Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
We are excited to share that Prince George’s County has been awarded four 2022 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo)! For more than 50 years, NACo has celebrated innovation in counties across our nation, and we are honored to be a recipient of these distinguished awards.
This year, we are being recognized for the Stand up and Deliver Program, the Summer Passport Experience Program, the COVID-19 Workforce Development Recovery Program, and the outreach programs that fall within the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights. We are especially proud of this recognition because three of these programs were launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to specifically address the needs of Prince Georgians.
The Stand Up and Deliver Program was established to address the food insecurity and basic needs of Prince Georgians. It has provided more than 400,000 boxes of groceries or four million meals since its start and continues to distribute meals and groceries each week to families in need.
The Summer Passport Experience Program was created during the Summer of 2021 to provide educational and fun-filled opportunities for our youth to engage in during summer break. In its inaugural year, the program touched the lives of more than 800 youth from around our County.
We also established the COVID-19 Workforce Development Recovery Program to assist unemployed Prince Georgians with access to employment opportunities and resources. More than 100,000 County residents were laid off during the beginning of the pandemic, which is why we worked to strengthen and revitalize our workforce after significant job losses and business closures.
In addition, our Office of Human Rights (OHR) was also recognized for the work they do through their various outreach programs. As the County's civil and human rights education and enforcement agency, this office receives and investigates complaints involving discrimination in our County. Through their outreach programs, OHR is able to engage with residents, and we are proud of their dedication and commitment to educating our community.
We want to thank all of our County government staff and community partners who work tirelessly to ensure these programs and initiatives are a success. We congratulate each of you on this amazing accomplishment and are confident that you will continue to help our County grow and thrive for years to come.
In other exciting news, Prince George’s County is celebrating Municipalities Week for the first time ever this week! Our County is home to 27 municipalities, the largest number of any County in the State of Maryland. Each municipality is filled with its own history, and throughout the week we are highlighting each of them and sharing some fun facts and information. We invite Prince Georgians to join us as we celebrate Municipalities Week and learn more about our municipalities and their history.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Stay Ahead of COVID-19
 COVID-19 cases have steadily increased since late March due to the highly transmissible Omicron variant. This recent rise is substantially lower compared to the winter Omicron case surge and County COVID-19 hospitalizations remain relatively low.
As a precautionary measure to avoid further spread and to keep as many people out of the hospital as possible, the Health Department recommends residents ages two and older voluntarily wear masks when in indoor public places.
Masks remain required in congregate health care settings, County public schools and libraries, and in any business or organization that chooses to require them.
The Health Department also encourages residents to get vaccinated and boosted if you have not done so, get tested if you feel sick or were exposed to a positive person, follow CDC isolation and quarantine guidance, and keep a mask handy.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Vaccine Supply & Administration
- The County Health Department has provided over 222,900 vaccinations, including 25,600 additional doses to those fully vaccinated.
- Our mobile units provided over 130 vaccinations in the community to date this month, focusing on homebound and senior residents.
- More than 19,200 vaccinations have been provided to children ages 5 to 11 years since the vaccine became available for that age group in November 2021.
Vaccination Locations
 The County Health Department no longer operates a standing mass vaccination clinic but does continue to operate its mobile vaccination units. There are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. Please remember that we do not manage nor control appointments or distribution for any locations not operated by the County Health Department.
Prince George’s County Health Department
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Mobile Vaccination Units: Individuals who are interested in our mobile vaccination units should call PGC311 and press # for assistance.
Additional Non-County Operated Sites
- Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare partners.
Progress Toward Vaccination Goals
- Over 1,614,300 vaccinations have been provided to 698,658 County residents, including 583,499 second doses and 332,237 additional doses.
- As of May 18, the CDC has reported 95% of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County, and 84.7% are fully vaccinated.
- When including all residents ages 5 and older, 95% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 80.5% are fully vaccinated.
- The CDC reports 48% of residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or additional dose as of May 18.
- Approximately 34.4% of County residents ages 5 to 9 years and 64.4% of County residents ages 10 to 19 years are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Planting For Pollinators
 When planting this spring, keep in mind the importance of helping our pollinators do their jobs with these tips.
- Provide nesting habitats - bees and butterflies are the most known but ants, beetles, moths, bats, and birds are pollinators too!
- Reduce your need for large lawns and use more groundcovers.
- Plant native Maryland plants such as the sunflower, aster, bluebell, and milkweed. Read more here.
Green Programs and Education for Residents
 Prince George's County is working hard every day to bring green programs and relevant education to residents. To learn more about the County’s efforts, read this letter from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks discussing how we are working to keep our County clean and beautiful and what it means to be Part of It, Proud of It.
Fort Washington Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.’s Achievement Awards and Recognition Breakfast
 County Executive Alsobrooks joined the Fort Washington Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for their Achievement Awards and Recognition Breakfast on Saturday, May 14. We are so proud of the work they do to strengthen our County through public service and thank them for their dedication to the community. We also want to congratulate all of the honorees on this amazing accomplishment.
Washington Baptist Theological Seminary 95th Commencement Ceremony
 On Saturday, May 14, County Executive Alsobrooks served as the keynote speaker at the Washington Baptist Theological Seminary 95th Commencement Ceremony. This Seminary has educated some of the finest pastors and mission workers of the last century, and we want to congratulate the 50 theologians who graduated. We thank you for the dedication you have shown to get to this point and know that you will proudly serve your community for years to come.
Aging My Way Information Fair
 In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Department of Family Services’ Aging and Disabilities Services Division hosted the Aging My Way Information Fair on Tuesday, May 17, on the grounds of the Harriet Hunter Building in Camp Springs. Over 240 participants were joined by County Executive Alsobrooks and were able to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. Participants had the opportunity to engage with 31 County government agencies and non-profit businesses to get information about programs and services for older adults while enjoying music, a free lunch, and beautiful weather. Click here to check out photos from the event.
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.
Saturday, May 21 at 9:30 AM (Meals)
- Kingdom Fellowship @ High Point High School – 3601 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Saturday, May 21 at 10:00 AM (Meals)
- Ebenezer Church Of God – 7550 Buchanan Street, Landover, MD 20784
Sunday, May 22 at 10:00 AM (Meals)
- Community of Hope AME Church – 3701 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD 20747
Tuesday, May 24 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Glassmanor Elementary School – 1011 Marcy Avenue, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Mark the Evangelist – 7501 Adelphi Road Hyattsville, MD 20783
Wednesday, May 25 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Maple Springs Baptist Church – 4131 Belt Road, Capitol Heights, MD 20748
Friday, May 27 at 11:00 AM (Groceries)
- Beltsville Seventh Day Adventist - 4200 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705
Friday, May 27 at 12:30 PM (Groceries)
- Paul Church – 6419 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747
- Victory Grace Center at Port Towns Elementary School – 4351 58th Place, Bladensburg, MD 20710
Saturday, May 28 at 10:00 AM (Groceries)
- Love AME Church @ Capitol Heights Elementary School – 601 Suffolk Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743
- Maryland Shiloh Apostolic Church – 5021 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748
Boards and Commissions Appointments
Board of Registration for Building Contractors
 Mr. Dewayne Hudson was recently sworn in as the newest member of the Prince George’s County Board of Registration for Building Contractors. Mr. Hudson, a resident of New Carrollton, has over a decade of experience overseeing building maintenance, construction, and facilities management including supervising the completion of four large healthcare projects in Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia.
Personnel Board
 Ms. Bridgette A. Greer was recently sworn-in as a member of the Personnel Board. Ms. Greer retired from the Prince George’s County Government in January after 33 years of service where she most recently served as the Special Assistant to the County Attorney. She has in-depth experience in employment law having served as Deputy Director of the Office of Human Resources Management where she provided legal advice and guidance on disciplinary matters and appeals.
Holiday Waste Collection Schedule
 County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, May 30 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. Curbside collection of food scraps and yard trim will be suspended on Monday, May 30, and will resume Monday, June 6. Regular trash, bulky, and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County provided services. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
Bulky Trash
 Before placing your mattress and box spring at the curb for bulky trash collection, remember it MUST be in a protective plastic covering or encasement. Learn more bulky trash collection tips by visiting the Department of the Environment website here.
Apply for Free Spay and Neuter Services
 The Animal Services Division is offering qualifying Prince George’s County residents the opportunity to receive FREE spay and neuter services. Spaying and neutering will help your pet live a healthier and longer life and “Keeps the Litter Away.” For more information about the program and to find out if you qualify, contact the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center at 301-780-7200 or visit the Department of the Environment website here.
WMATA Summer 2022 Metro Platform Improvement Project
WMATA recently announced its Summer 2022 Metro Platform Improvement Project. Beginning May 28, through September 5, the New Carrollton, Cheverly, Landover, Deanwood, and Minnesota Ave stations on the Orange Line will close for platforms improvements. For more information on the Metro Platform Improvement Project, visit the WMATA website here. For information on TheBus, including routes and schedules, visit the Department of Public Works and Transportation website here.
Prince George's County Supply Schedule
 The Prince George's County Supply Schedule (PGCSS) establishes contracts with county-based small businesses and county-based minority business enterprises to provide services and products across County Agencies. The PGCSS is designed to drive growth and economic opportunities in Prince George’s County. To learn more about PGCSS, visit the Office of Central Services website here.
National Public Works Week
 This week is National Public Works Week! This year’s theme “Ready and Resilient,” embodies the true day to day work of our public works professionals. National Public Works week gives us the chance to acknowledge our frontline heroes in the field and appreciate the work they have done and continue to do. Please join us in thanking all of our public works professionals for their efforts in sustaining the quality of life throughout the environment.
May is National Military Appreciation Month
 In 1999, Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month to ensure the nation was given the chance to publicly show its appreciation for troops past and present. We are Prince George’s Proud to salute and honor military families past and present during Military Appreciation Month. Not only do we pause on Memorial Day to remember all branches of the armed services for their sacrifice and service, but the month of May also holds several other military anniversaries and events, including Military Spouse Appreciation Day and Armed Forces Day.
The Prince George’s County Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA), under the banner of “Operation Forward March,” was established to assist veterans in the County in partnership with government and community service providers. To learn more about OVA’s initiatives and services or to seek assistance, visit the OVA website here or call 301-952-3904 for a telephone consultation or to make an appointment.
 May is National High Blood Pressure
Education Month
The County Health Department wants to ensure residents know when your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder, which heightens your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other problems. In addition, having diabetes greatly increases your risk of high blood pressure. The Health Department is taking registrations now for two types of free diabetes prevention and management classes.
HALT (Health And Lifestyle Training) is a year-long, online diabetes prevention program featuring 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, July 11, 2022, and runs through Monday, July 10, 2023. To register, call 301-856-9465 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
There is also a set of free classes for people diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes who need help managing the chronic disease. The Living Well Diabetes Self-Management classes meet online every Thursday evening for six weeks starting Thursday, May 26. To register, call 301-856-9465 or e-mail wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us.
First Annual G.O.A.T. Mental Health Expo
 The Health Department, in collaboration with Bowie State University (BSU) and Volunteers of America, co-sponsored the County’s first annual Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T.) Mental Health Expo on Saturday, May 14. The expo at the BSU’s Martin Luther King Communication Arts Center featured live music and art performances, health demonstrations and discussions from Health Department leadership and experts, and a variety of mental health and substance abuse services and resources from dozens of community partners. This year’s focus was on reaching the County’s transitional-aged youth (18 to 24) and their families who need extra support to live healthy and productive lives. For more information about the expo, visit the G.O.A.T. Mental Health Expo website here.
Employ Prince George’s Job and Resource Fair
 Employ Prince George’s, in collaboration with Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), is hosting its COVID-19 Economic Recovery Quarterly Job and Resource Fair on Wednesday, May 25, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the PGCC Charlene M. Dukes Student Center. Residents seeking employment and other resources are encouraged to attend this free event. To register for the fair, click here.
PGCMLS and Washington Nationals Launch Summer Prince George's
 The Prince George's Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and Washington Nationals are teaming up to celebrate summer in Prince George’s County for the third consecutive year. This year’s initiative, Summer Prince George’s, invites Prince Georgians of all ages to connect with their community by reading, attending library or partner events (in-person or virtually), visiting branch libraries, and engaging with library resources. Between Monday, May 16 and Friday, August 19, library customers may register for Summer Prince George’s here and start earning badges and prizes, including a voucher for two free tickets to a Nationals game. PGCMLS, in collaboration with the Nationals and M-NCPPC, is hosting the kickoff event, "Play Ball with the Nationals," on Saturday, June 11 at 10:00 AM at Walker Mill Regional Park in District Heights, MD. Children and youth ages 5-12 are invited to attend story time with a Nationals Player, participate in baseball activities, and pick-up a free baseball bat, ball, and book. To learn more, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Asian and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS
Awareness Day
Today is National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day devoted to eliminating HIV stigma in Asian and Pacific Islander and all Prince George’s County communities. HIV stigma can keep people from getting tested for HIV. Learn more about HIV testing, treatment, and support options at the County Health Department’s HIV program by calling 301-583-3150 or visiting the Health Department website here.
Juneteenth: Freedom Day Celebration
 The Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council is partnering with the National Harbor to host the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration on Sunday, June 19, at 2:00 PM. Located at the Plaza stage, this day of education, reflection, and celebration of Juneteenth will feature performances from the Prince George's County Poet Laureate and Youth Poet Laureate, SOLE Defined, a black-owned dance company, live music from DuPont Brass, and more! For more information about the event, visit the Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration website here.
Department of Parks and Recreation Opens Community Fridge in Oxon Hill
The M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation and Feed the Fridge held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Glassmanor Community Center on Wednesday, May 17, to officially open the second “Feed the Fridge” in Prince George’s County.
Feed the Fridge is an innovative approach to battling food insecurity while helping the local economy in the region. This initiative places refrigerators at recreation centers, schools, and other locations throughout our area, then pays small, local restaurants to stock them daily with delicious and nutritious meals. Anyone can come up and grab a meal, no questions asked.
The new location is the result of a collaboration with Adventist HealthCare and the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation. This innovative partnership will address the rise in food insecurity, particularly for people in the Glassmanor and Forest Heights communities.
Laurel High School Students Win Local 2022 Envirothon Competition
 This month, the Prince George’s Soil Conservation District announced that Laurel High School won the 2022 Prince George’s County Envirothon! The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District and the William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center hosted the 2022 Prince George’s County Envirothon virtually from Wednesday, April 20 to Wednesday, April 27. Participating high schools in this year’s competition also included Fairmont Heights High School, Oxon Hill High School, and Potomac High School. Check out the full press release here.
The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District Releases 2021 Annual Report
 The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD) is proud to unveil its 2021 Annual Report. The Annual Report provides updates on all PGSCD programs and accomplishments in urban agriculture, agricultural conservation, and land preservation. It also includes information on soil health, lists helpful resources for local farmers, celebrates the Prince George’s County Envirothon winning team, and highlights new activities from PGSCD staff. Read the PGSCD 2021 Annual Report here.
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.
Commission on Common Ownership Communities Reserve Study Webinar
 Join the Office of Community Relations and the Commission on Common Ownership Communities on Wednesday, May 25 at 3:00 PM for a virtual discussion regarding HB107 – Reserve Study Legislation. Leading the discussion will be Commissioner Marvin Holmes, Commissioner Nicole Williams, Esq., and Special Guest, Peter Miller, Capital Reserve Study Consultant.
The Maryland General Assembly passed new legislation requiring all condominiums, homeowner associations, and housing cooperatives to undertake regular reserve studies of common area components. Under House Bill 107, the reserve study requirement, which was previously applicable to only Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties, is applicable statewide. A community that has had a reserve study conducted on or after October 1, 2018, must have that reserve study updated within five years from the date of that study, and every five years thereafter. A community that has not had a reserve study on or after October 1, 2018, must undertake one no later than October 1, 2023, and that study must also be updated every five years thereafter. Follow OCR on IG @pgc_communityrelations and Twitter @PGCCommunity to stay updated on our upcoming events and more!
OCR and the Marlboro Day Celebration
 The Office of Community Relations (OCR) participated in The Town of Upper Marlboro’s Marlboro Day Celebration on Saturday, May 14. The Town of Upper Marlboro hosted a jamboree, celebrating all things Upper Marlboro. The event included a parade featuring music, various performances, Girl Scouts, and more. During the parade, OCR team members distributed COVID-19 test kits to residents along the parade route, and afterwards attendees were entertained by different performers. Residents were also able to shop with various vendors which offered different food delicacies, jewelry, arts and crafts, and more!
Cinco Dias en Mayo
 One thing that makes Prince George’s County great, is our diversity. It provides residents the opportunity to experience so many cultures and customs. During the month of May, the Office of Community Relations (OCR) highlights Hispanic/Latino cultures, as a part of the Cinco Dias en Mayo initiative. The purpose of this initiative is to recognize the invaluable contributions made by Hispanics/Latinos to the community.
With the rising food prices throughout the nation, many families are finding themselves needing assistance to feed their families. As a part of the Cinco Dias en Mayo initiative, OCR blessed Hispanic/Latino families with a week’s worth of groceries. In addition to the groceries, OCR was also able to provide some families with resources from the Department of Family Services to ensure a level of continual care. Each family was so grateful and appreciative of OCR’s generosity and support.
Prince George’s County Public Schools Announces the Teacher of the Year
 Photo Courtesy of Valerie Bonk, WTOP
Ms. Evelyn Policarpio, an 8th grade math teacher at Benjamin Tasker Middle School in Bowie, was recently named Prince George’s County Public Schools Teacher of the Year. Ms. Policarpio has been teaching for 35 years, including 14 years in Prince George’s County. Check out this article featuring the recent announcement.
Governor Hogan Visits Prince George’s Centenarian
 Photo Courtesy of The DeFlorimonte Family, Angel Waldron, and WUSA9
Prince Georgian Jessie R. DeFlorimonte will turn 100 years old on Thursday, May 26, and her family is celebrating this milestone by hosting a drive-by-parade on her birthday. Ms. DeFlorimonte will also receive a special gift from Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. Check out this article featuring Ms. DeFlorimonte’s upcoming birthday celebration.
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