Weekend Reader  - week ending May 21, 2016

Greetings 6th District Resident, Business, and Supporter,

Prince George's County Council Chairman Derrick Leon Davis providing remarks with Prince George's County Police Chief Hank Stawinski at the State of District 6 Annual Breakfast.


During my term on the Council, I have stressed the importance of taking a unified, collaborative approach in tackling big issues to enhance the quality of life for our residents.  On Tuesday, April 18, the Prince George's County Council, sitting as the County's  Board of Health , held briefings on the 2016 County Health Rankings, and the  Prince George's County 2016 Quality of Life Index .  I n assessing the quality of life for all County residents, the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable presented six key indicators it evaluates from year to year.  This report provides fair and accurate representation of where the County stands, what the county is doing well and where we might improve.

The good news?
  • EMPLOYMENT: Prince George's County has seen its unemployment rate fall from 7.1% to 4.5% over a five year period (between 2010 and 2015);
  • EDUCATION: Our county's graduation rate is up nearly 6 points since 2012, with 64% of our county high school graduates attending some college within 24 months of graduating. We're steadily increasing enrollment in our county's public school system, and improving upon our high school graduation rates; both of which will contribute significantly to creating a world-class school system where our students can grow and thrive;
  • PUBLIC SAFETY: Violent and property crime rates are decreasing which speaks to the efforts of law enforcement to protect and serve along with our citizens who work in tandem with law enforcement to keep their communities safe;
  • HEALTH:  Prince Georgians have the same average lifespan as all Marylanders (79.6) and longer than the average U.S. citizen (78.8), living 2 years longer than just five years ago.
Creating high performing schools.  Building safe, walkable communities.  Increasing our access to quality health care.  Transportation.  Affordable Housing.  Maintaining Air & Water Quality.   As the County Council facilitates the annual budget process, these are the very topics that are discussed with   all of our County agencies to continuously improve upon these outcomes and determine  what measures are needed to improve the delivery of our County services.  

When we work together, we can make all that we dream Prince George's County to be a reality.  It is clear that we are making great strides. We will continue to build on the future of Prince George's County, and achieving  big things on purpose .

The Weekend Reader is your snapshot of the latest news, initiatives, and events relative to District 6, along with county-wide updates.  I welcome your thoughts, suggestions, community event submissions, and story ideas. If you have any questions or concerns, please provide your feedback via e-mail to  councildistrict6@co.pg.md.us.
 


Committed to Service, Committed to
You!


Derrick Leon Davis
Chairman, Prince George's County Council
District 6 
COUNTY NEWS

Maryland General Assembly Passes
Bill to Fund New Medical Center


The journey to making the Regional Medical Center a reality moved one step closer to fruition at the conclusion of the 2016 legislative session of the Maryland General Assembly with the passage of the Prince George's County Regional Medical Center Act of 2016.   This legislation will ensure that Prince George's County and the state of Maryland set aside a total of $461 million altogether in operating and capital money from the state and matching funds from the county from FY 2017 to FY 2021.

Access to quality health care, health promotion and disease prevention are priority concerns for the Prince George's County Council and its residents.  These transitional funds are essential to the ability of Prince George's County and the State of Maryland to maintain the joint commitment to address the healthcare needs of county residents, especially as the County moves from the Dimensions Healthcare System to the University of Maryland Medical System and with construction of the new Regional Medical Center in Largo.


The application for a Certificate of Need is currently pending before the Maryland Health Care Commission.   The Regional Medical Center will be affiliated with the University of Maryland Medical System.  It will the first teaching hospital in Southern Maryland.

The planned, new $650 million, 231-bed facility will transform the County's healthcare system into one which will support the improvement of the health of the residents of Prince George's County and the Southern Maryland region.  Services to be provided include a Maryland level II trauma center, cardiac surgery center, neonatal intensive care unit, comprehensive regional cancer center, and a stroke and neurocare center.

The Regional Medical Center will be located at Largo Town Center, at the intersection of Lottsford Road and Arena Drive.  It will be directly accessible from the Capital Beltway's (I-495) Arena Drive Exit 15.


#DavisInTheDistrict

Legislative District 25 Night in Annapolis

On February 29, 2016, Prince George's County Council Chairman Derrick Leon Davis joined Maryland State Senator Ulysses Currie, Maryland State Delegate Angela Angel, Maryland State Delegate Darryl Barnes and Maryland State Delegate Dereck E. Davis in hosting Legislative District 25 Night in Annapolis and provided bus transportation to senior citizens in his district.  The annual event provides constituents the opportunity to mix and mingle with their state and local elected officials.  Some of District 25's best and brightest leaders were also honored as "Rising Stars" in the areas of academic excellence and community service.
 
Grand Opening of the 
Courtyard by Marriott Largo Capital Beltway


On April 19, 2016, Prince George's County Council Chairman Derrick L. Davis (D - District 6) had the pleasure of joining  Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation President/CEO, Jim Coleman,  Prince George's Chamber of Commerce President, David Harrington and members of the Marriott International corporate team in welcoming the new Courtyard by Marriott Largo Capital Beltway, located 1320 Caraway Court.
 
Featuring an innovative lobby space as well as Courtyard's latest contemporary room design, the new hotel offers guests convenient access to FedEx Field, the University of Maryland and Washington, D.C.

State of the District 6 Annual Meeting and Breakfast

On April 9, 2016, the District 6 team welcomed constituents to the State of District 6 Annual Breakfast.  Residents received updates on the county's budget process along with presentations from Jim Coleman, president/CEO of the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, and Chief Hank Stawinski of the Prince George's County Police Department.

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Once-A-Week Collection is Here!

The Trash & Recycling Overhaul Program modernizes and streamlines residential collection services.

Through tax bills, all residents pay into a Solid Waste Fund that pays for trash and recycling collections and other county beautification programs. The fund is running a significant deficit, and the Overhaul proposal addresses the imbalance by eliminating the second weekly trash pickup day.  Once-A-Week Collection creates savings without increasing fees on residents and without cutting critical services like code enforcement, litter pickup, illegal dumping cleanups and blight removal.  The Overhaul also provides residents a free, wheeled trash cart and ensures better service from haulers. 

Who should I contact with additional questions?
DoE will feature detailed information on its website regarding the program at onceaweek.mypgc.us.  Residents are also asked to review the Trash Overhaul Program in its entirety by visiting the following link:  http://ow.ly/105OSp.  Information may also be obtained by contacting CountyClick at 3-1-1. 
 

COUNCIL BUDGET PROCESS 101
(Prince George's County Budget Fiscal Year 2017)


During April and May, County Council committees and staff review the Proposed Operating Budget and Proposed Capital Budget and Program wit h Office of Management and Budget staff and departmental representatives. The Cou nty Council is required to hold two public hearings on the Proposed Operating Budget and the Proposed Capital Budget and Program. The Council, sitting as the Committee of the Whole, completes a review of the Proposed Operating and Proposed Capital Budget and Program by mid-May.  The Council must approve and enact the Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance on or before June 1

Subsequently, the Council submits the enacted Ordinance to the County Executive for signature.  The Operating Budget and Capital Budget and Program take effect on July 1, the first day of the new Fiscal Year.  Citizens are encouraged to be engaged and an active participant by a ttending scheduled  public hearings and committee work sessions which  are open to the public and livestreamed at the following weblink: http://ow.ly/hDvt300l4oh.  Agendas, detailing the scheduled agencies for each of the meetings, are generally posted one-week in advance at the following weblink:  http://ow.ly/4n5pk0



   
 
#InCaseYouMissedIt  | The first edition of "Focus on the Future", the half-hour cable television program produced by the Prince George's County Council and hosted by Legislative Year 2016 Chairman Derrick Leon Davis (D) - District 6, aired on March 24, 2016.   Did you miss the premiere?  No worries!  You can catch the reair of each episode on public access channels Comcast 76 and Verizon 42.  The program also airs on government access channels Comcast 70 and Verizon 41 on Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.; Fridays at 1:30  and 6:30 p.m. 

During the premiere episode, Council Chairman Davis chats with Eric C. Brown, Prince George's County Director of Housing and Community Development on the Council's Comprehensive Housing Policy initiative, how stakeholders are working together to meet the County's current and future housing needs.

Programming schedules can be found by visiting 
Prince George's Community Television's website for its programming schedule:  http://www.pgctv.org/.


ENERGY ASSISTANCE SERVICES AVAILABLE


Increase Your Home's Energy Efficiency through
the Be SMART Home Loan Program
 
The Be SMART Home Loan Program  offers innovative financing to improve home energy efficiency through replacement and upgrading of appliances, heating,
cooling and ventilation systems and whole house envelope improvements across the state.  These changes are intended to save the homeowner money, increase the safety and comfort of the home, and add value to the home.  Home owners may choose their weatherization and energy efficiency professionals from a list of eligible providers whose qualifications have been reviewed by The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.

For more information, visit the  Be SMART Home Loan Program website ( http://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/besmart/default.aspx ), or contact 
the program via telephone ( (301)429-7402), or email at  BeSmartHome.dhcd@maryland.gov .


Mary's Center Energy Assistance Program 
Available to Prince George's County Residents

 

Mary's Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center founded in 1988 that provides comprehensive health care, education, and social services to individuals whose needs too often go unmet by the public and private systems, was awarded $80,000 from the PHI Community Foundation (a separate entity of Pepco Holdings, Inc.) to launch an Energy Assistance Program for Prince George's County residents in need of assistance with their gas or electric bills.

Program Eligibility
  • Must reside in Prince George's County, Maryland;
  • Total household income falls below poverty level;
  • Be at risk for disconnect from your gas or electric bill;
  • Experiencing financial hardship due to a documented emergency.

How to Apply
Applications are ONLY accepted in person and by appointment ONLY. Any mailed, faxed, or e-mailed paperwork WILL NOT be accepted.  To obtain an application and to schedule an appointment, call (202) 545-2024. 
YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Council Chairman Davis Recognizes
National Autism Awareness Month


Awareness | Action | Inclusion  Acceptance | Appreciation

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development.  These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors. With the May 2013 publication of the  DSM-5 diagnostic manual, all autism disorders were merged into one umbrella diagnosis of ASD. Previously, they were recognized as distinct subtypes, including autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.
 
ASD can be associated with intellectual disability, difficulties in motor coordination and attention and physical health issues such as sleep and gastrointestinal disturbances.  Some persons with ASD excel in visual skills, music, math and art.   Autism appears to have its roots in very early brain development. However, the most obvious signs of autism and symptoms of autism tend to emerge between 2 and 3 years of age.  Autism Speaks continues to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis, as early intervention with proven behavioral therapies can improve outcomes.  Increasing autism awareness is a key aspect of this work and one in which families and volunteers play an invaluable role.

There is no known single cause of autism, nor do children "outgrow" autism.  However, increased awareness and early diagnosis/intervention and access to appropriate services/supports lead to significantly improved outcomes.    For more information on developmental milestones, visit the CDC's Know the Signs. Act Early 
site.
  
Get involved and make a difference!

Information provided by Autism Speaks, Inc. and the Autism Society.
 
Proclamation Presentations
(National Autism Awareness Month )

In honor recognition of Autism Awareness Month, Prince George's County Council Chairman Derrick Leon Davis honored three individuals who have dedicated their lives to advocacy work around Autism awareness.  Proclamations were presented to:
  • Stacy Brogsdale, Executive Director, Prince George's Community Resources (PGCR) and Community Outreach Ambassador for Autism Speaks of the National Capitol Area
  • Daisy Cherry Maggett, District 6 community leader and Director of Fundraising, D.C. Autism Society of America.
  • Shawn Yancy, News Anchor for WTTG-TV, FOX 5 News (Washington, D.C.)
Through their tireless efforts, our community is charged with the knowledge to  dispel the myths and stigmas around Autism and increase awareness throughout Prince George's County.
 
Photos courtesy of the Prince George's County Council.
Summertime Fun is It's Way!
MNCPPC Summer Day Camps 2016

Summer is a time to have fun with friends, explore the world and try new activities!

M-NCPPC's Department of Parks and Recreation offers you plenty of summer options.   Looking for information about fun and affordable recreational activities, classes, and events?  There are many options listed in the 2016 M-NCPPC Summer Guide!
 
Choose from more than 670 camp sessions throughout Prince George's County. Summer Camps are structured, full-day and half-day camps.  The variety of camps offered include general recreation Explorer Camps that feature arts & crafts, sports and swimming, and innovative specialty camps that feature nature, visual and performing arts, computers, sports, science and more!  

Browse "Your Guide" to learn more about what's happening in the county this Summer. 
This interactive e-zine will allow you to click on an event or class you're interested in and register online!  Get your copy today: http://ow.ly/108cSF!

Summertime Learning with PGCPS
2016 PGCPS Summer Programs Guide



The 2016 Summer Programs Guide is now available on the Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) website.  Summer programs offer eligible students in all grade levels the opportunity for acceleration, enrichment, credit recovery, and original credit.
 
This year PGCPS has four new summer program offerings:
  • PreKindergarten School Readiness 
  • Spanish Immersion Summer Camp
  • College Preparation Boot Camp  
  • M-NCPPC Therapeutic Programs @ Camp Schmidt 

For more information on summer programs, registration dates  and for updates to the summer guide , visit the Summer School webpage at http://www1.pgcps.org/summerschool/ or call 301-808-1124.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs!



Dave & Buster's

Dave & Buster's is currently hiring for the Ritchie Station Marketplace location in Capitol Heights, MD.  Over 350 job positions have been filled, with more to be hired as business grows.
 
All interested candidates are encouraged to visit https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/ to apply.   Please enter in job order no. "480277" to obtain a full job listing and to follow step by step instructions listed on how to apply online.
 
Q & AC Cleaning Services

Q & AC- Cleaning Services is hiring for part time custodial positions in several local and shifts.

For more information and details, please visit https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/.

Ottenberg's Bakery

Ottenberg's Bakery is currently recruiting for the following positions:
  • Shipping Picker/Clerk (Job Number: 455688)
  • Accounts Development Manager (Job Number: 465615)

*All candidates must be able to pass drug and background check.

*Excellent benefits, salary is very competitive and will be discussed with qualified candidates.
* All resumes must be pre-screened and forwarded to Teresa Dent at teresa.dent@maryland.gov.

To hear more about this and other job opportunities, please contact Jeffrey Swilley at (301) 618-8400 or jswilley@co.pg.md.us.  You may also visit http://mwejobs.maryland.gov for additional information.

 




Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation's Workforce Services Division
provides workforce intelligence and solutions for the job seeker and business customer. The WSD mission is to contribute to the economic vitality of Prince George's County by providing a demand driven system that delivers qualified workers to businesses while providing job seekers with opportunities for careers in high demand/high growth industries.

To inquire about job opportunities and job seeker services, please contact EDC's Workforce Division at (301)583-4650 or visit http://www.pgcedc.com/workforce-services.

EDUCATION MATTERS
Training Programs and Scholarship Resources

Financial Aid Available for State Students

Attention Maryland High School Seniors and College Students!
 Did you know that you may be eligible to receive state funding for college?  The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC)   is the State of Maryland's higher education coordinating board responsible for establishing statewide policies for Maryland public and private colleges and universities and for-profit career schools.  MHEC also administers state financial aid programs that affect students on a statewide basis.

The State has an extensive array of financial aid programs in the form of grants, scholarships and other awards for students who want to further their education beyond high school.   Maryland Delegate and Senatorial Scholarship Awards are available to all degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students attending a two-year or four-year Maryland college or university.  If you do not know how to contact your state senator or delegates, go to  www.mdelect.net or visit the Maryland Higher Education Commission financial aid resource page to obtain contact information for your County Board of Supervisors of Elections.


2015 Apartment and Office Building 
Association of Metropolitan Washington's 2015 Scholarship Program
 
Sponsored by the Apartment and Office Building  Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA), the  Scholarship Program offers graduates of Prince George's  County high schools paid tuition to Prince George's Community College, a two-year scholarship worth $6,000.

AOBA Scholars participate in a successful academic and career preparation program with special emphasis on
leadership and community service. They also have an opportunity to interact with professionals in the apartment
and office building industry as well as college staff through summer internships, leadership seminars, mentoring
programs, and academic and career counseling.

For eligibility requirements and to access the scholarship application, please visit the following website: http://ow.ly/WD733003o5E.

The deadline to submit this scholarship application is June 10, 2016!



Online Portal Service to Provide
Financial Aid Resources for Minority Students

Historically, minority students have faced  confounding 
factors  leading to difficulties entering and finishing college.  Disparities in wealth, health and  parental education, among others, make it challenging to afford high cost tuition.   A lack of higher education inhibits a student's ability to become competitive in the job market, lowering their chances of earning higher wages and moving into higher socioeconomic statuses.  Fortunately, there  are resources and scholarships designed specifically to help minority students earn degrees. 

With the need for additional aid growing,  scholarships and funding for traditionally underrepresented groups may not be as easy to find; minority students might not know of the existence of these resources.  Online College, the online portal service for online education, built a scholarship and financial aid guide to act as a hub for significant scholarship and other unique opportunities available today for minority students. Each resource includes key information, application dates and the eligibility requirements for online programs.  To access the financial aid & scholarships for minority students listing, please visit the following weblink: http://www.onlinecolleges.net/for-students/financial-aid-minorities/.
 
Community News & Events/Programs


Nat Adderley, Jr. in Concert: June 4, 2016
  
Join the FAME Jazz Band and artistic director for its inaugural cohort concert!

WHEN:
Saturday, June 4, 2016
6:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
University of Maryland School of Music
Clarice Smith Performance Arts Center
The Band Room, #2540
College Park, Maryland 20742-1620

TICKET COST:
$25

Tickets are now on sale!  For ticket purchases and additional information, please visit www.famejazzband.org
News and Upcoming Events from 
the Lake Arbor Foundation

Lake Arbor Community Day (6/11/2016)
Join the Lake Arbor Community Foundation for
its annual Lake Arbor Community Day!  join the community for a day of fun for everyone including:
  • Adult Activities
  • An Exciting All Day Entertainment Line-up
  • Health Exhibits and Other Exhibits
  • Food Vendors
  • Retail Vendors
  • Door Prizes
In addition, the swimming pool will be open-free of charge, and as is the tradition of the Community Day, the day will end with fireworks at dusk.
 
DATE:
Saturday, June 11, 2016
12:00pm - 9:00pm
 
WHERE
Lake Arbor Foundation Center
Dean Room and Herman L. Murrell Pavilion
1399 Golf Course Drive
Mitchellville, Maryland 20721
 
For more information, please visit the official Lake Arbor Community Day webpage at http://www.lakearborfoundationinc.org/lake-arbor-community-day.html.


Lake Arbor Foundation Summer 

Looking for summertime recreational options for your young ones? The Lake Arbor Foundation, Inc., is hosting a Summer Enrichment Camp to take place from June 20, 2016 through August 12, 2016.   The LASEC curriculum, which is child-centered and designed to rekindle, sustain and awaken positive learning attitudes in children ages 6 to 12, remains at the core of each of our four bi-weekly sessions. Campers spend a summer engaged in recreational kinesthetics, academics, and social learning activities.

To learn more information about the Foundation's summer enrichment camp, please visit the following link: 
http://www.lakearborfoundationinc.org/summer-enrichment-camp.html.  You may also access the registration form at the following website: 
http://www.lakearborfoundationinc.org/files/112591314.pdf .

  

Vendor booths and event tickets are now on sale!

For event and ticket information, please visit www.lakearborjazz.com.



CONNECT WITH US!!!



Nellvenia W. Johnson
Chief of Staff/Legislative Aide

Sasha E. Desrouleaux
Citizens Services Specialist

Rita D. Lassiter
Citizens Services Specialist

Lenne' D. White
Office Manager/ Administrative Aide


You are receiving this email as a resident/supporter of Council Chairman
Derrick Leon Davis, Prince George's County Council District 6.   District 6 includes the areas of
City of District Heights, Forestville, Kettering, Largo, Mitchellville and the unincorporated areas of Bowie, Capitol Heights and Upper Marlboro.

If you have received this email in error or are interested in signing up for the email update, please send an email to councilmember6@co.pg.md.us.

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