Bringing the World to Prince George’s County August 28, 2015
An Update from Council Chairman Mel Franklin: August 28, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 2
Prince George’s Rising is a countywide newsletter designed to empower communities with key information and issues of concern. It is my honor to serve you for a 2nd year as Chairman of the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last two years, I have worked with my colleagues on the Council to move our County forward. With your help, we are bringing the world to Prince George’s County. For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.
Prince George’s County is Competing Hard to Become the New Home of the FBI Headquarters
In our efforts to create great economic destinations, we are competing hard to bring the new headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to Prince George’s County. In November of 2013, the General Services Administration (GSA) formally opened the process for finding a location to build a new campus for an FBI headquarters specifying that it had to be 50 acres of property within two miles of a Metro station and within two-and-a-half miles of the Capital Beltway. Two of the three finalist locations are in our County, including the Greenbelt Metro Station site and the former Landover Mall site. According to the Post, these “locations are engaged in an intense competition with Springfield, in Fairfax County, to win the headquarters and an estimated 11,000 FBI jobs that will be consolidated from 20 sites across the region.” Based on commuting data, forty-three percent (43%) of FBI employees live in Maryland, more than Virginia (33%) or the District of Columbia (17%). The project be a federal leased spaced and would be an economic game-changer for our county and state as it would create $2 Billion of economic activity and anchor a vibrant mixed-use development with new jobs and amenities.
Read the Washington Post Article – Maryland willing to invest big to lure FBI headquarters to Pr. George’s: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-willing-to-invest-money-to-lure-fbi-headquarters-to-pr-georges/2015/03/23/8d1a1ba8-d164-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html
Over 1000 County Residents Have Already RSVP’d: Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 30th
Please join your neighbors from all across the county for Prince George’s County Friends and Family Day on Sunday, Aug. 30th 3-6PM at Show Place Arena (14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772), our annual countywide showcase of our local business and nonprofit community, which will include over 150 business and nonprofit exhibitors, the exciting sounds of F.A.M.E. (Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc.) performers Renee Barnes, Richard Payne, Chelsey Green, Verny Varela, and Virtuoso Horns, and free food and fun for the whole family.
Please RSVP at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ebc2opmj9cf583e4&oseq=&c=&ch=
COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE
Council Chairman’s Fall Issue Survey
Make your voices heard! As the County Council returns for its fall session beginning on September 8, what is the leading issue that we should tackle?
¬ Improving public confidence in county government spending and oversight of your local tax dollars.
¬ Working with the school system to increase county performance on standardized tests (PARCC, SAT, ACT, AP, etc.).
¬ Fostering more and better economic development to increase high quality jobs, support small businesses, and provide more amenities (shopping, eating, entertainment, etc.).
¬ Increasing the presence of public safety officers in your neighborhood.
¬ Pursuing alternatives to improve access to transportation, including increasing public transit options, more pedestrian/bike-friendly roads, and expanded lanes.
¬ Other another issue not mentioned!
To take the Council Chairman’s Fall Issue Survey, visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebgvjyp9idubhaco/start
Sept. 17 College Fair Sponsored by Council Chairman Mel Franklin and PTSO
Join over 100 colleges, universities, and college related services and over 2000 students at the 6th Annual PTSO College Fair, sponsored by Council Chairman Mel Franklin and Parents Together for Students Organization (PTSO), on Thursday, September 17, 2015, 4-7PM, Surrattsville High School, 6101 Garden Drive, Clinton, MD 20735. Free and open to the public! Link: https://www.melfranklin.net/sept-17-college-fair-sponsored-by-council-chairman-mel-franklin-and-ptso/
NBC4: District 7 Police Station to Open This Fall
From NBC4: “After funding problems, the 7th District police station in Prince George’s County is set to open this fall. News4 reported earlier this year that the station would be left empty for a year because of a budget gap. News4′s Tracee Wilkins explains what’s next.” NBC4 News video: http://www.nbcwashington.com/video/#!/news/local/Prince-Georges-Co–Police-Station-to-Open-This-Fall/321825081
Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development Opportunities
With $5-7 billion in economic development on the horizon for our County over the next several years, ensuring that our own residents are prepared for the resulting employment opportunities must be a top priority for all of us. Many of these skilled careers pay six figure salaries, but are often ignored by our residents and students because they don’t involve a traditional 4-year college degree. Our Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) offers several opportunities to develop the best job skills for successful careers for the new economy.
The Construction and Energy Institute (CEI) delivers the vital education needed by students to enter the construction industry with marketable, trade-specific skills. It supports construction and development businesses by preparing their future workforce for direct, skilled entry into the industry and by providing continuing education and training for their experienced workforce.
The Hospitality and Tourism Institute (HTI) meets the ever-increasing worldwide demand for well-trained hospitality and tourism professionals and offers customized, specially developed, comprehensive training programs that benefit businesses by lowering in-house recruitment and training costs, reducing workforce turnover and increasing employee productivity.
The Human Services Institute (HSI) is a unique professional development, training and education asset for the employees of human service and social service agencies. It provides proactive discussion and serves as a clearinghouse for human services issues.
The Transportation and Distribution Institute (TDI) provides services for both individuals and businesses with in-demand, industry-specific training, certification, and licensing. TDI provides career training for individuals seeking jobs in the industry and workforce training for businesses, industry and government organizations in need of solutions for their transportation and distribution workforces.
For more info, go to: https://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/Workforce_Development_Institutes.aspx
Help Prevent Human Trafficking in Our Region
From the Maryland Reporter: “Community members and law enforcement officials say Langley Park, located just inside the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, is rife with prostitution and human trafficking. ‘Throw a rock anywhere in Langley Park and you get a brothel,’ said Christine White, a University of Maryland criminologist and chair of the research committee for the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force. Even so, law enforcement officials have said they’ve had trouble catching traffickers there, citing the language barrier, elusive perpetrators and scared victims.”
Read the full Maryland Reporter Article: http://marylandreporter.com/2015/08/06/human-trafficking-part-6-langley-park-residents-say-brothels-operate-in-plain-sight-yet-elude-pg-police/
Opinion article detailing ways to reduce human trafficking: http://www.somdnews.com/article/20141211/OPINION/141219740&template=gazette
Assistance for survivors of human trafficking at Still I Rise Inc.: http://www.stillirisemd.org/contact.html
Human Trafficking Resource Center: http://traffickingresourcecenter.org/
Join the Fight Against Litter in Prince George’s County: Clean Up Green Up 2015 – October 17
Prince George’s County invites community organizations, schools and businesses to join us for the annual countywide Fall 2015 ‘Clean Up Green Up’ on Saturday, October 17, 2015. This event provides residents, schools and businesses with an opportunity to partner with Prince George’s County Government, the Neighborhood Design Center, Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful, Prince George’s County Public Schools and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to keep Prince George’s County clean and green. The registration deadline to participate in the ‘Clean Up Green Up,’ is Friday, September 18, 2015. You can sign up here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/PublicWorks/Services/Pages/Clean-Up-Green-Up.aspx
For registered participants, The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) will provide plastic gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and a maximum of ten bags of mulch and litter grabbers for the ‘Clean Up Green Up.’ Supplies and mulch will be available for pick up at the Maintenance Facility located at 8400 D’Arcy Road in Forestville, MD on Wednesday, October 14 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If residents did not have the opportunity to register for this event they should call (301) 499-8523, for supplies are limited.
Thank You to All of Our Men and Women in the Fire Service – Fire Ops 101
On Tues., August 25, my colleagues and I had the privilege of experiencing Fire Ops 101 (“Fire Fighter for a Day”) with the IAFF Local 1619. After getting just a small dose of the experience of the heavy equipment, the heat of the fire, and the physical and mental strain that our Fire/EMS officers endure on a regular basis, I have a new found respect and admiration for the men and women in the Fire Service. Even though this was my 3rd year doing the Fire Ops Program, it was tougher than ever before! This morning, I was honored to address the IAFF National Convention at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor and thank them for their service and sacrifices for the safety of our families all across North America. As we approach another September the 11th Anniversary, let us never forget or ever take for granted the safety and protection that they provide us all.
OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Council Public Briefing on Laurel Hospital – Sept. 15
The County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, has tentatively scheduled a public briefing on the changes being made by Dimensions to Laurel Hospital, which will result in the replacement of the existing inpatient facility with an ambulatory care facility by 2019. We have received a great deal of public feedback on this issue and are finalizing plans to host a public briefing with Dimensions officials on Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00AM, during Council session at the County Administration Bldg. (14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772).
For more information on upcoming Council sessions, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/council
To watch Council sessions online, incl. past sessions, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/Resources/hearings/Pages/default.aspx
Women Empowerment Conference – Sept. 19
The Prince George’s County Commission for Women, in partnership with the Office of the County Executive and the Department of Family Services, will present the fourth Women’s Empowerment Conference (WE3 Conference) on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 8:00am to 3:30pm (The Comfort Inn Conference Center Hotel, located at 4500 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20716). The WE3 Conference was established to inspire action and encourage collaboration among women and women’s organizations with the primary goal of addressing the pertinent concerns of women, girls, families and the community through advocacy—from their kitchen tables to Capitol Hill.
For more details, go to: http://www.we3-wlc.com/
Police Chief’s Youth Advisory Council – Young People’s Voices on Policing
From PGPD: Chief Mark Magaw created this council earlier this year with the goal of establishing an open dialogue with an age group that will bring a valued perspective on law enforcement issues. Several bright young citizens join us each month for this conversation, but we’re excited to now expand that group. The council is open to those between the ages of 16-24.
For more info, go to: https://www.melfranklin.net/police-chiefs-yac/
MNCPPC Parks and Rec. Sci-Fi Family Night – Aug. 29
Families can have fun and learn at this Sci-Fi Family Night! Fun things to try include: DIY Robot Competition, Lightsaber Training, Stars & Planets Trivia, Monsters vs. Aliens Challenge, and Intergalactic Photo Booth.
For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/mncppc-parks-and-rec-sci-fi-family-night-aug-29/
HPRC’s Back-to-School Health Extravaganza – Aug. 29: The Health Policy Research Consortium (HPRC) is partnering with the Town of Capitol Heights to host the first-ever Back-to-School Health Extravaganza in Capitol Heights, MD. The event will take place on Saturday, August 29th, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oakcrest Community Center, 1300 Capitol Heights Blvd., Capitol Heights, Maryland. For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/hprcs-back-to-school-health-extravaganza-aug-29/
Convoy of Hope Health Care and Humanitarian Relief Event – Sept. 12: From GVCMH – “Global Vision Community Medical Center (GVCMH) one of Prince George’s County Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) which is bringing quality, affordable healthcare to serve more than 10,000 residents in areas surrounding the 20743 zip code. We are partnering with The Convoy of Hope and Evangel Assembly of God to reach out to more than 10,000 people in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The event will take place on the grounds at Evangel Assembly located at 5900 Old Branch Avenue.” For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/convoyofhope/
Reid Temple AME Annual Community Fair – Sept. 12
The Reid Temple Annual Community Fair is on Saturday, September 12, 2015, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The event will be held on the Glenn Dale campus.
11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769
For more info: http://www.reidtemple.org/CommunityFair
Antioch Baptist Church Community Day – Sept. 13
At 4PM, Featuring Lonny Hunter, Rob Mercer and the Hillian Ensemble
13205 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. For tickets and more info: http://www.antioch-baptist.org/
27th Annual NAACP Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala – Oct. 3
From the Prince George’s County NAACP: “With endearing excitement, the Prince George’s County Branch of the NAACP invites you to celebrate our 80th Anniversary. The 27th Annual Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala will be the highlight of the year. This joyous occasion will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., with a VIP Reception being held from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. The celebration shall take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3501 University Boulevard, East Hyattsville, Maryland 20783.”
For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/27th-annual-naacp-hester-v-king-freedom-fund-gala-oct-3/
NiaImani CHOICES Inc. Launch Event – Oct. 8
From NiaImani CHOICES: Incorporated in 2013, NiaImani CHOICES is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit community based organization dedicated to providing grassroots education and outreach services to disadvantaged residents of communities in Maryland and surrounding states. NiaImani CHOICES was founded by Charlisa Watson, president of CRW & Associates, an award-winning, full-service consulting firm based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Oct. 8 Launch Event will be held at 6PM at Lake Presidential Golf Club (3151 Presidential Golf Club Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774).
For more info: http://www.niaimanichoices.org/programs-resources/
Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention/Still I Rise, Inc.
Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org
Or call 211
Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program
Call 1(800) 944-7403 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html
Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program
Call (866) 650-8783 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead.html
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Call (301) 952-2500 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html
For constituent concerns, please use County Click 311
Go to http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov or call 311
Request Pothole Repair
Go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/PublicWorks/Services/RoadwayImprovements/Potholes/Pages/default.aspx
Find Your Elected Officials
Contact your County Council Member at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/countycouncil/Pages/default.aspx
Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/ExecutiveBranch/Pages/default.aspx
Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net
View the Prince George’s County Code at http://www.municode.com/library/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=15209
Is a resource you need not here?
Check https://www.melfranklin.net or contact me at: Mel@MelFranklin.net
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Authority: Friends of Mel Franklin, Brendon Laster, Treasurer
