Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
We are excited to share that the Prince George’s County Local Development Council (PGCLDC) recently announced the release of the FY 2022 Local Impact Grant application. The Local Impact Grant Program supports non-profits that serve Prince George’s County in the defined impact area around MGM National Harbor.
We strongly encourage local, non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for this funding that will assist in providing community-based programs and services within the six-mile radius around the MGM National Harbor gaming facility. Working with non-profits, the PGCLDC hopes to positively impact residents and communities in the affected area.
The PGCLDC was created by State law as a mechanism to ensure that the public is engaged and has input with how the government mitigates any negative impacts a new gaming facility may have on the surrounding area. According to State law, each jurisdiction where a gaming license is in operation must establish a local development council. The Prince George’s County Local Development Council also consults with the County on the following:
- The development of a multi-year plan for the expenditure of local impact grant funds.
- The development of a comprehensive transportation plan for the gaming facility.
Organizations that are interested in receiving funding through the Local Impact Grant Program must submit their application via the online application portal by Friday, March 18 at 5:00 PM. Any application submitted after the deadline will be disqualified from competitive review.
Lastly, I want to remind everyone that February is American Heart Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease and encouraging Americans from all walks of life to focus on their heart health. We encourage all Prince Georgians to learn more about heart disease and access heart health resources by visiting the American Heart Association website here.
In addition, a great way to make healthier choices for heart health is by signing up today for the Health Department’s latest round of free chronic disease management classes. Residents who have a chronic disease or have conditions requiring ongoing medication, as well as caregivers, are encouraged to sign up.
The classes are free and meet online every Thursday afternoon starting February 17. Trained instructors help participants develop healthier lifestyles and make an action plan to have a healthier heart!
Residents can sign up now by e-mailing wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us or calling 301-856-9643. The program link will be emailed to registered participants prior to the start of the program.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit/KN95 Mask Distribution
 The Prince George’s County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management continue to distribute at-home rapid COVID-19 test kits and KN95 masks at designated locations each week, in partnership with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Additional locations have been added to include evening and weekend hours.
The test kits and masks are free, regardless of insurance or immigration status. Two test kits and/or two masks will be distributed per person ages 2 years or older present at the time of pick-up. Residents will be required to show proof of County residency to receive a test kit or mask. Examples of proof of residency include, but are not limited to, a driver’s license, utility bill, or lease agreement.
The County Health Department and the Office of Emergency Management are also distributing adult-sized KN95 masks at other locations countywide, while supplies last. For a complete list of locations, dates, and times, visit the County Health Department website here.
County News For You
New Bulky Trash Collection Begins Next Week!
 The countdown begins until the County's new weekly curbside bulky trash collection rollout! Starting the week of February 14, residents receiving County provided trash collection service can place two (2) bulky items or two (2) trash bags with smaller household items next to their trash cart or can for pickup on their regular collection day. The two acceptable items include furniture, doors, cabinets, water heaters, carpet, push mowers, or two trash bags filled with smaller household items.
This upgraded collection service allows residents to dispose of unwanted items in a timelier manner and cuts down on scheduling wait times and the temptation to illegally dump.
Residents who only receive bulky trash services will still need to schedule appointments through PGC311. Those who live in a municipality and receive services through their town or city will continue to follow their current process. Residents will also still be required to schedule an appointment 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, 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.
Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets
 It’s cold out there! Exposure to extreme winter weather can harm pets if they are left or taken outside for extended periods. Prince George's County law states that "all domestic animals, except livestock, are prohibited from being kept outdoors when the effective outdoor wind chill index is 32 degrees Fahrenheit."
If left unattended outdoors, pets can get frostbite or become disorientated and freeze to death. Hypothermia can result from extended exposure to cold and is a life-threatening condition.
If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on your car hood before starting the engine to give them a chance to escape. Cats like to seek shelter from the cold and can be under the hood of your car.
For their own safety, ensure your four-legged family members are kept warm, their paws are clear, and report animal cruelty incidents to 301-780-7200.
Learn more tips to care for your animals during winter and County animal laws here.
Be A Pet Foster Parent
 Join the Fosters of Prince George's County Animal Services Facebook Group to see how you can help save an animal's life and register for the next virtual Foster Orientation!
Volunteer foster parents provide short-term care for pets outside of the shelter, which allows their true personalities to shine and help them find their fur-ever home!
The next fostering orientation is scheduled for Saturday, March 5 at 10:00 AM. Contact Foster Coordinator Marilyn Perez at 301-780-7201 or by email at mpperez@co.pg.md.us, or call the Adoption Staff at 301-780-7201 for more information.
Prince George's County Judiciary Equal Justice Community Forum
 The Prince George's Circuit Court of the Maryland Judiciary is hosting a community conversation 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. This virtual event will provide community members with the opportunity to increase their understanding of the courts and the services provided, while also discussing community needs and ways in which the courts can improve the services they offer. This forum will focus specifically on adult guardianship, youth in foster care and the social service supports available for people in need. Department of Social Services Director Gloria Brown Burnett will serve as a panelist during the forum. Register to attend the forum here.
2022 Creating Resilient Communities:
A Webinar Series
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The Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management is pleased to present the “2022 Creating Resilient Communities: A Webinar Series!” This webinar series will provide residents with information and resources on how best to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters within their homes and community. Each webinar is free and open to the entire community.
The next webinar is on Tuesday, February 22 at 7:00 PM, and will provide residents with information on sheltering in place for emergencies and disasters. Register to attend the webinar here.
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Love is in the Air: Share the Way You Love
Prince George’s County!
 This Valentine’s Day, help us spread the love by sharing the way you love Prince George’s County! Enter to win the Experience Prince George’s Valentine’s Day giveaway between now and Monday, February 14.
Here’s how to participate:
- Post a picture of you and your sweetheart enjoying some of your favorite hospitality venues around Prince George’s County by Valentine’s Day. Venues include wineries, breweries, hotels, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, cafés, attractions, parks and museums, and the National Harbor. Be sure to use the hashtag: #LoveInPrinceGeorges
- Follow Experience Prince George’s on Instagram: @experiencepgc
- The winner will be announced on Tuesday, February 15.
The Lewis, Prince George's County Newest Senior Apartment Community, is Now Leasing
 Photo Courtesy of Columbus Property Management
The Lewis, a new-construction senior apartment community located in the Town Square at Suitland Federal Center, is now accepting leasing applications. The $34 million community is slated to be completed in March 2022 and will offer a mix of market rate and affordable units available for rent. The community has 137 units and features a rooftop terrace, yoga room, fitness center, game room, and club room. Seniors ages 62 years and older are encouraged to apply.
Prince George’s County invested $1.5 million in HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds to this project in an effort to expand affordable housing for seniors on a fixed income. The HOME program through the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is intended to assist the County in expanding affordable housing for low-income residents. As a result of DHCD’s investment, 133 units will be available to seniors who have incomes between 50% and 80% of the area median income (AMI).
For leasing information, call The Lewis at 240-312-5252 or visit The Lewis website here.
DPIE Inspectors Serve on the Front Line in Fire Damage Investigations
 When fires occur throughout the County, agency inspectors from the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement’s (DPIE) Enforcement and Inspections divisions visit the site to evaluate the fire damage. DPIE inspectors respond to about 40 fires each year.
The Enforcement Division’s Property Standards Unit determines if fire-damaged structures are safe for human habitation. Structures found unsafe are posted with notices forbidding access until appropriate repairs are made.
The Inspections Division Construction Standards Unit team determines repairs that are needed to bring structures back into compliance with current applicable codes and regulations. They examine structural, electrical, and mechanical systems and produce a “damage report,” which is required for permits to be issued for repairs. After construction is completed on repairs, the inspectors conduct a final inspection to ensure the building is up to code and will be allowed to reopen.
DPIE also works with the Red Cross, Department of Social Services, and other agencies to secure housing and other services for residents displaced in fires. Visit the DPIE website here for information about agency services and programs.
EDC’s Takeout Tuesday is 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 highlights 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 Fireman’s Café in Clinton. Be sure to follow the EDC on social media to learn more about some of Prince George’s County’s amazing local businesses.
President Biden and Vice President Harris Visit Upper Marlboro
 Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Kaster, Associated Press
President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and other top officials joined union members at Ironworkers Local 5 in Upper Marlboro last week to sign an executive order giving construction workers new protections for federally contracted projects. Check out this article discussing their recent visit.
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