Special Election, SYEP, Honoring 100-Year-Old Residents, and More!

Community Connections Header

Friday, February 28, 2025

Prince George's Proud:
An Update From Acting County Executive Jackson

Dear Prince Georgians:

The 2025 Special Election to determine our next County Executive and the Council Member for Councilmanic District 5 is underway! Early voting is taking place now through Monday, March 3 and the special Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, March 4.  

We want to ensure that all residents have accurate information regarding our voting process. This week, our Board of Elections has received numerous inquiries regarding the status of a submitted ballot that cast a vote for a candidate who has suspended their campaign prior to the Primary Election.  

It is important to know that State of Maryland Law only allows for a voter to cast one ballot. This means that once the mail-in ballot was completed, duly signed, sealed, mailed in, returned to a ballot box, or delivered in person to our office, the ballot has been considered to have been cast.  If your ballot has been submitted, any request for a second ballot will be denied. Additionally, if you already submitted a mail-in ballot but choose to visit a voting center to cast a provisional ballot, it will be reviewed by the board of canvassers to determine if your first ballot was received and canvassed already. If so, the ballot will not be counted.   

We encourage all Prince Georgians to be Proud to Vote during this election season. As a reminder, completed ballots must be submitted at any of the 19 secure drop boxes across the County by 8:00 PM on Election Day. For more information on voter registration, mail-ballots, or polling locations, contact the Board of Elections at 301-341-7300 or visit their website here. 

We are also excited to share that our Youth@Work/Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) begins accepting applications for this summer on Saturday, March 1! Prince George’s County youth ages 14 to 24 years 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 will help guide them as they begin to build their own careers and focuses on other soft professional skills including punctuality, proper workplace attire, preparedness, and public speaking.  

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,

Tara H. Jackson
Acting Prince George’s County Executive

voting
SYEP

County News For You

Common Ownership Communities is Ready to Assist  

ocr

The Office of Community Relations (OCR) houses the Common Ownership Communities (COC) Unit. The COC Unit is charged with assisting governing bodies, owners, residents of homeowners associations, residential condominiums, and cooperative housing corporations with education, training and alternative dispute resolution services.  

The EDvantage Online Training Program, an initiative of the COC, is a free training, which builds and improve the skills of homeowners. The training is available in English and Spanish. Learn more here. In addition, the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) service is available to assist homeowners with mediation, where participants meet to discuss their disputes and are empowered to come to their own resolution with the assistance of mediators. Learn more here. To request this service for any dispute, contact OCR at 301-952-4729 or email coc@co.pg.md.us. 


Dr. Kurt Gray on “Outraged”  

lunch and learn

 The Office of Human Rights (OHR) and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGMCLS) invite you to tune in for a virtual “Lunch and Learn” on Tuesday, March 4, at 12:00 PM. Dr. Kurt Gray will be in conversation about his new book, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground. Join OHR and PGMCLS here. This program will be live only and not available for viewing afterwards. 


Honor Prince George’s County’s 100-Year-Old Residents 

pgpark

Do you know a Prince George’s County resident who was born in 1925 or earlier? The Department of Parks and Recreation is proud to host its annual Centenarian Celebration Luncheon on Friday, May 9, at the Laurel-Beltsville Senior Activity Center. This special event honors residents who have reached the remarkable milestone of 100 years or more. Each centenarian is invited to attend with up to five guests for a memorable afternoon of recognition and celebration. If you know someone who qualifies, encourage them or their family to register online here by Friday, March 14. 


Discover the New & Improved 'Your Guide' – Registration Now Open 

Discover the New & Improved Your Guide – Registration Now Open

The latest edition of Your Guide, your go-to resource for classes, programs, and events hosted by Department of Parks and Recreation, is here! This edition has been redesigned with the community in mind, covering opportunities from March 1 through May 31. Registration is now open! Secure your spot in your favorite programs, classes, or ticketed events.  

New classes, programs, and events are still being added! Pick up your copy at your nearest Department of Parks and Recreation facility today and start planning your next adventure. Find your nearest facility, ticketed events, virtual and hybrid programs, in-person classes, and more here 


Plan Your Summer with the Department of Parks and Recreation 

Plan Your Summer with the Department of Parks and Recreation

Summer is just around the corner. It is time to start planning an unforgettable season of fun and adventure! Registration opens March 12, for Prince George’s County residents. The Department of Parks and Recreation is excited to offer a variety of 2025 Summer Camps designed to keep children and teens engaged, active, and inspired all summer long.  

Explore camp options and register here. Give your child a summer of discovery, fun, and lifelong memories with the Department of Parks and Recreation!  


Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Collection 

hazard

The Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill's Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronics Recycling (E-waste) acceptance sites and other associated lots remain closed until further notice due to construction. Residents can properly dispose of HHW/E-waste items at the next mobile event scheduled for. 

  • March 15– Largo Government Center (9200 Basil Court, Largo, MD 20774) 

View the list of acceptable items on the Department of the Environment’s (DoE) Electronics Recycling and Household Hazardous Waste web pages. For more information, visit the DoE website here. 


Medication Assisted Treatment Transition 

Medication Assisted Treatment Transition

The County Health Department (HD) is no longer directly providing Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) services at the Cheverly Health Center. The HD is partnering with local providers to ensure the community continues to have access to these essential services.   

Alternative MAT services:   

  • We Care Methadone Clinic (Laurel) | 301-490-7995 
  • Another Way Methadone & Suboxone Clinic (Takoma Park) | 301-434-2622 
  • Open ARMMS Methadone & Suboxone Clinic (Waldorf) | 301-645-5538   

If you need additional assistance, call 301-583-5922 through March 31. 


Ending HIV

HIV

Practice safe sex by wearing condoms and getting regularly tested for sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Be sure to communicate if you test positive. To learn more, visit the County Health Department website here. 


Stay Healthy This Winter 

IMMUNIZATION

Protect yourself and your community with these easy steps to prevent COVID-19, the Flu, and RSV.  

  • Get vaccinated. 
  • Wash your hands.  
  • Stay home when sick.  
  • Disinfect surfaces. 
  • Wear masks in crowded or enclosed spaces. 

For more information on vaccinations, visit the County Health Department website here.  


Reminder: Physical Self-Checks are Important 

Self-check

This is your reminder to do important physical self-checks. Take charge of your health today! Early detection is key to preventing serious health issues. Let us all take proactive steps to reduce our risk and promote a healthier future. Every step counts in the fight against cancer. Visit your doctor for a health checkup and discuss any concerns you have.  


Celebrate Culture and Cuisine with PGAHC 

fooduary

A Caribbean Experience you can't miss! Join the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council this Saturday, March 1, at the National Harbor for an afternoon of delicious Caribbean food, vibrant art, and live entertainment! This event, part of Fooduary: National Harbor Restaurant Week, celebrates Caribbean culture, cuisine, and history, offering attendees a distinctive art and culinary experience. Last time the event was sold out so do not miss your chance to experience this one-of-a-kind event! Secure your tickets here 


ENERGY STAR Certification and Green Leasing Grant 

grant

The ENERGY STAR Certification and Green Leasing (ESGL) Grant program provides reimbursements to building owners of qualifying multifamily buildings (with two or more units and at least 80% occupancy) and commercial buildings (10,000 square feet or larger with at least 55% occupancy) built before 2016 that are served by PEPCO or Washington Gas and enrolled in the EmPOWER program. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Download the Guidance Document and the Fillable Application to begin your application or contact the Prince George's County Department of the Environment at EnergyStarCGL@co.pg.md.us or 301-883-5810 for more information. 


Solar Energy Research Pilot Grant is Open and Accepting Applications 

solar

The Department of Environment, Sustainable Energy, is accepting applications for the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. A limited number of awards will be available to eligible homeowners residing in an Energy Resiliency Community. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis from February 10 through July 25, or until all awards have been allocated. Awards will be grant on a first-come, first-served basis. The full solar PV grant program will launch the third quarter of 2025. To download grant instructions and application, visit here.


The Urban Tree Grant Program 

urban tree

The Climate Corps offers young adults (18-25) stipend-supported, full-time service placements in the environmental field. Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Members receive $33,280 for one year of service with nonprofit or government agencies, gaining experience, mentorship, and a network of environmental peers. Recent high school grads can join the Climate Corps through Service Year Option, serving with nonprofits, for-profits, or government agencies for 9.5 months, earning the equivalent of $15/hour and a $6,000 completion award. Deadline to apply is Thursday, March 6. To apply or for more information, visit here.


Spotlight on Prince George's

Prince Georgian Olympic Gold Medalist Visits PGCPS 

quincy

Photo courtesy of WTOP

Prince Georgian Quincy Wilson, who won an Olympic Gold Medal during last summer’s games, recently surprised students and staff at Tulip Grove Elementary School, where he previously attended. Check out this article to learn more about Quincy’s special visit. 


Honoring the Legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley 

earley

This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley, the mother of our very own Stanley Earley, who serves as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. As the first Black woman to command an overseas battalion in the U.S. Army during World War II, she paved the way for future generations through her trailblazing service and leadership. Her dedication, courage, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire us all.  


Beautification Initiatives

Rain Check Rebate Contractor Training  

rain

Prince George’s County provides free, all-day training to 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 completion of the Day 1 classroom training, participants are eligible to sign up for Day 2 in the field. Professionals who complete both sessions will be added to the County's public list of contractors. To RSVP and reserve a spot, visit here. 


Proud to be Around Prince George's

Veterans Affairs Black History Month 

veteran's

Our Veterans Affairs Liaison, Dr. Dula, hosted a Black History Month Event with Tuskegee Airmen, VFW, DAV, American Legion and numerous attendees at Surratts-Clinton Branch Library. Centered on the theme "Black History is American History and must not be ignored or left out", the event highlighted the invaluable contributions of Black veterans and their enduring legacy.