Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Every October, we come together as a nation to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month to raises awareness for the impact of breast cancer on and families around the world. We are excited to join in the efforts by officially proclaiming October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Prince George’s County and launching our annual Prince George’s Goes Pink initiative.
The Prince George’s Goes Pink initiative works to raise awareness for early detection of breast cancer symptoms, and treatment. It also educates our community on the programs and resources that are available to those impacted. Prince George’s County has one of the highest mortality rates of breast cancer in the State of Maryland, which is why we continue our efforts to bring greater awareness and education surrounding breast cancer throughout October.
I have shared with you before that my own mother, Patricia Alsobrooks, is a breast cancer survivor, so our Prince George’s Goes Pink initiative is extremely personal to me. In Prince George’s County, we are doing our part to contribute to breast cancer education, prevention, treatment, research, and education, because it is our hope that one day this devastating disease will no longer impact our communities.
This year’s Prince George’s Goes Pink initiative features several events throughout the month of October, including two new signature events. The first is “Men Who Cook in Pink,” where attendees will enjoy culinary creations prepared by residents and celebrity chefs from throughout the County. The event will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Oxon Hill High School, and is hosted in partnership with Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention: Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Those interested in participating as a chef must sign up here by Saturday, October 7, at 5:00 PM. Tickets for the event are available for purchase here. Proceeds will benefit Nueva Vida, Emmanuel Health Education, and Hope Connections, all County-based non-profits supporting breast cancer awareness, education, and prevention.
The second new event is the “Survivors Lounge,” hosted in partnership with The Edith P. Wright Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. On Friday, October 13, at 6:00 PM, breast cancer patients and survivors are invited to join an exclusive and intimate evening featuring music, food, games, and other activities. A location will be shared upon registration, and there is limited availability. Breast cancer patients and survivors can register here.
In addition to our new signature events, we will also host a number of education, prevention, and awareness events and activities throughout the County in collaboration with community partners who are dedicated to supporting those impacted by breast cancer. There will be various opportunities for residents to learn more information about breast cancer through health and resource fairs, virtual seminars, free mammography screenings, and much more!
We are Prince George’s Proud to do our part to fight breast cancer in our community, and we encourage all Prince Georgians to join us throughout the month as Prince George’s Goes Pink. For more information about our efforts, including a complete list of events, visit our website here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Kingdom Fellowship A.M.E. Church
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time worshipping with Rev. Matthew Watley and the congregation of Kingdom Fellowship A.M.E. Church on Sunday, September 24. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock served as guest speaker and gave a powerful message. We were also Prince George’s Proud to celebrate Rev. Watley’s 50th birthday, 28th year in ministry, and 17th year as Founding Pastor, and want to thank him for his significant contributions to our residents and our communities.
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks' Annual Congressional Black Caucus Reception
 On Friday, September 22, County Executive Alsobrooks hosted the Prince George’s County Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) reception. This annual reception gives us an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of the CBC, who have worked to improve the lives of residents across our nation for 52 years. Working together with our federal and state delegations, we have accomplished so much together over the past year to improve the lives of Prince Georgians and Marylanders.
Hispanic Festival
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time at this year’s Hispanic Festival hosted by our Department of Parks and Recreation! We are Prince George’s Proud to celebrate the culture and heritage of our Hispanic/Latino community during Hispanic Heritage Month and throughout the entire year. Check our video recap of the festival here.
Tree Give-Away Day
 Join the Department of Parks and Recreation on Saturday, September 30, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, at College Park Airport for Tree Give-Away Day! During this event, 200 trees will be given to the community for free. Trees will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each attendee can receive up to two trees.
Get Ready For The Big Change - Bring your Reusable Bag When You Shop
 Starting January 1, 2024, Prince George’s County is moving to a more sustainable future and leaving plastic bags behind! Get ready to “Bag it Right” for a greener Prince George’s. Learn more on the Department of the Environment website here.
Let’s Make a Clean Scene
 We curbside compost for our future, diverting materials from our landfill and turning them into a soil supplement that makes a greener Prince George's. Just scrape your plate to help us create a cleaner, brighter, better future. Learn more about composting on the Department of the Environment website here.
Give Litter a Home
 Give litter a home in one of our Bigbelly trash and recycling stations located around the County. Our Bigbellys help us keep Prince George's clean, reach our sustainability goals, and conserve resources. Learn more about them on the BigBelly website here.
County Announces New Executive Director of Redevelopment Authority
 We are excited to announce that Mrs. Jacqueline West-Spencer has been selected to serve as the new Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority (RDA) of Prince George’s County. Mrs. West-Spencer joins the County with more than 25 years of combined experience in real estate development, finance, and portfolio management, including extensive experience in strengthening the efficacy of housing programs and operations and managing development programs for underserved communities.
She is the current Regional Vice President of Real Estate Development, Mid-Atlantic Region, for The Community Builders, Inc. In her role as Executive Director of RDA, Mrs. West-Spencer will support our continued efforts to develop and revitalize properties across the County, as well as our vision for transit-oriented development and affordable housing.
Mrs. West-Spencer will begin her tenure as Executive Director of the RDA on October 23, 2023.
Board and Commission Appointments
We officially welcomed several community members that were appointed to Prince George’s County Boards and Commissions after they were confirmed by the County Council. We are Prince George’s Proud of these individuals and thank them for their willingness to serve our community.
Personnel Board
Bridgette A. Greer
Advisory Committee on Aging
 Eddimae G. Tisdale
 Claudia W. Dickens
 Ida R. Fletcher
 Shaunda Bellamy
 Teslim Alghali
Not Pictured: Gwendolyn A. Drummond
Holiday Waste Collection Schedule Change Reminder
 County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, October 9, in observance of the Native American Day holiday. Curbside collection of food scraps and yard trim, regular trash, bulky, and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County-provided services. Learn more information on waste collection services on the Department of the Environment website here.
Pet Adoptions Resume
 Effective Wednesday, September 20, the Animal Service Division (ASD) announced that the Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) will resume pet adoptions. The facility had been closed due to an outbreak of canine influenza. During the soft reopening, virtual adoptions for dogs will be by appointment only. In addition, cat and critter interactions have resumed in person by appointment only. View a list of adoptable animals on the 24Petconnect website here and click on available cats/other.
Rain Check Rebate Contractor Training
 The Department of the Environment is hosting the Rain Check Rebate Contractor Training on Wednesday, October 4, from 8:15 AM to 4:30 PM. This free, all-day training will provide landscape professionals with practical hands-on information on Rain Check Rebate practices and processes. Special emphasis is placed on rain gardens, pavement removal, and permeable pavement. Landscape professionals will learn how to plan, design, construct, and maintain Rain Check Rebate practices. After completing the first day of classroom training, participants are eligible to sign up for the second day in the field. Professionals who successfully complete both sessions will be added to the County's public list of contractors. Register to attend the training here.
Free Document Shredding Event
 Join the Department of the Environment (DoE) on Saturday, October 14, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at DuVal High School in Lanham for a free Community Shred event. There is a five-box maximum per car and residents must be in line by 1:00 PM to receive service. Please ensure all bindings are removed such as paper clips and staples. This event is open to the public (non-commercial only) and offers an easy, safe, and secure disposal of personal documents. No CDs or credit cards. Documents will not be accepted by walk-up or from businesses. Learn more on the DoE website here or contact PGC311.
Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Days
 The Department of the Environment (DoE) announces two more Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Days!
Saturday, October 28
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friendly High School
1000 Allentown Road · Fort Washington, MD 20744
Saturday, November 4
8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
High Point High School
3601 Powder Mill Road · Beltsville, 20705
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.
Get Rid of Your Old Scrap Tires
 Prince George's County residents can bring up to 10 bike, car, and passenger truck or SUV tires, to be disposed of for free, without a bulky appointment, at two locations on Saturday, October 7, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Accokeek Village Park & Ride*
373 Livingston Road
Accokeek, MD 20607
Public Works Salt Dome
11900 Montgomery Road
Beltsville, MD 20705
*Due to weather conditions from Hurricane Ophelia, the event scheduled on Saturday, September 23 in Accokeek Village has been postponed to Saturday, October 7.
No commercial vehicles are allowed, and commercial haulers or generators of scrap tires are not permitted.
Through the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Maryland Environmental Service (MES) uses proceeds from the Maryland Scrap Tire Fund to clean up illegal tire dumps and create demonstration projects using recycled rubber, such as scrap tire playgrounds constructed for communities throughout Maryland. Learn more on the Department of the Environment website here or contact PGC311.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebrations Continue
 If you missed the Department of Parks and Recreation’s annual Hispanic Festival, don’t fret! The Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue in October with several informative and entertaining events taking place throughout the County. Upcoming events include:
Sunday, October 8
Celebration at Glassmanor Community Center
Saturday, October 14
Fiesta Colombiana at Bowie Center for the Performing Arts
Latinas in Aviation at College Park Aviation Museum
Mark your calendar for these special events and learn more ways to join the festivities on the Department of Parks and Recreation website here.
PGCPS Listen Learn Lead Town Halls
 Attention Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) parents! PGCPS is hosting a series of town halls with Superintendent Millard House II to allow you to share your ideas on the future of our school system. Learn more about the town halls on the PGCPS website here.
OCR Honors Little Amal Visit with Celebration and Launch of Welcome Guide for New Residents
The Prince George’s County Office of Community Relations (OCR), in partnership with the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), UNICEF USA, the International School at Langley Park and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), hosted a celebration that honored Little Amal, a 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl and an international symbol of hope. The celebration took place at the International High School at Langley Park on Tuesday, September 19. County Government officials and local high school students gathered to welcome and present Little Amal with the County’s new Welcome Guide and student-made gifts.
Since July 2021, Little Amal has travelled over 6,000 miles to 97 towns and cities in 15 countries. Between September 7 and November 2023, Amal is journeying 6,000 miles across the United States. Amal Walks Across America is produced by The Walk Productions in association with the Handspring Puppet Company. Learn more about Little Amal on the Walk with Amal website here.
Check out the County’s new Welcome to Prince George’s County Guide in English, Spanish, and French!
PGCMLS and University of Maryland School of Nursing Offer Health Programming Series This Fall
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the University of Maryland (UMD) School of Nursing have partnered to offer Talk Health at the Greenbelt Branch Library every Monday. From now through November 13 (except Monday, October 9 in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day), UMD nursing students will conduct free weekly health screenings, referrals, health education, and classes on a variety of topics, including stress reduction, healthy eating and nutrition, managing chronic illness, and low impact exercises, under the supervision of registered nurses. UMD nursing students can assist with general health screenings, medication education, linking to healthcare services, primary care referrals, and health education and promotion, but they cannot assist with first aid, wound care, emergency services, diagnosis or illness, or vaccinations.
County Health Department Encourages Residents To Take Necessary Precautions for the Fall/Winter Season
 Prince Georgians, be sure to prioritize your health as fall approaches and gatherings increase. The County Health Department recommends the following tips to help you stay healthy during this season:
- Vaccination: Get your COVID-19 primary and booster shots for protection.
- Symptoms: Stay home and take a test if you feel unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms.
- Distance: Avoid large crowds in public spaces to reduce exposure risk.
- Masking: While indoors or at big gatherings, wear high-quality masks following CDC guidance.
- Hand Hygiene: Practice frequent handwashing and use sanitizer when needed.
These measures can help to protect against COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses. The County Health Department also offers childhood and flu vaccines for children and teens ages two months to 18 years with limited or no health insurance. For details or appointments, visit the County Health Department website here.
National Preparedness Month: Office of Homeland Security Hosts CERT Field Day 2023
 On Saturday, September 9, the Prince George’s County Office of Homeland Security (OHS) hosted a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Field Day at the Public Safety Firearms & Tactical Training Center in recognition of National Preparedness Month. The purpose of the CERT Field Day was to refresh and enhance the skills and knowledge of CERT members and to promote community preparedness through engaging activities that are essential to Prince George’s County preparedness and response. The training included four scenarios: Search and Rescue/First Aid, Stop the Bleed (PATC), Utility Shut-Off/Fire Suppression, and a disaster scenario knowledge session. The CERT Field Day was facilitated by OHS employees with the assistance of our County partner liaisons and DELMARVA Search and Rescue.
As we close out National Preparedness Month, OHS encourages residents to remember this year’s theme, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” which highlights the importance of being informed, making a plan, and building an emergency kit, with a special focus on better preparing older adults for disasters. We should all do our part to ensure that our older adults stay safe. OHS encourages Prince Georgians to become prepared to face any emergency or disaster and to know what resources are available to support our community during challenging times. Preparedness is everyone’s responsibility!
PGPD’s National Coffee With a Cop
 The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) is joining communities across our County for National Coffee With a Cop Day on Wednesday, October 4, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This day is dedicated to encouraging communication and positive interactions between law enforcement agencies and the general public. This event will take place across the County at the following locations:
Division I
Starbucks – Capitol Plaza
6300 Annapolis Road · Hyattsville, Maryland 20785
Division II
PJ's Coffee
12530 Fairwood Parkway · Bowie, Maryland 20715
McDonald’s
12168 Central Avenue · Mitchellville, Maryland 20772
Division III
McDonald’s
8710 Central Avenue · Landover, Maryland 20743
Division IV
Top Golf
6400 Clipper Way · Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745
Division V
McDonald’s
8905 Stuart Lane · Clinton, Maryland 20735
Division VI
McDonald’s
13210 Laurel Bowie Road · Laurel, Maryland 20716
Division VII
Chick-Fil-A
16003 Crain Highway · Brandywine, Maryland 20772
Division VIII
7- Eleven
7300 Marlboro Pike · District Heights, Maryland 20743
Follow PGPD on X (formerly Twitter) @PGPDNews to stay updated on upcoming events and more.
PGPD’s Faith & Blue Initiative
 The Prince George’s County Police Department’s (PGPD) Faith & Blue Initiative will host several events from Friday, October 6 through Monday, October 9, at various locations throughout the County. Faith & Blue is built on the premise that strong communities are built through mutual respect and understanding. Law enforcement officials and faith-based institutions are key pillars of each community and when they work together, neighborhoods thrive. PGPD looks forward to partnering with community members and faith-based leaders. Follow PGPD on X (formerly Twitter) @PGPDNews to stay updated on upcoming events and more.
Fast Connections: Speed Networking for Businesses
 Join FSC First for Fast Connections: Speed Networking for Businesses on Tuesday, October 10, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This premier speed dating-style networking event provides an opportunity for businesses to meet with financial services professionals and business support resource providers in a fun and dynamic environment. At this event, small businesses will make valuable connections that will help them bolster business growth and success. The event will spotlight Level Up’s capital access, training, coaching, and additional services, and will feature a powerful keynote address by Takia Ross, author of “So You Want to Pitch” as well as remarks from FSC First leadership. Light breakfast and refreshments will be provided. Register here today as space is limited!
Understand the Purple Line Grant
 FSC First is hosting a free information session and breakfast on Wednesday, October 11, at 8:00 AM, at Casa Dora in Hyattsville. FSC First CEO Dawn Medley, FSC First staff, and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Center will answer questions and concerns about the application process and other grant requirements. Support will be provided in English and Spanish. This event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged. Register here and learn more information about the Purple Line Business Assistance Grant by viewing previously recorded webinars in English and Spanish.
Commission for Individuals with Disabilities Listening Sessions
 On Thursday, September 7, the Prince George's County Commission for Individuals with Disabilities and the Department of Family Services held the first of three listening sessions to help identify specific barriers and challenges that individuals with disabilities face in various aspects of life, such as education, employment, transportation, healthcare, housing, arts and recreation, and interactions with first responders.
Guests from The Arc, Prince George's County Police Department (PGPD), Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and Prince George's Community College (PGCC) listened as residents shared their experiences, concerns, and perspectives on County services. This platform established an open and honest dialogue where the Commission listened to the challenges of residents.
Disability Listening Sessions are held both in-person and virtually. The purpose of the sessions is to give a voice to a marginalized group, gain insights into their unique experiences and needs, and drive positive change through inclusive polices, services, and programs. These sessions aim to create a more equitable and accessible society for all County residents. The next Disability Listening Session will be held on Thursday, October 5, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, at Southern Regional Technology & Recreation Complex. Learn more and register here.
Listening Session: Outdoor Dining Experiences
The Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE) is hosting a listening session on Tuesday, October 3, from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, to hear feedback on residents’ zoning and permitting experiences required for outdoor dining in Prince George’s County. Registration is required to participate. Register and/or sign up to speak here.
PGSCD Receives District of the Year Award
 The Prince George’s Soil Conservation District (PGSCD) recently received the Farm Credit Award for Outstanding District of the Year presented at the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) annual meeting. The Farm Credit Outstanding District Award emphasizes the concepts of planning for service, organizing to give service, and evaluating district services and activities. The PGSCD was judged against twenty-four (24) Districts in a variety of areas, such as planning, District activities, coordinating and budgeting, training, education and outreach, conservation implementation, advocacy, and involvement. PGSCD Board Members and staff are Prince George’s Proud to be recognized as a leader in locally led soil and water conservation.
Employ Prince George’s President and CEO Named Maryland’s Most Admired CEO Honoree by the Maryland Daily Record
 We are Prince George’s Proud of Walter Simmons, who serves as President and CEO of Employ Prince George’s, on being recognized as one of the 2023 Most Admired CEOs by the Maryland Daily Record! The Most Admired CEOs program celebrates the exceptional leadership and vision of talented business CEOs, higher education leaders, and nonprofit executive directors in Maryland, who are highly regarded by their peers. The winners are chosen by a panel of judges who evaluate their professional accomplishments, community service, and the letters of reference submitted by co-workers, board members, and community leaders. Please join us in congratulating Walter on this amazing achievement!
|
