Prince George's Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
We are excited to share that our Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) is now accepting applications for this summer! Last summer, we placed over 3,700 young people in enriching summer experiences and this year, we have expanded the age eligibility requirements and will now accept applications from Prince George’s County youth ages 14 to 24 years. Youth who are interested in job readiness training and employment over the summer are strongly encouraged to apply to participate in the program. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, March 31.
Youth@Work/SYEP is an award-winning, nationally recognized program that helps young people launch careers by providing them with free job readiness training and paid work experiences through job placements in the public, private, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors. The program offers our youth practical experience that helps guide them as they begin to build their careers. It also helps develop other soft professional skills including punctuality, proper workplace attire, preparedness, and public speaking.
We are proud of our efforts to continue to create and expand opportunities for our young people to grow and thrive and we are excited to be able to offer our youth a great number of opportunities to engage and to learn during the summer break. We encourage our young people to take advantage of all that this program has to offer. Learn more information and get updates on the Youth@Work/SYEP website here or email SYEP@co.pg.md.us for individual inquiries.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George's County Executive
Proud to be Around Prince George's
43rd Annual Black History Month Breakfast
 County Executive Alsobrooks attended the 43rd Annual Black History Month Breakfast alongside Congressman Hoyer, Congressman Ivey, and special guest Cathy Hughes, Founder and Chairperson of Urban One, Inc. on Saturday, February 17. This year’s theme observed the contributions of African Americans to the arts. Cathy is an incredible businesswoman and philanthropist and has been an unwavering force in the media industry for decades. We want to thank Congressmen Hoyer and Ivey for hosting this incredible breakfast.
District 20 Night
 County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time with the District 20 team as they gave an update on the legislative session in Annapolis on Monday, February 19. It’s always great to connect with our local legislators and discuss important issues that relate to our residents.
Colin L. Powell Academy Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
 On Wednesday, February 21, Dr. Sanmi Areola, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services, and Education, joined the students and staff of Colin L. Powell Academy, Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) officials, and other County and State elected officials at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new, state-of-the-art Colin L. Powell Academy in Fort Washington. This celebration was made possible because of the innovative Alternative Construction Finance (ACF) program, which has helped us open 6 new schools this school year. We’ve broken ground on 10 new schools over the past 3 years through this program. Thank you to all of our partners for their support and assistance, and for their commitment to giving our young people the schools they deserve!
Career and Technical Education Rally
 On Monday, February 26, County Executive Alsobrooks had the pleasure of joining over 600 Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) students and staff at Prince George’s Community College (PGCC), in celebration of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month! The CTE program supports students in developing their skills as they explore and pursue in-demand career fields. We had a great time joining WKYS 93.9’s Marky Marc, PGCC President Dr. Falecia Williams, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Judith White, and CTE Director Dr. Jean Paul-Cadet, to speak with the students about what an incredible opportunity it is for them to be pursuing their passions through CTE and how bright their futures truly are by following this path!
ENOUGH Act Press Conference
 County Executive Alsobrooks was delighted to announce the ENOUGH Act alongside Lt. Governor Aruna Miller on Tuesday, February 27. This transformative new poverty reduction program, which stands for Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households, will help greatness grow in Prince George’s County and beyond by supporting communities and children who need it most, targeting resources to communities most harmed by cycles of poverty, and helping us to build a safer and more vibrant Maryland for all. No one should ever have to choose between food and keeping the lights on, between food and gas for the car, or between food and books for school. Nutrition and access to quality, healthy food is the foundation of everything, and that is why I am Prince George’s Proud to support the Moore-Miller Administration’s ENOUGH Act.
New Mural at the Landover Hills Town Hall
 The Landover Hills Town Hall has a new mural! The mural is breathtaking and features wildlife and botanical treasures that artist, Yulia Avgustinovich, found as she walked the neighborhood for inspiration. We encourage you to consider visiting the Landover Hills Town Hall soon to take an up-close look at this treasured art installation!
We are Prince George’s Proud of the leadership shown by each of our municipal leaders. With 27 incorporated areas, our County is home to the largest number of municipalities in the State. Find out more about our municipalities and their leaders in our Municipal Directory.
DPIE Urges Homeowners and Property Managers to “Spring into Compliance!”
As the days grow longer and temperatures warm, the Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement (DPIE) encourages those who own property or are responsible for maintenance and upkeep to “Spring into Compliance!” This new program is the latest effort from the DPIE Enforcement Division to encourage owners and managers to ensure their properties comply with maintenance requirements. It follows “Beautify and Comply!,” which was launched three years ago and urges residents to check their properties for compliance as each season changes.
Under the new program, residents are asked to look at their homes and grounds to make sure no violations exist as we approach Spring:
Spruce up your yard by trimming plants, clearing fallen branches, etc.
Prettify your house by repairing peeling paint, loose siding, ragged gutters, broken windows, torn screens, damaged doors, etc.
Remove junk such as old appliances, building materials, unused furniture, untagged vehicles, vehicles parts, etc., from your yard.
Improve the curb appeal of your vacant property and avoid a fine by keeping the structure and grounds secured and safe.
Nurture your property values by ensuring no deck or patio furniture or recreational equipment for children is put out until it is cleaned and repaired.
Guarantee you don’t get a violation notice for tall grass and weeds by keeping your grass cut and weeds pulled. Grass and weeds over 12 inches high violate code.
Spring into Compliance! to be good neighbor and protect the aesthetic value your home and our communities!
Report property maintenance violations to PGC311. Request more information about Spring into Compliance! at DPIEPIO@co.pg.md.us.
BLC Civic Plaza Community Workshop
 We are so excited to be moving forward with one of our Blue Line Corridor signature projects, the Civic Plaza at Wayne K. Curry Administration Building. Interested in learning more about the plaza? Join us for a community workshop on Tuesday, March 5, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, at the M-NCPPC Headquarters in Largo. Find more information and register on the Strengthening Prince George’s website here.
Commission on Common Ownership Communities Appointments
We are Prince George’s Proud to appoint eight individuals to the Commission on Common Ownership Communities. Please join us in congratulating the following individuals. We know each of these individuals will do an amazing job serving our residents on this commission.
 Pictured: LaShauna M. Tillmon, Rachelle A. Spencer, Robert E. Nicholson, Dr. Linda Hunt, Danielle L. Grey, Patricia J. Fletcher, and Chrisel Edwards-Green
Not pictured: Marvin E. Holmes, Jr.
“Talk Health” at the Greenbelt Branch Library
 This spring, come to the Greenbelt Branch Library and “Talk Health!” On most Fridays from March 1 to May 3, get your blood pressure checked, bring your medications for a personalized review, and more in this health series hosted by the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the University of Maryland School of Nursing. Attendees can also listen to midday discussions about health topics such as depression and mental health, healthy eating, and stress management, followed by a low-impact seated exercise and mindful meditation practice. Nursing students, under supervision of registered nurses, can assist with general health screenings, medication education, linking to healthcare resources, primary care referrals, and health education and promotion. They cannot provide first aid, wound care, emergency services, vaccinations, or diagnose illnesses. Check out the full schedule of Talk Health events and get more information on the PGCMLS website here.
Community Legal Services Hosting Expungement Clinic
 Those looking to speak to an attorney about whether they are eligible to have their criminal records expunged are encouraged to attend the Expungement Clinic hosted by Community Legal Services (CLS) on Saturday, March 9, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Laurel Branch Library. Volunteer attorneys with CLS will be available to review criminal records, help prepare expungement petitions, and discuss new and changing expungement laws, such as those related to cannabis possession, on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is not required, but those interested in attending the event can sign up by calling 240-391-6370.
New Construction Senior Housing in Clinton Opens April 2024
 The Residences at Springbrook, a new construction, senior housing community in Clinton, will open in April 2024. The leasing process is now taking place. Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP), Parallax Development Group and Banc of America Community Development Corporation, the developers of the project, received $3 million in HOME Investment Partnership funding and $750,000 in Housing Investment Trust Funds from Prince George’s County to build this affordable community.
Interested seniors can learn more information on the property, join the Interest List, and download an application on the Habitat America website here or call 301-877-7000.
Prince George’s County Exercises Right of First Refusal to Preserve 221 Units of Affordable Rental Housing
The Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) exercised the County’s Right of First Refusal (ROFR) in the purchase of three multi-family properties, Central Gardens Apartments and Millwood Townhomes, both in Capitol Heights, and Capitol Square Apartments in Brentwood. Using ROFR, DHCD was able to preserve a total of 221 units of affordable housing. Central Gardens Apartments, located at 1 Cindy Lane in Capitol Heights, is a 94-unit apartment building, where 71 units were preserved as affordable. Millwood Townhomes, located at 1418 Karen Boulevard in Capitol Heights, is a 75-unit townhouse community, where 73 townhouses were preserved. Capitol Square Apartments, located at 4000, 4003, and 4011 38th Street in Brentwood, is a 118-unit apartment building where 77 units were preserved.
Since the revamping of the Right of First Refusal program in 2021, Prince George’s County has preserved the affordability of 1,887 multi-family units to date through ROFR.
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Youth Leadership Academy Opens Applications for Spring 2024
 Calling youth leaders! Are you a young person between the ages of 12 to 22 years and interested in social justice? Apply to join the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR) and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s (PGCMLS) Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) Spring 2024! Meeting will be held in-person every Tuesday in April, from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the Bladensburg Branch Library. The (YLA) will educate and inspire about social justice leaders, movements, and actions. Featuring special sessions on human trafficking awareness and misinformation, this five-week session is an opportunity to learn, engage, and connect. Learn more information about the YLA on the OHR website or apply directly here. Space is limited so apply soon! If you have questions, contact OHR at OHRStaff@co.pg.md.us, with the subject line Youth Leadership Academy.
Solidarity Stories Book Group Debuts at Mixt Food Hall
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR), in partnership with Mixt Food Hall, are hosting a community book group on the third Tuesday every month, beginning Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 PM at Mixt Food Hall in Mount Rainier. Join PGCMLS and OHR staff for a discussion on books with social justice themes, including race, disability, and gender. The debut selection, in honor of Women’s History Month, is Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower. Borrow a copy from your local library branch and join the conversation! Learn more and register to attend here.
“In the Spirit of Community” Awards Recognition and Stakeholder Reception
 The Office of Community Relations (OCR) and the Commission on Common Ownership Communities (CCOC) are hosting “In the Spirit of Community” Awards Recognition and Stakeholder Reception recognizing the extraordinary efforts of community members in condominium associations, homeowners associations, cooperative housing corporations and the stakeholders who serve them. Register to attend here. For more information, contact OCR at coc@co.pg.md.us or call 301-952-4729.
OCR is In Your Community and About Your Community
 The Office of Community Relations (OCR) hosted another successful Lunch and Listen Event at Jersey Mike’s in Greenbelt, bringing together community members from various local associations and neighborhoods. Attendees included representatives from the 8th Precinct Civic Association, Radiant Valley Civic Association, Huntington Ridge Condominiums, Greenbelt Homes’ Condominiums, and residents from the City of Greenbelt, who were treated to a delightful lunch.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to express their concerns and share their experiences directly with OCR Director Euniesha Davis and representatives from County Government agencies, including the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) and the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE).
Adding a touch of light-heartedness to the occasion, Director Davis showcased her skills by preparing renowned Jersey Mike’s Subs while engaging with attendees at the sandwich line. Additionally, local civic association presidents took the opportunity to share significant historical insights about their respective communities.
Brunch and Learn Series
 Our Faith Advisory Council recently partnered with the Returning Citizens Affairs Division to host the second discussion in the Brunch and Learn Series. They had a robust discussion on the reasons why the faith-based community should implement re-entry services and prison ministries into their existing programs. We want to thank our moderator Rev. Jonathan Queen and panelists Min. Lawrence Barbour, Min. Ralph Miller, and Carolyn Starks-Saxon, Esq. We are grateful for the members of our faith-based community who have traditionally been a primary resource for returning citizens who need support, as well as our Returning Citizens Affairs Division and The Bridge Center for their efforts to create and manage a network of community partners, government agencies, and other programs to support returning citizens and their families. Check out a recap of the event here.
No Excuse for Dating Abuse Teen Summit Recap
 This year’s No Excuse for Dating Abuse Teen Summit, sponsored by Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation, the Department of Family Services, Office of Community Relations, and the Maryland State Arts Council, showcased multiple workshops designed to raise awareness about dating violence and encourage young people to develop healthy relationships. Check out this video recap of the annual summit. Learn more information about how to take steps to prevent domestic violence on the Department of Family Services website here.
Honor the Contributions of Women with the Department of Parks and Recreation
 March is National Women’s History Month. Our Department of Parks and Recreation is celebrating all month long with female-featured concerts, poetry readings, theatre and dance performances, and much more. Check out a few of this year’s programs:
Thursday, March 7
Women’s Poetry Reading
Montpelier Arts Center
Friday, March 8
Women’s Day Skating
Herbert Wells Ice Rink
Tuesday, March 12
Harriet Tubman Play
Publick Playhouse
Saturday, March 16
Stephanie Mills Tribute Show
Harmony Hall Arts Center
Friday, March 22
Women in Jazz Concert Montpelier Arts Center
Friday, March 22 – Sunday, March 24
Syncopated Ladies Dance Troupe
Publick Playhouse
For more information on these and other Women’s History Month events, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation website here.
Glenarden Woods Elementary School Ranked #1 in the State
We are Prince George’s Proud of our very own Glenarden Woods Elementary School (GWES), who ranked #1 of more than 850 elementary schools on the State’s Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) assessment for performance. This marks the first time an elementary school in Prince George’s County has received this honor. Check out this article to learn more about GWES’ amazing achievement.
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