Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
We are excited to share our first edition of the Community Connections newsletter for 2022! As we kick off the year, we already have great things happening in our County that will improve the quality of life for our residents, and we remain committed to continuing all of the important work we have been doing over the past three years.
This week, we announced that we will soon introduce a brand-new bulky trash system! Since the mid-1980’s, Prince George’s County has offered a separate bulky item collection to provide an opportunity to dispose of large items not collected by weekly trash pickup. Due to the high demand for bulky trash services, the County is introducing a faster, more improved process for bulky trash collection for over 175,000 County households served by County trash haulers each week.
Beginning Monday, February 14, residents who receive County-contracted trash and recycling collection services will now be able to place up to two bulky items per week next to their trash cart/can for pickup on their regular collection day. This enhanced service will allow residents to dispose of unwanted items in a timelier manner, cut down on wait times for services, and eliminate the temptation to dump bulky items illegally.
All items must be too large to fit in a County-issued or regular trash cart/can and must be placed next to the trash cart/can for collection. Bulky items placed in other areas at the curb will not be collected. Bulky items that will be accepted on a regular collection day can include couches, chairs, mattresses, carpet, doors, cabinets, and more. In lieu of two bulky items, residents can place two large trash bags tied and secured tightly with smaller items that include household décor and small appliances, such as toaster ovens, blenders, air fryers, or crock pots.
Appointments will still be required to pick up white goods/big appliances such as refrigerators or washing machines, as well as scrap tires. Residents can contact PGC311 for assistance or visit the bulky trash pickup website here to schedule a pickup. Residents who only pay for bulky trash removal will still need to schedule bulky trash collections through PGC311. Residents who reside in a municipality and do not receive bulky services from the County directly will not experience a change in services and will continue to follow their municipal guidelines for bulky trash collection services.
To better prepare for this transition in services, the County will stop scheduling appointments for bulky trash collections after Friday, January 21. All scheduled appointments made through PGC311 or using the online system by close of business on Friday, January 21 will be honored.
We hope you are just as excited as we are for this new and improved system coming next month, which will make it easier and quicker for residents to get rid of unwanted bulky items in their homes. For more information on the new bulky trash collection system, visit the Department of the Environment’s Clear the Curb website here.
I am also excited to share that I have been invited to serve as the guest speaker for the Washington Hebrew Congregation (WHC) MLK Shabbat on Friday, January 14 at 6:00 PM, in celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. I am both honored and humbled to participate in such a memorable occasion. The Jewish community marched arm-in-arm with Dr. King during the Civil Rights Movement, and I am proud to have the opportunity to speak on Dr. King’s vision of “love and justice that will change dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.”
If you have never joined a Shabbat service, or if you are interested in hearing my remarks about Dr. King, we encourage you to tune in Friday evening. The service will stream live via the WHC Facebook page and on their website here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
New COVID-19 Testing Sites in
Prince George’s County
 The County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management opened a new COVID-19 testing site at the Temple Hills Community Center on Thursday, January 13. Free testing is available to County residents, regardless of insurance coverage, Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, on a walk-in basis only. This site will only offer rapid COVID-19 testing from Thursday, January 13 through Monday, January 17. Both rapid and PCR testing will be available beginning Tuesday, January 18.
The County continues to operate the COVID-19 testing clinic at the Bunker Hill Fire Station, Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, on a walk-in basis only. The County also supports COVID-19 testing sites at the First United Methodist Church in Hyattsville and the Roseu Medical Center in Laurel.
In addition, the Maryland Department of Health has opened and expanded several COVID-19 testing sites across the State. There are two new sites and one site that was expanded in the County. COVID-19 testing is free, and no appointment is needed. For more information about COVID-19 testing or to use our testing site locator to find a testing site near you, visit the County Health Department COVID-19 website here.
County COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic Relocation
 Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the County Health Department has seen a dramatic increase in vaccine demand, especially for booster doses. In addition, many upcoming athletic events have been cancelled. As a result, the County’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Prince George’s Community College relocated back to the Sports and Learning Complex on Tuesday, January 11. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are accepted. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines or to find a vaccination clinic near you, visit the County Health Department vaccination website here.
WMATA Service Updates
 Effective Monday, January 10, Metro has reduced service schedules due to COVID-related staffing shortages. The W14-Bock Rd and C22/C13-Clinton will NOT operate. WMATA customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive the latest service information on the WMATA website here.
County News For You
School Board Transformation Task Force – Second Listening Session
 The School Board Transformation Task Force is starting the new year ready to continue its important work of helping to build a school system that will allow our children to thrive for generations to come. The Task Force is hosting a second listening session on Wednesday, January 19 at 6:00 PM to give residents another opportunity to provide their input regarding the County’s Board of Education. To submit questions, comments, or concerns to the Task Force, or to sign up to present comments live during the listening session, click here.
Waste Collection Services Remain on Schedule for MLK Holiday
 County government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, January 17, in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
Curbside collection of yard trim/food scraps (organics), trash, and recycling will remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County provided services. There will be NO changes due to the holiday. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
Countywide Curbside Organics Composting Collection is Here!
 Residents who receive County provided services AND opt into the program will mix their food scraps with their yard trim for the weekly Monday yard trim curbside collection. Food scraps must be placed inside the Organics cart. Only residents who opted in and received the appropriate program materials may put food scraps curbside for collection. Plastic bags are not accepted.
Detailed opt-in instructions are included on the postcard mailed to your home. Residents can choose one of three methods to opt in:
- Scan the QR code on the postcard using a smartphone; OR
- Call the telephone number and provide the requested information; OR
- Complete the opt-in form online here (please use the verification code on your postcard if you still have it)
Your program materials will be delivered in April, in celebration of Earth Month. Participating households will receive collection materials, including a 32-gallon wheeled cart, a 2-gallon kitchen mini bin, a How-To Guide, a refrigerator magnet, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). For additional information about food scraps composting, email the Department of the Environment (DoE) at pgccomposts@co.pg.md.us or visit the DoE website here.
Capital Wheel to Display Blue in Recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness
 By Presidential Proclamation, January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Throughout the entire month, the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, the Office of Human Rights, and the Department of Family Services have partnered to host and participate in a myriad of awareness activities to highlight efforts to end human trafficking. In one of these initiatives, the Capital Wheel at the National Harbor was displayed the color blue in recognition of human trafficking awareness on Saturday, January 8 and Tuesday, January 11, and will also display the color blue on Saturday, January 15 and Saturday, January 29. For more information on events and other Human Trafficking Awareness Month initiatives, please visit the Department of Family Services website here or the Office of Human Rights website here.
Inviting People of All Faiths: Faith Moves Mountains Virtual Symposium
Human trafficking is a global issue and must be addressed by all communities, including the faith-based community. The support and partnership of the faith-based community is critical to help stop the silence of human trafficking. Join the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, the Office of Human Rights, and the Department of Family Services for the Faith Moves Mountains virtual symposium on Thursday, January 27 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
This free symposium is open to the public and will educate attendees on human, sex and labor trafficking, provide an overview of the dynamics of human trafficking, discuss the important differences between sex work and sex trafficking, reduce human trafficking stigma, and dispel human trafficking myths. Faith-based leaders will also receive information on how to interact with their parishioners and access community-based resources for individuals and families affected by human trafficking. Come get the tools you need to address human trafficking in our community! The symposium can be viewed here.
The Fight Against Human Trafficking
 Join the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force, University of Maryland SAFE Center, University of Maryland Baltimore Center for Global Engagement, Montgomery County Human Trafficking Prevention Committee, and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System for a virtual two-panel program on Thursday, January 20 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Participants will gain insight from experienced government officials on the recent developments in U.S. anti-trafficking policies and programs, and important international issues in the anti-trafficking field. Dr. Kari Johnstone, Acting Director of the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, will deliver the keynote address. Other speakers include officials from the Departments of Justice, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, and Labor, as well as other agencies and organizations. Learn more and register here.
The Office of Human Rights Celebrates
Fifty Years
 The Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR) turns FIFTY in July! As part of the fiftieth-year celebrations, OHR looks to the spirit of Theresa Douglas Banks, who advocated tirelessly for the need for an agency such as ours in Prince George’s County and who was listed as an honorary councilmember when the bill founding our office passed in 1972. Theresa Douglas Banks was a public servant, a volunteer, a teacher, an activist, and a guiding light. OHR is honored to continue to serve and to highlight her legacy, and we welcome you to join us at events this year that will celebrate her spirit, her energy, and the work to which her life was so devoted. Learn more by visiting the Office of Human Rights website here.
PGCMLS and Washington Wizards Host Winter Reading Challenge
 Prince Georgians of all ages can earn prizes and badges this winter by reading, attending virtual events, and staying physically active with the Washington Wizards Winter Reading Challenge. The free challenge presented by the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) began Monday, January 3 and continues to Thursday, March 31. There will be 75 lucky finishers selected from a raffle to receive two tickets to the Washington Wizards versus Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, March 30. To sign up and learn more about the Wizards Winter Reading Challenge, visit the PGCMLS website here. Watch Spencer Dinwiddie and Kyle Kuzma challenge you to participate here.
Preliminary Adelphi Road-UMGC-UMD Purple Line Station Area Sector Plan Joint Public Hearing
The Prince George’s County Council, sitting as the District Council, and the Prince George’s County Planning Board of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will hold a virtual Joint Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 18 at 5:00 PM to seek public testimony concerning the Preliminary Adelphi Road-UMGC-UMD Purple Line Station Area Sector Plan and Proposed Sectional Map Amendment (SMA). To view the hearing, click here.
Interested individuals may register to speak online here by 3:00 PM on Monday, January 17. Comments may also be submitted via the County Council’s eComment Portal, emailed to clerkofthecouncil@co.pg.md.us or faxed to (301) 952-5178 by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, February 2, when the record of public hearing testimony will close. To learn more about how to register, participate, and view the Joint Public Hearing, visit the M-NCPPC website here.
Prince George’s County Planning Department to Host Virtual Community Meetings for the Master Plan of Transportation 2035
 The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has launched a multi-year effort for the Prince George’s County Master Plan of Transportation 2035 (MPOT 2035). The agency will host three virtual Community Engagement Meetings on the following dates: Tuesday, January 25; Wednesday, January 26; and Thursday, January 27. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in public meetings, explore existing conditions, discuss transportation around the County, and provide input to shape the transportation policy document. Register for a virtual community meeting here. To learn more about the MPOT 2035 project, visit the M-NCPPC website here. Residents can sign up to receive updates on MPOT 2035 here.
A New Way to Stop Diabetes
 Register today for the County Health Department’s new program to help you prevent type 2 diabetes. Health and Lifestyle Training (HALT) is an online diabetes prevention program with 26 tailored video sessions that participants download and watch on a weekly basis. HALT is designed for adults who need a more flexible schedule to participate at their own pace and encourages sustained engagement with help from fellow participants and trained lifestyle coaches. Classes begin Monday, January 17 and run through Friday, January 6, 2023. To register, call (301) 856-9465 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
Annual Holiday Drive-Through Celebration
The Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (DSS), in partnership with the United Way of the National Capital Area, Holy Cross Hospital, and the Prince George’s County Foster Parent Association, hosted its annual holiday celebration for youth in care on Saturday, December 18, 2021. The successful drive-through event was attended by over 100 people to include dedicated DSS leadership, staff, resource parents, and youth.
More than 50 youth received holiday gifts from private community donors and resource parents were gifted a bag filled with treats. DSS staff also provided information regarding the Center for Excellence (CfE) initiative, which aims to improve the well-being of children and families impacted by the child welfare system by reducing lengths of stay in foster care and unnecessary congregate care placements, decreasing the rate of re-entry into foster care, and increasing reunification and exits to permanency.
DSS also collaborated with the United Way of the National Capital Area and Holy Cross Hospital to provide COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. In total, 18 individuals received vaccinations during the event.
Prince George's County Restaurants Featured in Bon Appétit
 Photo Courtesy of Scott Suchman, Bon Appétit
We are Prince George’s Proud that several County restaurants were featured in a recent article by Bon Appétit. Check out the article featuring the list of restaurants in our area.
PGCPS Seniors Named Posse Scholars
 Photo Courtesy of The Posse Foundation
We are proud that Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has 12 seniors this year who are recipients of the prestigious Posse Scholarship. Each recipient will receive a four-year, full-tuition college scholarship from a college or university that partners with The Posse Foundation. Read more here.
Bowie State Head Football Coach Named AFCA Division II National Coach of the Year
 Photo Courtesy of Bowie State University Athletics
Bowie State University’s head football coach Damon Wilson has been named the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II National Coach of the Year. Check out this article detailing Coach Wilson’s award.
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