Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Earlier this week, we announced that we are seeking community applicants for the vacant Prince George’s County Board of Education District Six position. The person selected to serve on the Board of Education will serve out the remainder of the current term, which runs until December 2022.
We strongly encourage residents of School Board District Six who wish to serve our County’s children and families to apply. If you are interested in being considered for the School Board, please submit a cover letter and resume to CountyExecutive@co.pg.md.us by Monday, March 21. Thank you in advance to everyone who will apply to be considered for this position on the School Board. We look forward to receiving your applications.
In addition, we want to remind residents that our Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) application for summer 2022 is now available. Youth@Work/SYEP provides Prince George’s County youth ages 14 to 22 career development, job readiness training, and summer employment opportunities within community organizations, private sector companies, or government agencies. Our goal is to provide youth with professional development opportunities, gain exposure to a diverse range of careers, and network with industry leaders. For more information on Youth@Work/SYEP or to apply, visit our website here.
We are also very excited to share some great things that recently happened in our County. Last week, we were proud to welcome Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge to Prince George’s County, along with elected officials from across the region. We had a robust discussion regarding affordable housing and the Biden Administration’s plans to help local jurisdictions preserve and expand affordable housing. The local investments we are making now, with support from our federal partners, will help Prince George’s County grow in a smart way that ensures all Prince Georgians will have access to affordable housing.
We were also excited to recently recognize and honor several outstanding Prince Georgians who are showing that greatness truly grows in Prince George’s County. The 7U Laurel Stallions, a youth football team in Prince George’s County, are 2021 American Youth Football National Champions after an undefeated season, and we are so proud of how they have represented our County both on and off the field.
We also recognized Bree Bagley, Lauren Hilliard, Sheridan Lee, and Janiyah Thornton, teenagers who are published authors. They were featured artists/writers at the Fredericksburg International Independent Book Festival for their novel, “A Friendship For A Lifetime.”
Lastly, we recognized Caleb Smith, who recently became the nation’s youngest private glider pilot at the age of 16, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. After graduation, Caleb hopes to attend the U.S. Air Force Military Academy and fulfill his dream of becoming a commercial airline pilot.
Please join us in congratulating these amazing Prince Georgians for their tremendous accomplishments.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Reminder: Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted
 The County’s indoor mask mandate has been lifted effective Monday, February 28. As a reminder, residents are still required to wear a mask on public transportation due to federal law, in Prince George’s County Public Schools, County libraries, and in private businesses that still require a mask.
The Health Department continues to encourage residents ages 5 and older to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible and to get tested if they have symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. In addition, residents that are eligible for a booster shot should get one as soon as possible. For more information about COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, including a complete list of clinics operating in the County, visit the Health Department website here.
County News For You
Boards and Commissions Recruitment
 The County is now recruiting for openings on the Commission for Animal Control and the Taxicab Board. Appointments to both boards are two-year terms, with the potential of being reappointed to a second two-year term.
The Commission for Animal Control recommends rules and regulations regarding operation of the animal management facility to the County Executive and Director of the Department of the Environment, among other responsibilities. Volunteer candidates should have experience in humane organizations, veterinary medicine, or the kennel/pet industry.
The Taxicab Board reviews programs, policies, standards, regulations, and procedures governing the technical aspect of licensing and registration of taxicabs, among other responsibilities. Community and industry members are needed.
Residents who would like to be considered should email a cover letter and resume to pgcboardsvacancy@co.pg.md.us no later than Tuesday, March 15. For more information on the boards and commissions, visit the County website here.
Hyattsville Branch Library Opens Soon
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s (PGCMLS) new Hyattsville Branch Library will open to the public on Wednesday, March 30 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Opening day festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 AM, bilingual English/Spanish story time at 11:30 AM, family activities, and a community resource fair from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. To learn more, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Special Event with Pilot Carole Hopson at South Bowie Branch Library
 Author and pilot Carole Hopson, who was recently featured in Ebony Magazine, will commemorate Women's History Month with a special author event and book signing at the South Bowie Branch Library on Tuesday, March 15, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM in partnership with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System and the Office of Human Rights. Ms. Hopson will discuss her book, "A Pair of Wings: Based on the Life of Pioneer Aviatrix Bessie Coleman," and the 100 Pairs of Wings Project, which encourages Black women to become aviators. This event is free, but registration is recommended. To learn more about this event or to register, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Prince George’s County Planning Department to Host Virtual Visioning Workshop for the College Park Age-Friendly Action Plan
 The Prince George’s County Planning Department of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) will host a virtual Visioning Workshop for the College Park Age-Friendly Action Plan on Monday, March 14, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. As part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities program, the City of College Park will join a handful of communities across Maryland who are committed to creating great places to live for people of all ages. Through collaboration, the Age-Friendly Action Plan will include goals and strategies to address and focus on five livability initiatives: housing, transportation, social participation, communication and information, and health services and community support. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to register here by 12:00 PM on Monday, March 14. Visit the M-NCPPC website here for more details and to view the project timeline.
This project is supported through the Planning Department’s Planning Assistance to Municipalities and Communities (PAMC) program which offers planning, design, technical and, in select cases, financial assistance for planning-related projects in response to specific requests from local municipalities and community organizations.
BSU Does Broadway
 Join the Prince George’s Arts & Humanities Council and Bowie State University (BSU) for an unforgettable day trip to New York City to see the Broadway show “MJ: The Musical.” Michael Jackson is remembered as the greatest entertainer of all time, and now his unique and unparalleled artistry has finally arrived on Broadway in a brand-new musical. See BSU student Myles Frost as Michael Jackson in the newest hit Broadway show and get the chance to meet the star for an exclusive after show discussion. Each ticket purchase will send 25 BSU students to New York City to support their classmate and experience Broadway for free. All proceeds from this event will benefit BSU’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts. For more information or to register to attend, visit the BSU website here.
Virtual PGCLitterTRAK App Trainings
 The Department of Environment (DoE) designed PGCLitterTRAK to assist County residents, community organizations, and businesses in reporting trash and debris collected during individual and group cleanup events, such as the County’s upcoming Growing Green with Pride event being held on Saturday, April 23. Information submitted through PGCLitterTRAK, including bags of litter removed, items collected, and litter pick-up locations, will assist DoE in meeting their trash reduction rate of 170,628 pounds per year within the Anacostia River Watershed. Data provided will also help DoE develop real-time maps cataloging litter collected throughout the County. Register for one of the virtual training sessions before the spring Growing Green with Pride event here.
Spring 2022 Community Partners’ Virtual Meeting
 Join the Department of Environment (DoE) for the virtual Community Partners’ Meeting on Wednesday, April 6, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The meeting will include updates from DoE’s sister agencies, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE), and the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T). After the presentations, there will be a question-and-answer session with County representatives. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance to Brittani Garner at BGarner@co.pg.md.us. Register for the meeting here.
Schedule Pickups for Appliances and Scrap Tires
 Prince George’s County recently introduced a faster and improved curbside bulky trash collection pickup, allowing residents to set out two items or two bags for collection per week next to their trash cart for collection on their regularly scheduled curbside trash and recycling collection day. However, collection pickups for all white goods (appliances) and scrap tires are made by appointment only and need to be scheduled via PGC311. Residents who only pay for bulky trash collection services or subscribe to private trash collection services will continue to schedule bulky trash pickup via PGC311.
As a reminder, haulers will not collect bulky items not placed next to the trash cart, placed in common areas, or blocked by vehicles. For more information or to view a list of acceptable items, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
MOMENTUM Conference
 Join the Department of Family Services, Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division for the sixth annual Momentum Men and Boys Conference featuring Eugene Schneeberg, President of Fathers Forward. This year’s theme, “Men Breaking Cycles & Building New Legacies,” will emphasize the importance of creating a community dialogue to educate men and youth on healthy relationships and non-violence. The virtual conference is free and will stream live on PraiseDC.com, MyMagjicDC.com, YouTube and Facebook on Saturday, March 19, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information, visit the Department of Family Services’ Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division website here or call 301-265-8423.
March is National Nutrition Month
 The County Health Department encourages residents to make more informed food choices and develop healthy eating and physical activity habits, especially during National Nutrition Month in March! Just in time, the Health Department is offering two types of free, year-long classes to help accomplish those goals and prevent you from getting Type 2 diabetes.
HALT (Health and Lifestyle Training) is an online diabetes prevention program with 26 tailored video sessions with trained lifestyle coaches. Participants download and watch the sessions on a weekly basis on their own time. A new set of classes begins on Monday, March 14, 2022, and runs through Monday, March 13, 2023. To register for the HALT program, call 301-856-9465 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
PreventT2 is a year-long diabetes prevention program where classes meet live online with trained lifestyle coaches on a regular schedule. Participants can sign up for Tuesday or Thursday classes, which begin Tuesday, March 15 or Thursday, March 17. To register for the PreventT2 program, call 301-856-9643 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
March is National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month
 During the month of March, individuals living with cerebral palsy as well as family members and activists come together to advocate for the cerebral palsy community in commemoration of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month. The goal of National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month is to push for positive change in education programs, the health care system, and the job market to give opportunities to those living with cerebral palsy. As National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month grows, more people living with the condition are coming forward to share their stories. Several organizations are working to make sure people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities get a national voice. For more information and resources, visit the Cerebral Palsy Foundation website here.
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
 The Department of Family Services, Aging and Disabilities Services Division is commemorating Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month this month. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March as Developmental Disabilities Month, which shines a spotlight on the disabled community and demonstrates how people with developmental disabilities live normal lives. This also provides an opportunity for the public to learn how to help people with developmental disabilities achieve their dreams.
Developmental disabilities include cerebral palsy, autism, muscular dystrophy, down syndrome, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and affect a person’s growth and/or cognition. About 1 in 6 children are identified to have some type of developmental disability, however most people can usually live normal lives as long as they have the proper supports. For more information and resources about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, visit the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities website here.
Project HIRE Training Series
 In honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, the Department of Family Services’ (DFS) Project HIRE program is facilitating an online training series that is free and open to all residents who are interested in learning. Project HIRE is an apprenticeship program that provides individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities between the ages of 18 and 25 a meaningful paid job training experience with a Prince George’s County Government agency. To learn more information or to register, visit the DFS website here.
Professional Clothing Drive
 The Prince George's County Department of Family Services (DFS) is accepting donations for professional clothing. There are many job seekers throughout the County looking for work, but do not have the proper business attire for their upcoming interview. The purpose of the clothing drive is to provide job seekers with an opportunity to make a lasting impression during their job interview. As job seekers prepare for job interviews and job fairs, they can visit DFS and choose the right look that could set them apart from the rest. For residents wishing to donate, the clothing must be clean and placed on hangers. For more information on how to donate or receive clothing, please contact Adrian Dantzler at AKDantzler@co.pg.md.us.
Takeout Tuesday - Spice Kitchen West African Grill
 The Economic Development Corporation (EDC) continues to highlight local restaurants through the Takeout Tuesday series. Join them as they explore the true tastes and delicacies of Prince George’s County. Watch this video highlighting Spice Kitchen West African Grill in Brentwood. Be sure to follow the EDC on social media to learn more about some of Prince George’s County’s amazing local businesses.
|
