Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
We have officially entered into fall! As many of you know, this is the time of year where we join together in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. For the past 10 years, Alzheimer’s Disease International has recognized September as World Alzheimer’s Month to serve as a global opportunity to raise awareness and highlight issues around Alzheimer’s disease. This year’s theme is “Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer's.” Across the globe, so many are working to educate and shed light on the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease and the importance of receiving an early diagnosis.
Alzheimer’s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, and more than 6 million Americans are now living with the disease. Unfortunately, the impact spreads far and wide, including here in Prince George’s County where an estimated 14,000 Prince Georgians are battling Alzheimer’s disease. This disease has impacted so many, from those suffering from its debilitating effects to those caring for their loved ones. I have shared with you before that my family has been touched by this disease. Just a few years ago, I lost my grandmother after she struggled with early onset dementia. This is truly a personal disease, and I know it has affected so many families in our community.
As Prince Georgians, we can do our part to support and fund research that will finally end this disease once and for all. This Saturday, September 25th, the Alzheimer's Association will host its annual Prince George’s County Walk to End Alzheimer's at the National Harbor Capital Canopy. We are encouraging every Prince Georgian to participate in the walk to help raise funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's and all other types of dementia. Last year, the Prince George’s County walk raised $87,500 for Alzheimer’s research, care, and support, and I am confident that we can surpass that goal this year. You can register for the 2021 Prince George’s County Walk to End Alzheimer’s and find additional details on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website.
Lastly, each September, we also recognize National Preparedness Month in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect: Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” Our Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management work each and every day to ensure that our families and communities are well prepared and have the tools and resources necessary to remain safe and healthy during our most difficult times. I am confident that as Prince Georgians, we have what it takes to build a community that is strong and resilient.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Launches New Hotline
 The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently launched a hotline for residents who have applied for financial assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). If you have questions about your ERAP application, you can contact the new hotline at 301-883-6504 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. For more information about the ERAP, visit the DHCD website here.
COVID-19 Signs & Symptoms Reminder
 Be sure you know the symptoms of COVID-19 and the warning signs if you need to get medical help right away. The County Health Department urges residents to get tested if you feel sick or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 (or you suspect you have been exposed after attending large social or mass gatherings). It’s also a good idea to get tested before traveling. To find testing locations across the County and for additional testing information, visit health.mypgc.us/COVIDtesting.
WSSC Water Service Turnoffs Resume
 The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has resumed water service turnoffs. WSSC Water is encouraging customers that need assistance to establish convenient payment plans or apply for financial assistance to prevent a water service turnoff. Contact WSSC Water at 301-206-4001 Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information, visit the WSSC Water website here.
Stand Up & Deliver
 We are continuing to work hard to address food insecurity in our County, and we want to provide information on upcoming distribution locations for our Stand Up & Deliver program.
Friday, September 24 at 12:30 PM (Groceries)
- Victory Grace Center at Port Towns Elementary School – 4351 58th Place, Bladensburg, MD 20710
- Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church – 7201 16th Place, Hyattsville, MD 20783
Saturday, September 25 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Kingdom Fellowship at High Point High School – 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
- First Baptist Church of Highland Park – 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785
Saturday, September 25 at 11:30 AM (Groceries)
- United Baptist Church – 7701 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784
Tuesday, September 28 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Glassmanor Elementary School – 1011 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Ridgecrest Elementary School – 6120 Riggs Road, Chillum, MD 20783
Friday, October 1 at 12:30 PM (Groceries)
- Faith Temple No. 2 Free Will Baptist Church – 211 Maryland Park Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20747
Saturday, October 2 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- New Home Baptist Church – 8320 Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785
- Ebenezer Church of God – 7550 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784
- Love A.M.E. Church at Capitol Heights Elementary School – 601 Suffolk Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20783
Sunday, October 3 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Community of Hope AME Church – 3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20747
Additional food distribution locations can be found on our website by clicking here. This map is updated regularly. If you are able to make a contribution to our Stand Up & Deliver program, please click here to donate.
PGCLitterTRAK Learning Session
 Before heading out on your next community cleanup, join the Department of the Environment at a learning session for the PGCLitterTRAK app on Tuesday, October 19 at 6:00 PM! This easy-to-use smartphone app can be used by businesses, community groups, and individual citizens to report their litter collection efforts, the amount of trash collected, and collection locations. Information submitted through PGCLitterTRAK including bags of litter removed, items collected, and litter pick-up locations will assist the Department of the Environment in meeting their trash reduction rate of 170,628 pounds per year within the Anacostia River Watershed. Register for the training here. For more information, including how to sign up for app access, visit bit.ly/PGCLitterTRAK.
County News For You
Conversation with American Labor Leader and Civil Rights Activist Dolores Huerta
 The Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR) is committed to fighting all social justice inequities. The civil and human rights issues of food insecurity, food justice, and labor inequity are critical platforms that impact all of us every day, from our work lives to the very food that sustains us. OHR is proud to join the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) in welcoming civil rights icon and activist Dolores Huerta on Wednesday, October 6 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM for their keynote event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This event recognizes the essential role and contributions of Latin Americans and Hispanics in advancing civil rights for all Americans.
Ms. Huerta is a legendary labor leader, women's advocate, and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW). Her iconic work dovetails with County Executive Alsobrooks’ efforts to fight food deserts here in Prince George’s County, and with both OHR’s and PGCMLS’ mandates to create stronger, more equitable communities. Please join us as we talk to Ms. Huerta about her incredible contributions to the labor movement, her efforts on immigration, her decades of civil rights activism, and how we all are called to take action in our everyday lives. Learn more about this free event and register to attend here.
Andrea Crooms Sworn In as Director for the Department of the Environment
 On Tuesday, September 14, Andrea L. Crooms, a well-regarded environmental attorney, energy engineer, and climate scientist, was sworn into office as the Director of the Department of the Environment. Director Crooms was appointed by County Executive Alsobrooks and comes to Prince George’s County with 20 years of leadership experience in environmental regulation and climate change mitigation. Since being nominated, they have attended community walks with County Executive Alsobrooks, hearing concerns about litter, illegal dumping, tree health, climate change, flooding, and more from residents on their doorstop. Director Crooms is a lifelong advocate for the environment, and we are proud to welcome them to Prince George’s County.
Revenue Authority Confirms New Board Member
 Mr. Brunson L. Cooper was confirmed as a member of the Revenue Authority Board. He is the Owner and Managing Director of Corenic Construction, a prime general contractor and design/build firm based in Prince George’s County, that serves the greater metropolitan area. Mr. Cooper has more than 19 years of experience in the construction industry and has established himself as a well-respected contractor in the architectural and engineering community. His company has completed hundreds of commercial construction projects of various scopes and sizes. Mr. Cooper’s professional experience and education places him in a positive position to contribute to the Revenue Authority having engaged with many companies in the County and surrounding jurisdictions. We are Prince George’s Proud to welcome Mr. Cooper to the Revenue Authority Board.
Native American Day Waste Schedule
 County Government offices, except for public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, October 11, in observance of the Native American Day holiday. Regular organics collection (includes food scraps and yard trim) will occur on Monday, October 11. In addition, all regular curbside trash and recycling collection remain on schedule the week of October 11. For more information, visit environment.mypgc.us.
Whisker Wednesdays End September 29
 Adopt, Don't Shop! Every Wednesday in September, adopted cats and kittens are only $10! Adoption fees are for EACH cat/kitten and include microchip, spay/neuter, and current age-appropriate vaccinations. To view available feline friends and learn more about adoption, visit princegeorgespets4us.com.
Trash and Recycling Collection Service Changes for Some South County Residents
 Effective the week of September 27, some residents receiving County-contracted trash and recycling collection services in South County will have a NEW collection service date. Residents affected by this change will receive a letter in the mail detailing the change in their collection day. If you DO NOT receive a letter, your scheduled trash collection day has not changed. Residents are reminded to place their collection carts curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day. For more information on the new collection changes and to see if your collection service date will change, visit bit.ly/haulerchangepgc.
Curbside Bulky Trash Collection
 Items that are too big to fit in your trash bin won’t be hauled away in your regular curbside trash collection. Schedule your curbside bulky trash appointment today by calling PGC311 or online here. For a list of acceptable items, visit bit.ly/PGCbulkyacceptable.
7th Annual Virtual Green Summit
 The Department of the Environment announces the 7th Annual Prince George’s County Green Summit from Monday, October 4 through Friday, October 8! The summit, which will be hosted virtually, will include workshops, presentations, videos, and at-home activities for you and your family to learn more about being environmentally friendly. Sign up for email alerts or stay tuned for updates about the summit by visiting mypgc.us/greensummit.
Bloomin’ PGC Urban Farmers & Growers
October Open Mic Night
 The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District, along with Bloomin’ PGC partners and local urban farming advocates, invite you to participate in their virtual Monthly Urban Farmers & Growers Open Mic Night on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 PM! ECO City Farms will take the mic and share more information about their beginning farmer training program as well as their composting initiatives. Held virtually, the District encourages urban farmers and growers of all skill levels to attend and looks forward to working with the community to grow new and existing urban farms and community gardens in Prince George’s County. Click here to register for the event. For more information on Bloomin’ PGC, please visit their website here.
Protect Yourself and Your Family Against the Flu
 As flu season begins, the County Health Department encourages residents to get their flu shots to protect themselves and their communities. The flu vaccine is now available at most health care providers, retail pharmacies, and urgent care facilities.
Residents can also get flu shots for free and without an appointment at the Health Department’s four community clinics this fall. Injectable flu vaccines will be available to anyone 6 months and older. People younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian. Visit the Health Department website here for more information.
Office of Veterans Affairs Officers Receives Community Leadership Award
 Our Veterans Affairs Officer, Dr. James Dula, was awarded a community leadership award from Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9616 on Saturday, September 11. Dr. Dula was recognized for his excellent and dedicated service to Prince George’s County veterans. He is a retired member of the U.S. Air Force with a background in health and human services, and we are Prince George’s Proud of all the work he is doing in leading our Office of Veterans Affairs.
The Prince George’s County Office of Veteran Affairs was established by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in 2019 to assist the thousands of veterans who call Prince George’s County home. For more information about the Office of Veterans Affairs, visit their website here.
Office of Central Services Fleet Among
Winners for 2021 Green Fleet Awards
 Prince George’s County’s Office of Central Services is proud to announce the selection of its Fleet Division as an awardee for the 2021 Green Fleet Awards. Each year, government-operated and commercial fleets in North America are evaluated and selected for their high-performance operations in areas related to reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). To learn more about the Green Fleet awards, visit the NAFA Fleet Management Association’s website here.
Language Access Compliance Training 101
 In November, the Office of Human Rights (OHR) Language Access Compliance Program, in collaboration with the Office of Human Resources and Management (OHRM) Learning, Performance, and Organizational Development Division, will introduce the Language Access Compliance Training 101. The goal of this training is to ensure that Prince George's County employees understand the requirements and responsibilities of the Prince George's County Language Access for Public Services Act of 2017, as well as learn about the existing language access resources and tools that will assist them in serving people who do not speak English. To learn more about the Language Access Compliance Program please contact Program Director Henry Jimenez by emailing HRCStaff@co.pg.md.us, or visit the OHR website here.
Hispanic Heritage Month Community Meeting
 The Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by holding a virtual community meeting in Spanish from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Saturday, September 25. The meeting will feature a PowerPoint presentation, introductions to some of the agency’s Spanish-speaking staff and a question-and-answer session – all in Spanish. For more information, email dpiepio@co.pg.md.us.
Girls Talk: Love United
 The Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division is excited to announce its Annual Girls Talk: Love United – A Queen’s Worth: A Virtual Domestic Violence Awareness Discussion. This discussion will encourage dialogue between mothers and daughters surrounding healthy relationships and self-love. The event will be held on Sunday, October 17 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. All parents, grandparents, mentors, and other influential adult figures are invited to attend with their teen. Activities will include:
- Healthy Relationship Conversations
- Bonding Activities
- Strengthen Communication
- Self-Love Exercises
- Community Service Hours for PGCPS students
- Painting Memories on Glass
The event is free, however space is limited and registration is required to receive details for drive-thru supply and resource pick-up, as well as the virtual platform information. Register here. For more information, email Natasha Hutton from the Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division at NAHutton@co.pg.md.us.
Prince George’s County Planning Board Schedules Annual Budget Forums
The Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) announces it will hold its 2021 Budget Forums virtually this fall, to solicit comments on the Commission’s budget for planning, parks, and recreation in Prince George’s County for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2022. The public forums will be held on Tuesday, September 28 and Tuesday, October 19 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Public participation is encouraged either through a phone bridge or by using GoTo Meeting (online video meeting software). The forums can be viewed live through the Planning Board’s streaming service. A video recording will be available for viewing after the hearing. Individuals or representatives of community organizations who wish to speak at this year’s Budget Forum must register online here, by noon, the Monday before the forum. To register to testify, select a meeting date, complete the form in its entirety, and submit. Following the registration submission, an email will be sent with the GoTo Meeting information by 3:00 PM the Monday before the forum, including the phone number and a web address to connect to the meeting.
To submit documentation as a part of the forum, email information to PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org. Written comments will also be accepted until close of business Tuesday, November 2. Comments may be addressed to Elizabeth M. Hewlett, Chairman, Prince George’s County Planning Board, 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. Comments may also be faxed to Chairman Hewlett at 301-952-5074 or transmitted via email to PublicAffairs@ppd.mncppc.org.
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages the participation of persons with disabilities in all its programs and services. For special assistance (i.e. large print materials, assistive listening devices, sign language interpretation, etc.) call the Public Affairs Office at 301-952-4584.
Takeout Tuesdays Are Back!
 The Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation's (EDC) signature Take Out Tuesday program is back! Through the Buy Prince George’s initiative, the EDC has been highlighting local restaurants through this online series. Join them as they explore the true tastes and delicacies of Prince George’s County. Watch this video highlighting Seoul Spice in College Park, and this video highlighting Pollo Granjero in Langley Park. Be sure to follow the EDC on social media to learn more about some of Prince George’s County’s amazing local businesses.
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