Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
While the official “Census Day” is not until April 1, 2020, we are already doing everything we can in Prince George’s County to ensure all our residents are counted. In fact, we are working hard to make sure that we are not just simply counted, but that we are “Proud to be Counted!”
The Census is so important because there are more than 130 federal programs that use Census data to determine how federal money is distributed among states and local jurisdictions. For every jurisdiction in Maryland, including Prince George’s County, it is estimated that we will lose out on $1,825 per person per year in federal funding for every single person not counted.
Unfortunately, we’ve seen that loss from the 2010 Census, where in Prince George’s County alone, there was an estimated undercount of 20,000 residents. By the time we reach the end of 2020, it is estimated that we will have lost $363 million in federal funding for our County over the last 10 years.
This federal funding affects some of our most critical programs and services in the County, including:
- The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP);
- Medicare for our seniors;
- School breakfast and lunch programs;
- Housing assistance; and
- Highway planning, construction and maintenance
For the 2020 Census, we are working hard to ensure there is not an undercount for Prince George’s County. Our Census team, including our volunteers that we call “Census Ambassadors,” have attended dozens of community events across the County, handing out flyers and information about the 2020 Census.
Please consider getting involved and volunteer with us as Census Ambassadors. These individuals help us by attending events or spreading the message about the Census with networks in your community. Students can participate in this effort, gaining valuable educational insight into the importance of a Census count while receiving service learning hours. For more information about the 2020 Census in our County and to sign up to become a Census Ambassador, you can visit our website: pgcensus2020.org.
Finally, it is my sincere hope that you will join me, fellow Census Ambassadors, and your friends and neighbors for the kickoff Census Block Party on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will be held at the Dave & Buster’s at Ritchie Station, located at 1851 Ritchie Station Ct., Capitol Heights, MD. Allison Seymour and Marc Clarke will be broadcasting their show on WHUR live from the block party. Join us for this free event as we “party with a purpose,” learning about the 2020 Census with food, fun and several giveaways.
Please stay tuned for other fun events the Census Team is planning throughout this year and next spring, leading up to Census Day on April 1, 2020. We are Prince George’s Proud, and we want every resident to be “Proud to be Counted.”
Yours in Service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Kickoff Census Block Party
 Join us as we "party with a purpose" at our kickoff Census Block Party! Come learn about the 2020 Census in Prince George's County and why it is so important that every resident is counted. You can even meet Allison Seymour and Marc Clarke, who will be hosting their radio show with WHUR live from Dave & Buster's.
The event will be held on Tuesday, October 22, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Dave & Buster’s at Ritchie Station (1851 Ritchie Station Ct, Capitol Heights, MD). This is a free event for our residents featuring food, fun and door prizes. We hope to see you there!
Community Conversation with the County Executive
 Save the date for our next Community Conversation! Join County Executive Alsobrooks, civic leaders, neighbors and others for a discussion about policy priorities and key initiatives of the Alsobrooks Administration. The County Executive will also provide an overview of updates from your County Government, and County agencies will be in attendance to share resources with residents.
The event will be held Wednesday, October 30, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (7601 Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, MD). While the event is free and open to the public, please RSVP to Zahra Isaacs at ZIsaacs@co.pg.md.us. We hope to see you there as we continue working together to move Prince George’s County forward!
Save the Date: Non-Profit Empowerment Symposium
 The County will be hosting its 1st Annual Non-Profit Empowerment Symposium on Thursday, November 14th from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Bowie State University’s Samuel L. Myers Auditorium, located at 14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie, MD. The symposium will be an opportunity for non-profits to engage in panel discussions, which will educate and empower your board members, leadership, staff and volunteers. If you have any questions about the symposium, please email us at pgcnonprofits@co.pg.md.us.
Prince George’s County Boards and Commissions Openings
Prince George’s County is seeking applicants for multiple Boards and Commissions. These volunteer positions allow the citizens of Prince George’s County to actively participate in civic engagement and help shape the County. We have current openings for the following:
- Advisory Committee on Aging
- Agricultural Preservation Advisory Board
- Agricultural Resources Advisory Commission
- Animal Control Commission
- Art in Public Places Panel
- Beautification Committee
- Board of Registration for Building Contractors
- Enterprise Road Corridor Development Review District Commission
- Adult Public Guardianship Review Board
- Historical and Cultural Trust
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Public Employee Relations Board
- Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning Licensing Board
- Soil Conservation District, Board of Supervisors
- Solid Waste Advisory
- Spending Affordability Committee
- Taxicab Board
- Wage Determination Board
If you are Prince George’s Proud and interested in being considered, email your resume and letter of interest to pgcboardsvacancy@co.pg.md.us no later than November 7th. To view specific details on any of the above Boards/Commissions, visit our website.
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Office of Central Services' "Grand Slam" Event
 On October 30, 2019, the Office of Central Services (OCS) will host our premier land preview event, the “Grand Slam.” As OCS continues to endeavor to bring awareness and opportunities to the County’s business communities, this event is a part of a larger economic development strategy. The “Grand Slam” will exclusively focus on the disposition, marketing and development of County surplus real estate.
This is a great opportunity for real estate development companies that are active in land investment, project delivery, and development to learn about surplus parcels and economic development opportunities soon to be available to the County’s development community. This event will also be beneficial to developers and builders of commercial, not-for-profit, mixed-use and residential projects. For more information and to register, click here.
MOVE THAT TRUCK: Stuff-A-Truck 2019
 The Office of Community Relations is starting its “Proud to Give Back” season with Stuff-a-Truck 2019! The goal is to collect non-perishable food and other items to support families in need as well as local food banks and pantries who provide resources to our residents in need. Donations are being accepted November 4-8, 2019 at various locations throughout the County. Call 301-952-4729 for more information!
Community Partnership Grant Program Applications Now Open
Our office is now accepting applications for the FY 2020 Community Partnership Grant (CPG) Program. Approximately $1.6 million in funding is available to eligible non-profits through the CPG program. Local non-profit organizations that provide community-based program initiatives to help foster the growth and development of people and communities in the County, are encouraged to apply.
Any organization, institution or association, incorporated as a private, non-profit organization as designated under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and providing services in Prince George’s County, is eligible to apply. However, only one application per organization will be accepted. The deadline for application submission is Friday, November 8, 2019, at 5:00 PM. Applications, FAQs, guidelines and lists and photos of past recipients are available here.
Questions concerning CPG applications should be directed (in writing) to Ameria at the Office of Management and Budget at PGNonProfits@co.pg.md.us.
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County Executive Visits La Clínica del Pueblo
County Executive Alsobrooks pictured with her staff and staff from La Clínica del Pueblo.
On Monday, October 7, County Executive Alsobrooks participated in a tour of La Clínica del Pueblo in Hyattsville. For more than 35 years, this non-profit has focused on expanding healthcare access for Latino immigrants and low-income families across our region. The County Executive learned more about the programs and services offered by La Clínica.
Over the past several years, La Clínica has been expanding their services further into Prince George’s County. Their mission is to build a healthy Latino community through culturally appropriate health services. We look forward to working with them and other healthcare partners throughout our region to expand access to high-quality healthcare for all Prince Georgians.
County Executive Participates in Panel Discussion at DC Chamber Event
County Executive Alsobrooks pictured with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt, and former D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams.
County Executive Alsobrooks joined a panel discussion at the DC Chamber’s annual “State of the District and Region” event to discuss business and economic development across our region. She was joined by D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, as well as former D.C. Mayors Sharon Pratt and Anthony Williams.
The County Executive discussed the need for collaboration with other governments and partners across our region. She noted that by working together, we can continue growing our business community and local economy in Prince George’s County and throughout the Washington Metropolitan area.
County Executive Receives “Visionary Award” from Washington Area Women’s Foundation
County Executive Alsobrooks pictured with other Visionary Award winners, Dr. Tammy Mann and Patricia McGuire.
On Tuesday, October 15, County Executive Alsobrooks received the Visionary Award in Public Service from the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. The other award winners were Dr. Tammy Mann, President and CEO of The Campagna Center, and Patricia McGuire, President of Trinity Washington University.
The Washington Area Women’s Foundation focuses on building pathways out of poverty for women and girls across our region. Since 1998, they have awarded nearly $11 million in grants to more than 170 community-based organizations in our region. The County Executive was proud to join the Women’s Foundation and support the positive work they do for our communities.
Employee Spotlight – Yinette Ramirez
Yinette Ramirez has been employed with the Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) for four years. At DPIE she works as a Code Enforcement Inspector for the Single-Family Unit in the southern part of the County. Prior to her employment with DPIE, she worked as an assistant property manager for the Laramar Group. Her work experience in Prince George’s County has helped her in being proud of her Hispanic heritage.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Ms. Ramirez immigrated to the United States in 2001 at the age of 18. Yinette faced several challenges in achieving the “American Dream.” One of the challenges that she faced was the limited financial help for immigrants without a green card to attend college.
After years of hard work, in 2015 Yinette became an American citizen, which opened the door for her to attend college. She obtained a certificate in Public Administration in 2016 and an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in 2019, both from Liberty University.
As the proud mother of two beautiful, biracial girls, Yinette strives for her daughters to embrace their Hispanic heritage. At home, they are always listening to Hispanic music, eating Dominican food and dressing up in typical Hispanic costumes. This year, Yinette was featured in the local Telemundo program Línea Directa, in which she had the opportunity to represent the County and serve as an educating voice for Latinos who do not speak English and who do not have a clear understanding of important County policies.
Yinette is Prince George’s Proud to work in a County that embraces and celebrates diversity. She says that she is also proud to be a voice for the growing Latino community throughout the County and that her motivation is to educate her community in embracing County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ campaign to beautify the County. We are proud to have her on our County Government team at DPIE!
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Employee Spotlight - Julián E. Pérez, Esq.
Julián E. Pérez, a former veterans’ advocate and immigration attorney from Puerto Rico, recently became the new Spanish Media Liaison of the Media Relations Division at the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). He joined the agency in July of 2019 after 6 years in private practice.
Born and raised on the island of Puerto Rico, Julián began his undergraduate studies at Fordham University before transferring to the University of Maryland-College Park upon earning a scholarship following his sophomore year. He graduated Cum Laude in 2010, having completed a Bachelor’s Degree in History as well as a minor in Spanish and a Certificate in Latin American Studies.
He would go on to study law at the University of Puerto Rico, School of Law, during which time he learned his trade at a renowned litigation firm, worked as an editor for the school’s Business Law Journal and became his class’ Public Relations Manager and Representative before the Student Council.
Upon earning his Juris Doctorate and passing the state bar, Julián moved to Bethesda where he accepted a position at the largest veterans’ advocacy firm in the U.S. and became their Director of PR Outreach. He later worked as an associate attorney for an immigration firm while briefly co-chairing the Montgomery Bar Association’s Immigration Section for the 2018 term.
Julián is now part of PGPD’s efforts to better address the Hispanic community’s needs and ensure every Spanish voice in the County is heard. Under the leadership of Media Relations Director Jennifer Donelan and Chief Hank Stawinski, Pérez hopes to help bridge relationships between the Police Department and the burgeoning Hispanic population within Maryland’s second-largest County.
Julián is a proud member of the Bar Association of Puerto Rico, UMD Latino Alumni Association and the United States Tennis Association. He is an avid tennis player, animal lover and dedicated fan of fútbol.
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Know Your Rights
 In Prince George’s County, we want all of our residents to feel safe and protected, regardless of immigration status. Due to the national climate and consistent threats (or actual instances) of ICE raids, many of our undocumented residents and their families are living in fear. While our Police Department will not cooperate with ICE when presented with civil detainers, ICE may still try to act on these detainers in Prince George’s County.
We want to be sure that residents who are undocumented know what to do and know their rights if they are ever confronted by ICE or another immigration official. Just because someone is not a citizen does not mean that they do not have certain rights under our government. To that end, our office has put together two videos, one in English and one in Spanish, to help our undocumented residents understand what they should do if they experience an encounter with ICE.
Together, we can ensure our undocumented residents are aware of their rights while continuing to build a welcoming and inclusive Prince George’s County.
Know Your Rights - Spanish Version
Know Your Rights - English Version
IN THE NEWS: Second American Job Center to Open in Prince George’s
 A second American Job Center for Prince George’s County will open at the Tanger Outlets in Oxon Hill, providing a more convenient and accessible location for residents of South County. The center is scheduled to open in January 2020 and will help connect residents with jobs while providing career readiness training and other support programs. Read the story from ABC7 here.
IN THE NEWS: District VIII Police Station Officially Opens in Prince George’s
 The Prince George’s County Police Department has officially expanded from seven District Stations to eight. This new District VIII Station will allow us to continue the downward trend in crime across our County as we build an even more responsive, transparent and accountable Police Department. It will also help our Police Department reduce response times. See a recap of the ribbon cutting from NBC4 here.
VIDEO: Celebrating Customer Service Appreciation Week
 October 7-11 was National Customer Service Appreciation Week. In recognition of this week, we put together a short video to acknowledge and celebrate our County employees who provide quality customer service. Join us in thanking the employees of our 311 Call Center, our Permit Center, and other departments for serving Prince George's County each and every day.
INTERVIEW: County Executive on WHUR’s “The Daily Drum”
 On Thursday, October 10, County Executive Alsobrooks joined Harold Fisher on WHUR’s “The Daily Drum.” The County Executive discussed everything from economic development to the 2020 Census. To listen to her entire interview on WHUR, click here.
County Council Unanimously Confirms Several County Executive Appointments
 The County Council unanimously confirmed several of County Executive Alsobrooks' appointments on Tuesday, October 15. Wanda M. Gibson was officially appointed as the Director of our Office of Information Technology. Director Gibson joins us from Fairfax County, where she was the Chief Technology Officer for more than 20 years. We are excited that she is bringing her knowledge and expertise to serve the residents of Prince George's County.
In addition to Director Gibson's confirmation, our Commission for Veterans received 3 new member: Lisa L. Alston, Kimberly V. Lewis, Esq., and Ethel L. Sligh. Finally, Dorothy F. Bailey and William M. Doerner, PhD, were reappointed to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. We know that all of these individuals will do their best to serve the citizens and residents of Prince George's County in their respective roles.
4th Annual Family Institute Conference
 The 4th Annual Family Institute, hosted by Prince George’s County Public Schools, will take place on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at Oxon Hill High School. The daylong event features workshops and exhibits, allowing parents and students to discover PGCPS offerings and community resources. County Executive Alsobrooks will serve as the keynote speaker. Childcare is available on a first-come, first-served basis for ages 4-12.
For more information and to register, please click here.
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Career Fair
 Held each October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) aims to educate people about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. This year's theme, "The Right Talent, Right Now,” emphasizes the essential role people with disabilities play in America’s economic success, especially in an era when historically low unemployment and global competition are creating a high demand for skilled talent.
Reflecting this year's theme, the Department of Family Services hosted a career fair on Thursday, October 10, 2019, to bring together job seekers with employers throughout the community who actively employ persons with disabilities. Several employers in attendance included: Wegmans, Top Golf, M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Melwood, DPIE, County Inn Suites by Radisson, Chimes DC, Metro Points Hotel and more.
For more information on opportunities for individuals with disabilities in Prince George’s County, please call the Department of Family Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Division, at 301-265-8450.
County Raising Awareness About Breast Cancer
Health Department employee Yvette Quarles shows off her “fearless” outfit on Wear Pink Day at the department on October 10th to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
About 1 in 8 women in the United States develop breast cancer. Most women can beat it if found and treated early. As we near the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Health Department wants to ensure this message always resonates: early detection is key to prevention.
While Prince George’s County has a much lower rate of new female breast cancer cases (116.2 per 100,000 population) compared to the state (130.3), we have a high rate of death due to breast cancer (25.8 deaths per 100,000 population).
We encourage everyone who needs to get a mammogram to schedule an appointment. There are several places that you can get a mammogram in Prince George's County and across our region. Do you have questions about a mammogram? Use these talking points to start a conversation with your doctor.
We also encourage residents and other organizations to organize a “Wear Pink” day to show your united support for finding a cure and keeping our communities healthy.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center
DCAO Ray Gilley (center-right), along with County Council Vice Chair Rodney Streeter (center) and developer Harold Johnson (left of Mr. Streeter), cut the ribbon for the townhouse models.
Elected and government officials, community leaders and neighbors came out to celebrate the completion of 192 townhouses in Phase One of the Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center on Friday, October 11, 2019. Festivities included games, food, cotton candy, popcorn machines, a DJ and lots of family fun. All the townhouse models are complete, and sales are going faster than anticipated.
Towne Square at Suitland Federal Center is a historic $550 million development that has been more than 20 years in the making. It is a vibrant mixed-use, transit-oriented development that will re-energize and redefine the Suitland Federal Center area. It will be a gathering place for the Suitland community and those outside of the Suitland area to come for shopping, entertainment and socialization. It will reflect the vibrant and active lifestyles of the Suitland area with modern-urban character, beautiful spaces and attractive amenities.
New Partnership to Recruit Mental Health Professionals for Prince George’s County Public Schools
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05), Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) announced the recent award of more than $280,000 in federal funding to support a new partnership between Prince George’s County, the University of Maryland College Park, and Bowie State University.
Allocated through the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program, the award supports the first of an expected five years of funding for the Build, Recruit, & Improve Capacity & Knowledge (BRICK) for Mental Health in Schools initiative. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will recruit and train fifty graduate students from the University of Maryland’s and Bowie State University’s departments of school counseling, school psychology, and social work, including twenty placed at the high needs schools throughout the school district.
The Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration Program provides competitive grants to test and evaluate innovative partnerships between institutions of higher education (IHE) and States or high-need local education agencies (LEA) to train school counselors, social workers, psychologists, or other mental health professionals qualified to provide school-based mental health services, with the goal of expanding the pipeline of these workers into low-income public elementary schools and secondary schools in order to address the shortages of mental health service professionals in such schools.
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Agent Orange and Vietnam Veterans
The Office of Veterans Affairs realizes that many Vietnam veterans may have been exposed to Agent Orange and now experience symptoms that affect their quality of health. Some health issues Vietnam veterans must be aware of are prostate cancer and Type 2 diabetes. Although these diseases are often times common in older adults, Vietnam veterans are encouraged to be especially mindful.
In addition, veterans who were possibly exposed to Agent Orange during military service may be eligible to receive VA healthcare. Vietnam-era veterans whose service involved duty on the perimeters of military bases in Thailand anytime between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 may also qualify for VA benefits. To learn more, please visit the VA website.
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Prince George's County Planning Department Wins Maryland APA Award for 2019 Outstanding Project
 On Monday, October 7, 2019, the Maryland Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) awarded the Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) with the 2019 Outstanding Project Award for “Transportation Action Guide for Urban Communities: Implementation Strategies Playbook.” The awards ceremony took place at the APA Maryland Biennial Conference.
The Transportation Action Guide for Urban Communities is a concise, colorful and comprehensive playbook that provides solutions for managing multi-modal transportation and parking in the vibrant and growing Route 1 Corridor. The document was guided by feedback from meetings with municipalities, residents, businesses, the University of Maryland and research from a transportation consultant. Although written for the Route 1 Corridor, the report’s recommendations on transit, bicycle networks, pedestrian design, walkability, parking and financing can be transferred to any area undergoing the kind of urbanization Route 1 has experienced.
For more information on the Transportation Action Guide for Urban Communities, visit our website.
Halloween Safety Tips
 Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to child safety. There are several easy and effective behaviors that parents can share with kids to help reduce their risk of injury. For Halloween safety tips, see the graphic above or visit the Safe Kids website.
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