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Month of May

Message from Council Member Sydney Harrison...

As we approach the middle of May, I’m reminded of how much possibility this time of year brings to District 9. The longer days and warmer weather invite us to step outside, reconnect with our neighbors, and take part in the many opportunities that strengthen our community. May is often a month of growth, both in nature and in the work we do together, and I’m encouraged by the energy and optimism I continue to see across our neighborhoods.

This season gives us a chance to refocus on our shared goals, whether that means supporting local programs, uplifting families, or simply taking time to check in on one another. Your involvement, big or small, helps shape a district where everyone feels valued and supported. I appreciate the dedication you bring to our community and the pride you show in helping District 9 thrive.

As we move forward, I remain committed to listening, collaborating, and working alongside you to make meaningful progress. Thank you for being an essential part of what makes District 9 strong, connected, and full of promise as we head into the heart of May.

Community First,
Council Member Sydney J. Harrison
Prince George’s County — District 9

District 9 Updates & Events

Pre Mother’s Day

Celebration Dinner

Council Member Sydney J. Harrison’s Pre Mother’s Day Celebration Dinner brought residents together for an evening of appreciation, connection, and community. Dressed in white, guests honored the mothers and mother figures who strengthen families and neighborhoods. The night featured music, poetry, meaningful conversations, and helpful resources, creating a warm atmosphere of gratitude and joy.

Special thanks to Love You More’s Crystal Brooks for her unwavering support and for helping every guest feel valued. The Office of Council Member Harrison also thanks all partners, volunteers, and community members who made the event a success and looks forward to continuing to uplift District 9.

Please click here to view the rest of the Pre-Mother's Day Celebration Dinner photos.

The Annual Overnight Mentoring

& STEM Boys Camp Returns

for Its Third Year!

The Annual Overnight Mentoring & STEM Boys Camp is back for its third year, offering an empowering experience for boys ready to grow, learn, and challenge themselves. Council Member Sydney J. Harrison, in partnership with Manhood 101, invites boys ages 11–14 to apply for this free four‑day overnight camp taking place July 22–25, 2026. Campers will dive into hands‑on STEM projects, outdoor activities, team challenges, and leadership exercises that encourage focus, confidence, and personal growth.

Surrounded by positive male mentors, participants build character, strengthen discipline, and form friendships through shared experiences and meaningful guidance. Applications open April 13 and close May 31, and with limited space available, families are encouraged to apply early.

Domestic Violence and Mental

Health Awareness Event

The Prince George’s County Police Department, in collaboration with the Prince George’s County Family Justice Center, is hosting an important Domestic Violence and Mental Health Awareness event on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Clinton Library located at 9400 Piscataway Road in Clinton. This gathering is designed to bring residents together with local law enforcement, service providers, and community partners to promote safety, healing, and access to critical resources. Representatives from Prince George's County Police Department's District IV in Oxon Hill, District V in Clinton, and District VII in Fort Washington will be present to share information, answer questions, and connect attendees with support services. The event will highlight the intersection of domestic violence and mental health, offering guidance on recognizing warning signs, understanding available county programs, and learning how to support individuals and families affected by these issues. Community members are encouraged to attend, engage in meaningful conversations, and learn more about the services available to help those in need. For additional information, residents may contact Dr. Rachel Jordan, DNP, FNP‑BC, at (301) 452‑0657 or rachel.jordan86@gmail.com.

Clinton Baptist Church:

FREE Community Eye Clinic

Clear your vision and take care of your eye health at a FREE Community Eye Clinic hosted by Clinton Baptist Church in partnership with the Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan Washington. Join us on Saturday, June 13 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Clinton Baptist Church, 8701 Woodyard Rd., Clinton, MD. This clinic is designed especially for adults who may not have the resources for an eye exam or prescription glasses. No insurance is needed. Attendees can receive free eye screenings, a consultation with a physician, and free prescription eyeglasses. Space is limited to approximately 100 participants, so arrive early and spread the word to anyone who could benefit from this important community resource.

PG Healthy Start Community

Baby Shower and Resource Fair

Families are invited to the PG Healthy Start Community Baby Shower and Resource Fair hosted by MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in collaboration with Clinton Baptist Church. Join us on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Rd., Landover, MD. This free event is designed for expecting parents, new parents, families with young children ages 5 and under, and anyone supporting a growing family. Attendees can enjoy exciting giveaways, connect with local community organizations, and access valuable family and parenting resources in a fun, welcoming environment. For questions, email pghealthystart@medstar.net.

Upcoming County Council Meetings

Archived Meetings can be viewed on Council Livestream page.

County Updates & Events

Tuesday Tip: WaterSense

Running the tap while washing dishes or preparing food can waste over two gallons of water every minute, but a simple shift in habits can make a big difference. Scrape leftover food into the compost bin instead of pre-rinsing dishes, and when washing by hand, use a basin of soapy water and rinse everything together to avoid letting the faucet run nonstop. These small changes help conserve water and support everyday sustainability. For more ideas, explore WaterSense tips.

Dejar correr el agua mientras lavas los platos o preparas comida puede desperdiciar más de dos galones por minuto, pero unos pequeños cambios pueden marcar la diferencia. En lugar de enjuagar los platos antes de ponerlos en el lavavajillas, raspa los restos de comida directamente en el contenedor de composta. Si lavas a mano, llena el fregadero con agua jabonosa, lava todo primero y luego enjuaga los platos juntos para evitar que el grifo esté abierto todo el tiempo. Estas acciones sencillas ayudan a conservar agua y promueven la sostenibilidad diaria. Para más ideas, explora consejos WaterSense.

3rd Annual Multicultural Festival

Prince George’s County invites you to celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our community at the 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival, hosted by County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy. Join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Fairwood Park in Bowie, MD, for an afternoon filled with live music, global cuisine, creative arts, and family‑friendly activities. Guests can enjoy live music, a fun and engaging Kids Zone, unique arts and crafts, and a variety of food vendors representing flavors from around the world. This free community event embodies the spirit of “One County United,” welcoming residents and visitors to come together in a joyful celebration of culture, unity, and community pride. To participate and receive updates, you can register here: 3rd Annual Multicultural Festival

El Condado de Prince George’s te invita a celebrar la riqueza cultural de nuestra comunidad en el 3.er Festival Multicultural Anual, organizado por la Ejecutiva del Condado Aisha N. Braveboy. Acompáñanos el sábado 30 de mayo de 2026, de 12 p. m. a 6 p. m., en Fairwood Park en Bowie, MD, para disfrutar una tarde llena de música en vivo, deliciosa gastronomía internacional, arte creativo y actividades para toda la familia. Habrá música en vivo, un divertido área infantil, exhibiciones de artes y manualidades y una variedad de vendedores de comida que representan sabores de todo el mundo. Este evento gratuito celebra el espíritu de “Un Solo Condado Unido” e invita a residentes y visitantes a unirse en una experiencia llena de diversidad, cultura y unión comunitaria. Para participar y recibir actualizaciones, puedes registrarte aquí: 3.er Festival Multicultural Anual

3rd Annual Mental Health

Family Fitness Day

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Prince George’s County Chapter, together with St. Matthew’s Baptist Church Nurses’ Ministry, the NAACP, and Heart to Hand, Inc., invites the community to the 3rd Annual Mental Health Family Fitness Day on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 11 AM–3 PM at St. Matthew’s Baptist Church in District Heights. This family‑friendly event promotes wellness for all ages and features a variety of free activities, including HIV testing, a mental health walk, exercise sessions, healthy snacks, bootcamp, a moon bounce, sound spa, games, music, and access to mental health resources. Community members are encouraged to join in, connect with local organizations, and enjoy a day focused on health and well‑being. To register, email HealthAwareness@ncbwpgc.net or use the event’s QR code.

WSSC Water Traffic Alert:

Brandywine/Surratts Road

Memorial Day Holiday

Waste Schedule

In observance of Memorial Day, Prince George’s County reminds residents that curbside trash, recycling, bulky, and organics collections will shift by one day during the holiday week. Because collection crews will not operate on Memorial Day, there will be no organics collection on Monday, and all Monday organics will instead be collected on Tuesday. Households with regular pickup later in the week should also expect their service to occur one day later than usual. Residents are encouraged to place all materials curbside on their adjusted collection day to ensure timely service and to help collection crews work efficiently throughout the holiday schedule. For additional guidance on waste services or holiday adjustments, you can explore county waste updates.

En observancia del Día de los Caídos (Memorial Day), el Condado de Prince George’s recuerda a los residentes que las colecciones de basura, reciclaje, artículos voluminosos y orgánicos se recorrerán un día durante la semana festiva. Debido a que no habrá servicio el lunes, no habrá recolección de orgánicos ese día, y los materiales orgánicos programados para el lunes se recogerán el martes. Los hogares con recolecciones programadas más adelante en la semana también deben anticipar que su servicio ocurrirá un día después de lo habitual. Se recomienda a los residentes colocar todos los materiales en la acera en su día de recolección ajustado para garantizar un servicio puntual y apoyar a los equipos de recolección durante el horario modificado por el feriado. Para más información sobre los servicios de desechos o cambios por días festivos, puede consultar actualizaciones de recolección del condado.

TheBus Spring 2026

Service Changes

Prince George’s County is reviewing a set of proposed Spring 2026 service updates to TheBus aimed at improving reliability, expanding access, and better aligning routes with community needs. The proposal includes revised routes and schedules, along with the potential introduction of new Sunday service on select routes. An important step toward increasing weekend mobility for riders across the county. If approved, these updates would take effect on June 14, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposed changes and share their feedback to help shape the final plan. Community input is available at tinyurl.com/PGCSSC, where riders can review details and submit comments.

PGCPS Announcement - Enroll

Now for PreK & Kindergarten!

Pre‑K and Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026–27 school year opens April 7 and runs through June 1. Families can review available Pre‑K program locations at PGCPS Pre‑K Program Sites and submit all applications online at ParentVUE. Required documents include a birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of residency, with Pre‑K also requiring proof of income. Families interested in free Pre‑K seats through private providers can explore participating programs at Pre-K Private Providers. Registration must be completed by July 31 for bus assignment, and Early Entrance to Kindergarten applications are due by June 1.

La inscripción para Pre‑K y Kindergarten para el año escolar 2026–27 abre el 7 de abril y estará disponible hasta el 1 de junio. Las familias pueden revisar los programas disponibles de Pre‑K en PGCPS Pre‑K Program Sites y enviar todas las solicitudes en línea a través de ParentVUE. Los documentos requeridos incluyen certificado de nacimiento, récord de vacunas y comprobante de residencia. Para Pre‑K también se requiere comprobante de ingresos. Las familias interesadas en asientos gratuitos de Pre‑K ofrecidos por proveedores privados pueden explorar los programas participantes en Pre‑K Private Providers. La inscripción debe completarse antes del 31 de julio para recibir asignación de autobús. Las solicitudes para Entrada Temprana a Kindergarten deben enviarse antes del 1 de junio.

H2P MentorBot initiative

The H2P MentorBot initiative is helping empower young people across Maryland by combining positive youth development with career and technical skills training. Through AI‑powered mentoring, students receive guidance, encouragement, and real‑time support that helps them prepare for future academic, social, and professional opportunities. The program is currently piloting in Baltimore City, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County, giving students access to tools that build confidence, strengthen decision‑making, and expand career readiness. This work is made possible through The Youth Empowerment Partnership and partners including Casey Family Programs, the NBA Foundation, Reebok, and State Farm, all united in their commitment to helping youth thrive.

Drive-Up Pet

Vaccination Clinic

Prince George’s County is offering a Drive‑Up Pet Vaccination Clinic for cats and dogs, providing low‑cost rabies vaccinations and microchipping for county residents for a $20 cash flat fee (ID required). Clinics will be held from 10 AM to 2 PM on March 22, April 19, May 17, July 19, August 23, and September 13 at the Prince George’s Animal Services & Adoption Facility, 3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20770. Pets will be vaccinated in the vehicle when possible; cats must be in carriers, dogs must be leashed if they need to exit the car, and households are limited to two pets. All pets must be microchipped, and only 1‑year rabies vaccines will be administered to animals at least four months old. Registration is required using the QR code on the flyer, and more information is available at www.princegeorgespets4us.com.

El Condado de Prince George’s ofrecerá una Clínica de Vacunación para Mascotas desde su Vehículo para gatos y perros, con vacunas contra la rabia y microchips a un costo de $20 en efectivo para residentes del condado (se requiere identificación). Las clínicas se llevarán a cabo de 10 AM a 2 PM los días 22 de marzo, 19 de abril, 17 de mayo, 19 de julio, 23 de agosto y 13 de septiembre en Prince George’s Animal Services & Adoption Facility, 3750 Brown Station Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20770. Las mascotas serán vacunadas dentro del vehículo cuando sea posible; los gatos deben estar en transportadores, los perros deben estar con correa si necesitan salir del auto, y hay un límite de dos mascotas por hogar. Todas las mascotas deben tener microchip, y solo se administrarán vacunas de rabia de 1 año a animales de al menos cuatro meses. Se requiere registración usando el código QR del volante, y más información está disponible en www.princegeorgespets4us.com.

Mckinney-Vento Program Resource Website   The McKinney‑Vento Program (MVP) has launched a new resource website to support families and students experiencing homelessness. Find important information like current hotel rates, shower locations, and immediate food distribution.   School staff and families can access resources here: https://bit.ly/4bft53Y Learn more about the program here: https://bit.ly/4be1UGT

Spring Into Wellness:

Behavioral Health Expo

Join the community at the Spring Into Wellness: Behavioral Health Expo on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Southern Regional Technology and Recreational Complex in Fort Washington. This free family event highlights Mental Health Awareness Month with behavioral health resources, health screenings, food demonstrations, Zumba, line dancing, and a farmers market while supplies last. The expo encourages residents to connect, learn, and celebrate wellness together.

Únase a la comunidad en el Spring Into Wellness: Expo de Salud Conductual el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026, de 10 AM a 2 PM en el Southern Regional Technology and Recreational Complex en Fort Washington. Este evento gratuito para toda la familia destaca el Mes de la Concientización sobre la Salud Mental con recursos de salud conductual, exámenes de salud, demostraciones de comida, Zumba, baile en línea y un mercado de agricultores hasta agotar existencias. La expo anima a los residentes a conectarse, aprender y celebrar el bienestar juntos.

Pepco Customer Relief Fund

Rising winter energy bills can be challenging for many households. Pepco is reminding customers that support is available following extended periods of extreme cold this winter, which has led to increased energy usage as heating systems work harder to keep homes warm.

Customers who may be experiencing higher-than-expected bills can explore programs offering financial assistance, energy savings and efficiency tips, and usage management tools. Pepco has also expanded its Customer Relief Fund to help customers facing higher energy costs this winter. To learn more about available support and how to apply, visit pepco.com/ReliefMD or explore bill assistance resources at pepco.com/BillSupport.

Scholarship Opportunities

FREE Driver’s Education

Scholarship Program

The Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc., in partnership with Linnel Driving School, is offering a FREE Driver’s Education Scholarship Program for the 2025–2026 school year. Maryland high school students in 11th or 12th grade, who are at least 15 years and 9 months old, are eligible to apply. Selected students will receive full tuition for a two‑week virtual driver’s education course, required behind‑the‑wheel evaluations, and up to $50 reimbursement toward their driver’s license fee. Scholarships are awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis. For questions, contact info@cpsts.org. Apply by May 15, 2026.

La Coalition for Public Safety Training in Schools, Inc., en colaboración con Linnel Driving School, ofrece un Programa de Becas para la Educación de Conductores totalmente GRATUITO para el año escolar 2025–2026. Los estudiantes de escuelas secundarias de Maryland que estén en 11.º o 12.º grado y tengan al menos 15 años y 9 meses pueden solicitar. Los estudiantes seleccionados recibirán la matrícula completa para un curso virtual de dos semanas, las evaluaciones requeridas de manejo, y hasta $50 de reembolso para la tarifa de la licencia de conducir. Las becas se otorgan por orden de llegada, así que se recomienda aplicar pronto. Para preguntas, escriba a info@cpsts.org. La fecha límite es el 15 de mayo de 2026.

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