Happy Black History Month! The Prince George's County Council hosted its annual Black History program, "The Power of One" on February 13, 2019 where we were serenaded by saxophonist Langston Hughes IV, a 4.00 GPA senior at Charles Herbert Flowers High School. Author, motivational speaker and Legislative Branch staff member, Gillie Haynes, provided a one-woman spoken word performance, and fiercely reminded us that we are, and will always be "History In Motion"! The Studio 7 Dance Troupe also performed.
I hope you will participate in the District 8 Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, February 27 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm at the Oxon Hill Library - Lecture Room, 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. We will have representatives from the Department of Public Works and Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)/State Highway, Department of Environment and the 311 Center on hand to provide information and answers to your questions and concerns. I will will be introducing the #DrivingItHome campaign I launched to address the need for changes in our driving culture to encourage safe and responsible driving. There will also be representatives from the Prince George's County Summer Youth Enrichment Program (SYEP) onsite to enroll youth (Ages 14-22) for summer jobs.
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While the winter weather, flu season and the 35 day government shutdown presented a host of challenges, District Eight's own "Furlough Cheesecake Sisters", reminded us of how resilient we can be when faced with adversity. It was a pleasure to meet them and hear their story. I was welcomed with warm smiles and their commitment to providing a delectable product and excellent customer service. The cheesecakes are delicious too!
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I had the opportunity to visit a "Warm Nights" host site and meet the family participating in the program. Knowing they would be able to shower, have food and shelter on such a brutally cold night, freed them up to relax and enjoy the safe and warm environment.
It was a pleasure working with the River Jordan Project to feed families during the government shutdown. Serving our community is a honor and I am working daily to make District 8 a more healthy and vibrant place to live!
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Sadly we have lost two pivotal servants in our community.
Pastor John Cherry, Sr. passed on February 16, 2019. In 1981, he founded From The Heart Church Ministries (FTHCM), starting in a storefront church and growing to an expansive church serving over 27,000 members in the United States and globally. Pastor Cherry's ministry from 1981-2006 brought over 51,000 people to the Lord Jesus Christ. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Pastor Cherry's wife, Rev. Diana P. Cherry, son Episcopal Pastor John Cherry II, his wife Rev. Lawanda Cherry and the entire family.
Richard "Dick" Kreuger, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, passed away on January 15, 2019. During his 40 year intelligence career, he served 17 CIA directors and was an advisor to Presidents Eisenhower through Clinton. He was a founding member of the Indian Head Highway Area Action Council and helped to form and organize a group of activists 55 years ago who still to this day are concerned about the County and in particular South County, focusing on issues which affect our quality of life and property values. He was married for over 50 years to his wife Mary, before she passed in 2002 and together they raised 3 children.
Did you know that Heart Disease is the #1 killer of men and women, known as the silent killer? February is Heart Healthy Month and I am thrilled to welcome a new addition to the healthcare community in District 8 - The Medical Pavilion At National Harbor. Dr. Terrence Fullum has led this project, offering exceptional and progressive medical providers and services for our residents. Urology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Gastroenterology, Pulmonology, Dermatology, Cardiology, Oncology, Radiology, Primary Care and Physical Therapy/Rehabilitation services will be offered. Some services are currently available and full services are expected this Spring/Summer.
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Sadly, we had another tragedy on 210/Indian Head Highway on February 19, 2019. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Castillo family as they mourn the loss of Juan Castillo, who leaves behind four daughters. The investigation of this accident is still underway. On December 30, 2018, the Mejia children were killed and their parents, Alexis and Juanita Mejia, were severely injured when their vehicle was rear-ended on MD-210/Indian Head Highway. On January 24, 2019, Thomas Hawkes was indicted with three counts of vehicular manslaughter and two counts of causing serious injury by motor vehicle.
On February 12, 2019, I attended the monthly MD-210/Indian Head Highway Community Traffic Safety Meeting led by Rev. Robert L. Screen and his wife Tierney. The standing-room only meeting included educators, officials, police officers and concerned citizens who are determined to continue advocating for their community transportation needs. Connectivity and highway safety are among my list of priorities and I look forward to working with you to encourage safe and responsible driving on County roads. My focus on MD-210/Indian Head Highway will be ongoing!
 I was honored to attend the Career Recruit School #58 Graduation Ceremony on February 8, 2019 with Council Vice Chair Rodney Streeter and Prince George's County Fire/EMS Department Fire Chief Benjamin Barksdale. Congratulations CRS #58!
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March 22-24 - Retreat for Women - Join Dr. Nicole Cutts and the Vision Quest Retreats for Spring Retreat - Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
http://visionquestretreats.com/spring-break-beach-retreat-2019
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Winter Weather and Road Conditions:
State Highway Administration:
(301) 499-8520 or click here
Prince George’s County – DPW&T:
(301) 883-4748/County Click/311 or click here
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My team and I are always available to assist you. Hoping to see you next Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30 pm for our Town Hall. We want to share resources and information that may be useful to you. I also want to hear your concerns and questions.
Best Regards,
 Honorable Monique Anderson-Walker
County Council Member – District 8
Transformative Solutions: Healthy & Vibrant Communities
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