Dear Friends,
I have included information for you about increased access to the COVID-19 vaccine, a deadline for public comments on the SCMaglev high speed train, summer programs for youth and families, a Memorial Day flag event and the Prince George’s County Library reopening guidelines.
To those of you celebrating Mother’s Day I wish you a happy and restful day. Please reach out to me with any questions and thank you for your support and engagement during this most trying year.
Sincerely,
Geraldine
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
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COVID 19 Vaccine Expansion and Access |
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In Prince George's County, Maryland and across the entire country, all individuals age 16+ are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccine Hunter Hotline
The Prince George's County Memorial Library System has launched a Vaccine Hunter Hotline to assist residents in English and Spanish. Call 240-392-3622 Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. for assistance.
Walk-Up Vaccines Available
Walk up Vaccines are available with no appointments at numerous mass vaccination sites around the state including Navy Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, M & T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Greenbelt Metro Station, and the Baltimore Convention Center.
Please visit this website for a list of the locations of no appointment mass vaccination sites
Direct Phone Registration
The fastest way to get through a mass vaccination site and be guaranteed a vaccine is by pre-registering at covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MD-GOVAX.
Other Online Registration
You can also pre-register or make an appointment online with the State of Maryland, Prince George’s County or Luminis Health:
Bowie Senior Center Vaccine Site
The Bowie Senior Center continues to offer vaccines to all residents over the age of 16 by appointment. The registration page is linked here. If you're a senior and online registration is a challenge, feel welcome to also call 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829) for assistance registering at a state vaccination site.
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SCMaglev
Public Comment Period
Ends May 24, 2021
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As many of you know, a transportation project to build the SCMaglev is under consideration for local construction. The SCMaglev sponsors propose to build this high speed train, using super magnetic conductor technology (MAGLEV), which will span 40 miles from Baltimore to Washington. Those that live in South Laurel need to seriously review the proposed route and impact on surrounding neighborhoods. The deadline for the PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD on the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) has been extended to Monday, May 24, 2021.
It is important for all residents to understand the immense impact of this project and share this information with neighbors, HOAs and community associations who may be interested.
Please submit your public comments about the DEIS and take note that there is a “NO BUILD ALTERNATIVE”. Submit your public comments about the DEIS online here.
Though this project has been under consideration for five years, the degree of the impact was not completely understood until the DEIS release in January of this year. While the entire DEIS is very long, the maps in the appendices tell us about the negative impact on our local communities. Please take the time to read the DEIS at this link and use the drop-down menu near the top of the page to view and/or download the various sections of the statement. The appendices are available in a separate drop-down menu.
In addition to the environmental impact, human health concerns, economic fairness issues, and noise and vibration concerns, there are also significant safety issues. You may also find additional information and other ways to make your views known to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and elected officials at the Maryland Coalition for Responsible Transit (MCRT).
As background, this high speed train was initiated by a group of private equity firms and global corporations in a coalition called the BWRR (Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail). BWRR obtained an initial taxpayer funded grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to study the maglev feasibility and environmental impact. The resulting Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) was released in January of 2021. The project sponsors have already accessed federal funds to initiate the DEIS and have also indicated that they will seek further federal money to build, placing this project in direct competition for public mass transit and this raises significant equity and economic concerns. SCMaglev fares are proposed to be as much as $79 each way. There is no scheduled stop for passenger loading in Prince George’s County.
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Prince George’s County Summer Programs
for Youth and Families
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Sign Up Now: Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation
Registration is already underway for many summer programs through the Prince George’s County Department of Parks & Recreation, with both virtual and in-person opportunities available. Learn more about these opportunities and view the 2021 Summer Day Camp Brochure here or via social media.
Parks & Recreation Spring/May Guide
The Department of Parks & Recreation has a number of programs and activities taking place throughout this month, and there is still time to register for many of these opportunities. Check out the official
Yoga in the Parks
Yoga in the Parks is officially underway through the Department of Parks & Recreation. Check out the upcoming schedule for this month and register for free classes online here.
Picnic Shelters Reopening
Need a fun outdoor activity for the family? Select picnic shelters have reopened in parks across the County. Learn more and reserve a picnic shelter today.
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The City is planning an inspiring display of United States flags which will fly in a solemn formation at Sussex Lane Park from 7 p.m., Friday, May 28 (Memorial Day weekend) through Sunday, June 6, 2021. This patriotic tribute will honor fellow Americans who have lost their lives in service to our country, from terrorist attacks and from the COVID pandemic.
The display will also honor active duty and retired military who have served our country and first responders who have risked their lives to save others.
Flags can be purchased and dedicated in honor of loved ones for $30 each. Beginning Tuesday, June 8, dedicated flags can be picked up at City Hall, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Depending on COVID restrictions, either a virtual or in-person program will launch the commemorative week at 7 p.m., Friday, May 28. For more information, please visit here.
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Prince George’s County Library
Limited Branch Services Resume
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The Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has resumed limited branch services at select locations as part of Phase 2 of the Library's reopening. Customers may book an appointment for Phase 2 services (computer reservations, limited display browsing, and curbside service) online up to 7 days in advance. Participating branches are Bowie, Laurel, New Carrollton, Oxon Hill, South Bowie, and Spaulding. Visit for more information and to book an appointment.
Effective April 28, the Library's new hours will be Tuesday 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM, Wednesday 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Thursday-Friday 1:00 – 6:00 PM, Saturday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
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By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer |
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