Prince George’s Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Earlier this week, we officially kicked off the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute (AYLI). This program is an opportunity for our youth to become actively engaged in their communities in a positive way through a year-long experience learning about County Government, with an opportunity to weigh in on important policies and legislation to help improve the lives of youth in our County.
We were excited to have received nearly 190 applications from young people who were eager to enter this inaugural class and get involved in County Government, and we want to congratulate the 27 young leaders who were selected for this new and prestigious program through our office. The inaugural class has representatives from grades 9 through 11, between the ages of 15 and 17, and is made up of students from across the County who are enrolled in public schools, private schools, and home school.
Each of these young people have community issues that are important to them such as litter and gun violence. They each have a wide range of interests and extracurricular activities and bring different points of view to the class. Most importantly, they all share a deep love of our great County and their fellow Prince Georgians, and we are proud to have them channeling their enthusiasm through this program.
President John F. Kennedy once wrote, “leadership and learning are indispensable to each other,” because he discovered that even in leadership positions as high as President of the United States, learning is a constant process. That is why education is a central part of this program. The AYLI is set up as an intense immersion-learning opportunity, so this experience is created to be an ongoing education for youth on how the County Government works.
We want to thank all those who made this program possible including our Office of Stakeholder Engagement and Affairs and all of our sponsors. We are beyond grateful for your dedication to getting our young people actively engaged in the community. We would also like to thank the parents and family of our young leaders for being so supportive and engaging their interest in giving back to the community.
Lastly, we want to thank the Class of 2023, and welcome them into the Alsobrooks Youth Leadership Institute. There’s so much greatness ahead for them, and this program is just the beginning. We are so proud that they made this decision to learn more about County Government and give back to their community, and we look forward to seeing how their leadership skills through this program will grow over the next year.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Litter Blitz Update
After week 10 of our litter and mowing blitz, Department of Public Works & Transportation crews have collected 542 tons of litter, mowed 2,727 acres of grass, and completed street sweeping on 1,285 curbed miles of County-maintained roadways. We encourage all Prince Georgians to continue to do your part to keep our County clean and beautiful.
COVID-19 Updates
Winter Health Reminder
The County Health Department would like to wish every Prince Georgian a happy and healthy holiday season! The Health Department wants to remind residents that respiratory viruses like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV often spread at higher rates during the colder months. To stay as healthy as possible, it is important that we use the tools available to us, such as vaccinations, testing, treatment, and high filtration-masks, and take the necessary steps to reduce the chances of severe illness and the spread of disease. Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant about your health so that you may comfortably get together with family and friends this holiday season. For more information, visit the County Health Department’s COVID-19 website here.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Vaccine Supply & Administration
- The County Health Department has provided over 228,900 vaccinations, including more than 30,200 additional doses to those fully vaccinated.
- The County Health Department has provided 376 vaccinations at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel to date in the month of November.
- Our mobile units have provided 117 vaccinations in the community to date in the month of November, focusing on homebound and senior residents.
- More than 19,600 primary-series vaccinations have been provided to children ages 5 to 11 years since the vaccine became available for that age group in November 2021.
- More than 440 vaccinations have been provided to children under the age of 5 since the vaccine became available for that age group in June 2022.
Vaccination Locations
The County Health Department no longer operates a standing mass vaccination clinic. The COVID-19 vaccine is available through the County’s mobile vaccination units or at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel, by appointment only. There are a number of vaccination sites available in Prince George’s County that are not operated by the County. Please remember that we neither manage nor control appointments or distribution for any locations not operated by the County Health Department.
Prince George’s County Health Department
- Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel: To schedule an appointment, individuals should visit the County Health Department website here.
- Mobile Vaccination Units: The County’s mobile vaccination units are typically reserved for homebound residents and other high-risk residents who require assistance in getting access to the vaccine. Individuals who are interested in our mobile vaccination units should call PGC311 and press # for assistance.
Additional Non-County Operated Sites
- Please use our County Vaccine Locator to find additional vaccination sites operated by pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare partners.
Progress Toward Vaccination Goals
- Over 1,907,700 vaccinations have been provided to 741,577 County residents, including 631,574 second doses and 534,577 additional doses.
- As of November 29, the CDC is reporting 95% of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County, and 87.6% are fully vaccinated.
- When including all residents ages 5 and older, 95% of residents have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 83.7% are fully vaccinated.
- The CDC reports 52.7% of residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or additional dose as of November 29.
- Approximately 3.3% of County residents ages 6 months to 4 years, 37.1% of County residents ages 5 to 9 years, and 66.7% of County residents ages 10 to 19 years are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
County News For You
Prince George’s County’s 14th Inaugural Ceremony
We are excited to invite you to join us at Prince George’s County’s 14th Inaugural Ceremony for County Executive Alsobrooks’ second term, and for the new and re-elected members of the Prince George’s County Council. The inauguration will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022, at 10:00 AM, at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, and is free and open to the general public. Doors will open at 8:30 AM and public seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free parking is available at The Show Place Arena. The Arena is on TheBus public transportation route which is another option for travel.
If you are unable to attend in-person, the event will be streamed live from the following platforms:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzkWLwx0NTk
Facebook: @CEXAlsobrooks
PGCTV: Channel 70 (Comcast/Xfinity) or Channel 41 (Verizon Fios)
We encourage residents to join us at the inauguration as we begin our next chapter, continuing our collective work of making Prince George’s County an even greater place to call home.
Holiday Day Waste Collection Schedule
County Government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Monday, December 26, in observance of the Christmas holiday.
Curbside collection of food scraps and yard trim will be suspended on Monday, December 26 to observe the holiday and will resume on Monday, January 2. Regular trash, bulky and recycling collection services remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County-provided services. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
Your Food Scraps Are As Valuable As Gold
Did you know that over 34% of the garbage that is landfilled in Prince George’s County is food waste that could have been composted? You can help us turn that into LeafGro GOLD®, a soil conditioner. Learn how easy curbside composting is by visiting the PGC Composts website here.
Waste Diversion and Recycling Awards
The Department of the Environment, in partnership with Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful (KPGCB), will recognize individuals and entities with exceptional achievements in recycling and waste diversion at the Waste Diversion and Recycling Awards virtual ceremony on Tuesday, December 13.
- Any commercial business, nonprofit, school, community organization or individual located in Prince George’s County is eligible.
- Send your nomination form and all supporting documentation to htregister@co.pg.md.us.
- Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Monday, December 5, 2022.
For more information on the awards, visit the KPGCB website here.
Curbside Bulky Trash Services
Residents with County-provided trash AND recycling services can place UP TO 2 standard bulky items at the curb, next to your trash cart, for collection on your regular trash day. Appointments for white goods/appliances and scrap tires are still required via PGC311.
Before placing your mattress and box spring at the curb for bulky trash collection, remember it MUST be in a protective plastic covering/encasement. Learn more bulky trash collection tips by visiting the Department of the Environment’s website here.
$5 Cat Adoption Fridays Extended Through December
The Department of the Environment’s special cat adoption rates have been extended to the end of the year. From now until December 31, all cats and kittens adopted on Fridays are only $5! Each adoption includes spay/neuter, current and age-appropriate vaccinations, and microchip. The $5 fee is for EACH cat adopted – there is no special pricing for a second cat. Applications must be received on the event date to qualify for the reduced fee. Download the application online and learn more on the Department of the Environment’s website here.
Prince George’s County Reads: Rabia Chaudry in Conversation
The Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (OHR) and Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), in partnership with the University of Maryland’s Center for Literary and Comparative Studies, welcome best-selling author and Bowie resident, Rabia Chaudry, for a conversation about her new book, “Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family,” followed by a book signing on Tuesday, December 6, at 6:00 PM. This event will be held in-person at the Greenbelt Branch Library (11 Crescent Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770) and will also be available virtually.
“Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family” is a warm, intimate memoir with a starred review by Publisher’s Weekly about food, body image, and growing up in a loving but sometimes concerned Pakistani immigrant family. Searingly honest, relatable, and powerful, Chaudry shares her story of a woman grappling with a body that gets the job done but refuses to meet the expectations of others.
Rabia Chaudry is a Bowie, Maryland-based bestselling author, attorney, and podcast producer/host. She is widely known for her first book, “Adnan’s Story,” and work as a co-producer and co-host of several investigative podcasts, including “The 45th,” “The Hidden Djinn,” “Nighty Night,” and “Undisclosed.” She is executive producer of HBO’s “The Case Against Adnan Syed” and her podcast “Undisclosed” has over 400 million downloads, leading to the exoneration of many wrongfully incarcerated individuals. Her distinguished career as a scholar and advocate has included roles as an Aspen Institute/Anti-Defamation League Civil Society Fellow, Truman National Security Project Fellow, and U.S. Institute of Peace Fellow. She holds a law degree from George Mason School of Law, which led her to a legal practice in the areas of immigration and civil rights law.
PGCMLS and OHR invite you to join in this incredible opportunity to hear from Rabia and to participate in reading “Fatty Fatty Boom Boom: A Memoir of Food, Fat, and Family” for Prince George’s County Reads 2022/2023, to begin January 2023.
Learn more and register for this free event on the PGCMLS website here. Books will be available for purchasing and borrowing at the event.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is today, December 1! The County Health Department continues its historic effort to end the HIV epidemic. Prince Georgians are united in working to eliminate disparities and inequities that create barriers to HIV testing, prevention, and access to HIV care. For HIV testing, treatment, and resources, call 301-583-3150 or visit the County Health Department’s website here.
36th Annual Winter Festival of Lights
Now in its 36th year, the Annual Winter Festival of Lights is a staple in local holiday traditions. With more lights, displays, and entertainment, it is the biggest of its kind in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Drive through three miles of whimsical lights and celebrate the magic of the season from the comfort of your vehicle. This year’s spectacular event features dazzling displays with more than 2.5 million LED lights throughout Watkins Regional Park and a giant 54-foot LED musical tree. Back by popular demand are the carriage rides, where you can create unforgettable memories with this unique experience! Sit cozied up with your loved ones as you ride a horse-drawn carriage through the festival. Hats, gloves, and blankets are recommended. Residents are encouraged to register in advance by visiting the M-NCPPC website here.
Bladensburg Peace Cross Rededication
On Veterans Day, the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation rededicated the Bladensburg World War I Peace Cross Memorial. The longstanding commemorative symbol was built in 1925 by a group of local residents and honors 49 veterans from Prince George’s County who gave their lives in service during World War I. Standing for 97 years, the monument fell into disrepair and needed extensive restoration and refurbishment. With the support of the community, state and local officials, preservationists, and groups that supported the monument through the legal process, the landmark has now been restored. To watch the rededication ceremony, visit the Department of Parks and Recreation’s YouTube page here.
National Adoption Awareness Month
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November is National Adoption Awareness Month, and the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services (DSS) commemorated the month with its annual Adoption Day Celebration on Saturday, November 19. Hosted by the Adoption and Guardianship Unit, with support from DSS leadership and other staff, Adoption Day is a special event for its families and DSS staff. There were 20 families and approximately 80 people who attended a fun-filled fall festival, which featured delectable fair favorites including cotton candy, balloons, and a magic show where the youth received balloon animals. In addition, everyone in attendance also enjoyed a craft activity with M-NCPPC Arts on a Roll. Our families look forward to celebrating Adoption Day with DSS every year. Here’s to next year’s celebration!
PGC Health Connect Kickoff Weekend: A Perfect Opportunity to Talk About Health Insurance
On the weekend of November 11, many gathered for the debut of the long-awaited movie, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” PGC Health Connect, in collaboration with CASA and the Institute for Creative Community Initiatives, used the opportunity to highlight health insurance awareness at local movie theaters. Nearly 400 moviegoers at the Regal Hyattsville Royale Theater in Hyattsville and at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater in Landover were able to stop by resource tables to learn information about health insurance, play games such as Jeopardy, and win prizes including $25 VISA gift cards.
The excitement did not stop there! On Monday, November 14, PGC Health Connect hosted its 10th Open Enrollment Kickoff at the Hyattsville Library where friends from the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange (MHBE), Department of Social Services Director Gloria Brown Burnett, Prince George’s County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter, CASA, the City of Hyattsville, and consumers gathered to highlight the work of PGC Health Connect and encourage increased enrollment across the County.
Open enrollment for health insurance offered through the Maryland Health Connection is currently underway through January 15, 2023. To get insurance that begins January 1, 2023, enrollment must be completed by December 31, 2022.
To speak to a navigator or to enroll in health insurance, call PGC Health Connect at 301-927-4500 or 240-719-2167, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Evening and weekend hours are available. For details, visit the PGC Health Connect website here.
Winter Community Partners’ Meeting
The Department of Public Works and Transportation will host the Winter Community Partners’ Meeting virtually on Tuesday, December 13, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. There will be presentations from the Department of Permitting, Inspections, and Enforcement (DPIE), Department of the Environment (DoE), and the Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T). Agencies will discuss preparations for the upcoming winter season, among other important updates. Registration is required in advance to attend this meeting. Residents interested in attending can register here. After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the meeting.
PGC Transit Transformation Initiative
The Department of Public Works and Transportation’s (DPW&T) Office of Transportation launched its PGC Transit Transformation initiative earlier this month. This initiative was launched with the goal of having 1,000 residents take a survey to provide feedback on the County’s transit services. The survey will gauge how the public feels about utilizing public transportation throughout the County, and how the services can be improved to increase efficiency and timeliness. Residents are strongly encouraged to take the survey and offer their opinion, as every voice matters. DPW&T recognizes that insight provided by workers, commuters, and Prince Georgians is invaluable as the County strives to be more energy efficient. Take the survey here.
Community Blood Drive
The Prince George’s County Police Department Division VI, Maryland Transportation Authority Police ICC Detachment, and Residents for a Better Beltsville, in partnership with the American Red Cross, are hosting a blood drive on Friday, December 16, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at MDTA Konterra Detachment (13201 Konterra Drive, Laurel, MD 20707). To schedule an appointment in advance, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit the American Red Cross website here, and enter “RBB” to schedule the appointment. Remember, a better day for someone else could start with your donation.
PGCMLS Offers Free Coats for Prince George’s County Youth
 The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the PGCMLS Foundation continue to provide essential support to the residents of Prince George’s County this winter with the 4th Annual Edition of Operation Warm: Free Coats for Kids. This initiative provides free, brand-new coats (sizes 2T-18) to children in need. Families must bring their children to any of the three locations to obtain a free coat, while supplies last (children must be present to receive a coat). One coat per child, limit of 2 coats per family. The coats are generously sponsored by the PGCMLS Foundation, Wawa, and Operation Warm. |
Saturday, December 3, 2022
Largo-Kettering Branch Library
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday, December 17, 2022
Oxon Hill Branch Library
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday, January 7, 2023
Laurel Branch Library
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Spotlight On Prince George’s
2022 Southern Maryland Holiday Farm Guide
Photo Courtesy of the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission
The 2022 Southern Maryland Holiday Farm Guide is now available! The guide features holiday-related finds from our region’s farming world, including some from County farms and Soil Conservation District Cooperators. Check out the guide here to learn more about how our local farms celebrate the holiday season.
Bowie High School Soccer Team Wins State Championship
Photo Courtesy of Tom Brenner, The Washington Post
Congratulations to the Bowie High School boys’ soccer team, who recently won the Maryland 4A State Championship. This is Bowie High School’s first title since 2011. We are Prince George’s Proud of their hard work this season. Read this article to learn more about their win.
C.H. Flowers High School Football Team Reaches First State Final
Photo Courtesy of Scott Taetsch, The Washington Post
The C.H. Flowers football team recently won the State semifinals and are heading to the State finals, a first for the team. We are Prince George’s Proud of their hard work this season and wish them the best in the State 4A Championship. Read this article to learn more about their journey to the State finals.
Prince George’s County’s Annual Stuff-A-Truck Feeds Thousands of Families
Prince George’s County’s Office of Community Relations (OCR) recently hosted its annual Stuff-A-Truck event, where 18,000 residents received a Thanksgiving meal. Read this article to learn more about OCR’s efforts to give back during the holiday season.