Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
It is hard to believe that we have already reached the time of year where our children are preparing to return to school. As we prepare to welcome our students back into the classroom for the 2023-2024 school year, I would like to take this opportunity to wish our students and educators a successful academic year. Our school system has worked extremely hard to prepare for the upcoming school year so that we can provide our children with a quality education while keeping them safe in our classrooms.
This school year is going to be a great year for our children. We recently welcomed Superintendent Millard House II to Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS). He has joined an amazing team who have dedicated themselves to ensuring that all of our students and school system staff are welcomed back to a learning environment that is both safe and productive, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. We are confident that our children are receiving an education that prepares them for the future and look forward to this new and exciting school year.
As our school year begins, we are excited to announce that we are moving forward with a project that will benefit our youth in a positive way. The Maryland Stadium Authority is now offering a new procurement opportunity for local businesses for our youth sports fieldhouse, one of our Blue Line Corridor (BLC) signature projects. This request for proposal (RFP) seeks a highly qualified Architecture/Engineering firm to provide the Preliminary Design Services for the fieldhouse, which will be located on vacant, County-owned land in the vicinity of 9400 Peppercorn Place in Largo.
Our youth sports fieldhouse project will build an indoor fieldhouse along the BLC that can accommodate multiple indoor sports, including (but not limited to) basketball, volleyball, soccer, pickleball, indoor track, field hockey, and gymnastics. The facility will help our County become an international youth sports destination. It is one of five BLC projects that will help us build a premiere sports and entertainment destination in Prince George’s County. Other projects include an amphitheater, library/cultural center, civic plaza, and market hall.
We are strongly encouraging local, small, and minority-owned businesses to respond to this RFP. Submissions are due by Wednesday, October 4. Businesses interested in applying can learn more about the RFP on the Maryland Stadium Authority website here and the State of Maryland’s eMaryland Marketplace Advantage website here. Read more about our BLC vision on the County’s website here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
National Night Out
 County Executive Alsobrooks recently celebrated National Night Out with our law enforcement officials, public safety agencies, and members of our community. This annual effort provides public safety agencies an opportunity to engage with our community in a positive way. We want to thank all those who joined us, as well as our law enforcement officials and public safety agencies, for all they do to keep our communities safe. Check out our National Night Out video recap here.
New Schools Set to Open This School Year
 The new Drew-Freeman Middle School in Suitland is one of six new schools opening this school year through our innovative Alternative Construction Finance program. At the start of this administration, County Executive Alsobrooks promised that we would deliver innovative solutions to address the $8.5 billion school construction backlog in PGCPS. Now, we have broken ground on 10 new schools in three years, and we plan to break ground on even more new schools in the near future. Check out our Drew-Freeman Middle School tour video recap here.
LGBTQIA+ Liaison Attends Town Hall Meeting
 On August 11, our LGBTQIA+ Liaison, Antonio Driver, had the distinct pleasure of attending a town hall meeting with the Director of the DC Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. The town hall provided community members the opportunity to voice their experiences, concerns, and aspirations, and discuss important topics including housing, healthcare, safety, community collaboration, and the creation of safe spaces tailored to the unique needs and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Antonio had the opportunity to participate in some profound and actionable dialogue and hear important feedback that he aims to use to further inspire the work that we hope to accomplish in this new office.
Placemaking Downtown Largo Festival
 On Saturday, August 12, Chief Administrative Officer Tara Jackson welcomed attendees and helped officially kick off the Placemaking Largo Downtown Festival. We envision events such as this one taking place regularly at our future civic plaza at the Wayne K. Curry Administration Building, one of five signature projects that will help transform the Blue Line Corridor. We want to thank the Prince George’s Planning Department and Department of Parks and Recreation, our economic development team, the Largo Town Center Association, the Prince George’s Art & Humanities Council, and the Better Block Foundation for putting together a great event!
Scoop that Poop!
 Pet waste poses health risks, pollutes water, and spoils our parks. Be a responsible pet owner and keep our County clean. Learn more on the Department of the Environment’s website here.
PGC Composts
 Prince Georgians know that curbside composting is easy to do and great for the environment! Remember to collect your food scraps and yard trim for Monday pickup by 6:00 AM. Learn more on the Department of the Environment website here.
Caribbean Business Roundtable
 Calling all Caribbean business owners! The Office of the County Executive is hosting a Caribbean Business Roundtable on Monday, August 21, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, at Ebenezer Church of God in Landover. This roundtable will give business owners in the Caribbean community an opportunity to discuss their concerns and hear from leadership in our administration. Business owners are encouraged to join us for this important discussion.
Maryland Tax-Free Week 2023
 It’s Tax-Free Week in Maryland! Prince Georgians are encouraged to take advantage of the amazing deals being offered now through Saturday, August 19. Learn more about Tax-Free Week on the Comptroller of Maryland website here.
Holiday Waste Collection Schedule Change
 County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, September 4, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Curbside collection of food scraps and yard trim will be suspended on Monday, September 4, to observe the holiday, and will resume Monday, September 11. 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.
Public Services Limited at Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center Until Further Notice
 Effective Thursday, August 17, the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) will temporarily close to the public due to an outbreak of canine influenza to quarantine, treat, and care for the affected animals. The canine influenza virus is one of the viral causes of kennel cough. It does not affect humans but is highly contagious for dogs and can be fatal. For more information about animal services and for updates, contact the ASFAC at 301-780-7200.
Information Session for Businesses on Foodware Bill
 The Department of the Environment and the City of Hyattsville are hosting an information session on Thursday, August 31, at 10:00 AM, to discuss the new County bill aimed at reducing single-use disposable foodware. Single-use items, including straws, utensils, condiment cups and packets, cup sleeves, splash sticks, stirrers, and napkins, provided with ready-to-eat food, are designed to be used once and discarded.
Prince George's County CB-014-2022 regulates the distribution of single-use foodware accessories and standard condiments by food facilities to customers. CB-014-2022 went into effect on June 1, 2023. Compliance with the new law will begin on October 1, 2023.
The purpose of CB-014-2022 is to:
- Reduce unnecessary waste generated from single-use disposable items in the retail food industry
- Improve the health and safety of community members
- Help keep our waterways clean and safe
Small businesses in the food and beverage industry in Prince George's County are encouraged to attend this free information session. Register here to attend the session here.
August is Ozone Action Month
 Ozone Action Month is crucial in raising awareness about the harmful effects of ozone pollution on human health and the environment and encouraging individuals and communities to take proactive steps to reduce their ozone-contributing activities.
Reduce pollution, keep your family healthy, and save money on gas and utilities with these tips from Clean Air Partners:
- Drive less! Walk, bike, take transit, carpool, and/or work from home as often as possible.
- Refuel your car after dusk, tighten your gas cap, and don’t top off the tank.
- Inflate your tires properly to reduce emissions and get better gas mileage.
- Save energy! Set your thermostat a few degrees higher and use a fan to keep cool and reduce energy consumption. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Postpone mowing on poor air quality days, and switch to an electric-powered lawn mower. Check out the Clean Air Partners website here for the air quality forecast and current conditions before outdoor activities.
PGPD Chuck Brown Day
 The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) is celebrating Chuck Brown Day on Saturday, August 19, at 11:00 AM at National Harbor’s Spirit Park. The event will feature DJ Dirty Rico and our PGPD’s very own Rhythm in Blues Band! Prince Georgians are encouraged to come out and enjoy day of live entertainment and family-friendly fun.
PGCMLS Backpack Giveaway
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), in collaboration with Grind Hard Dream Big LLC, is hosting the Back to School: Backpack Giveaway Event on Saturday, August 19, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Glenarden Branch Library. Backpacks will be provided to students in grades K-12. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Clear backpacks will be available for middle and high school students. Children must be present with a parent or guardian to receive items.
The Box Office for the 2023 Prince George’s Film Festival is Now Open
 Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of cinematic wonders at this year's Prince George’s Film Festival, the place where filmmakers, creatives, and movie enthusiasts gather to celebrate the art of storytelling through film.
From Thursday, September 28 through Sunday, October 1, our community will come alive with a diverse selection of films, workshops, and engaging panel discussions. Whether you're a fan of thought-provoking documentaries, heartwarming narratives, or cutting-edge animations, there's something for everyone. This year, renowned actor and educator, Lamman Rucker, will serve as our esteemed Celebrity Ambassador. His passion for storytelling aligns perfectly with the Prince George’s Film Festival’s mission to inspire, entertain, and foster cultural exchange.
Prince Georgians are invited to experience the magic of cinema as we come together to celebrate creativity, diversity, and the power of visual storytelling. Discount passes are now available. For more information, visit the Prince George’s Film Festival website here.
Joe's Movement Emporium Debuts Out of the Vineyard
 Joe’s Movement Emporium, in conjunction with the Freedom Stories Initiative, proudly announces the upcoming premiere of Out of the Vineyard from Friday, September 8 through Sunday, September 24. This innovative play is written by esteemed playwright, Psalmayene 24, who masterfully adapts the groundbreaking historical work "A Question of Freedom: The Families who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to Civil War" by William G. Thomas III for the stage.
Out of the Vineyard is a vivid, deeply researched narrative, constructed from interviews with descendants of enslaved families and individuals closely associated with the history of freedom suits in Prince George’s County. Unraveling over seven decades, the enslaved families of Prince George’s County, including the Butlers, Queens, Mahoneys, and more, embarked on a relentless legal quest for freedom. These brave families confronted formidable slaveholders in countless suits, leading their crusade to the highest echelons of justice, the Supreme Court.
Each performance will host a post-show discussion with artists, leaders, and scholars. For tickets and the show schedule, visit the Joe’s Movement Emporium website here.
Department of Family Services Hosts CINS Summer Enrichment Program
 The Department of Family Services’ (DSF) Children in Need of Support (CINS) program recently hosted two cohorts of youth for their Summer Enrichment program. During the two-week program, the youth participated in group activities that focused on building life skills such as self-identity/self-awareness, self-esteem, emotional regulation/impulse control, anger management, goal setting, and safe dating. CINS participants were also introduced to entrepreneurship where they explored all facets of developing, managing, and implementing their own business concepts. Upon completion of the session, the participants presented their business concepts – Shark Tank Style – to a panel of judges who were business owners in the community. The judges rated the presentations based on their creativity, confidence, functionality of idea, and the potential for financial success. In addition, the judges also asked probing questions that required participants to think in depth about their business concepts, provided them with feedback, and encouraged them to continue with their business ideas. Check out photos from the Entrepreneurship - Shark Tank event here.
The CINS Program focuses on redirecting youth in a positive direction to prevent them from entering or progressing further into the juvenile justice system. The program also serves as a support group for parents to join a network of other parents traveling through similar journeys. For more information about the CINS program, visit the DFS website here.
Senior Picnic & Fitness Day at Six Flags
 For the first time ever, the Department of Family Services (DFS), in partnership with the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, is hosting the annual Senior Fitness Day and Picnic at Six Flags America in Bowie. This year’s event will be held on Friday, September 22, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Prince George’s County residents who are 60 years and older are encouraged to participate in this event that will feature dancing, fitness, food, and local vendors. Registration is required to attend. Register here through Friday, September 8. Please note that shuttle service to the Pavilion Area at Six Flags begins at 9:00 AM. Registered attendees are encouraged to follow signs to catch the tram shuttles at the entrance gate of the park. For assistance with registration or more information, call DFS’ Aging and Disabilities Services Division at 301-265-8421.
American Rescue Plan Dollars at Work in Prince George’s County
 On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) into law. Under the Act, $350 billion was provided for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency through the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund (CSFRF) and the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (CLFRF).
Prince George’s County was awarded $176.6 million with $32.3 million allocated to support investments in stormwater management and flooding infrastructures. Learn more information about ARPA on the County’s website here.
One ARPA-funded project is the Barack Obama Elementary School Stream Restoration Project that is happening east of 12700 Brooke Lane in Upper Marlboro. The stream project focuses on restoring a portion of a tributary system located at the County's Board of Education (BOE) property and adjacent residential communities. Approximately 1,200 linear feet will benefit from the restoration of a roadway hard structure outfall to confluence with Back Branch. This project began in September 2022 and was completed in April 2023.
Historic Property Grant Program Workshop
 The Prince George’s County Planning Department of M-NCPPC will host virtual workshops on the Prince George’s County Historic Property Grant Program on Saturday, August 26 and Tuesday, September 5, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, and Thursday, September 21, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The Historic Property Grant Program is designed to preserve, protect, and enhance historic properties, encourage others to preserve, protect, and enhance historic properties, and to promote interest in and the study of historic properties. Grants will be awarded for the rehabilitation, restoration, preservation, or acquisition of historic property.
Planning Department staff will guide workshop attendees through the application process and instructions for the Fiscal Year 2024 Historic Property Grant Program, explain the requirements for the preservation easement, and give examples of successful projects. Register here for an upcoming workshop. The grant program is administered by the Prince George's County Planning Department on behalf of the M-NCPPC Prince George’s County Planning Board. For more information, visit the M-NCPPC website here.
D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center Renovation Update
 The County Health Department’s D. Leonard Dyer Regional Health Center in Clinton temporarily closed in July to undergo crucial renovations and improvements to enhance the quality of public health services available to the community. The County Health Department is excited to share that renovations are almost complete and are expected to be finalized by late August. The re-opening of the center will feature the brand-new Dyer Care Center, a behavioral health crisis stabilization facility designed to support residents during challenging times.
Despite the temporary closure of the physical location, the County Health Department’s commitment to serving the public health needs of the community remains steadfast. To ensure continuous access to essential resources during this period, they have established alternative service locations nearby. For those seeking services from the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, the following options are available:
- Schedule a telephone appointment by dialing 301-856-9600.
- Visit the Cheverly Health Center at 3003 Hospital Drive, Cheverly, MD 20785.
- Visit the Central Avenue Location at 7836 Central Avenue, Landover, MD 20785.
Likewise, participants in the HIV/AIDS Program (HAP) are encouraged to visit the Cheverly Health Center. The County Health Department understands the importance of maintaining seamless access to healthcare services and encourages residents to stay informed about the progress of the renovations and any updates to service locations through official announcements from the County Health Department. For further questions or information, please call 301-883-7879 or visit the County Health Department website here.
Governor and First Lady Visit Prince George’s for National Night Out
 Photo Courtesy of Afro News
Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore recently visited Prince George’s County to celebrate National Night Out. The Governor and First Lady attended the 40th annual National Night Out celebration at Beckett Field in New Carrollton. Check out this article to learn more about their visit.
Bidding Farewell to Our SYEP Participants
 Last week, Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) interns in the Office of the County Executive had the great opportunity to have lunch with Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Tara Jackson and Chief of Staff (CoS) Joy Russell, to close out their internship. The interns were able to ask our leadership about career questions and working in County Government and received some great advice on achieving career and life goals. Each intern did a video presentation recapping their experience this summer, which they had the opportunity to share with CAO Jackson and CoS Russell during the luncheon. We are Prince George’s Proud of their accomplishments and want to thank them for all of their hard work this summer. We wish them all the best as they embark on their future endeavors.
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