Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Even though the legislative session in Annapolis finished on Monday of last week, we’ve remained busy here in Prince George’s County. However, there’s only one thing I want to discuss in today’s edition of our newsletter and that is the driving culture in Prince George’s County.
On Monday morning Police Chief Hank Stawinski and I conducted traffic enforcement along our roadways. We only handed out warnings that morning, but I had the opportunity to speak with several drivers that we pulled over for infractions such as speeding and distracted driving. And there was one thing that stuck out to me; all of the people that we stopped felt that they were doing something that was taking a matter of a second and not causing any harm.
Statements such as, “I was just taking a second to call into my job to find out the location of where I should be.” Or even, “I was just taking a second to pick up the phone rather than to hit the hands-free button.”
Well, it only takes a second for an awful tragedy to occur, and unfortunately we’ve seen this time and time again in Prince George’s County over the past several months.
Last December, three young children were killed in an accident on Route 210. At the start of this year, five children were killed in a crash along Route 301, and many more people have been seriously injured as a result of crashes, including several students from DuVal High School less than a month ago.
Too many people have been hurt and too many lives lost, so it’s past time that we change the driving culture here in Prince George’s County. That won’t happen at the police station or in the court house, but instead it must start in our community. We need every Prince Georgian to commit to wearing a seatbelt, driving free from distractions and driving sober.
It only takes a second to make the decision to wear a seatbelt and to make sure everyone else in your car is wearing one as well. It only takes a second to use a hands-free button in your car, rather than picking up your phone in your hand. And it only takes a second to make the decision to not drive yourself home after drinking, or even to make that decision for a friend.
So please, Prince Georgians, use those seconds to make decisions that are safe. While our police have and will continue to step up their enforcement, that is only part of the solution. Our community coming together and making those safe decisions, collectively, will be the effort that truly makes our roads safer.
And while we push to make our County roads safer, we are also pushing to make them cleaner with our beautification initiative. We are planning an announcement for the initiative on May 1st, so stay tuned for updates. In addition, I hope you will join us for our first major event of this beautification initiative, Growing Green with Pride Day, on May 4th. More information about that event can be found online and below.
I look forward to continuing to work hard on these issues, as well as many others, to make you Prince George’s Proud.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Growing Green with Pride Day
 We will be holding our inaugural “Growing Green with Pride Day” on Saturday, May 4th, 2019 from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Following our clean-up efforts, all participants are invited to join us for a free celebration with food, prizes and entertainment at Watkins Regional Park.
In order to participate everyone must register their Growing Green with Pride Crew by going on-line to the county’s website. You may register your ORGANIZATION or register as an INDIVIDUAL. Individuals will be assigned to assist an organization as close to their address as possible. The deadline to register is this Friday, April 19th.
Thank you for working with us to keep our county green and clean. Please help spread the word by sharing this information with your neighbors, friends, organizations, schools and the community-at-large. If additional information is required, please contact Stacy Howard at 301-499-8523 or sdhoward@co.pg.md.us.
We look forward to you joining us for the inaugural Growing Green with Pride Day!
Broccoli City Festival 2019
We are excited to have the 2019 Broccoli City Weekend Experience come to Prince George’s County at FedExField, April 26-27. This is a popular event that attracts millennials not only from the area, but from around the country. There will be a preview at FedExField on Friday evening, April 26th. It is open to all ages to enjoy.
The 2019 Broccoli City Weekend Experience is not just a music festival, but instead is a weekend experience with different programs that help to educate and enrich the minds of the youth and young adults who attend. There will be a series of programs focused on wellness and getting physically and mentally fit. They have an educational component that features panel discussions, workshops, and networking events with national experts who will provide tools and resources to help youth and young adults move to the next stage in their life and career. For more information, visit the Broccoli City website.
Apply to be Part of the Commission on Fathers, Men & Boys
The newly created Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys is being established to advise the County Executive, the County Council, County agencies, and the public on issues and needs of fathers, men, and boys in Prince George’s County. Commissioners will work with Prince George’s County agencies, the private sector, and local communities to promote a healthier societal impact on fathers, men, and boys. The Commission shall recommend, adopt and implement policies, programs, and procedures that will effectively address social and economic concerns of fathers, men, and boys. The Commission will work in collaboration with the Commission for Women on issues and programs for strengthening the quality of life for women, men, and children in Prince George’s County.
Commission Composition
The makeup shall reflect the demographics of Prince George’s County and shall include prominent business and community leaders, also including individuals certified in fatherhood training or having documented experience working directly with issues of particular interest and concern to fathers, men, and boys. The Commission will consist of 13 non-compensated voting members.
Candidate Requirements
- Must live in Prince George’s County
- Have ability to meet monthly
To Apply
Those interested in serving shall send a short cover letter indicating their interest along with their resumes to pgboardsvacancy@co.pg.md.us no later than May 22nd.
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Earth Day is Monday, April 22
 Since 1970, people have been celebrating Earth Day on April 22nd to save the planet from a destructive path and to learn how we can make a difference by practicing healthy habits and making sustainable choices. This year is no different, and in Prince George’s County, we know our citizens and residents recognize the importance of living sustainable lives not just on this one day, but each and every day.
There are many activities you can do to celebrate Earth Day. You can plant a tree, participate in a community clean-up, build a rain garden, use paper bags for your yard trimmings, return your plastic bags to your local retail store, clean up after your pet by scooping that poop, use reusable bags and bottles instead of plastic and shop at your local farmers market. These are just a few ways you can honor the planet.
To view an Earth Day Everyday calendar and to volunteer for environmental activities taking place in April, click here. Just remember, whatever you decide to do, let’s work together to keep our County and planet healthy, clean and green, and to feel Prince George’s Proud!
Nominations Open for the Inaugural Maryland Youth Service Awards
The Maryland Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism is now accepting nominations for the inaugural Youth Service Awards. The awards will recognize Maryland youth and youth groups, ages 11 to 18 years old, for their significant volunteer contributions to the state and its citizens, and for working to change Maryland for the better. This year, the awards will represent outstanding service occurring in 2018 and 2019.
Up to 10 youth and youth groups will be selected to receive an award at a special ceremony in late summer. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 7th. More information and the nomination form can be found online here.
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VIDEO: Stop It, Don't Drop It!
We are launching a major beautification initiative for Prince George's County and several NFL athletes from the County have joined forces to encourage residents to keep our county litter free. Check out why they are Prince George's Proud and why they are telling everyone to "Stop It, Don't Drop It" in the video here.
IN THE NEWS: Prince George's County Cracks Down on Distracted Driving
We joined our Police Department in conducting traffic enforcement along our roadways on Monday, then hosted a press conference where we encouraged all Prince Georgians to commit to wearing seatbelts and driving safely. Check out a recap of the day that aired on WJLA/ABC7 here.
It’s Mulch Madness Time!
 Mulch Madness is celebrating 20 years of providing free mulch to Prince George’s County residents on Saturday, April 27th from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Prince George’s County Organics Composting Facility (6550 S.E. Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD). This FREE event is open to County residents only.
This is your opportunity to load up your non-commercial vehicle and stock up on mulch to help suppress weed growth, provide soil-rich nutrients for your yard and to beautify your home and neighborhood. Mulch Madness is made possible because of citizens like you that place your Christmas and other holiday greenery at your curbside to be collected, recycled and turned into mulch. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
Be sure to bring your containers, shovels, pitchforks or trash bags to transport your mulch. A skid loader will be on hand to load mulch into pickup trucks. It’s time to get your mulch on for spring!
DPIE Urges Residents to Spruce Up Their Properties for Spring
Spring has arrived in its full glory and summer is just around the corner. While you are taking steps to prepare – having your air conditioner checked, pulling out the desk and patio furniture, and planting and pruning plants – the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) wants you to remember to show your property some love by following these steps:
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- Repair peeling paint, loose siding, ragged gutters and sagging downspouts.
- Fix broken windows and doors.
- Clear away fallen branches, trash and debris and open storage.
- Remove old appliances, furniture, garbage, untagged vehicles and vehicle parts.
- Cut the grass and prune your plants. Grass over 12-inches tall is a code violation!
- Clean and secure your vacant property.
And, while you are sprucing up, make sure to avoid these frequent violations:
- Placing trash cans or items on the curb days before a scheduled pickup.
- Parking commercial vehicles in driveways or on residential streets.
- Doing unpermitted residential or commercial construction.
- Performing automotive work on a driveway or street.
- Leaving abandoned properties unmaintained, unsafe and unsecured.
For more information about cleaning up your property, call DPIE at 301-636-2053.
Project HIRE Partners Meeting
"Together we can make opportunities for everyone," said Department of Family Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Manager Theresa Grant at the Project HIRE Partners meeting.
On Tuesday, April 9th, the Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Division, held its first Project HIRE Partners meeting. The meeting was the first in a series of meetings to discuss program updates and best practices for the new program. Project HIRE is an apprenticeship program that provides individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, between the ages of 18 and 25, with a meaningful, paid job-training experience in a Prince George’s County Government agency.
The purpose of the interactive meetings is to bring agency partners together to share areas of improvement and strengthen the Project HIRE program for the current class. For more information about the program, visit the Project HIRE website.
Prince George’s County Joins New National Effort to End HIV Epidemic
Prince George’s County Health Department’s Ryan White Program Manager Ravinia Hayes-Cozier, Acting Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter and Family Health Services Division Associate Director Diane Young attended a discussion with federal health officials in Baltimore on April 3rd to discuss the county’s role in a national plan to end the HIV epidemic.
Prince George’s County is part of a bold national initiative to end the HIV epidemic in the United States with the goal of reducing new infections by 75 percent in five years and at least 90 percent over the next decade. The multi-year plan by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hopes to accelerate progress in eliminating new HIV infections by directing new funds, additional expertise, technology and other resources to the county and 47 other targeted jurisdictions nationwide.
While Prince George’s County mirrors the nation in seeing progress in new HIV cases and more patients getting into early viral suppression treatment, the county had Maryland’s highest number of new HIV infections in 2017 with 320, according to state data. One in 52 men ages 30-39 in Prince George’s County have HIV, while the disease continues to disproportionately affect African Americans who make up 62 percent of the county’s population but comprise 83 percent of the county’s HIV cases.
“This is an important moment – not just for Prince George’s County – but for everyone,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “We must harness this opportunity and take control of a disease that has profoundly impacted too many of our communities and taken the lives of too many of our loved ones for decades. I am proud that Prince George’s County will be a part of global history by playing a leading role in eliminating the HIV epidemic.”
For more information about “Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America,” visit the official website here.
Veterans Affairs Office Announces Several Upcoming Programs and Services for Veterans
The Prince George's County Office of Veterans Affairs serves the men and women who proudly served our country. Veterans Officer Dr. James A. Dula, USAF Retired, is leading the office and encourages veterans with disability claims, housing and homelessness issues, as well as families of veterans with various needs to come by the office for assistance.
The Veterans Affairs Office prides itself on working closely with NABVETS, DAV, VFW, American Legion, government agencies and community-based organizations to serve each veteran where they live, work and raise their families. Most recently, the office partnered with NABVETS to create a one-stop claims office within the Veterans Affairs Office. In addition, Maryland's American Job Center is working cooperatively to serve as a resource and help assist with employment.
The Prince George's County Veterans Affairs Office offers training to Veteran Service Officers every Thursday at 9:00 AM in Upper Marlboro at the County Administration Building. Call 301-780-8260 or 301-780-8267 to register for a weekly training session. Also, call the same numbers to register for the bi-weekly Coffee with Doc Veterans Discussion Group beginning in May, or to schedule a one-on-one conversation.
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Redevelopment Authority Hosts Pre-Bid Meeting for Construction of 6 Net-Zero Energy Homes
The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George’s County (RDA), in partnership with Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP) and the Town of Fairmount Heights, will host a pre-bid meeting for general contractors to discuss the new construction of 6 net-zero energy single family homes on Thursday, April 25th, at 10:00 AM in the Fairmount Heights Town Hall, 6100 Jost Street, Fairmount Heights, MD.
Net-zero energy homes are the ultimate in energy efficiency. These homes are designed to provide superior energy savings, water efficiency and a healthy living environment. The homes produce annually as much energy as they consume, minimizing the utility bill to virtually zero. They meet Energy Star and LEED Platinum Standards, including a variety of renewable energy sources and utilizing environmentally friendly building materials.
The pre-bid meeting will start with a presentation of the project and requirements, followed by an opportunity to ask questions of the development team. After the presentation, the development team will walk the site with interested participants. The site for the new construction of the 6 net-zero energy homes is located at 717–725 60th Place, Fairmount Heights.
To RSVP for the pre-bid meeting, please contact HIP’s Project Manager, Stephanie Proestel, at sproestel@hiphomes.org or 301-699-3870.
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Prince George's County Human Trafficking Task Force Hosts Successful Symposium
Prince George's County Human Relations Commission staff at the community symposium.
The Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force held a successful community symposium on Saturday, April 6th. Speakers introduced more than fifty participants to the issue of human trafficking and its intersection with domestic violence. Separate break-out sessions focusing on issues that affect adults and youth followed the presentations.
Guest speakers included Renée Battle-Brooks, Executive Director of the Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and Chair of the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force; Chief Henry P. Stawinksi, III, of the Prince George’s County Police Department; Shannon Sigamoni, Director of Programs for FAIR Girls; Elizabeth Martinez from UMD SAFE Center; Sara Spowart from FAIR Girls; and Jackie Rhone, Division Manager of Prince George’s County Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division.
A number of partner agencies had tables at the event to share information and resources with attendees.
FY2020 Budget Public Hearings
 The Prince George’s County Council is continuing to hold public hearings on our FY2020 proposed budget. We believe our proposed budget makes strong investments in core areas that will allow our County to continue being a leader in the region and state. A copy of the proposed budget can be found online here.
Our County government is committed to an open and transparent budget process, so we encourage everyone interested to attend the County Council public hearings. There are still three public hearings left and all three will be held at the County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland. More information about the public budget hearings and the budget process can be found on the County Council’s website.
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