Community Meetings/ Community Notes/ News
Community Meetings/ Community Notes/ News
Community Meetings
Pet Parenting Class
Date: March 2, 2024
Times: 12 (noon)
Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner and a great family host to a four-legged friend for a lifetime. Time, cost, food, toys, medical, safety, and social - all topics will be covered during this one-hour presentation with question and answer (Q & A) to follow.
Classes will meet the first Saturday of each month at 12 p.m. throughout 2024!
Call 301-780-7200, option 6, to register for this FREE class. Walk-ins welcomed.
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Police Coffee Circle - Divisions III & VIII
Date: March 6, 2024 to March 6, 2024
Times: 9:00am 11:00am
Join officers from the Landover and Westphalia police stations for their monthly Coffee Circle Meeting. This is an opportunity to ask questions and get to know your neighborhood's officers and community leaders. For more information, please email: belinda@queenscareholla.ccsend.com
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Woof Wednesdays
Date: March 6, 2024 to March 6, 2024
Times: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
To help bring awareness and to make sure large dogs find loving homes too, ASD is offering a special discount every Wednesday. Every large dog over 50 pounds is just a $50 adoption fee.
For more information, view our adoptable dogs at www.princegeorgespets4us.com or call 301-780-7200 to begin the adoption process.
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Animal Volunteer Orientation
Date: March 6, 2024
Times: 6:00 pm
Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 6 p.m.
We are looking for volunteers to help walk and socialize dogs, play with cats, assist with feeding animals, stuff treats, cleaning, office work, off-site events and more!
If you are interested in volunteering, please come to our facility to learn more about the volunteer program - no RSVP needed. Volunteers must be 18 years old or older to work directly with animals.
For more information, come to the Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC), visit our website at www.princegeorgespets4us.com or call 301-780-7200.
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March 6, 2024, Board of License Commissioners Regular Session
Date: March 6, 2024 to March 6, 2024
Times: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
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Creative Saturday: Arts on a Roll
Saturday, March 2, 2024
12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Creative Saturday: Arts on a Roll @ Creative Suitland
Join Arts on a Roll for an engaging, hands-on, visual arts workshop. A FREE drop-in activity for the whole family! Arts on a Roll @ Creative Suitland is a partnership program between the Department of Parks and Recreation and Creative Suitland.
Create art with sheet metal including emboss drawing, stamping, denting, piercing, rub-transferring, folding, and hammering. Make a necklace or keychain! All levels are welcome.
SATURDAYS 12 to 2 pm
Creative Suitland Arts Center
4719 Silver Hill Road Suitland, MD 20746
African Dance & Drum Classes with Ni Dembaya
Sunday, March 3, 2024
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Ni Dembaya African Dance & Drum Ensemble is a community promoting empowerment, healing, and self-awareness through traditional African and African-inspired music and dance. Join the movement on Sundays for drum and African dance classes! Ni Dembaya's instructors have devoted much time to the study and practice of cultural music, movements, and traditions from the African continent and diaspora. The classes offered primarily focus on rhythms, dances, and songs from the Manding peoples of modern-day Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Liberia, and Ivory Coast; though other ethnic groups and areas may be covered.
Ni Dembaya African Drum Class
Sundays, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
$20/class, + $5 for drum rental, if needed (must RSVP by 12:30 p.m. for drum rental)
**Class fees may be more for occasional guest instructors or special workshops
Payments are accepted in advance via Zelle, Cashapp, or PayPal (especially if drum rental is needed), and at the door if bringing your own drum
Contact: 202-469-0264 for RSVP, more info, and payments
Main Instructors: Yuma "Docta Yew" Bellomee and "Bobo" Earl Bellomee
Ni Dembaya West African Dance Class (featuring Live Drumming)
Sundays, 3:45 p.m. - 5 p.m.
$15/class
**Class fees may be more for occasional guest instructors or special workshops
Payments are accepted in advance and at the door
Contact: 202-469-0264 for more info and advance payment info
Main Instructors: Shaleena Capers & Paul Joseph
IG: @nidembaya
FB: facebook.com/nidembaya
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BOE: Parent and Community Advisory Council (PCAC) Meeting
Back to Events
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM (ET)
Join the webinar using this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84155536509?pwd=c0lEUE1ibjJyS1BQb0QvVFFUTnJnZz09
Passcode: 466072
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KSCDE presents Heritage Praise 2024
Get ready to be uplifted by soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and energetic performances. This event is all about embracing and showcasing the diverse traditions that make us who we are. From traditional folk tunes to modern interpretations, our talented lineup of artists will take you on a musical journey that will leave you inspired and connected.
Whether you're a music enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply looking for a memorable night out, Heritage Praise 2024 is not to be missed. Come and experience the joy of music, the power of unity, and the beauty of our shared heritage.
Mark your calendars and secure your spot for this unforgettable event. We can't wait to see you there!
SHOW TIMES
Sunday, March 3rd at 4:00 PM
TICKETS: $30
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District 4 Reusable Bag Giveaway
Friday, March 8, 2024
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Glenn Dale Community Center
11901 Glenn Dale Boulevard
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
As of January 1, 2024, Prince George's County retail stores no longer provide plastic bags to customers. Plastic bag pollution is a serious problem and reusable bags are a great alternative. Do your part in saving our environment, preventing pollution, and carrying your items with ease. Bag It Right with your District 4 Reusable Bag!
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District 9 Melwood Community Resource Day
Prince George's County Council Vice Chair Sydney J. Harrison, in partnership with Melwood, will host the District 9 Melwood Community Resource Day.
DATE:
March 9, 2024
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
LOCATION:
Tree of Life Christian Ministries
9109 Piscataway Road
Clinton, Maryland 20735
Melwood advocates for and empowers people with disabilities by expanding opportunities to work and thrive in the community, and provides services to a wide range of clients in the private sector as well as to state and local governments and the federal government. The Community Resource Fair will feature various local vendors that provide health care, housing, and employment services.
To attend, please register by visiting the following weblink for community attendance: https://melwood.org/event/melwood-community-resource-day-district-9/.
If you would like to sign up to be a vendor, please register by visiting the following weblink for Community Provider/Vendors: https://form.jotform.com/233343868718164.
For more information, please contact the Council District 9 team via email at CouncilDistrict9@co.pg.md.us or call (301) 952-3820.
Community Notes
COUNTY COUNCIL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR KAREN CAMPBELL
The Prince George’s County Council announces the retirement of longtime Communications Director Karen D. Campbell, effective March 1, 2024. Director Campbell has managed the communications needs of the County Council and Legislative Branch for 30 years.
Since 1994, Ms. Campbell has been instrumental in shaping the communications landscape of the County Council and Legislative Branch, creating and managing the organizational structure for the Office of Communications. Under her leadership over the last three decades, the Council has successfully navigated many transformative periods in the growth and development of the County and the Legislative Branch, employing effective communications tools to enhance public understanding of the Council’s mission and legislative initiatives.
Council Chair Jolene Ivey (District 5) noted the profound impact of Director Campbell’s tenure. “Karen has been the cornerstone of the Council communications initiatives, pioneering the establishment of the Office of Communications and nurturing its growth into an invaluable asset for the Legislative Branch.” Council Chair Ivey adds, “Throughout her tenure as director, she has applied unparalleled expertise, and leaves an enduring legacy of strategic vision, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to truth and excellence in service to this body and our residents.”
Former District 6 Council Member Samuel H. Dean, who served as Council Chair during the Office of Communications’ inception, says he was privileged to witness Karen’s visionary leadership.
“As newly elected Council Members, my colleagues and I recognized the need to establish an Office of Communications, appointing a director to develop communication strategies, act as the primary spokesperson and media liaison, and collaborate closely with us to ensure the effective dissemination of our message. Karen, possessing exceptional communications skills, managerial adeptness, extensive media contacts, and a gift for assembling and leading a talented team, played a pivotal role in transforming the County Council Communications Office into one of the most positively recognized entities in the county during my term of service. Her legacy speaks for itself and is unequaled.”
In her capacity as Communications Director, Ms. Campbell has worked jointly with several executive administrations, including the Office of County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
"I am thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Karen as she embarks on her well-deserved retirement from the Prince George’s County Council,” said Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. “For 30 years, Karen has admirably served as the Council’s Director of Communications, demonstrating steadfast commitment and dedication to our community's residents. Her exceptional leadership and expertise have undoubtedly shaped the Prince George’s County Government, leaving an enduring legacy. I am profoundly grateful to Karen for her invaluable contributions and wish her a fulfilling retirement journey ahead.”
Karen Campbell formerly served the administration of former District of Columbia Mayor Sharon Pratt and her Youth Initiatives Office as a Public Affairs Specialist and Communications Cluster Chief for youth and family issues, ensuring the Mayor’s key initiatives were accurately and appropriately conveyed across multiple agency communications channels to the media and the public.
For nearly two decades, Karen Campbell enjoyed a distinguished career on the airwaves as an award-winning broadcaster and trusted voice in media. A proud Howard University graduate, she began her journalistic career as a student intern reporting for WHUR FM news. She ascended to a host of professional positions at the station over the next two decades, including drive-time news anchor, air personality, reporter, talk show host, and producer, culminating with a pivotal role in broadcast management as WHUR Community Affairs Director and Marketing Director at WHHM TV Channel 32 (now WHUT-TV).
The County Council expresses heartfelt gratitude for Director Campbell’s immeasurable contributions and unwavering commitment over the past thirty years. Her unique experiences combine for a legacy that will continue to guide and inspire in our service to Prince Georgians.
The County Council is available for further comments or inquiries regarding Karen Campbell’s retirement. Please direct all media inquiries to the Council Office of Communications at 301.952.5262.
Big News
U.Md.’s ‘quantum nose’ may soon help eliminate food waste
Excerpt: Do you ever change your mind about purchasing items with a fast approaching expiration date?
A new technology from the University of Maryland, that was just awarded a $5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, would make sure that spinach or ground beef doesn’t go to waste and instead finds its way to people who are food insecure.
NourishNet would use what is called as “quantum nose” to sniff out food spoilage. It’s about the size of an iPhone and uses materials that measure the amount of gas coming from bacteria on the food, estimating how long the food will last before it spoils.
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Prince George’s County residents lambast proposed Metro, bus service cuts
Excerpt: Prince George’s County residents spoke out against Metro and bus service cuts for the 2025 fiscal year during a public hearing Thursday, citing transit deserts and disability equity as important issues.
The cuts, spurred by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s budget shortfall, would affect approximately 14,000 Prince George’s County residents, according to a website run by County Executive Angela Alsobrooks’ office. Among other reductions in service, the proposal would remove 67 bus lines, 22 of which currently operate within Prince George’s County, the website said.
“The FY25 proposed budget presents an unrecognizable Metro due to the unprecedented service cuts necessary to close the operating deficit through internal levers,” Yetunde Olumide, Metro’s chief financial officer, said.
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Cost of Purple line increases yet again, completion pushed back
Excerpt: The Maryland Transit Administration will seek approval next month for as much as $425 million in “relief payments” related to delays in the Purple Line light rail project.
Officials announced the extra payments along with a roughly 234-day delay that will push the line’s completion back from spring of 2027 to December of that year.
Holly Arnold, administrator for the Maryland Transit Administration, said Friday the money represents the “final payment” related to delays in utility work. That work was taken over by the agency in 2020 as the original contractor began to exit from the project, which will connect New Carrollton to Bethesda when it’s completed.
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Payroll Issues Affecting PGCPS Employees
Excerpt: In Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), some educators and support staff have been reporting complaints regarding their paychecks. While some employees are getting too much and facing wage garnishments later, others are not receiving their checks or reimbursements in full.
After some PGCPS employees accidentally received double their pay and adamantly attempted to return the excess, the additional funds are now being deducted from their current paychecks. They are even facing the deduction of their gross pay, rather than post-tax pay. This is reducing each paycheck received by affected individuals by $200.
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IT’S TIME TO PAY ATTENTION TO HOW POLICE VIOLENCE HARMS COMMUNITY HEALTH
Excerpt: In the last three years, Andre, a 61-year-old Black man, has been pulled over by police at least five times. It has never been for a moving violation, he says, such as speeding or running a red light. Instead, the reasons have been more suspect. He characterizes them as “overpolicing” and “profiling.”
The most recent incident happened in September. Andre, who asked to be identified only by his middle name, was shadowed by an unmarked car with tinted windows on Raines Road [in Memphis, Tenn.]. He thought it could be a police vehicle, but since he wasn’t speeding he didn’t think he could be subject to a police stop. The car pulled alongside him. He slowed down to let it pass, but the car slowed with him. He slowed down again, and the car slowed with him again.
“Tyre Nichols popped in my brain,” Andre said. “So I unbuckled my seatbelt, pulled out my phone, and I tried to call my family.”
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For Low-Income People, Fertility Treatment Can Be Out of Reach
Excerpt: Mary Delgado’s first pregnancy went according to plan, but when she tried to get pregnant again seven years later, nothing happened. After 10 months, Delgado, now 34, and her partner, Joaquin Rodriguez, went to see an OB-GYN. Tests showed she had endometriosis, which was interfering with conception. Delgado’s only option, the doctor said, was in vitro fertilization.
“When she told me that, she broke me inside,” Delgado said, “because I knew it was so expensive.”
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For Low-Income People, Fertility Treatment Can Be Out of Reach
Excerpt: Mary Delgado’s first pregnancy went according to plan, but when she tried to get pregnant again seven years later, nothing happened. After 10 months, Delgado, now 34, and her partner, Joaquin Rodriguez, went to see an OB-GYN. Tests showed she had endometriosis, which was interfering with conception. Delgado’s only option, the doctor said, was in vitro fertilization.
“When she told me that, she broke me inside,” Delgado said, “because I knew it was so expensive.”