.

To register for the Angie Houtz Memorial Golf Tournament to be held on September 18, 2009 at Oak Creek Golf Club in Upper Marlboro, MD visit www.golfdigestplanner.com/12017-angie or www.angiehoutzfund.com.

For tour of pentagon memorial:http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-194308.html

If you are in need of carpet cleaning, call Rashaud Wayns from Excellent Carpet Cleaning.

Rashaud cleaned my carpet and ceramic tile last week.  He was quick and very considerate of the people who were in the home at the time.  He was informed that my mother had allergies and he was very considerate about minimizing the smell of the chemicals in the home.

Excellent Carpet Cleaning offers many services including:

• Maid Cleaning Services
• Carpet Sales & Installation
• Upholstery Cleaning
• Tile & Grout Cleaning & Sealing
• Oriental Rug Cleaning & Repair
• Light Hauling
• Pet Odor Elimination
• Wood Floor Cleaning & Resurfacing
• Deck & Fence Cleaning
• 24 Hour Flood Service

Call Rashaud today!  301-270-4001

www.excellentcarpetcleaning.net

The Women's Board of Montgomery General Hospital's Annual Picnic & Bazaar will be held on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 from 10am-8pm.  This will be held on the grounds of Montgomery General Hospital on Rt 108 in Olney, Maryland.  The event features great food, performances by local artists, items for sale, moonbounce, games, prizes, a clown, and much more.

The event benefits the Montgomery General Hospital and the Women's Board Scholarship Fund.

Come on out and have fun while supporting an important cause.

My cousin Kamila McDonald is a finalist in the Miss Jamaica World contest.  We are all very proud of her.  She is a graduate of Stanford University where she was the salutatorian.  She aspires to a career in television broadcasting and a win in this contest would be a huge step in launching her career.  A win in the online people's choice portion of the contest guarantees her a space in the top 10.

It goes without saying that she is gorgeous but she is also intelligent and a wonderful person.  She is my "baby" cousin who is most definitely all grown up.

To vote for her visit:

http://www.missjamaicaworld.com/vote.asp

Contestant:  Kamila McDonald 

Slogan:  Beauty with a purpose.

Thanks for your support!!!!