An Update From County Executive Alsobrooks
Dear Prince Georgians:
During the month of October, we were excited to join the nation in recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month through our Prince George’s Goes Pink initiative. We used this opportunity to raise awareness on the impact of breast cancer, as well as educate our residents on the programs and resources available to those impacted by breast cancer in our County.
We kicked off the month recognizing local breast cancer survivors and highlighting the County’s efforts to bring awareness to this disease. Throughout the month, we partnered with various community organizations that support and assist those impacted by breast cancer. We hosted a number of education, prevention, and awareness events and activities including health and resource fairs, virtual seminars, and free mammography screenings. These events served as an opportunity for Prince Georgians to learn more about this disease.
We also shared the stories of local breast cancer survivors and the impact that this disease had on their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Each of these women had a different experience with breast cancer, and we were so inspired by their journeys and how they worked to overcome the many challenges that come with fighting breast cancer. We want to thank them for taking the time to share their stories with us, and we encourage Prince Georgians to visit our YouTube page to check out the stories of these amazing women.
We know that breast cancer has a major impact on our County, and our goal is to ensure that individuals and families are no longer impacted by this disease. We remain committed to continuing to work to bring greater awareness and education to this disease, not just during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but throughout the entire year. For more information on breast cancer and the resources available to those impacted by breast cancer, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage here.
Yours in service,
Angela Alsobrooks
Prince George’s County Executive
Beautification Initiatives
Litter Blitz Update
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After week seven of our litter and mowing blitz, Department of Public Works & Transportation crews have collected 381 tons of litter, mowed 2,255 acres of grass, and completed street sweeping on 832 curbed miles of County-maintained roadways. Remember, litter doesn’t grow like grass! We need all our residents to continue to do your part to keep our County clean and beautiful.
Proud to Be Around Prince George’s
Prince George’s Proud Ceremonial Recognition
On Monday, October 24, County Executive Alsobrooks recognized Ms. Morissa Hall, a proud Prince Georgian who is the current Maryland High School Rodeo Queen. Morissa has competed twice now at the National High School Rodeo Finals, among many other accomplishments in the rodeo world, all while taking honors classes, volunteering in the community, and so much more. In honor of her accomplishments so far, County Executive Alsobrooks was proud to declare October 24, 2022, as Morissa Hall Day in Prince George’s County.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School: Maryland’s ACCESS Initiative
County Executive Alsobrooks was proud to join Governor Hogan at Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) on Monday, October 24. ERHS is part of Maryland’s ACCESS Initiative, which aims to increase the amount of computer science programs in schools across the State. We want to thank ERHS Principal Portia Barnes as well as ERHS staff and students for being a shining example of what is possible when we make greater investments in computer science education.
County Council Members Farewell Reception
County Executive Alsobrooks was proud to join a farewell reception honoring outgoing County Council Members Deni Taveras, Dannielle Glaros, Todd Turner, Derrick Leon Davis, Johnathan Medlock, Rodney Streeter, and Monique Anderson-Walker. We thank each of them for their dedication, commitment, and service to Prince George’s County.
Ardmore-Springdale Civic Association
County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful time attending a community meeting with the Ardmore-Springdale Civic Association and students/families of Charles H. Flowers High School (CHFHS) on Tuesday, October 25. We want to thank all of the residents who attended, as well as CHFHS Principal Dr. Gorman Brown and the students of the Principal’s Action Council for several engaging and insightful questions.
Prince George’s Regional Association of Student Government
On Wednesday, November 2, County Executive Alsobrooks had a wonderful morning with our young people who are part of the Prince George’s Regional Association of Student Government. They had an engaging conversation where the County Executive heard youth perspectives on crime, mental health, our education system, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared their ideas and feedback, it’s clear the future is bright in Prince George’s.
COVID-19 Updates
Protect Your Health
Respiratory viruses often spread at higher rates during the fall and winter, so the County Health Department encourages residents and their families to get flu shots for anyone six months and older and to stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations and booster doses. CDC’s updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance is here. Flu and COVID-19 vaccine appointments at Health Department clinics are available here.
The Health Department also encourages residents to avoid spreading germs by regularly washing their hands, cleaning high-traffic surfaces, covering their coughs and sneezes, masking up in crowded spaces, and staying home from work or school when sick.
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
Vaccine Supply & Administration
- The County Health Department has provided over 227,000 vaccinations, including more than 28,900 additional doses to those fully vaccinated.
- The County Health Department has provided over 800 vaccinations at the Cheverly Health Center and Maternal/Child Health Center at Laurel in the month of October.
- Our mobile units have provided over 200 vaccinations in the community in the month of October, focusing on homebound and senior residents.
- More than 19,300 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 400 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 1,868,700 vaccinations have been provided to 737,785 County residents, including 628,694 second doses and 502,243 additional doses.
- As of November 1, the CDC is reporting 95% of adults ages 18 and older have received at least one vaccination in the County, and 87.1% 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 83.1% are fully vaccinated.
- The CDC reports 52.1% of residents ages 18 and older who are fully vaccinated have received a booster or additional dose as of November 1.
- Approximately 2.8% of County residents ages 6 months to 4 years, 37% of County residents ages 5 to 9 years and 66.4% of County residents ages 10 to 19 years are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
County News For You
Prince George’s County Recreation Blue Ribbon Work Group
The Prince George’s County Recreation Blue Ribbon Work Group has a new website! The Work Group is charged with analyzing the County’s current recreation services and making recommendations to the County Council on how to best provide these services. We encourage Prince Georgians to stay updated on the Work Group’s progress, get more information on upcoming meetings, and provide feedback by visiting the Work Group’s website here.
Bilingual Job and Resource Fair
The Office of the County Executive, in partnership with Employ Prince George’s, is hosting a Bilingual Job and Resource Fair on Saturday, November 19, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Northwestern High School. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with employers and get information on resources. Register to attend the job fair here.
County Executive To Take First International Business/Cultural Mission
 County Executive Alsobrooks and several other senior level officials will soon embark on a seven-day business mission to Prince George’s County’s Sister City, the Royal Bafokeng Nation, in the northwest province of South Africa. This will be the first international business mission the County Executive will take since the beginning of her administration.Prince George’s County has a long-standing history with the Royal Bafokeng Nation, initially signing a Sister City MOU in 1998 under then County Executive Wayne K. Curry. During this current trip, County Executive Alsobrooks, along with government officials and members of the business community, will have meetings with government leadership and businesses in Bafokeng, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The goal of this trip and the associated meetings in Bafokeng and other parts of South Africa is to promote the benefits of Prince George’s County and the region, as well as explore new business, cultural, and educational opportunities between our respective jurisdictions.The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation has organized the business mission in collaboration with U.S. Commercial Services and the South African Embassy. In Johannesburg, the County’s delegation will join the delegation from the Sister States of Maryland under the Maryland Secretary of State for an interagency briefing with the U.S. Department of Commerce; the State delegation will be in South Africa at the same time. |
Boards and Commissions Swearing-In
The Office of the County Executive officially welcomed several community members that were appointed to Prince George’s County Boards and Commissions after they recently took the oath of office following being confirmed last month. We are Prince George’s Proud of these individuals and thank them for their willingness to serve our community.
Board of Ethics
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Mickei M. Milton
Commission for Women
Jamie L. Wiesner, Ioana Stoica
Human Rights Commission
Keith B. Adams, Dr. Traci M. Birckhead, Mr. Daryl D. Jackson, Roslyn D. Brown (not pictured)
Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission
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Mark J. Smith (not pictured)
Police Accountability Board
Shelia F. Bryant, Keenon James, Lafayette D. Milton, Kelvin D. Davall (Chair), Earl O’Neal, Marsha A. Ridley, Carlo A. Sanchez, Tamika Springs, Andrea R. Coleman (not pictured), Daniel Vergamini (not pictured)
Administrative Charging Committee
Natalie L. Stephenson, William “Bill” T. Scott
Veterans Day Holiday Waste Collection Schedule
County government offices, with the exception of public safety agencies, will be closed on Friday, November 11, in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. Curbside collections of yard trim, food scraps, trash, and recycling will remain on a regular schedule for residents receiving County provided services. There are NO changes due to the holiday. For more information on waste collection services, visit the Department of the Environment website here.
PGC Composts
PGC Composts makes composting easy! With our free curbside collection, residents can collect food and yard waste in their wheeled green carts for Monday collections. Eligible residents should look out for your cart delivery coming this fall. Learn more on the Department of the Environment website here.
DoE’s Green Summit Was a Success
On Saturday, October 22, more than 300 attendees made their way to the Kentland Community Center for the Department of the Environment’s (DoE) annual signature event, the Green Summit. The sunshine provided a perfect backdrop for the day-long event that featured informative, interactive, and family-friendly activities.
Guests were also treated to an array of vendors and dynamic presenters who offered environmentally friendly solutions to everyday problems and provided educational resources and ways to become environmental stewards. Join DoE at the Green Summit in 2023!
Choose to Adopt
Congratulations to all the new pet parents who adopted their new furry friend during this month’s Green Summit! If you have room in your heart and home for a new four-legged friend, visit the Department of the Environment’s website here to learn more about adoption.
The America Recycles Day Pledge is Back
America Recycles Day aims to build consumer demand for recycled products and educate all Americans about the environmental and economic benefits of recycling. Prince Georgians are encouraged to take the pledge to recycle and buy recycled by November 15, 2022.
Prizes are awarded to Prince George’s County residents of all ages including students from kindergarten through 12th grade. For more information, contact Helen Register at htregister@co.pg.md.us, or visit the Keep Prince George’s Beautiful website here.
Climate Resident Advisory Group on Climate Action and Environmental Justice Applications Now Being Accepted
Community members who are passionate about climate action, environmental justice, and resiliency are encouraged to apply to be a part of the Climate Resident Advisory Group on Climate Action and Environmental Justice. Individuals must be ages 16 years and up (parental permission must be provided for participants under 18). In addition, all members must be County residents and may represent County-based non-profits, faith-based entities, social organizations, and schools. The County will strive to achieve representation that reflects the geographic, age, economic, gender, and racial diversity of the County.
The advisory group is formed by the signing of Executive Order No. 5-2022. Members will serve on the Climate Implementation Task Force to help guide the County’s Climate Action Plan implementation and will advise on strategies and actions to propel the County toward a climate-ready future with a carbon-neutral goal of 2045.
A virtual information session was held on Wednesday, October 12, detailing the roles and responsibilities of the advisory group. To read more about the rules and procedures, visit the Department of the Environment’s (DoE) website here.
Applications will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Friday, November 11, 2022. Download a copy of the fillable PDF here or on the Department of the Environment’s website here and send the completed form to climateaction@co.pg.md.us.
Lead Poisoning Prevention Week
The County Health Department joined the State of Maryland, as well as community environmental health and housing advocates and partners, during National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, recognized October 23 through 29. This national campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers and sources of lead exposure, especially for children ages 6 and under.
The County Health Department encourages parents and caregivers to make sure their pediatrician tests their children for lead exposure at 12 months and 24 months old, which is State law. Effective Friday, October 28, the State reduced the required level of lead found in a child’s blood test that would trigger notifications to parents, property owners and health officials. That will help identify more children exposed to lead and keep more at-risk children healthy.
Pictured: County Health Officer Dr. Ernest Carter (far right) joined the Maryland Department of Health, the Department of the Environment, the Department of Housing and Community Development, Green & Health Homes Initiative, and CCI Health Services at a press conference highlighting Lead Poisoning Prevention Week.
National Diabetes Awareness Month
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to start living well, especially if you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The County Health Department is now taking registrations for FREE Living Well Diabetes Self-Management virtual classes designed to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their condition and reduce the associated complications. Caregivers are encouraged to register too. Classes meet online with trained leaders every Monday from October 31 through December 12, from 4:30 PM until 7:00 PM. The last day to register is Thursday, November 10. Call 301-856-9465 or email wellnessinfo@co.pg.md.us to register.
PGCMLS Celebrates Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month and Prince Georgians are invited to learn about local Native American and Indigenous heritage and culture with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s (PGCMLS) special events and resources. Download the PGCMLS Guide to Indigenous Maryland mobile app to explore sites in the County and State of Maryland. Visit the PGCMLS Heritage Hub to access online resources and recommended reads as well as information on featured events.
Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series
The Office of Homeland Security’s Emergency Management Division is continuing its “Creating Resilient Communities Webinar Series.” The next webinar is on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at 7:00 PM and will provide residents with information regarding preparedness planning for individuals with disabilities and others with access and functional needs, prior to any major incidents or emergencies. Register to attend this free webinar here.
Changes to Parking Violation Fines and Penalties
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The Revenue Authority of Prince George’s County recently announced changes to the fines and penalties associated with parking violations. CB-052-2022, passed by the County Council on September 13, 2022, addresses fines and penalties for violating certain parking laws, in addition to authorizing immobilization and/or impoundments without prior notice to owners of vehicles with five or more unpaid traffic and/or parking violations.
The new fines are listed below and go into effect January 1, 2023.
| VIOLATION | CURRENT FINE | NEW FINE |
| Bus Stop | $20 | $50 |
| Damaging Meter | $25 | $100 |
| Meter | $25 | $35 |
| Overtime | $20 | $35 |
| Reserved | $25 | $35 |
| Unattended | $20 | $35 |
| Undesignated | $20 | $50 |
Spotlight On Prince George’s
Liberty Sports Park Grand Opening
Photo Courtesy of Liberty Sports Park
Liberty Sports Park, the Mid-Atlantic Region’s premier field sports vacation destination in Upper Marlboro, hosted its grand opening on Sunday, October 23. On opening day, the sports park hosted youth and adult soccer, lacrosse and field hockey leagues based in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, as well as Prince George’s County recreational football team’s scrimmages, clinics, and practices. Check out this article to learn more about the Liberty Sports Park.