Town of Bladensburg
Weekly Update
July 22, 2021
Table of Contents | Orden de Información
Town of Bladensburg Updates


Prince George's County Updates


Additional Resources

Town of Bladensburg Updates
NEW! Bladensburg Upcoming Elections
Candidate Filing Packages Available at Town Hall
By authority of the Board of Supervisors of Elections, starting this Monday, July 26, 2021, Candidate Filing Packages for the upcoming Town election will be available at Town Hall. Residents interested in seeking any of the three offices need to file specific forms to be certified as candidates for the Town election on October 4, 2021. Forms are to be filed at Town Hall by the deadline of August 20, 2021 at 5:00 P.M.

Seats up for Election:
  • Mayor
  • WARD I Council Member
  • WARD II Council Member

Important Dates and Deadlines:
  • August 20, 2021 - Candidate filing deadline
  • September 4, 2021 - Last day to register to vote
  • October 4, 2021 - Election Day, 7AM to 8PM


NEW! Elizabeth Seton High School is Awarded $250,000
Led by Senate sponsor Augustine, a $250,000 bond has been awarded to Elizabeth Seton High School (ESHS). Located at 5715 Emerson St, Bladensburg, MD 20710, ESHS will use this grant to invest in improving their cafeteria. The primary purpose of the project is to transform the cafeteria into an efficient, energy-saving, healthy environmental space that will improve the well-being of all those who gather for socialization, eating and community building. The secondary purpose is to advance the learning of minority students in Seton's STEM program who have collaborated with a local minority architect to develop the construction drawings for this project.

ESHS has raised $688,054 in fundraising and $5,000 through in-kind contributions. With this $250,000 grant, total funding of this project will be $943,054.To learn more about the project, click here.


NEW! Bladensburg Community Center KABOOM! Playground
In partnership with KABOOM!, the Bladensburg Community Center is getting a new playground! The project will be kicked off at Design Day, where a KABOOM! Community Engagement Manager will lead an interactive meeting for adults and kids to share their ideas! For more information on how to RSVP for a session, click here.

If you are unable to attend a Design Day session, complete this brief design survey here.


National Night Out 2021
Join the Bladensburg Police Department for a night of fun at its 2021 National Night Out event! National Night Out was designed to bring the community together to increase awareness surrounding safety and crime prevention; to support locally based businesses, groups and organizations; and to strengthen relationships amongst community members and their local police department. 
 
The event will include:
  • Police vehicles on display
  • MD National Park Police horses
  • McGruff the Crime Dog
  • Child ID Kits & Fingerprinting
  • Moon Bounce
  • Face Painting
  • Games & Prizes
  • Food & Ice Cream
  • Live Music & much more!
 
When:
Tuesday, August 3, 2021,
from 6-9PM

Where:
4910 Tilden Road,
Bladensburg, MD 20710

For more information, email communityservices@bladensburgmd.gov.

 

Grab N' Go Food Distribution Ended
The Town of Bladensburg held its final Grab N' Go Distribution on Thursday, June 23, 2021. Residents who may still need assistance, please refer to the Bladensburg Community Center a offers supper Monday-Friday from 2:30 - 4:30 PM PM. For more information, call (301) 277-2124.

Location:
4500 57th Avenue,
Bladensburg, MD 20710



Spray Season Announcement
This is to notify you that the Town of Bladensburg scheduled spray night is THURSDAY. Spray season begins on May 26th and is anticipated to end September 28th. On your scheduled spray night, spraying will begin after dark and may continue until midnight or later. We do not conduct spray activity during daylight hours. If you see a truck in your community spraying during the day, it is not the State of Maryland.  

Spraying will commence as soon as it is dark. As a precaution, we advise residents to stay inside their homes and close their windows while the spray truck is in the vicinity, bring in any pets, and remain in the home for 20-30 minutes until after the spray truck has passed by. If there are people outside when the truck passes by, no spray will be released, and the truck will not make another pass down that street. 

The spray schedule will rotate every 3 weeks. This means that your community may or may not be sprayed every 3 weeks. The frequency will be determined by surveillance data collected, and complaints received.



Recycling Information
NOTICE: All recycling containers must contain loose plastic, cardboard, or paper. This is a Prince George's County guideline that vehicles housing recyclable waste must abide by.

Containers can NOT contain any type of trash/plastic bags for collections.

Any recycling bins containing these bags will be considered contaminated, and will NOT be collected.

Prince George's County Updates
NEW! Stand Up & Deliver Program
Through our Stand Up & Deliver program, Prince George’s County will be distributing groceries to go this Friday, July 23 at 12:30 PM and Saturday, July 24 at 10:00 AM. For more information, click here.


NEW! Prince George’s County Olympian PEP Rally
Prince Georgians know that “greatness grows here,” and with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, we invite you to join us at a pep rally at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park to show your Prince George’s Pride! The pep rally will be held Friday, July 23, at 4:00 PM, celebrating the three hometown TEAM USA athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics: Frances Tiafoe, Kevin Durant, and Jerami Grant.

Wanda Durant, mom of Kevin Durant and “The Real MVP,” will serve as emcee. The event will feature music, food, and prizes. Former NFL player Kyle Arrington and other prominent athletes and their families will also be in attendance. We hope you will join us!


NEW! County Business Update Webinar: Sustainability & Innovation
The County Economic Development Corporation will host another County Business Webinar Update on Friday, July 23, at 9:30 AM. Interested business owners and leaders can register here.


NEW! Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive
The “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive is back! The Department of Public Works and Transportation will be accepting school supply donations until Monday, August 16, 2021 at two locations. Supplies will be collected weekly, Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm at 9400 Peppercorn Pl. in Largo and from 10 am to 1 pm at the Oxon Hill Park and Ride. Click here for the event flyer.


COVID-19 Vaccine Information
Mobile vaccination clinics at select high schools for PGCPS students age 12+ begin today at 1:30 PM. Check out the full schedule of dates and locations here: https://www.pgcps.org/coronavirus/pgcps-vaccination-plan

The Governor announced the new #VaxU Scholarship Promotion to provide $1 million in college scholarships to Marylanders ages 12 to 17 who get vaccinated. Drawings will start July 12, and any Maryland resident that has been vaccinated or gets vaccinated in Maryland is eligible to win. For more information, visit: https://mhec.maryland.gov/.../vaxU-scholarship-promotion...

Click here to view a recording of the 6/10/2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Team Briefing.

Did you know there are multiple public transit options to reach vaccination sites in the County, several of which are free? The new Vaccination Transportation Hotline can help residents secure transportation for several of these options. Just call 301-499-8557.

The County Health Department’s COVID-19 vaccination clinics are now open registration. Those who live or work in Prince George’s County can now schedule first-dose appointments directly, no pre-registration is required. Second-dose appointments are scheduled during your first appointment. Visit https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/.../COVID-19... to schedule an appointment online. Those who have trouble accessing the Internet can call 311 and press #.

Our Health Department clinics aren’t the only places to get vaccinated! You can receive your vaccine at a State site or local pharmacy. Getting vaccinated will protect you and your loved ones, and help us get back to normal.

The FEMA Community Vaccination Center at Greenbelt Metro Station is now able to accommodate walk-ups based on availability of extra doses. The hours recommended for walk-ups at the Greenbelt vaccination center are:

  • Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday and Thursday, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can also still register for scheduled appointments through the State at https://onestop.md.gov/preregistration or 1-855-634-6829.


Prince George's County Reopening's
The Department of Parks and Recreation is pleased to reopen five senior activity centers for people ages 60 and better. The senior activity centers offer special events, trips, classes, health programs, information, and referrals. To learn more, visit https://pgparks.com/185/Parks-Recreation.

The Prince George’s County American Job Center in Largo is now open by appointment only, with intake and resource rooms open at full capacity. Safety measures have been implemented to accommodate walk-ups so they can continue to connect employers with job seekers in Prince George’s County. All workshops will be remote/virtual. Partners are encouraged to submit staffing plans to the Center Operator. For more information, call (301) 618-8445 or visit https://pgcajc.com.

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: http://pgparks.com/1398/Picnic-Shelters

The Prince George's County Memorial Library System will begin Phase 3 reopening on Monday, June 14. During Phase 3, libraries will be open to the public for full browsing, with computer use and curbside service by appointment. More information: https://pgcmls.info/reopening


Creating Resilient Communities: A Webinar Series
The Office of Homeland Security/Office of Emergency Management is pleased to present “Creating Resilient Communities: A Webinar Series!” This webinar series will provide you with information and resources on how best to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters within your home and community. Each webinar is free and open to the whole community – individuals and families, volunteers, community and faith-based organizations, local businesses, as well as government and private sector entities. The first webinar is on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 7 pm and will provide you with the tools and resources to properly prepare for disaster. Register to attend today at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../creating-resilient...


Summer Activities

Recreation Without Walls Program
The Department of Parks & Recreation has launched the Recreation Without Walls program, providing new, safe, quality outdoor programs for youth and teens. All programs are free, but some require registration in advance. Learn more at: https://www.mncppc.org/5129/Recreation-without-Walls


Summer Passport Experience
Registration is now open for the Alsobrooks Summer Passport Experience! We have a number of fun and educational activities for young people ages 12-18 all summer long. Register today before program slots fill up!

View Program Calendar: http://bit.ly/ASPEProgramCalendar
Register Here: http://bit.ly/PGCASPE2021


FREE Concerts and Movies
Check out the lineup for the free Summer Concerts and Movies Series at Watkins Regional Park from the Department of Parks & Recreation. Residents can register here: https://pgparksdirect.com


Tails and Tales: Summer @ Your Library
Summer @ Your Library is in full swing! Register at pgcmls.info/summeratyourlibrary to earn badges and prizes, including free Nationals tickets. All you have to do is read, attend a library event, use the online library, or watch a Nationals game to earn points.


PAL Martial Arts Free Self Defense Courses
Another great summer opportunity for youth through PGC PAL. Learn more and register online at: https://www.pgcpal.org/palmartialarts


Parks & Recreations Summer Programs
Registration is already underway for many summer programs through the 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: http://www.pgparks.com/629/Day-Camps-Summer-Playgrounds


Parks & Recreations Your 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 Spring Guide to learn more and register for programs: bit.ly/3dmf9aC


Yoga In 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: https://web1.myvscloud.com/wbwsc/mdpgparkswt.wsc/splash.html



COVID-19 Assistance and Resources

Child Tax Credit
Did you know that President Biden’s American Rescue Plan increased the amount of the 2021 Child Tax Credit to support families with children? Visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to learn more.


Maryland Public Service Commission Announcement
The Maryland Public Service Commission has announced $83 million in funding to help residents across the State cover past-due utility bills. Those who qualify for funding will not need to take any action. Learn more here: bit.ly/3cJEvzw


Inquire Within Coaching Services
“Inquire Within Coaching Services” helps residents get back to center so they can get back to work. Workshops are held on Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., Thursdays at 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Learn more and register today at www.heycoachmauri.com/ajc.


Restaurant Assistance Grant
The Economic Development Corporation is now accepting applications for the Restaurant Assistance Grant program. This program provides $12,000 grants to support Prince George’s County-based restaurants and food establishments. Learn more and apply: https://www.pgcedc.com/restaurantassistance


FEMA Funeral Assistance
The FEMA Funeral Assistance Program can help you cover the burial and funeral costs of a loved one who passed due to COVID-19. Applications are open and you can apply by calling 1-844-684-6333. Learn about requirements: https://www.fema.gov/.../coro.../economic/funeral-assistance


Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program opened, March 4. Landlords may apply on behalf of tenants experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Tenants may also apply directly if their landlord will not apply for funding on their behalf. To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/.../Emergency...


Fuel Fund of Maryland
The Fuel Fund of Maryland may be able to help income eligible residents with fuel bills. Learn about the fund and find out if you might be eligible by visiting: https://fuelfundmaryland.org/


Maryland SNAP Hotline
The Homeless Persons Representation Project (HPRP) has launched a hotline to provide free legal help for Maryland families in order to get and keep their SNAP benefits. Call 1-800-613-2518 to learn more and access help.


Community Legal Services Tenant Resources
Are you a tenant in need of legal representation? Do you have questions about evictions during COVID-19, what protections are in place, and how they may or may not impact you? Community Legal Services of Prince George’s County has resources to assist.

Click here for the representation and resource documentation.
Prince George's County
Nonprofit Relief Fund
Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced today the Strategic Partnership Nonprofit Relief Fund to assist nonprofit organizations that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new relief fund provides an appropriation of $3 million to assist non-profit organizations that have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and other circumstances.
 
“We are Prince George’s Proud to announce a new resource available to our nonprofit organizations here in the County who have been impacted by COVID-19,” said Alsobrooks. “Full recovery from this pandemic includes relief for organizations who have played an integral role in providing services for those in need throughout the pandemic. The Strategic Partnership Relief Fund provides a path forward for our nonprofits, preserves healthy communities, and will ensure greatness continues to grow in Prince George’s County.”
 
The Strategic Partnership Nonprofit Relief Fund will provide up to $100,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations located in Prince George’s County. Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for funds through the Strategic Partnership Nonprofit Relief Fund Application beginning July 7, 2021. The application period will be open until July 30, 2021. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
 
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nonprofit organization physical location must be in Prince George’s County.
  • Must have a service address in Prince George’s County.
  • Must be a 501c3 or 501c4 nonprofit organization.
  • Must be in “good standing” with the State of Maryland.
  • Not be in bankruptcy or litigation.
  • Have incurred financial losses caused directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Only one proposal per organization will be accepted per fiscal year. Prior to submission of applications, organizations can confirm evidence of good standing by using the State Department of Assessments & Taxation (SDAT)’s free search link at https://egov.maryland.gov/BusinessExpress/EntitySearch.
Required Documents:

Recipients of a grant will be notified via the email provided on the application. Applicants will certify at the end of the application that all information provided is accurate and true. Grant recipients, and the dollar amount of the grant received, are public information. Awards must be spent by December 31, 2021.

For more information and general questions about the grant application email PGCNonprofits@co.pg.md.us.
OPC Alert -
Emergency Broadband Benefit
Eligible households can now apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB). 

The program, which is temporary, provides eligible consumers a discount up to $50 a month off the cost of broadband service and associated equipment rentals. All eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the cost of a laptop, desktop or tablet computer purchased from a participating broadband provider, subject to a modest copay requirement. The EBB Program will conclude when the fund is expended or six months after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, whichever occurs first. A link to the Public Notice and related materials can be found here.

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
  • Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
  • Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.
 
Households can apply in three ways:
  •  Contact your preferred participating broadband provider to learn about its application process. A list of participating broadband providers can be found here.
  • Go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org to apply online and to find participating providers near you.
  • Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application, and return it along with proof of eligibility to:

Emergency Broadband Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742 

The FCC hosted a webinar that provided an overview of the benefit, eligibility criteria, how to apply, and the FCC’s partner toolkit materials. A recording is available here. Materials that partners can use to help promote the Emergency Broadband Benefit to the communities they serve are available here. General information about the EBB Program can be found here.
WSSC Water Financial
Assistance Resources
Customers can make arrangements to significantly reduce their WSSC water bills. Click here to view the program flyer in English and Spanish.

To learn more about WSSC Water’s customer financial assistance programs, visit: www.wsscwater.com/assistance.

For information in Spanish, www.wsscwater.com/asistencia.
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