Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
This week, we are excited to join the nation in recognizing National Small Business Week! Every year since 1963, the United States has celebrated National Small Business Week to recognize the significant contributions of entrepreneurs and small businesses and to highlight the various programs and services available through the U.S. Small Business Administration and other government agencies.
Prince George’s County continues to be the economic engine of the Washington Metropolitan region and the State of Maryland, and we know that small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. It is important for us to support our entrepreneurs and small businesses, and that is why we are excited to officially proclaim this week as Small Business Week in Prince George’s County.
We are continuing to support small businesses in the County with the launch of new programs and initiatives through various County government agencies, including the Economic Development Corporation, Office of Central Services, and Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement, and FSC First. During this administration, each of these agencies have implemented unique and creative programs that make it easier for entrepreneurs and small businesses to engage with us and do business here in the County. We encourage business owners to visit their websites to learn more about the various programs and initiatives we have available.
Together, we are working to ensure that local businesses can open, grow, and thrive successfully in our County, because when we create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses, we are creating local jobs for residents and supporting the continued growth and development of the surrounding communities.
We are proud to support our local entrepreneurs and small businesses during Small Business Week and encourage Prince Georgians to join us in supporting them this week and throughout the year.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Spring 2022 Growing Green With Pride
 Our Spring 2022 Growing Green with Pride Day was a huge success! The Department of Public Works and Transportation, Department of the Environment, and Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement want to thank the more than 2,700 Prince Georgians who volunteered to help beautify our County by picking up litter along our roadways and planting flowers and trees in our neighborhoods. Together, we were able to clean up 17.4 tons, or 34,820 pounds, of litter in our communities.
Keeping our County clean and beautiful is a community effort, and we encourage residents to continue doing your part in making our County an even better place to live, work, and play. For more information about the County’s beautification efforts, visit the Part of It, Proud if It website here.
Urban Tree Canopy
 Planting trees is one of the most inexpensive ways to help combat climate change and boost your property value. The Department of the Environment (DoE) is encouraging residents to follow these tips when considering planting trees:
- Choose native species because they require less water and pesticides since they are already adapted to the soil and local climate.
- Avoid planting any ash species (Fraxinus species) to reduce the spread of the emerald ash borer (invasive pest).
Residents can learn more about the various tree planting programs that DoE offers for individuals, non-profits, schools, and more by visiting the DoE website here.
PGCTV Wraps Up Earth Month
 Now that Earth Month is behind us, check out this segment featuring some of the events hosted by the County in April, courtesy of Prince George’s County Television (PGCTV). This segment mentions Mulch Madness, Growing Green with Pride, and ongoing Department of the Environment events such as adoptions and the rollout of the organics carts for residents that enrolled in the curbside composting collection program.
Ceremonial Recognition Day
 County Executive Alsobrooks hosted a Ceremonial Recognition Day on Monday, April 25, to honor and celebrate outstanding members of our community. During the ceremony, County Executive Alsobrooks declared Monday, April 25, 2022, as Coach Damon Wilson Day in Prince George’s County. Coach Wilson is the Head Football Coach at Bowie State University and was recently named the American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year for NCAA Division II, becoming the first CIAA coach to win this prestigious award.
We also recognized Jayden and Jordyn Grisby, 6-year-old twin sisters who met with County Executive Alsobrooks about Jayden’s recent essay for Women’s History Month, as well as Eric Grantham, a 17-year-old who has been featured on Majic 102.3, WUSA9 and in several magazines after overcoming many challenges in his life. We were proud to recognize these youth with certificates for their accomplishments and wish them the best in all of their future endeavors.
Teen Girl Titan Power Awards
 The Prince George’s County Commission for Women hosted the inaugural Teen Girl Titan Power Awards Program on Monday, April 25. The program recognizes teen girls in the areas of academia, athletics, community service, and entrepreneurship. This year’s award winners are Gabrielle Pierce, Eva Schultz, Lauren Williams, and Bree Bagley. We are Prince George’s Proud of these outstanding young women. We know that they will continue to do amazing things for our communities and have very bright futures ahead of them.
African Diaspora Business Roundtable
 County Executive Alsobrooks joined business owners from the African Diaspora community for a roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 26. Representatives from multiple County agencies joined County Executive Alsobrooks to provide information and answer questions. We are continuing to work to provide the support that our businesses need to grow and thrive in Prince George’s County, and we want to thank the business owners who participated in this important discussion.
Women’s History Month Celebration
 The Office of the County Executive hosted the 37th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration on Wednesday, April 27, with special guest Dr. Iyanla Vanzant. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the super bad women of Prince George’s County. We want to congratulate our 7 scholarship recipients, as well as the winner of the 2022 Gladys Noon Spellman Public Service Award, Judge Sheila Tillerson Adams. Judge Adams has served our community with dedication and integrity for so many years, and we were Prince George’s Proud to honor her for her service.
Department of Corrections Graduation Ceremony
 On Tuesday, May 3, Prince George’s County proudly welcomed 11 new members to the public safety family. These 11 individuals recently graduated from the Department of Corrections training academy and were officially sworn into office at the graduation ceremony. We want to congratulate and thank these outstanding men and women who have stepped up to serve our community.
County News For You
Stand Up and Deliver
 We are continuing to work hard to address food insecurity in our County, and we want to provide information on upcoming distribution locations for our Stand Up & Deliver program.
Friday, May 6 at 12:30 PM (Meals)
- Ebenezer A.M.E. Church – 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
- The First Baptist Church of District Heights – 7234 Lansdale Street, District Heights, MD 20747
Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 AM (Meals)
- Ebenezer Church of God – 7550 Buchanan Street, Landover Hills, MD 20784
- Maryland Shiloh Apostolic Church – 5201 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748
- New Home Baptist Church – 8320 Landover Road, Landover, MD 20785
Saturday, May 7 at 11:30 AM (Meals)
- United Baptist Church – 7701 Riverdale Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784
Wednesday, May 11 at 10:00 AM (Meals)
- Langley Park-McCormick Elementary School – 8201 15th Avenue, Adelphi, MD 20783
Thursday, May 12 at 12:00 PM (Meals)
- LAYC/MMYC@CEP/WMMS – 6200 Sheridan Street, Riverdale, MD 20737
Friday, May 13 at 11:00 AM (Meals)
- Benjamin Stoddert Middle School – 2501 Olson Street, Temple Hills, MD 20748
Friday, May 13 at 12:30 PM (Meals)
- Faith Temple No. 2 Free Will Baptist Church – 211 Maryland Park Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20747
- Mt. Ennon Baptist Church – 9832 Piscataway Road, Clinton, MD 20735
Saturday, May 14 at 1:30 PM (Meals)
- First Baptist Church of Highland Park – 6801 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785
Boards and Commissions Appointments
Board of Education District 8
Ms. Madeline LaSalle was sworn in as the District 8 representative on the Prince George’s County Board of Education on Tuesday, April 5. Ms. LaSalle is a resident of Fort Washington and is known as an unwavering equity warrior and successful results-based facilitator who partners with organizations to close opportunity gaps for students. She currently serves as the Coordinator of the Academic Academy, an alternative program serving students within a trauma sensitive framework. Ms. LaSalle is the founder and current chair of the board for Latinas Leading Tomorrow, a non-profit that serves young Latinas in middle and high schools.
 Board of Education District 5
Dr. Zipporah A. Miller was sworn in as the District 5 representative on the Prince George’s County Board of Education on Tuesday, April 26. Dr. Miller has consistently demonstrated her passion for children for more than two decades, beginning her career in education with Prince George’s County Public Schools as a teacher at Forestville High School. She currently serves as the Director of Organizational Learning with Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Dr. Miller has previously served as Magnet Coordinator, Assistant Principal, Program Administrator, and Science Supervisor. She also possesses Superintendent, Administrator I, Administrator II, and Advanced Professional Certificate certifications.
 The Commission on Father, Men and Boys
The Prince George’s County Commission on Fathers, Men and Boys recently confirmed 2 new members and reappointed 6 members: Mr. Mahssan “Bear” Afkhami, Mr. James M. Alsobrooks, Mr. Mario Cisneros, Mr. Arthur L. Cutler, II (not pictured), Mr. Bruce D. Edwards, Mr. Robert L. Johnson, Dr. Joseph E. Jones, Sr., and Mr. Anthony J. McAllister (not pictured).
  Commission for Women
The Prince George’s County Commission for Women recently confirmed Ms. Maria Ivonne Rivera as a new member. The Prince George's County Commission for Women serves to improve the quality of life for women and girls by advocating, initiating, and championing programs and legislation to strengthen families and communities.
 Fire Commission
The Prince George’s County Fire Commission recently confirmed 4 new members: Ms. Gloria J. Bell, Ms. Michelle Chandler, Ms. Lisa MC Hegwood, and Mr. Kyle J. Snyder. The Fire Commission reviews the financial needs and requests for public funds of each of the County’s volunteer fire companies. Each year, the Commission formulates one capital budget, one capital improvement program, and one current expense budget for all volunteer fire companies with respect to the expenditure of public funds, and submits said budgets and program, together with appropriate justification, to the County Executive in accordance with the provisions of the Charter.
 Solid Waste Advisory Commission
The Solid Waste Advisory Commission recently confirmed Ms. Na’ilah Dawkins and reappointed Mr. William Walmsley, Jr. This Commission was established to provide community input, guidance, and advice to the County Executive and County Council on matters relating to solid waste management within the County.
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, May 17 at 7:00 PM, and will provide residents with an overview of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), their role in the community, and how to get involved. Register to attend the webinar here.
DPIE Virtual Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions Set to Begin May 19
 Beginning Thursday, May 19, the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforecment (DPIE) will begin its virtual monthly Third-Thursday Community Information Sessions. Each session will focus on a different topic and will include a brief presentation, comments from DPIE experts, and a Q&A period about the day’s topic. The topic for the inaugural session is “Verify Before You Buy.” Participants will learn how to research important aspects of residential and commercial properties, such as whether additions or improvements were completed without the appropriate permits and inspections from DPIE.
Other scheduled meeting topics include “Steps to Bring Your Property Into Compliance,” “Completing a Permit Application,” and “Accessing Information from DPIE.” Each session will take place from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Registration is required to attend each information session. To register for the "Verify Before You Buy" session and submit questions for the Q&A, email dpiepio@co.pg.md.us by Monday, May 16. A Zoom link will be sent to those who register for each session. For more information, visit the DPIE website here or call 301-456-6876.
Being Dumped Sucks
 Prince George's County is a great place to live, work, and play, but it's not your trash can! Do the right thing and put your trash where it belongs - in the bin. Litter lowers property values, pollutes our waterways, and tells the world we don't care. Illegal dumping in the County can also cost you jail time and massive fines.
Remember, residents with County-provided services can place UP TO 2 standard bulky items at the curb, next to your trash cart, for collection on their regular trash day. If the household item is still in good condition, don't let it be destined for the landfill - donate it to a friend, family member, or non-profit organization in need! Do the right thing and call PGC311 to schedule your bulky trash pickup for scrap tires and white goods/appliances.
Residents can find out information about County organizations that offer drop-off or pick-up services for items still in good condition on the Department of the Environment (DoE) website here.
To view a list of acceptable items for County curbside bulky trash collection and information on how to prepare them properly, visit the DoE website here.
Don’t Miss Out On $5 Cat Adoption Fridays
 Starting in May and running through October, Prince George’s County’s Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center will host $5 cat adoptions every Friday. Each adoption includes spay/neutering, current and age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchips. For more information, call 301-780-7201.
Hurricane Season & Flood Awareness
 From June through November, the likelihood of hurricanes and tropical storms impacting the eastern United States is exceptionally high. While hurricane events in Prince George’s County are pretty rare, the possibility of associated tropical showers, intense thunderstorms, and flood events are genuine. Learn how to be ready for floods during and after by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website here.
Free Diabetes Prevention Classes
 A 2021 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study reveals that people who enrolled in diabetes prevention programs were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who did not. Those who did develop type 2 diabetes and enrolled in a prevention program, delayed the onset of the disease by about four years.
The Prince George’s County Health Department is here to help reduce your risk with a new round of PreventT2, a free year-long class that is CDC-recognized for preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes. Classes meet live online with trained lifestyle coaches on Thursday afternoons beginning May 19. To register, call 301-856-9643 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month
 May is Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness about those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to educate our communities about the help that is available. If you or your loved ones are experiencing depression, anxiety, thoughts of suicide, or dealing with another type of mental health or substance use concern, call 211 and press 1 or text MD to 741741.
The Prince George’s County Health Department currently has the “Go Slow” harm reduction campaign underway as fentanyl-related overdose deaths are on the rise nationwide. Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid. Not only is it being mixed with street drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, but now there are pills filled with fentanyl that resemble common pharmaceutical medications. For more information about the “Go Slow” campaign, visit the Health Department’s website here.
A Second Chance At Life
 Each April, National Second Chance Awareness Month reaffirms the importance of helping formerly incarcerated people, returning veterans, and youth 18 to 24 years old overcome adversity and transition into society successfully. The Prince George’s County Health Department’s Bridge Center at Adam’s House, in collaboration with community-based organizations and local, state, and federal agencies, sponsored a National Second Chance Awareness Month Job and Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 20. The resource fair, held at the Glenarden Community Center, featured more than 50 local and regional employers, community organizations, and government agencies providing residents job training, educational opportunities, clinical and behavioral health services and resources, transitional housing and legal assistance, and other areas of need.
U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Moving to Beltsville
 Photo Courtesy of Mark Wilson, Getty Images
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing is officially moving to Prince George’s County. The plant, currently located in Washington, D.C., will relocate to a new facility on the current site of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center. This is a major step forward in a critical component of the County Executive’s economic development strategy to have a more equitable distribution of federal jobs across our region. Check out this article featuring more about the new facility.
PGPD and Community Organizations Partner for Annual Christmas in April Initiative
 The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) and Office of Community Relations partnered with various community organizations for the 34th Annual Christmas in April initiative on Saturday, April 30. Each April, police officers, government agencies, and community partners assist residents with cleaning their homes and yards and making home repairs. Read this article featuring more about the initiative and how PGPD and its partners worked to assist Prince Georgians in need.
PGCMLS Opens Pop-Up Location at the National Harbor
 Photo Courtesy of Robert R. Roberts, The Washington Informer
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) recently debuted a pop-up location at the National Harbor in partnership with the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council. The “Pebble Pop-Up Library,” which opened on Saturday, April 30, is family-friendly and features more than 400 books tailored to the arts. Learn more about the pop-up location in this article.
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