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 Library Week! During this week, we celebrate and highlight the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) works tirelessly to serve our residents and we are proud to take this opportunity to thank them for their commitment and dedication to our community.
This year’s theme for National Library Week is “There’s More to the Story,” which celebrates the expansive collections, services, and programs that public libraries across the nation offer. In addition to books, libraries foster a sense of connection, build community, and offer opportunities for everyone through access to multimedia content, programs, and classes. Our library system strives to help Prince Georgians reach their potential and pursue educational and career aspirations, and we encourage all Prince Georgians to join us in celebrating this week by connecting with your local library branch.
We also want to thank all our residents who participated in our Growing Green with Pride Day community cleanup over the weekend. More than 3,900 residents participated in this effort, collecting more than 60,000 pounds of litter. We want to give a special shout out to our Department of Public Works and Transportation for coordinating this community cleanup effort. Keeping our County clean and beautiful requires the efforts of everyone in our community, and we are proud to continue to do our part in ensuring our County thrives for generations to come.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Brandywine-North Keys Civic Association
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time joining the residents of the Brandywine-North Keys Civic Association on Wednesday, April 19, for an engaging conversation about the FY 2024 proposed budget, economic development, public safety, litter, and more.
Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute: Know Your County Government
 On Thursday, April 20, the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI) had their second learning module of the program, “Know Your County Government.” County Executive Alsobrooks was joined by Chief Administrative Officer Tara Jackson and Chief of Staff Joy Russell to explain how the executive branch of government operates. We continue to be so proud of our AYLI students!
Epsilon Phi Boule Foundation’s Annual Cherry Blossom Affair Fundraiser
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful afternoon joining the Epsilon Phi Boule Foundation for their annual Cherry Blossom Affair fundraiser on Sunday, April 23. From scholarships and mentoring for students to helping combat food insecurity, we appreciate all that the Epsilon Phi Boule Foundation does to support Prince Georgians.
National Day of Prayer
 On National Day of Prayer this year, our office will host an ecumenical moment of prayer for our community. Residents are invited to join us on Thursday, May 4, at 9:00 AM, for a virtual interfaith prayer call. If you plan to participate, be sure to register here.
Save the Date: Early Childhood Conference
Our office and Child Resource Connect are partnering to host an Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, June 3. This conference will focus on resources and support for parents, caregivers, and child care providers. Additional details are coming soon. For more information about the conference, email conference@childresource.org.
WSSC Amnesty Program
 The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) recently announced a new water bill amnesty program for residents who are behind on their water bill. The program will run from June 1 through June 30 and will provide bill credits and waive late fees for qualifying residents. To learn more information, visit the WSSC website here.
DHCD Launches Housing Affordability Dashboard
 The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is excited to announce the launch of its new Housing Affordability Dashboard, an online affordable housing data portal and tool that serves as a doorway for County leadership, Councilmembers, policymakers, planners, affordable housing providers, advocates, landlords, and residents to access key housing metrics and track housing indicators. DHCD will update housing statistics and key findings into the dashboard frequently as new information becomes available. To access the Housing Affordability Dashboard, visit the DHCD website here.
Capital Matters: Key Steps to Financing Your Small Business
 FSC First is excited to announce a new virtual series, “Capital Matters: Key Steps to Financing Your Small Business.” Powered by FSC First’s “Level Up” program, which continues to utilize American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the Capital Matters program provides small business owners with the financial management tools needed to grow. The program kicked off virtually this week and will continue to run every other week through Thursday, June 8. Upcoming sessions include:
Tuesday, May 9: Writing a Business Plan for Financing
Tuesday, May 23: Preparing and Submitting a Successful Loan Application
Thursday, June 8: You are Approved for the Loan, Now What?
Register to participate in the Capital Matters program here.
Get Ready to Launch!
 Get ready to launch the million dollar idea you’ve been sitting on! FCS First invites startups, entrepreneurs, and early-stage small businesses to a one-day virtual educational seminar on Thursday, May 11, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Through the “Level Up” program, FSC First has partnered with SEED SPOT to empower and educate diverse, impact-driven entrepreneurs and small business owners.
By attending this launch camp, participants will walk away with actionable steps to bringing your idea to market, including:
- Defining your revenue model and ideal target market.
- Creating a value proposition and customer journey.
- How to design a 60-second elevator pitch.
- Live mentorship and feedback from nationally-recognized business leaders and industry experts.
- Upon completion, you’ll gain access to SEED SPOT’s global alumni network with LIFETIME benefits including funding resources, legal support, mentorship, and more!
Tuition fees are sponsored by FSC First. Registration is open to businesses in Maryland, with an emphasis on those located in Prince George’s County. Space is limited. RSVP here today.
Prince George's County Poetry Contest
 Prince Georgians of all ages are encouraged to submit original poetry to Prince George’s County's 4th Annual Poetry Contest, presented by the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) with support from Friends of the Upper Marlboro Library. The 2023 theme is "Heroism." Awards will be given to adults and three K-12 categories. This year's featured judges are Ladi Di, Sainey Ceesay, and Diane Wilbon-Parks. Submissions will be accepted until Sunday, April 30. To learn more and submit poetry, visit the PGCMLS website here.
Apply for PGCMLS Teen Social Justice Camps
 The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is offering its 2nd Annual Social Justice Camps for teens. The week-long programs provide teens with opportunities to develop skills such as leadership, research, time management, problem-solving, social entrepreneurship, ethics, community organizing, and more. Apply here by Sunday, May 7. Admissions decisions will be announced on Friday, May 12. This year’s camps will be held at the Greenbelt Branch Library from Monday, July 10 to Friday, July 14, and Spauldings Branch Library from Monday, July 24 to Friday, July 28, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day with options to arrive as early as 9:00 AM. Camps, including meals, are offered at no cost to participants through generous support from the PGCMLS Foundation and Pull Up Fund.
May is National Water Safety Month!
 Get ready for the opening of pools this summer with a water safety class from the Department of Parks and Recreation. The department is promoting water competency and encouraging long-term swimming and water safety through its swim lessons. Water competency is a way of improving safety for yourself and your loved ones by avoiding common dangers, developing essential water safety skills in and around the water, and knowing how to prevent and respond to drowning emergencies. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, and together, we can make water safety a priority by using safety protocols. For more water safety resources, visit the M-NCPPC website here.
Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation Hosts Pathways to Franchising Training Program
 *Pictured (left to right): Hallie Williams, CEO, Right Next Door, John Lancaster, Vice President, Emerging Markets Franchise Development, Choice Hotels International, Nicole Hall, PGCEDC Business Development Manager, Retail/Restaurants, Robyn Peake, Administrator, First Light Home Care, Toya Evans, Co-Owner, Healthy Living Ventures, Multi-unit/Multi-brand Franchisee, Keith Singletary, Operator, Chick-fil-A Capital Centre Steeplechase
The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC), in partnership with the International Franchise Association Foundation and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, hosted the “Pathways to Franchising Training Program.” The first of this three-part series of events occurred on Wednesday, April 12, and was moderated by Nicole Hall, PGCEDC Business Development Manager, Retail/Restaurants. Participants learned how to purchase and create a franchise, received technical assistance from experienced professionals, and networked with franchisors, franchisees, and PGCEDC staff receiving insight into unique business opportunities in Prince George’s County.
The second session will be held on Wednesday, May 10, and will focus on technical assistance. The third session will be held on Tuesday, June 13, and will feature a matchmaking and networking event to close out the series. For more information, contact Nicole Hall at nuhall@co.pg.md.us. Expansion starts here!
Reduce Single-Use
 Beginning Thursday, June 1, all food establishments in Prince George's County will provide disposable foodware and accessories by request only for all in-person, phone, and online orders of ready-to-eat-foods.
- As a customer, be sure to ask for the items and condiments you need to enjoy your meal!
- Foodware includes single-use items such as straws*, utensils, condiment cups and packets, cup sleeves, splash sticks, stirrers, and napkins.
- Learn more about CB-014-2022: Accessory Disposable Food Service Ware here.
*Under County law, CB 52-2019, only compostable and paper straws are permitted.
Free Drive-Up Vaccination Clinic
 The Department of the Environment’s Animal Services Division (ASD), in partnership with the Prince George’s County Health Department, is sponsoring a free Drive-Up Dog and Cat Vaccination Clinic on Monday, May 8, at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, or while supplies last. The vaccination clinic will be held rain or shine.
The Drive-Up Cat and Dog Vaccination Clinic will provide rabies and distemper vaccinations and micro-chipping for Prince George’s County residents. Free pet licenses will also be offered. Proof of residency is required.
Register for the clinic here. For more information, contact Marilyn Perez at 301-780-7200.
Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Days
 The Department of the Environment (DoE) announces two more Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Days!
Saturday, April 29
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bowie Baysox Stadium
Saturday, May 6
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Surrattsville High School
Non-commercial items collected at the County acceptance sites will be collected during this disposal event. View the list of acceptable items on the DoE website here.
Let’s Get Scrappy
Composting your food scraps and yard trim is a simple way to be greener “Every meal. Every scrap. Every Monday!” To learn how, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
OCR Joins the Veterans of Foreign Wars and VFW Auxiliary
 The Office of Community Relations (OCR) recently joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the VFW Auxiliary at their Annual Veterans’ Motorcycle Charity Ride/Community Day event. Residents, County Government agency representatives, families, and friends enjoyed a day of music and fellowship in honor of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation. OCR’s 311 On the Go! team engaged attendees, provided County Government information and resources, and assisted residents with downloading the PGC311 mobile app. In recognition of Earth Day, many folks enjoyed receiving free giveaways from OCR, including a portable trash receptacle for their vehicles. The members of the J. Paul Duke Jr. Memorial VFW Post 9376 provided free food and entertained attendees with a procession of different model motorcycles. OCR was also pleased to have Police Chief Malik Aziz join in on the fun!
FedExField Job Fair
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Are you looking for a job? Job seekers are encouraged to attend the upcoming FedExField Job Fair on Saturday, May 6, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at FedExField.
The job fair will feature teams ready to conduct interviews on the spot for gameday and major event roles, including community relations, food and beverage, guest services, hype squad, parking and transportation, security, and sponsorship. Register to attend here.
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Prince George’s County Hosts Maryland Food System Resiliency Council
 Prince George’s County recently hosted the first in-person local tour for the Maryland Food System Resiliency Council (FSRC), a group of stakeholders working to address food insecurity issues across the State. The tour made stops at Compost Outposts, Prince George’s County Urban Farm Incubator at Watkins Regional Park, and Purple Mountain Grown. Check out this article to learn more about the tour and the FSCR’s efforts.
PGCPS Seniors Receive College Scholarships
 Photo Courtesy of WJLA
We are Prince George’s Proud of the seven Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) seniors who received scholarships through the Amazon Future Engineers program. They each received a $40,000 scholarship and paid internships for careers in computer science and engineering. Check out this story to learn more about their awards.
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