Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
It’s hard to believe the first day of fall is upon us. As you may be aware, The Department of Homeland Security designated September as National Preparedness Month to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year. The 2019 national theme is "Prepared, Not Scared."
In recognition of National Preparedness Month, our Office of Homeland Security is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Summit that will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 28 in Lanham, Maryland. There is no cost to attend this event, but participants must register in advance.
We are also preparing for our fall 2019 Growing Green with Pride Day on Saturday, October 19 from 8:00 AM to noon. During this countywide day of beautification, we will plant trees, shrubs and flowers to beautify our communities. We will also pick up roadside litter and remove illegally dumped materials to keep our county roadways clean and safe.
This next item is a call-to-action request. Prince George’s County is working hard to ensure every Prince Georgian is Proud to be Counted, and we need your help! We are recruiting volunteers to serve as Census Ambassadors, helping us engage and educate residents about the upcoming 2020 Census. This is a great way to get involved with your community, and we have even confirmed with PGCPS that students can receive service learning hours by volunteering for Census outreach.
The quickest way to become a Census Ambassador is by attending one of our workshops. The next one is this Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the College Park Aviation Museum Operations Building (1909 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD). You can also visit our website to sign up as a volunteer, and a member of our team will reach out. We hope you will join us in our effort to conduct a complete count in our County.
Thank you for your consistent engagement in the community, and I hope to run into many of you at some of the events I’ll be attending over the next two weeks.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
2019 Emergency Preparedness Summit
 The Prince George's County Office of Emergency Management will host the 2019 Emergency Preparedness Summit on Saturday, September 28, 2019. The summit will be held at Fairmont Heights High School from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a free event for residents, but everyone must register online in advance. For more information and to register, please click here.
Fall 2019 Growing Green with Pride Day
 Registration is open for our fall 2019 Growing Green with Pride Day! We hope you will join us for this fall edition of our community beautification day. We will plant trees and shrubs, as well as clean our roadways of litter and illegally dumped materials. All groups must register by Friday, October 4, 2019. To complete the registration form, click here. For more information, please call 301-499-8523.
County Executive Alsobrooks Joins the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
County Executive Alsobrooks holds up the white flower during the official program, representing the first Alzheimer’s survivor in the future.
County Executive Alsobrooks served as Honorary Co-Chair of the Prince George’s County Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, September 14, 2019. Former County Executive Rushern Baker, III served as the other Honorary Co-Chair. More than 1,000 people gathered for this annual event at National Harbor, walking in support of the estimated 14,000 Prince Georgians who are living with this disease.
As part of the program, the County Executive spoke about the importance of the walk and told her own personal story about her grandmother struggling with early onset Alzheimer's. She also held up the white flower as part of the “Promise Garden” ceremony, representing the first Alzheimer’s survivor in the future. Our team was Prince George’s Proud to join the County Executive and participate in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
County Executive Hosts First Interfaith Breakfast
County Executive Alsobrooks speaking to attendees of the Interfaith Breakfast.
On Thursday, September 12, 2019, County Executive Alsobrooks hosted the first Interfaith Breakfast of her administration. This event brought together more than 200 Prince George's County faith leaders of all backgrounds. Our faith community has a common bond with the County Government in the desire to serve and address the needs of our residents.
The County Executive spoke about the fact that we can overcome any challenge by working together. She discussed partnering with our faith community to lift up our children and those who are struggling in our County. Our Faith Liaison, Pastor Charles McNeill, Jr., will continue to reach out to and work with faith leaders across our County.
County Executive Briefs County Council on Economic Development Incentives
County Executive Alsobrooks and her economic development team brief the County Council at their economic development retreat.
On Monday, September 16, 2019, County Executive Alsobrooks joined the County Council at their retreat focused on economic development. She worked with her economic development team to present an overview of current economic development incentives in the County, as well as a new plan for further incentives and strategies we can add to our toolbox.
The County Executive is looking forward to working collaboratively with the County Council to develop a new toolbox of incentives and strategies that will help attract new businesses and investment to Prince George’s County. We are confident that this new plan will help us attract the quality retail, dining and entertainment amenities our residents want and deserve.
Recognizing Our 311 Call Center Employees
In honor of Customer Service Appreciation Week that starts October 7, we are honoring one outstanding employee from our 311 Call Center each week. Last week’s employee highlight was Ms. Brigette Myles, who has been with our 311 Call Center since 2014. Her supervisors say that she always does her best to let residents know their issues are important, and she frequently volunteers to assist with outreach projects such as the County Fair. In her own words, her “passion is to help those who are in need or less fortunate.”
Our employee highlight for this week is Mr. Norman Pagan, who has been with our 311 Call Center for almost 7 years.
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His supervisors say that he has excellent customer service skills and a friendly, patient and calm demeanor when speaking with residents of Prince George’s County. Norman is a huge asset to the 311 Call Center. He is always willing to assist and has taken the lead on many issues involving Spanish-speaking residents. Norman says, “It’s my job to get our constituent’s problems fixed as soon as possible.”
We are Prince George’s Proud to have Ms. Myles and Mr. Pagan as part of our 311 team!
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Employee Spotlight – Marisol Peralta
Marisol Peralta has been employed by the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) for five years. At DPW&T, she works as a Community Developer, managing the Title VI Program that oversees compliance and complaints. Prior to her employment with DPW&T, she worked at the Maryland Transit Administration as a Customer Service Manager. Her work experience in Prince George’s County has helped her in being proud of her Dominican-American heritage.
Marisol's parents immigrated to the United States from the Dominican Republic in the 1960's and lived in New York City. Her mother worked as a seamstress in the garment district and her father worked as a sous chef in the hotel industry. They retired in the 1990's and returned home to the Dominican Republic. She received her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management in 1996 from the University of Marymount, followed by her Master's Degree in Business Administration in 2014 from Colorado Technical University.
Marisol says that Hispanic Heritage Month is a special time for her to reflect and remember where she came from as a first-generation Dominican-American. This past weekend she worked at her favorite festival, the Hispanic Festival at Lane Manor Park, and had the opportunity as a Dominican-American to gain a broader understanding of the resources needed within the Hispanic population.
She is Prince George’s Proud to work in a County that recognizes the diversity of its residents and proactively bridges the gap between Hispanics all over the world and other cultures. We are proud to have her on our County Government team at DPW&T!
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Latino Affairs Liaison
As we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, we wanted to take some time to introduce our Latino Affairs Liaison, Katina Rojas Joy, to the community. Katina engages stakeholders by attending various events and meetings to ensure that our Latino residents have access to government services and programs. She achieves this by gathering information from stakeholders and taking their views into account when making decisions, as well as fostering mutual understanding, trust and cooperation. This position is one of several liaisons under our Office of Stakeholder Engagement that ensures every community in Prince George's County has a voice in the County Government.
The County Executive's Office also launched a volunteer Latino Advisory Board that has already held several meetings. Katina works directly with the Latino Advisory Board to gather feedback from the community. They’ve identified key issues, concerns, and investments that will help our office address the needs of the Latino community.
Katina takes an intersectional approach to inclusion, working with various stakeholders in Prince George's County to ensure all Latino residents are represented. She also conducts bilingual stakeholder roundtables, workshops and policy briefs.
If you would like to connect with Katina, our Latino Affairs Liaison, please email her at KRJoy@co.pg.md.us.
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IN THE NEWS: County Executive Alsobrooks Looks to Incentivize Development
 County Executive Alsobrooks joined Bisnow for their Future of Prince George’s County event to discuss upcoming development opportunities in Prince George’s County. She spoke about new projects in the County – including the New Carrollton metro, the Carillon project in Largo, and the Suitland Town Center – as well as plans to update the incentives we are able to offer businesses to attract retail, dining and other amenities to the County. To read a recap of the Bisnow event, click here.
IN THE NEWS: Renovation of Mall at Prince George’s Pays Off
 The renovation of the Mall at Prince George’s has paid off, with sales increasing 23% in the past year. The owners of the mall credit the renovation with attracting new tenants and businesses that have helped increase sales and foot traffic. To read the article from the Washington Business Journal, click here.
IN THE NEWS: County Executive's Staff Makes Maryland Daily Record's 2019 VIP List
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The Maryland Daily Record announced their 2019 VIP (Very Important Professionals) List, and Ryan Middleton from our office was one of the honorees! Ryan currently serves as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for the County Executive. To read more about Ryan, as well as the other honorees on the 2019 VIP List, click on the image to the left or click here. |
VIDEO: Office of Central Services Launches Online Certification System
 Our Office of Central Services has officially launched the Certification & Compliance System (CCS), an online registration and certification platform for our business community. This new system is the first step in our efforts to make doing business with the County simpler and more efficient. To view a video discussing CCS, click on the image above or click here.
DHCD Celebrates New Housing Projects on the Horizon
Ray Gilley, DCAO for Economic Development (3rd from left), participates in the ribbon cutting for Parkview Manor with other state and local officials.
Groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings abound as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) celebrates three housing projects that will provide affordable housing to seniors, families and individuals.
On September 5th, the Woodlands at Reid Temple hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to kick off the start of construction for a 252 unit senior apartment building in Glenn Dale, MD. Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development provided $618,490 in HOME Funds as part of the financing for this project. The construction time frame is 24 months.
On September 11th, Montgomery Housing Partnership (MHP) hosted a ribbon cutting for the renovation of Parkview Manor in Hyattsville, MD. Located at 5040 38th Avenue, each of the 53 apartment units were renovated to include new kitchens with energy saving appliances, new bathrooms, and other renovations.
On Friday, September 27th, Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP), a nonprofit real estate developer of affordable housing, will break ground on the construction of Palmer Park Meadows, to include 9 high-quality, three bedroom and 2 ½ bath townhouses with off-street parking. The homes are designed to meet modern market rate standards with an open floor plan and flexible living spaces. The construction completion date for Palmer Park Meadows is estimated for June 2020. DHCD provided $1.7 million in HOME Funds to assist in the financing for this project.
Sign Blitz Slated for September 23-24: Agencies Will Target Illegal Sign Litter
They create a blight along Prince George’s County roadways, unsightly plastic placards on skinny metal poles posted to illegally advertise everything from discount store closeouts to cheap lawn care.
Removing the ugly signs will be the mission of legions of workers and volunteers during the two-day fall 2019 Illegal Sign Blitz, scheduled for Monday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 24. Staffers from the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) and the Department of the Environment (DoE), along with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), will remove the placards from Beltsville to Brandywine in the continuing effort to rid the County of sign litter. The goal is to take down 5,000 signs.
The public is invited to report illegal signs to CountyClick311. Roadway signs will be collected during the blitz at the SIGN LITTER DUMPSTER behind DPIE Headquarters, 9400 Peppercorn Place, Largo, MD. They will then be destroyed.
This annual event is held prior to the Fall Community Partners Meeting, scheduled for September 25 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the DPW&T Maintenance Operations Center (MOC), 8400 D’Arcy Road, Forestville, Maryland. Community Partners is a program that was started to allow citizens to meet and collaborate with top County authorities. There will be a short program and question-and-answer session.
If you want more information about the illegal sign blitz, please call 303-636-2053.
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Sandra Thompson Appointed as Newest Washington Suburban Sanitary Commissioner
Sandra Thompson takes the oath of office to become a Washington Suburban Sanitary Commissioner.
Ms. Sandra L. Thompson, selected by County Executive Alsobrooks, was confirmed by a vote of 11-0 to become the newest Washington Suburban Sanitary Commissioner. Ms. Thompson is a senior federal executive who has served in several executive level positions with the Federal Housing Finance Agency as well as the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. She successfully directed and implemented strategic change programs and international policy during two national financial crises.
Key to this role is her in-depth background on policy and financial analysis, as well as regulatory and research knowledge. She is adept at risk management and has a track record for improving organizational efficiency and strategically managing resources. As a Commissioner, we are confident that Ms. Thompson will advocate for and act in the best interest of Prince George’s County.
Human Relations Commission Confirmed by the County Council
The 10 Commissioners for the Human Relations Commission.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks appointed 10 County residents to the Human Relations Commission, and all were confirmed unanimously by the Prince George’s County Council. The new Commissioners are: Nathaniel Bryant, Adonna Bannister Green, Wendi J. Howard, Sylvia L. Johnson, Ademola Moses Oduyebo, Andrea Price-Carter, Charlene D. Proctor, Joseph S. Reed, Felica Lasley Sadler, Esq., and Wade A. Woolfolk.
The mission of the Human Relations Commission is to eliminate discriminatory practices within the County in the areas of housing, employment, law enforcement, education, public accommodations, commercial real estate, and any other facets of the lives of its citizens where such practices may be found to exist. We are confident that all 10 Commissioners will uphold this important mission.
Fight the Flu, Get Your Shot!
 The health and well-being of every Prince Georgian is the Health Department’s top mission. That’s especially true during flu season. It is very important every County resident prepares themselves and their loved ones for the approaching flu season by getting a flu shot.
Starting September 28th, the Health Department is hosting a series of free flu shot clinics throughout the County that are open to all County residents. People younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian. Injectable flu vaccines will be available to anyone 6 months and older.
Staring the first week in October, the Health Department’s permanent clinics in Cheverly and Clinton will also offer 2019 flu season vaccinations for all County residents throughout the season, while supplies last.
Reminder: Get Your Students Vaccinated for School
 In case you or your child/student has yet to be immunized for the 2019-2020 school year, the Health Department is reminding everyone that its final free, back-to-school immunizations clinic is this Saturday, September 21st, at the Cheverly Health Center from 9 AM to 3 PM. State law requires each public school student to be immunized by September 23rd.
To make an appointment, please call 301-583-3300. Walk-ins will be accepted.
You must bring a copy of all your child’s immunization (shot) records. Proof of your Prince George’s County residency (e.g. a driver’s license or current bill) is also required.
The Office of Veterans Affairs Marches Forward
The Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) is marching forward by adding the Women Veterans and the Surviving Spouse Initiatives to its agenda.
“It is our duty and our responsibility to increase awareness concerning the fastest growing group of veterans in the United States (women veterans) and to assist surviving spouse's of our fallen military heroes,” said Dr. James Dula, Veterans Affairs Officer.
Women currently make up approximately 10% of all veterans who have served honorably in the armed forces. The OVA's goal is to address benefits, healthcare, employment and other topics of concern affecting women veterans where they live, work and raise families.
In addition, the Surviving Spouse Initiative will help families navigate the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' system. However, the first call by a surviving spouse should be to the "VA" (va.gov) to inquire about healthcare, survivor pensions, home loan programs, financial counseling, burial benefits, memorial items and more.
Volunteers for the Women Veterans Initiative or Surviving Spouse Initiative are encouraged to contact the Prince George's County Office of Veterans Affairs by calling 301-952-3904 or 301-780-8260. If you wish to stop by, the OVA is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Suite L-23, Upper Marlboro, MD.
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Capital Bikeshare Expands in Prince George’s County
A Capital Bikeshare station was installed at Northwestern High School.
Over the past two weeks, several Capital Bikeshare stations have been installed across Prince George’s County. Some of those locations include Northwestern High School, the Tanger Outlets, one near Hyattsville Middle School, and another in Brentwood. Even more are coming over the next week!
The funding for these stations came through a combination of a grant obtained by our Department of Public Works and Transportation, as well as investments via the County budget. We remain committed to expanding Bikeshare and other modes of transportation for our residents. To view all stations in our County, visit the Capital Bikeshare website.
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