 Greetings District 8 Neighbors!
What a great week it has been in our District! In this issue, see how District 8 has been serving the community. Our food distribution sites, which began on March 16, 2020, continue daily. We have consistent turnouts, as the need remains, and we are delighted to have new food distribution partnerships to serve our communities. We continued to build on the Covid-19 vaccine numbers by providing accessibility to those wanting to get vaccinated at our District 8 Vaccination Clinic. Learn more about the new implemented County, State and Regional Covid-19 mandates.
On Friday, April 30th, I was honored to attend the Safeway- Oxon Hill Store Re-Opening and Ribbon Cutting, revealing the 2.5 million dollar renovation of the District 8 store. I have to tell you I was impressed as I walked through the store, because healthy food options and accessibility are what I continuous to focus on throughout our District. The executive team, store management and team showcased 9,000 new items in the store, varieties of plant based alternatives, fresh and organic produce, meats and seafood, international products, expanded bakery, and a beautiful "Poetry In Bloom" section with plants, flowers and celebratory items. I shared that the quality of products one sees in a grocery store tells the shopper how much you value them. I encourage you to visit the Safeway and experience it for yourself!
Our partnership with the Maryland Equity Task Force, Central Baptist Church of Camp Springs, Walgreens and Uber provided the opportunity to build on the thousand vaccinations we provided last month. This past week, our Walk-In clinic provided the Pfizer vaccines to hundreds of people, ages 16 - 80+. Special thanks to Walgreens for their four day vaccination clinic at Central Baptist Church of Camp Springs and accommodating a large group of seniors offsite and the staff of the building.
One of the senior gentleman expressed his appreciation in getting his second shot locally, sharing it was much more convenient for him, saving him from having to travel back to Baltimore City for his second appointment. Another touching story is of a three year old little boy with concern on his face, greeted us by saying, " My Daddy is getting a shot today". He was right by his Daddy's side as he was vaccinated and stole everyone's heart. (see picture below). Families smiled arriving for their vaccinations and after receiving their vaccination cards.
We appreciate UBER for providing free rides to/from the vaccination clinic, what a generous contribution. Special Thanks to Pastor Burruss, Central Baptist Church of Camp Springs for providing the District 8 site and to the AMAZING volunteers who greet everyone with a smile in the very orderly, well maintained and pleasant ambiance. We continue to assist in meeting the goal of the Maryland Equity Task Force in providing access to those in need of the vaccine. #CrushCovid
 
Those of us who live in Maryland know that we all travel to and from the DMV area, therefore, I thought it would be helpful to provide you updates on mask wearing in the region.
STATE OF MARYLAND
On April 28, 2021, Governor Larry Hogan announced the outdoor mask and face coverings are no longer required outdoors in the State of Maryland. This is in line with the new CDC guidance. Face coverings are still required for all Marylanders at the following:
- All large ticketed venues
- Indoors at all public and private businesses
- Public Transportation
Effective Saturday, May 1
- Outdoor dining may resume, all restrictions related to outdoor dining capacity and distancing will be lifted.
- Indoor dining will continue to have seated service and physical distancing requirements.
For more information, Click Here
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Prince George's County
On April 30, 2021, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has also lifted the outdoor mask mandates - For Press Release Click Here
Montgomery County
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich stated lifting the mask mandate altogether was a step too far, and instead urged county residents to follow CDC mask guidance. The county continues to follow their three-phase reopening plan based on the vaccination percentages of residents. For full information, Click Here
Washington, D.C.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has relaxed the masks mandate for indoors and outdoors in uncrowded places. No masks required in small outdoor family gatherings of family/friends, if no high risks or sick people are present or for fully vaccinated people in small private indoor gatherings. Masks are required for all in large outdoor gatherings. For more information, Click Here
Virginia
On April 29, 2021, Governor Ralph Northam amended Virginia's mask mandate to match CDC guidance. For more information, Click Here
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
The next virtual FY 2022 Budget Public Hearing will feature the County Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 5:00pm.
Listen in to County Council Meetings or view past meetings Click Here
Residents interested in speaking, Click Here
You must register days in advance of the meeting to speak and to submit questions, comments and concerns about the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission Budget. Budget meeting schedules could change, to view updated information on the Council Budget Review and adoption process, meetings and public hearings, visit the Budget Portal Page. Click Here
Please be aware that WSSC Water will resume late fees for bills issued June 1, 2021, and onward. The utility began waiving late fees on March 12, 2020, to assist customers financially impacted by COVID-19, but the temporary late fee waiver assistance program is no longer financially viable due to the ongoing COVID-19-related loss of revenue. To date, WSSC Water has waived nearly $7 million in late fees for 175,000 customer accounts. Late fees will continue to be waived for those enrolled in WSSC Water’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP). Additionally, all customers will continue to benefit from an existing policy that allows for the removal of a late fee once every 12 months. WSSC Water will also continue to suspend water service shutoffs. Click Here for more information
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