Prince George’s Proud:
An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
Our Returning Citizens Affairs Division recently hosted its first Returning Citizens Summit on Saturday, April 29, in celebration of April as National Second Chance Month. This summit featured a series of workshops and conversations with reentry experts who shared their viewpoints, experiences, and resources with a focus on reducing recidivism and improving public safety.
We recognize the importance of supporting our returning citizens and remain committed to providing quality services that assist them as they transition back to the community. During the first term of our administration, we served more than 3,700 returning citizens through the Bridge Center at Adam’s House. In addition, last year we established the Returning Citizens Affairs Division within my office so that we could better support our returning citizens and ensure they have access to the necessary resources, support, and opportunities to successfully transition home.
We want to thank our Returning Citizens Affairs Division and all those who helped put together an amazing summit. We will continue working together to strengthen our County’s reentry ecosystem to further support our returning citizens. For more information about our Returning Citizens Affairs Division, visit our website here.
We would also like to share that our award-winning Stand Up & Deliver program has transitioned and will now be managed by Nonprofit Prince George’s, an organization that works to support nonprofits in our County. My administration created the Stand Up & Deliver program to help address food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provided over 457,000 boxes of groceries, or more than 4.6 million meals, to residents in need during the pandemic.
We want to thank all the nonprofits, faith institutions, and local restaurants that have supported our Stand Up & Deliver program to date. Your work to help feed families across the County was invaluable over the last few years. We also want to thank Nonprofit Prince George’s for stepping up to help lead the program moving forward and for hosting their first food distribution under Stand Up & Deliver last week. Our administration is supporting the transition of this program with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, which will provide Nonprofit Prince George’s with the necessary resources to lead the program moving forward.
As Stand Up & Deliver continues to roll out under Nonprofit Prince George’s, more information will be available on their website here. We look forward to our continued work to address food insecurity for families across Prince George’s.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Proud to Be Around Prince George’s
Centenarian Celebration
On Friday, May 5, County Executive Alsobrooks attended the 26th Annual Centenarian Celebration. Hosted by our Department of Parks and Recreation, this luncheon celebrates our County’s centenarians. Everything we do is built on what our seniors have spent their lives providing to this community, and we are always proud to take a moment to honor our seniors.
Maryland Building Industry Association’s Annual Legislative Breakfast
County Executive Alsobrooks joined the Maryland Building Industry Association at their annual Legislative Breakfast on Friday, May 5, to provide updates on the County’s successful legislative session in Annapolis, our smart growth plans, and new affordable housing opportunities for residents.
County News For You
Board and Commission Appointments
Our office officially welcomed several community members that were appointed to Prince George’s County Boards and Commissions after they were confirmed by the County Council. We are Prince George’s Proud of these individuals and thank them for their willingness to serve our community.
Redevelopment Authority Board
Pictured: Ms. Ameenah Karim-Capers, Mr. Leon Bailey, Jr.
Revenue Authority Board
Pictured: Mr. Jameel Aalim-Johnson
Unbound Information Fair
Each May, the Department of Family Services’ (DFS) Aging and Disabilities Services Division leads the celebration of Older Americans Month in Prince George’s County. Older Americans Month is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older adults, highlight important trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older residents. This year’s theme, “Aging Unbound,” offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and reminds us how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, included, and independent.
In recognition of Older Americans Month, DFS invites residents to the Aging Unbound Information Fair on Tuesday, May 16, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Participants will be able to explore the many ways older adults can remain in and be involved with their communities. Participants will also receive information about programs and services for seniors, along with music and lunch. To register and for more information, visit the DFS website here. Remember, this is an outdoor event.
2023 Senior Resource Guide
In recognition of May as Older Americans Month, the Department of Family Services’ Aging and Disabilities Services Division is reminding residents that the 2023 Senior Resource Guide is now available. The Senior Resource Guide is a comprehensive resource directory of information and referral services for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The guide serves as a reference tool and includes a listing of services provided by County Government agencies, businesses, and nonprofits serving older adults. The annual publication is produced and distributed by the Department of Family Services in partnership with the Prince George’s Senior Provider Network. Resource information within the guide includes:
- A Senior Transportation Guide
- A Listing of Subsidized, Affordable Senior Housing
- An Overview of Senior Program and Services
- A Listing of Support Groups
- Recreational Opportunities
For more information about services, programs, or activities for older adults and persons with disabilities, call 301-265-8450 or Maryland Relay 711, or visit the Department of Family Services’ Aging and Disabilities Services Division website here.
Community Workshop for the US Route 1 Land Redevelopment Study
The Prince George’s County Planning Department will host an Open House and Community Stakeholder Workshop for the U.S. Route 1 Land Redevelopment Study on Saturday, June 3, at the Beltsville Community Center. The purpose of this workshop is to explore possible strategies for a more walkable, connected, and thriving corridor. The open house is from 9:00 AM to 9:45 AM and the community workshop is from 9:45 AM to 1:00 PM.
This study looks at the Subregion 1 Plan area along the Route 1 Corridor boundary from Quimby Avenue to Sunnyside Avenue, adjacent to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center and the immediate surrounding neighborhoods. Participants in the interactive workshop will learn about findings from previous community engagement sessions, hear examples of successful case studies from across the country, and provide feedback to guide recommendations for future development along the Route 1 Corridor study area. Register in advance here. For more information on the study, visit the Planning Department’s website here.
Christmas in April 2023: OCR Blesses the Wood Family
On Saturday, April 29, the Office of Community Relations (OCR) was proud to serve and give back to our community during the annual Christmas in April initiative. Despite the muddy conditions, OCR staff and volunteers persevered to make a positive impact on the Wood family. OCR completed a variety of tasks, including trimming back tree limbs, removing an old boat shed, and cleaning yard waste, trash, and debris. OCR collaborated with Mayor Takisha James of Bladensburg, Mrs. Karen Turner of Upper Marlboro, OCR’s Junior House Captain Chase, and the wonderful ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated for this initiative.
Curbside Bulky Trash Services
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 on the Department of the Environment website here.
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.
Let’s Break It Down
Curbside composting is easy. Just place your food scraps and yard trim in your new wheeled green cart for Monday pickup by 6:00 AM. Learn more about composting on the Department of the Environment website here.
Let’s Keep Our County Clean and Green
Students of all ages love Spencer the Sprout! Spencer teaches Prince Georgians about keeping our County green. Learn more about Spencer the Sprout and get fun and educational activities on the Spencer the Sprout website here.
Spotlight On Prince George’s
PGCPS Teacher of the Year
Photo Courtesy of PGCPS
We are Prince George’s Proud to congratulate Prince George’s County 2023 Teacher of the Year Mary Truman, a 22-year veteran educator at Kenmoor Early Childhood Center! We want to thank Mary for her commitment and dedication to serving our children and families. Check out the PGCPS website here to learn more about Mary and her award. We look forward to cheering her on as she represents Prince George’s County for Maryland Teacher of the Year.
Bowie Native Pays it Forward
Photo Courtesy of ABC News
We are Prince George’s Proud of Rehan Staton, a Bowie native, who will soon be graduating from Harvard Law School! Rehan worked for a local trash company and with the help of his colleagues, worked to raise $70,000 for janitors and support staff at Harvard. Check out this story to learn more about Rehan and his efforts to support those around him.
PGCMLS Wins Top Innovator Award
Photo Courtesy of PGCMLS
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) was recently awarded a Top Innovator Award from the Urban Libraries Council during its 2023 Innovations Initiative Awards Ceremony. PGCMLS’ “Rock Banned” multidisciplinary campaign was awarded for its efforts to inform residents about intellectual freedom and draw attention to the increase in book challenges nationally. Learn more about the campaign and the award on the Urban Libraries Council website here.