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Dear Prince Georgians:
Our hearts are heavy this week as we mourn the loss of Prince George’s County Police Officer Davon McKenzie, who lost his life in an off-duty accident Tuesday night. Officer McKenzie, who took the oath to protect and serve the citizens and residents of Prince George’s County more than two years ago, had a bright future ahead of him. My heart breaks for this young officer, and his family, who was taken from us far too soon.
I ask that God be with Officer McKenzie’s family and friends, the men and women of our police department, and the members of our community during this time of great sadness. My prayers and thoughts of love, and those of the Prince George’s County community, are with each of them.
This tragedy comes right after Memorial Day, a day where we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in our Armed Forces. We are forever grateful for the service and sacrifice made by our fallen heroes - from our military members to our police officers - and their memories and legacies will always live on in our community.
Prior to Memorial Day, our team traveled to attend the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference. The conference attracted major retailers from across the country, giving us an opportunity to meet with them and share about why we are Prince George’s Proud. We had a strong team that consisted of members from our office, the Economic Development Corporation, the County Council and other agencies across our government.
Our goal in attending this conference was to attract grocery stores, healthy dining options, and high-quality retail to Prince George’s County. We have heard you loud and clear that there are not enough retail options in our County, so we went directly to the retailers and grocers to convince them to open shop in Prince George’s. We had formal meetings with over 25 businesses in the short time that we were there, and we hope to be able to share good news soon.
But right now, we do have some exciting announcements this week. Today, we announced the expansion of the Maryland Market Money program, an initiative that allows those using federal nutrition benefits to increase their buying power at local farmers markets. For any residents that use SNAP, WIC, or FMNP benefits, you can shop at select farmers markets and receive $5 or more per day in matching funds to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. Four farmers markets in the County participate in this program: Riverdale Park Farmers Market, Capitol Market (formerly Oakcrest) in Capitol Heights, Greenbelt Farmers Market, and the Cheverly Community Market.
We are also hosting a press conference tomorrow at a shopping center in Clinton to announce the winners of the Commercial Property Improvement Program grants. These grants will assist with facade improvements to many of our retail spaces and shopping centers throughout the County. Revitalizing our shopping centers is one of our top priorities and will be a major factor in attracting more retail to Prince George’s County. Through our efforts at ICSC and these revitalization projects, I know many more retailers and businesses will soon call Prince George’s home.
The best is yet to come for Prince George’s County, and I am excited to share more updates as we continue making progress.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
Community Corner
Looking for Summer Employees? We Can Help!
 Are you still looking for summer employees from the ages of 16-22? The Prince George’s County Summer Youth Enrichment Program can help! If your business is looking to hire youth this summer, we can help match you with several great employees through SYEP. Please give us a call at 301-618-8400 to learn how you can partner with us this summer and meet your hiring needs.
Join Us for Unity in the Community!
The annual “Unity in the Community” event will be Saturday, June 8th, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The event will focus on youth violence prevention and positive youth development. This year’s event is a partnership between the County Executive’s Office, the Office of Community Relations, the Prince George’s County Police Department, the Community of Hope AME Church, and the Shops at Iverson Mall.
The parade will start at 9:00 AM from Suitland Metro Station. After that, everyone will gather at Community of Hope (3701 Branch Avenue, Hillcrest Heights, MD) for a summer kick off event with food and prizes. At the event, there will be information about summer employment, summer camps, and other programs for youth this summer.
If you plan to attend, please fill out a quick online form to RSVP here. We hope you will join us for this great event!
Prince George’s County Hosts the 2019 Housing Fair
 The Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Housing Authority of Prince George's County will host the 2019 Housing Fair on Saturday, June 8th, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This free event features industry professionals that can speak with attendees about preparing to purchase a home, financing a home, home demonstrations, and more. Free workshops, seminars and panel discussions offer attendees a wide variety of topics that are tailored to help buy a new home, remain in an existing home, buy a larger home or down-size to a smaller home.
In addition to workshops and seminars, there will be several great prizes available to attendees. The Housing Authority of Prince George's County will pay up to $2,000 for one month's rent or mortgage for one lucky winner. The person must be present to win. The money will be paid directly to the mortgage or leasing company on behalf of the winner. In addition, the names of 3 winners will be drawn to receive up to $15,000 toward the down payment and closing cost of their first home.
For more information about this free event, visit the event website here. We hope to see you there!
Nominations Still Open for the Inaugural Maryland Youth Service Awards
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The Maryland Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism is still 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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Spotlight On Prince George's
VIDEO: Growing Green With Pride Day Recap
On Saturday, May 4th, the County Executive’s Office hosted Growing Green With Pride Day, a countywide community clean-up followed by a celebratory picnic. This was the first major community event of County Executive Alsobrooks’ new Beautification Initiative. Check out a video recap of our community clean-up efforts here.
VIDEO: Prince George’s County Unveils Six New Buses
During National Public Works Week, the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation unveiled 6 new buses that will replace several of the aging buses in “The Bus” fleet. These new, state-of-the-art buses will make transportation in the County more accessible and reliable. See a video of the official ribbon cutting ceremony here.
County News For You
Office of Veterans Affairs
The East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. and the Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation Scholars Program participants at their 22nd anniversary event.
As the Month of May and National Military Appreciation Month come to a close, the Office of Veterans Affairs reminds us to keep our active military soldiers, veterans and those whose lives were lost during their tour of duty at the forefront of our thoughts.
Over the Memorial Day Weekend, Dr. James Dula, Veterans Affairs Officer, extended greetings to the guests and members of the East Coast Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc. (ECCTAI) and Tuskegee Airmen Youth in Aviation and Scholars Program during their 22nd anniversary event. The theme for the event was: Enriched by Our Past, Prepared for Our Future.
Commission for Women Confirmed Unanimously by the County Council
Members of the Commission for Women after the official swearing-in ceremony.
On May 7th, the County Council unanimously confirmed the new members of the Prince George’s County Commission for Women. The 11 new members are: Denise C. McCain, Judith F. Davis, Cassandra Freeman, Robbie W. Terry, Shantelle E. Coleman, Sharon J. Smith, Deborah C. Wilder, Judy Mickens-Murray, Beatrice M. Rodgers, Lanta Evans and Carolyn White Washington.
The mission of the Commission for Women is to improve the quality of life for women and girls by advocating, initiating, and championing programs and legislation to strengthen families and communities. The Commission was established in 1972, and since then has initiated a number of programs that assure the equal treatment of women in Prince George’s County.
Three More County Agency Directors Confirmed
County Attorney Rhonda Weaver, Director Melinda Bolling, and Director Joe Jill at the swearing-in ceremony.
We are excited to have County Attorney Rhonda Weaver, Director of the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement Melinda Bolling, and Director of the Department of the Environment Joe Gill officially join the County team. On Tuesday, May 14th, they were confirmed to their respective positions by the County Council and took the oath of office that afternoon.
All three of these individuals have done an outstanding job leading their respective agencies in Acting roles. Each individual was selected due to their institutional knowledge, dedication to public service and their commitment to all residents of Prince George’s County. All three look forward to continuing to work hard to make your government more responsive and efficient.
Free Viewing of The Sultan and the Saint
 The Prince George’s County Human Relations Commission and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System invite the public to a free screening of the Emmy-nominated film “The Sultan and the Saint” at the Laurel library on Wednesday, June 12th, at 6:30 PM. The film tells the little-known story of Sultan al-Kamil and St. Francis of Assisi, leaders of two different faiths, coming together in a time of increased divisiveness and war to end conflict and suffering.
Small group conversation, facilitated by Mehmet Saracoglu, will follow the viewing. Due to space limitations, attendance at this free event is limited to those who have registered in advance at the following link. More information about the film can be found online here.
Bike to Work Day 2019
Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Floyd Holt, Council Chair Todd Turner, Department of Public Works & Transportation Director Terry Bellamy, and DPW&T Deputy Director Gwen Clerkley.
Prince George’s County celebrated Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17th, at the Largo Pit Stop hosted at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building. The Largo Pit Stop was one of 115 stops hosted across our region in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Bike to Work Day is a national program that encourages individuals to bike to work instead of using other modes of transportation.
Several officials attended the celebration at the Largo Pit Stop, including Deputy Chief Administrative Officers Floyd Holt and Dr. George Askew, Council Chair Todd Turner, and Department of Public Works & Transportation Director Terry Bellamy. Attendees received information and demonstrations on bicycle safety, as well as several free giveaways. Take advantage of the warmer weather by biking to work this summer, and we hope to see you at next year’s event!
New Mandatory Business Recycling Requirements Begin July 1, 2019
 New County Legislation (CB-12-2018) states that all Prince George’s County business owners, tenants, or operators of commercial and industrial properties, including but not limited to offices, stores, hotels, motels, gas stations, restaurants, factories, processing plants, and manufacturing enterprises, shall provide at least equally sized and equally convenient recycling containers to accompany each trash container on the interior and exterior of the property, including along storefronts. Properties should also include a collection system for the recyclables. A list of items that can be recycled shall be clearly displayed on or near the container.
To view a list of the County’s acceptable recycling materials, visit the following link.
To review a copy of the legislation, go to the following website.
For more information, contact the Department of the Environment, Recycling Section, Inspection Unit at 301-883-3635.
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