Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Last year, we launched our new anti-gun violence initiative, the Hope in Action Anti-Violence Project, in an effort to address the rise of violent crime in our communities. This project, spearheaded by the Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations, works to strengthen sustainable peace efforts in our County by helping to reduce violent crime through collaboration with local law enforcement and community stakeholders.
This week, we are excited to announce that we are forming the Hope in Action Anti-Violence Project’s Violence Prevention Task Force. The formation of this Task Force is one of the four strategies being implemented by the project, and we are seeking County residents who want to get involved and help us address the issue of violence in the County.
The Violence Prevention Task Force will consist of 21 members to include County residents, faith-based leaders, community advocates, police personnel, business leaders and County government officials. The Task Force will work to:
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Prevent violence and abusive behavior before it begins: The Task Force is charged with identifying ways to help young people – both those who have been exposed to gun violence and those who have not – break the cycle of violence and develop healthy relationship skills before abuse begins. The Task Force will help to plan family-friendly, anti-violence events alongside the “Hope Collective” (nonprofit partners).
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Map critical community needs: The Task Force is charged with identifying critical areas in the County where violence is an issue and working on a comprehensive plan to aid in resource sharing with nonprofit partners and various stakeholders.
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Create strategies for long-term violence reduction: The Task Force is charged with identifying ways to reduce recidivism and making recommendations on resources needed that will provide support for youth and young adults to become productive members of society. The recommendations will be identified in a Task Force Report.
We are accepting applications for the Violence Prevention Task Force until 5:00 PM on Friday, February 11. Individuals who would like to be considered for the Task Force must be a Prince George’s County resident and should complete and submit the application to HIATaskForce@co.pg.md.us by the deadline. For more information, visit the Office of Community Relations website here or call 301-952-4729. The issue of violence can only be solved by the County government and community working together, and we look forward to receiving applications from Prince Georgians interested in serving on this important Task Force.
Earlier this week, we took an opportunity to recognize the undefeated DMV Knights DaWave Boys, a youth football team in Prince George’s County that went on to play at the American Youth Football National Championship. It was a pleasure to present them with official citations from my office to congratulate them for representing our County so well, and we also took the opportunity to recognize the coaches, parents, and other family members who continue to support this amazing team both on and off the field.
We also recognized Sergeant Kwesi Dadzie of our Prince George’s County Police Department for his oversight of the Department’s many community engagement efforts, including the Police Athletic League and Toys for Tots. Last year, he and his team helped facilitate the donation of 65,000 toys to 15,000 children and 5,000 families during the annual Toys for Tots distribution, which was the largest charitable toy event on the East Coast. We were proud to present Sergeant Dadzie with an official proclamation recognizing his exemplary service to our Department and the community.
As you can see, there are so many great things happening in and around our County, and last night, I was proud to join Ebenezer A.M.E. Church for a virtual Fireside Chat, moderated by Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd. If you missed this important discussion, we encourage you to watch it and learn more about the exciting things we are doing to build a stronger Prince George’s, together. You can view the discussion here.
Finally, we want to share with you our 2021 Year in Review video. We have already hit the ground running in 2022, but we want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we made in 2021. We have so much to be proud of as a community, because together, we accomplished so much for Prince George’s County. Let’s continue working together to move Prince George’s County forward and ensure greatness will thrive here for generations to come.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
COVID-19 Testing Update
 The County Health Department’s COVID-19 testing site at the Bunker Hill Fire Station is now open on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, in addition to Monday through Friday, from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, on a walk-in basis only. Free rapid and PCR testing will be available to County residents, regardless of insurance coverage.
The County Health Department also continues to operate a COVID-19 testing site at the Temple Hills Community Center Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, on a walk-in basis only, in addition to supporting testing sites at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville and the Roseu Medical Center in Laurel. For more information or to find additional testing sites, visit the County Health Department website here.
The White House is also now providing free rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Individuals must provide a name and residential mailing address to order tests. Tests will ship through the mail within 7 to 12 days of ordering, with no shipping fees. Individuals can order tests here.
Prince George’s County Health Connect – Open Enrollment Deadline Extension
 The deadline for Marylanders to apply for health insurance through Maryland Health Connection has been extended until Monday, February 28. Prince George’s County Health Connect is available Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM to assist residents that need health insurance. For more information and to get covered, visit the Prince George’s County Health Connect website here.
County News For You
A New Bulky Trash Collection is Headed
Your Way
 Starting the week of February 14, residents who receive County trash and recycling collection services can place two (2) bulky items or two (2) tightly secured trash bags NEXT to their trash cart/can during their weekly regular trash and recycling collection day. The two acceptable items include furniture, doors, cabinets, water heaters, carpet, push mowers, or two trash bags filled with smaller household items. Be sure to check out the list of acceptable and nonacceptable bulky items.
Residents will still need to schedule appointments for white goods/appliances and scrap tires by contacting PGC311. For more information, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
No Changes to Waste Collection Services Due to Presidents Day Holiday
 County government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, February 21, in observance of the Presidents 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 are NO changes due to the holiday. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
2022 Virtual Women’s Commission
Legislative Briefing
 The Prince George’s County Commission for Women is hosting its 2022 Virtual Women’s Legislative Briefing on Sunday, February 6 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. This year’s theme is “Women Moving Forward and Upward.” Department of Social Services Director Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as the event moderator. Register to attend the briefing here.
Prince George's County Judiciary Equal Justice Community Forum
 The Prince George's Circuit Court of the Maryland Judiciary is hosting a community forum entitled "How Maryland Courts Can Work Best for Everyone: A Conversation Between Court and Community Leaders" on Thursday, February 24 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. During this forum, panelists will discuss guardianship, youth in care, and services for people in need. Department of Social Services Director Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as a panelist. Register to attend the forum here.
PGCMLS Workforce and Community Development Resources
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s (PGCMLS) Workforce and Community Development microsite provides a virtual one-stop shop for jobseekers and entrepreneurs, highlighting PGCMLS resources and services provided by partners including Employ Prince George's and the Center for Technology Access and Training. Upcoming programs include Seniors First: Tech Support and Base Camp: Veterans Information and Resource Sessions, a new series for veterans and military families.
Celebrating Black History Month 2022
 The M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County is pleased to announce its robust programming schedule in honor of Black History Month 2022. From performances to history lessons and virtual festivals, there is an abundance of exciting events and activities planned for the community. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, all programs will be held virtually.
The Department will kick off Black History Month with the Inaugural Opening Reception on Sunday, January 30 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM. The program will feature the unveiling of the 2022 Black History Month poster created by students from the Black History Month Summer Internship program.
This year’s exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the M-NCPPC Black History Program. Founded in 1982, the program was born out of grassroots activism as members of Prince George’s County’s growing Black community pushed for more research and historic site identification and preservation highlighting Black narratives within the County.
For a full list of Black History Month offerings and to register for events, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation’s website here.
Commercial Properties Compliance
 The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) is reminding business owners and managers to keep commercial properties in compliance with County code. The following is a list of frequent complaints received about commercial businesses:
- Trash and debris in the parking areas
- Overflowing trash receptacles
- Shopping carts in the parking lot and nearby areas
- Inadequate lighting
- Signage posted without proper permits
- Illegal signs for outside businesses posted
- Maintenance issues including peeling paint, broken windows, downspouts and gutters in disrepair, open storage, etc.
- Parking lots with inappropriately painted spaces
- Business operating without a valid Use and Occupancy Permit
- Loitering
Below are some frequently asked questions about commercial property maintenance.
Q: Who is responsible for the upkeep of shopping centers, like painting it and picking up the trash?
A: The property owner has overall responsibility for the maintenance of the property and for ensuring that the tenants abide by County Code requirements.
Q: What is the process to complain about a commercial property?
A: Complaints should be reported to PGC311. Once the complaint is forwarded to DPIE, an inspector will respond to the property, determine if a violation exists and take appropriate enforcement action.
Q: Do you need a license to run a store at a shopping center or mini mall?
A: Every building and tenant in Prince George's County, with the exception of property within the City of Laurel, is required to have a valid County-issued Use and Occupancy Permit (U&O) before the business may operate. The U&O process verifies conformance with the applicable County and State requirements. For more information about the U&O process, visit the DPIE website here.
Q: How frequently does DPIE patrol shopping centers and other commercial properties to make sure they are kept clean?
A: A: DPIE inspectors are assigned to specific areas. They regularly inspect those areas to check for compliance. We also encourage residents to report code violation concerns to PGC311.
PGCMLS Receives National Innovation Award for Transformative Impact on Community
 The Prince George's County Memorial Library System's (PGCMLS) workforce and community development programs and services were recognized this January with a 2021 Innovation Award from the Urban Libraries Council. PGCMLS received top honors among U.S. and Canadian public libraries for its critical efforts to help Prince Georgians advance their personal career goals. We are so Prince George’s Proud of our outstanding Library System! Read more about the distinguished award here.
PGCPS Mural Unveiling
Photo Courtesy of NBC4 Washington
A new school mural was recently unveiled at the Prince George’s County Public School’s (PGCPS) William Hall Academy in Capitol Heights, painted by local artist Ryan Allen. This project was a collaboration between the Office of the County Executive, PGCPS, the Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council, and the MD-DE-DC Beverage Association. Check out this story to learn more about the mural and its impact on our community.
Employ Prince George's Awards $534,791 in Rapid Re-Employment Grants
 Photo Courtesy of Cision PR Newswire
Employ Prince George’s recently awarded more than $500,000 in grants to 22 businesses who hire unemployed Prince George's County residents as a part of their Rapid Re-Employment Grant Initiative, which was relaunched last year due to new funding from the American Rescue Plan. Check out this article featuring the initiative.
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