Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Last week, Mr. Peter Shapiro was officially sworn in as the next Chairman of the Prince George’s County Planning Board of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Mr. Shapiro has served as the Executive Director of our Revenue Authority since 2013, and during his tenure, has had a proven record of exceeding minority business participation goals. He created the vision for and spearheaded the Gateway Arts District revitalization effort along the Route 1 Corridor during his time as a Prince George’s County Council Member, and more recently spearheaded the current Suitland Federal Center revitalization project.
Mr. Shapiro is an internationally renowned leader in economic development, planning and governance, and throughout his career has worked on numerous economic development and community revitalization projects. As we continue to grow and develop in a smart way, Mr. Shapiro’s leadership, expertise, and strong track record of success will be a tremendous asset to the Planning Board. We know he will work hard in this new role to help our County continue to grow and thrive for years to come, and we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate him.
We would also like to give a special thanks to Mr. D. Paul Monteiro, Jr., one of our Prince George’s County Board of Education members, for his exemplary service and dedication to the students of Prince George’s County during his tenure as a School Board member. Mr. Monteiro is resigning from the Board of Education following his recent nomination to serve as the Director of the Community Relations Service within the Department of Justice, by President Biden. We are Prince George’s Proud of Mr. Monteiro’s accomplishments and wish him the very best in this new role.
I also wanted to be sure you saw that yesterday, we joined Governor Hogan and leaders from across the State to officially break ground on the new University of Maryland Capital Region Cancer Center in Largo. This new cancer center at the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center, slated to open in Spring 2024, will be the first and only cancer center in Prince George’s County and will offer Prince Georgians access to life-saving care and treatment right here at home.
We entered into the 2022 legislative session in Annapolis as a partner with the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) to advocate for a cancer center in Prince George’s County. After I held meetings with leaders in both the Maryland House of Delegates and Senate, we were able to secure $40 million in the State’s FY 2023 budget to go towards the new cancer center. We want to sincerely thank Governor Hogan, who was a strong supporter of this project and included funding for it in his supplemental budget, as well as our State Legislature. Their investments in this project will help us expand access to health care for Prince Georgians.
I want to share once again how proud we are that we were able to get this done for Prince Georgians, because cancer is something that has impacted many of us so personally. Now, we will be able to save even more lives from this very personal disease, right here at home. We encourage you to read this article to learn more about the new University of Maryland Capital Region Cancer Center.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Reminder: Second COVID-19 Booster
Shots Authorized
 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently authorized individuals ages 50 and older, as well as certain immunocompromised individuals ages 12 and older, to receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their initial booster dose. Individuals ages 18 and up who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine at least four months ago may receive a second booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
Booster doses greatly improve your protection against getting severely ill from COVID-19, even as variants emerge. For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and nearby clinics, visit the Prince George’s County Health Department’s website here.
PGCProud Challenge
 Join the PGCProud Challenge for the Spring 2022 Growing Green with Pride Day! Community groups and organizations can compete in one of three challenges to win gift cards for beautification projects and more. Contestants must register for Growing Green with Pride Day by Friday, April 15. PGCProud Challenge entries must be received by 5:00 PM on Saturday, April 23. To learn more and register, visit the Part of It, Proud of It website here.
Spring Seedling Giveaway
 The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD) is hosting its 2022 Spring Seedling Giveaway on Saturday, April 23, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Free seedlings will be given out, including tomatoes, beans, peppers, and more! Master Gardener and Urban Farmer Renee Baccus will teach a special “How Does Your Garden Grow?” class from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Authors Kathy Anderson and Karen Bowlding will be present to sign copies of their latest book, Fern and Ginger: Dandelions and Watermelons. Our event will also feature Linda Jones, Urban Farmer and Founder of Elements of Nature, as well as Esther Mitchell, Master Gardener Coordinator of the University of Maryland Extension.
Registration is not required to attend the giveaway, but you must register to attend the class. You can register to attend the class here. Supplies will be limited—first come, first served! This event is being held in participation with the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, R&D Cross of Brandywine, Elements of Nature, and the University of Maryland Extension. Follow PGSCD on social media for the latest news and upcoming events.
Dumpster Drop-Off to Help Residents Rid Properties of Landscape Litter
 During the upcoming Growing Green with Pride Day on Saturday, April 23, Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) inspectors will canvass neighborhoods to urge residents to bring their properties into compliance with County code as part of the agency’s ongoing Beautify and Comply program. To connect the two initiatives, DPIE is hosting its first “Beautify and Comply While Growing Green with Pride Dumpster Drop-Off” from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, April 23. Keeping trash, debris, yard waste, and open storage on your property such as old furniture, broken appliances, unused construction materials, or unworking vehicles violates County code. Residents may bring certain items that may be littering their properties to the drop-off event. Drop-off locations include the Department of Public Works and Transportation’s Salt Dome (11900 Montgomery Road, Beltsville, MD 20785) and the Clinton Park & Ride Lot (900 Stuart Lane, Clinton, MD 20735). Restrictions apply on items that can be dropped off. For more information, email dpiepio@co.pg.md.us.
County News For You
PGCMLS Opens New Hyattsville Branch Library
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) celebrated the grand opening of the new Hyattsville Branch Library on Wednesday, March 30. The new Hyattsville Branch Library offers 84 public computers for visitors, the most at any PGCMLS branch library. It also features an expanded area dedicated to children, called the “Discovery Village,” which features elements of classical children’s literature, study areas, a reading terrace, and a reading garden. The new branch is also home to the “Prince George’s Room,” which is dedicated to local history and genealogy. For more information on the new Hyattsville Branch Library, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Submit Poetry to the 3rd Annual PGCMLS
Poetry Contest
 In commemoration of National Poetry Month, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) presents the 3rd Annual Prince George’s County Poetry Contest. Prince Georgians of all ages may submit an original poem by Saturday, April 30 on the PGCMLS website here. Contest winners will be recognized during a special event later this spring. This year’s theme is “Joy,” and the contest is supported by the Friends of the Upper Marlboro Library.
Prince George’s County Exercises Right of First Refusal Tool in Largo
 The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) utilized its Right of First Refusal (ROFR) to purchase the property formerly known as Camden Largo Town Center, a 245-unit multi-family apartment building in Largo. Of the 245 units, 98 units will remain affordable. The County may exercise its ROFR when an owner of a multi-family rental facility of 20 units or more intends to sell a multi-family property. DHCD has the authority to purchase the property or assign its rights in an effort to stabilize, preserve, and expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and increase the availability of quality affordable rental housing in designated areas of the County. The purchase of the property furthers the mission of DHCD to preserve or create affordable homes, prevent displacement, advance racial and housing equity, and open greater opportunity for individuals, families, and communities.
Youth Leadership Academy Applications Now Open
 The Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR), in partnership with the Department of Family Services’ Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Division, is pleased to accept applications for the Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) on a rolling basis. Youth ages 12 to 22 years are encouraged to apply. The YLA promotes peer-to-peer education on civil and human rights issues while developing civil and human rights social influencers who are passionate and knowledgeable. The YLA further seeks to develop youth-led ideas, programming, and execution across a wide range of areas.
The OHR is the County’s civil and human rights education and enforcement agency and has four Divisions: investigations of allegations of discrimination; leading a coordinated collaborative response to sex and labor trafficking through the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force; implementing and managing equal access to County services regardless of English proficiency through the Language Access Compliance Program; and robust outreach and engagement programing to build community and to reduce incidents of hate, bias, and violence. In addition, the OHR oversees an immigration defense program for detained Prince Georgians.
Interested youth are encouraged to contact the OHR by email at OHRStaff@co.pg.md.us, or visit the OHR website here for more information.
Project Hire Training Series
 In honor of Autism 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 about the Project Hire Program or to register, visit the DFS website here.
Placemaking Suitland
 Creative Suitland, an arts and placemaking nonprofit, is partnering with the Prince George’s County Planning Department of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and the Better Block Foundation, to bring to life the Suitland Regional Transit District and community vision for vibrant outdoor community spaces. This two-day placemaking demonstration called Placemaking Suitland is scheduled for Friday, April 8, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Saturday, April 9, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Creative Suitland headquarters. Volunteers will transform a parking lot into an arts-filled plaza with vibrant sidewalk life. The pop-up event will feature arts, live music, performances, local vendors, community workshops, a farmer’s market, and more! Participants will be able to join volunteer workshops involving mural painting, furniture assembly, and setup. Residents are encouraged to sign up to volunteer here. To learn more about Placemaking Suitland and other Prince George’s County Planning Department initiatives, visit the M-NCPPC website here.
Come Glow With Us For a Good Cause
 Help Prince George’s County youth on the autism spectrum enjoy their summer! Join us for the 5K Glow Walk/Run for Autism at Watkins Regional Park on Saturday, April 23, at 6:30 PM or 7:30 PM. Whether you run or walk, proceeds from this exciting event will go towards the You Fit Scholarship for Autism. This scholarship benefits eligible youth on the autism spectrum and provides opportunities and access to M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County summer day camps. Registration is required by Friday, April 22. Register for this event here. For more information on the event, visit the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation website here and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
Lend a Helping Hand to Our Armed Forces
and Veterans
 Did you know M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is hosting its Annual Healthy Trails 5K Walk/Run for Armed Forces and Veterans this May? Join us virtually or in-person at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail on Saturday, May 7, at 8:00 AM for this family-friendly race. A portion of all proceeds will support the M-NCPPC’s “Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies” program. This program offers special events, social networking opportunities, personal training sessions, fitness/aquatics passes, and more to our deserving veterans. Residents are also invited to join our Healthy Trails 5K Facebook Group to further engage with M-NCPPC and your fellow race participants. Register to participate in the event either in-person or virtually here. For more information on the event, visit the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation website here and stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages and supports the participation of individuals with disabilities in all programs and services. Register at least a minimum of two weeks in advance of the program start date to request and receive a disability accommodation.
PGAHC’s Office of the Poet Laureate Presents the 2022 Festival of Literary Arts
 Join the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council (PGAHC) for the 2022 Festival of Literary Arts from Friday, April 22 through Sunday, April 24. Discover an array of literary talent in a series of events, including author readings, panel discussions, forums, and much more! Presented in partnership with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System, and the Nora Roberts Foundation, the 2022 Festival of Literary Arts celebrates National Poetry Month and supports the cultural life of Prince George’s County by engaging readers, facilitating conversations and discourse on current topics, and inspiring the next generation through great literature and poetry. To learn more about this year’s festival or to register, visit the PGAHC website here.
5th Annual Women's History Month Celebration and P.A.V.E.R. Awards
 The Prince George's County Department of Social Services (DSS) recognized its P.A.V.E.R. Award recipients during its 5th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration on Thursday, March 31. Each year, DSS recognizes women within its agency who display five main characteristics that its leadership believes are key to providing a quality customer experience and represents model behavior in the workplace: Positivity, Ambition, Vision, Empowerment, and Resiliency. Recipients of this award are among a group of amazing women who exhibit these characteristics, serve beyond the call of duty, and model strong leadership throughout the agency. This year’s ceremony included remarks from Prince George’s County Fire & Emergency Medical Services Chief Tiffany Green, a short program of honors, and a special charge to all attendees to keep the pace and momentum as the agency’s pace setters providing quality service at every interaction.
This year’s P.A.V.E.R. Award recipients are:
Alicia Alfred, Department of Social Services, Family Investment Division
Wilhelmena McField, Department of Social Services, Family Investment Division
I'Lona Coates, Department of Social Services, Family Investment Division
Zenobia Moore, Department of Social Services, Child, Adult & Family Services
Naomi Gaskins, Department of Social Services, Administration Division
Renee Pope, Department of Social Services, Community Services Division
Shara Hayden, Department of Social Services, Child, Adult & Family Services
Anjenette Powell, Department of Social Services, Child, Adult & Family Services
Sylvana Kwentua, Department of Social Services, Child, Adult & Family Services
Loretta Tillery, Department of Social Services, Administration Division
Cecelia Knox, Prince George's Community College, Honorary Recipient
April is National Second Chance
Awareness Month
 Second Chance Awareness Month reaffirms the importance of helping formerly incarcerated people reenter society, live productively, and improve their behavioral health. The Prince George’s County Health Department’s Bridge Center at Adam’s House is teaming up with a variety of County agencies and community partners to hold events throughout April. The purpose of these events is to improve perceptions of people with a criminal record, encourage second-chance opportunities, and give individuals and their families the support they need. If you need support or know someone who does, check out the calendar of Second Chance Awareness Month events in Prince George’s County.
It’s National Public Health Week!
 The Prince George’s County Health Department joins the nation in recognizing National Public Health Week from Monday, April 4 through Sunday, April 10. National Public Health Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation's health. The County Health Department is committed to working with community partners to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of every Prince Georgian and beyond. The Department thanks all of the public health heroes in the County for their life-saving work throughout the COVID-19 global pandemic.
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
 National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is an opportunity for Prince Georgians to prevent drug addiction and overdose deaths. On Saturday, April 30, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the Prince George’s County Health Department, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, Maryland Department of Health, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will host a Prescription Drug Take Back event at Langley Park Community Center (1500 Merrimac Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783). Residents are encouraged to safely drop-off unwanted, unused, or expired medications, and electronic smoking devices. For more information or for general inquiries, call 301-883-6121.
Manage Type 2 Diabetes
 The Prince George’s County Health Department is now accepting registrations for a new round of free classes to help you manage your Type 2 diabetes and develop an action plan to be as healthy as possible. Caregivers are also encouraged to register. Classes meet online every Thursday afternoon for six weeks, starting April 14. For more information or to register, call 301-856-9465 or e-mail wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
Complete the Public Preparedness Survey Today!
 The Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management’s (OEM) Public Preparedness Survey is now LIVE and OEM wants want to hear from you! Residents are encouraged to complete this brief survey today. The information collected in this survey will help OEM and the County better prepare for, respond to, mitigate, and recover from natural and manmade disasters. You can complete the survey here.
Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series
 The Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management continues its Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series! This webinar series provides 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, April 19 at 7:00 PM, and will provide residents with information on sheltering in place for emergencies and disasters. Register to attend the webinar here.
It’s Earth Day Every Day!
 Follow the Department of the Environment (DoE) as they continue to honor Mother Earth throughout April. Check out all of the events taking place in Prince George’s County and remember to follow safe COVID protocols for in-person events. For more information, visit the DoE website here. View or download a full-size copy of the calendar here.
Share Your Furry Family "Fotos"
 In honor of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day on Saturday, April 30, the Department of the Environment wants to showcase all the furry, feathery, and scaly pets that have been rescued from a shelter to promote the importance of adopting. Throughout April, post a cute or funny picture of your four or two-legged family member with the hashtags #PGCEarthDayEveryDay AND #AdoptDontShop. Photos must be emailed to Brittani Garner at BGarner@co.pg.md.us by Wednesday, April 27. All photos will be posted on Friday, April 29, in celebration of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!
Earth Month Weekend Scavenger Hunt
 Beginning Friday, April 8, the Department of the Environment (DoE) invites you to hunt for Earth Day items every weekend in April! A list of things will be posted each Friday by 12:00 PM, and residents have until the following Monday to publish and earn points for that week. The last post deadline is Monday, May 2, at 12:00 PM. It’s simple – just find the item(s), take a picture, tag DoE with #PGCEarthDayEveryDay, earn points, and you could win! The top three winners will earn a reusable goods swag bag with a BPA-free plastic bottle, steel straw kit (includes a cleaning brush and carry pouch), and other eco-friendly items at the end of the month!
Rain Check Rebate Homeowner’s Webinar
 Did you know the lifetime limit for residential Rain Check Rebates increased to $6,000? Learn about the eligible practices you can install on your property that receive rebates because they help manage runoff. Applicants that have previously completed projects or reached the previous limit are also invited to attend! Register here for the webinar on Thursday, April 14 at 6:00 PM.
2022 Congressional Art Competition
 Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District is now accepting submissions for the 40th Annual Congressional Art Competition. The competition is open to high school students who reside in Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, as well as parts of Prince George’s and Anne Arundel Counties. The students are offered an opportunity to highlight their talent and the winner will have their artwork displayed in the United States Capitol for an entire year. This year’s submission deadline is Friday, April 22.
Submissions will be accepted both digitally and in-person. To submit artwork digitally, students must email three images of the art and a completed Student Release Form to submissions05@gmail.com. When submitting, please include the students’ name, school, and title of their artwork in the subject line of the email. To submit artwork in-person, please bring the art and a completed Student Release Form to Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District Southern Office (4475 Regency Place, Suite 203, Waldorf, MD 20602). Please coordinate in-person drop off prior to visiting the office. Please note that the Student Release Form requires a signature from the student’s art teacher. In the event that a student is not able to obtain a signed release form from the art teacher, an email from the art teacher granting the student permission to enter the competition will be accepted.
For general information about the competition, please contact Jada Ward at 301-843-1577 or by email at jada.ward@mail.house.gov. For a full list of competition guidelines, visit Maryland’s Fifth Congressional District website here.
President Biden Names Two Prince Georgians to New HBCU Board of Advisors
President Biden recently named two Prince Georgians to his new Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Board of Advisors. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) CEO Dr. Monica Goldson and Paige Blake, a Bowie State University student and native Prince Georgian, were both appointed to the Board. In addition, Prince George’s County native and PGCPS alum Taraji P. Henson was appointed to the Board as well. Check out this article featuring the recent appointments to the HBCU Board of Advisors.
Takeout Tuesday - Shortcake Bakery
 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 Shortcake Bakery in Hyattsville. 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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