Archive for category: News/Events

2017 Capitol Heights Day Parade

 

It was wonderful to join the great residents of the Town of Capitol Heights on June 10th at your 2017 Capitol Heights Day Parade and Festival.  Blessed with nice weather, we all had an incredible time celebrating your historic community with hundreds of residents.  Thank you to all of the parade and festival participants, Capitol Heights officials, public safety officers, and Capitol Heights neighbors for this incredible day.  Thank you, Capitol Heights!

#capitolheightsstrong

#jobsfirst

#princegeorgesrising

Learn more about the history of Capitol Heights from the Park and Planning Commission here: https://tinyurl.com/Capitolheightshistory

Connect with the Town of Capitol Heights’ facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Town-of-Capitol-Heights-MD-259339147501086/

Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 27, 2017, 3PM-6PM, Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772: Please stay tuned for more details about this annual countywide festival.

 

For more info, go to

Website: www.melfranklin.net/news/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/friendsofmelfranklin

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melrfranklin

 

Prince George’s Rising – June 17, 2017

An Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

June 17, 2017 | Volume 3, Issue 5

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 on the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last several years, including two years as Chairman, 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 and putting Jobs First. For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net/news/ or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

 

What is the Jobs First! Philosophy?

The Jobs First! philosophy is the principle that “When we buy local, hire local, invest local, and bank local, especially with our small, minority and woman owned businesses, we create the ‘Prince George’s Multiplier Effect’ that creates jobs, generational wealth, and a larger tax base to fund critical priorities, like education, public safety, and transportation.”  But this concept will not happen by accident, it will require a movement.  Over the next several months, we will engage in a great conversation about how we make the Jobs First! philosophy more of a reality in our county.  When we put Jobs First!, we put “opportunity first” in Prince George’s County.

#jobsfirst

#princegeorgesrising

Related Item  “Council Approves Public Financing/Land for New Hospital, Councilman Urges Use of Local Businesses/Hiring”: https://www.melfranklin.net/councilman-mel-franklin-urges-use-of-local-businesses-and-local-hiring-in-development-of-new-regional-medical-center/

 

Help the Police Reduce Thefts from Automobiles in the County

Important tips from Police Officer First Class (PFC) Donald McGuigan from Prince George’s County Police Department:https://www.melfranklin.net/pr-georges-police-offer-tips-to-reduce-thefts-from-automobiles-in-the-county/

 

Prince George’s County Residents Express Strong Desire to Return to Twice-A-Week Trash Service in Survey

Last week, I released the full results of a 45-day countywide, online survey gauging the satisfaction of county residents with last year’s change from twice to once-a-week county trash removal service. A large majority, 74.4% of the 2,011 county residents who responded to the survey, expressed disapproval of the change in service and desire to return to twice-a-week service, while only 25.6% expressed support for the change.

For full survey results, go here: https://www.melfranklin.net/full-release-of-results-of-councilman-mel-franklins-45-day-survey-on-once-a-week-trash-service-in-prince-georges-county/

 

Congratulations to Prince George’s County Native Kevin Durant on Winning the 2016-17 NBA Title

“We are tremendously proud of Seat Pleasant’s own Kevin Durant for his incredible character and the outstanding example he has become for youth around the world, especially here in his home county.  Prince George’s County congratulates Kevin Durant on an epic performance in the 2017 NBA Finals, winning the title and Finals MVP.  Kevin’s post-game ‘shout out’ to his hometown and county was a special moment that county residents will always appreciate and remember.  We also congratulate Kevin’s wonderful mother, Wanda Durant, who is a truly special lady and the driving force behind Kevin becoming the tremendous man he is today.  Thank you, Kevin, for being an incredible athlete and champion, but an even better human being.  Your county celebrates your wonderful achievements and we know that the best is yet to come.”

Full press release: https://www.melfranklin.net/prince-georges-county-congratulates-county-native-kevin-durant-on-winning-the-nba-title-and-finals-mvp/

 

Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 27, 2017: Please stay tuned for more details about our annual countywide festival.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

UMMS Hosts Local MBE Outreach Events for the Regional Medical Center – June 28, July 12

The University of Maryland Medical System will be hosting a Minority Business Enterprise networking fair for the construction of the new regional medical center in Largo, Maryland, An overview of the current project will be presented. The construction managers that will be bidding the project will also have booths for networking.

When: Wednesday June 28, 2017 and Thursday July 12, 2017

Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Where: 900A, Boulevard at the Capital Centre, Largo, MD, 20774

All interested parties are encouraged to attend this FREE meet and greet with Prospective Construction Management Bidders & learn more about the project and opportunities for Local/Minority Participation.  Please R S V P to Dawn Hall at dhall4@umm.edu.  Event flyer (with target industry areas) here: https://tinyurl.com/umms-lmbe-event

 

“She the People” Politics Summer Camp for Girls – June 26 Registration Deadline

For girls interested in political campaigns and the political process: https://smartlink.pgparks.com/smartlink/Activities/ActivitiesCourseDetails.asp?cid=331774

 

Prince George’s County American Job Center (One Stop Career Center) Hiring Opportunities

Every week, the Prince George’s County One Stop Career Center posts job opportunities for county residents.  Please go to https://www.facebook.com/PGMDOnestop/ and see the latest employment events for residents seeking opportunities.  The One Stop Career Center also provides “a variety of employment and support resources to assist job seekers in achieving their employment goals. Meet with consultants to discuss career exploration, referrals to training programs, résumé preparation, and workshops to enhance job seeking skills and work readiness. Access computers with Internet access, printers, photocopiers, fax machines, telephones, and a variety of job search resource materials.” For more info, go to: https://www.dllr.state.md.us/county/pg/

#jobsfirst

#hirelocal

 

UniverSoul Circus Coming to FedEx Field – Lot D Green – June 22 through July 23

Join these incredible performers for an amazing spectacle of skill, entertainment, and family fun right here in Prince George’s County.  For more info and tickets, go here: http://www.universoulcircus.com/dmv

 

PGCPS Offers Summer Meals to Youth in Low-Income Areas-June 19-August 24, Monday-Thursday

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) will sponsor the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides free meals to youth under age 18 in low-income areas. This includes siblings and other non-PGCPS students. Locations, dates, times and meal services are below. For more information, call 301-952-6580. Elementary School Sites (June 19-August 24 • Monday-Thursday), June 19-August 24, Monday-Thursday, Breakfast – 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Lunch – 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Click here for locations and full details: http://www.pgcps.org/Communications/Press-Releases/2016—2017/June/PGCPS-to-Offer-Summer-Meals/

 

A Celebration of Our Aviation History – Tuskegee Airman Herbert H. Jones, Jr.

From College Park Aviation Museum: “The Field of Firsts Foundation of the College Park Aviation Museum and The Black Pilots of America (BPA)-Herbert Jones, Jr. Chapter invite you to join us for A Celebration of Our Aviation History. This luncheon event is a fundraiser with all proceeds benefiting both the BPA’s Youth Programs and the Field of Firsts Foundation.  The program will feature guest speaker Army Captain Dina Elosiebo ( the first African-American female pilot in the DC National Guard), followed by the private screening of the pending documentary highlighting the 75-year aviation career of local aviation pioneer [Tuskegee Airman] Herbert H. Jones, Jr. produced by Academy Award nominated director Thavi Phrasavath.”

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2017, 11am – 2pm

Location: College Park Aviation Museum

For more information: http://www.collegeparkaviationmuseum.com/page70787.aspx

 

Health Care: A Moral Issue with Senator Chris Van Hollen and the Collective Empowerment Group, June 24th at Greater Mt. Nebo

“Join us on Saturday June 24, 2017 from 2:30PM until 4:30PM for a forum on the Affordable Care Act and the impact of changes to the community. Following the forum, the Kaiser Permanente Medical Mobile Van will be on site.” For full details, go here:https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/view_newsletter.aspx?id=129517&c=SenVanHollen

 

The Alice Ferguson Foundation Achieves “Living Building” Certification for New Environmental Education Center

The Alice Ferguson Foundation (AFF), a nonprofit in southern Prince George’s County that has provided environmental education to students for over 50 years and manages the Hard Bargain Farm in Accokeek, MD, received full “living building” certification of its new Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation Environmental Center under the Living Building Challenge by the International Living Future Institute (ILFI).  The AFF Cafritz Environmental Center is among only 13 buildings in the world to achieve full Living Building Challenge certification, the highest environmental performance standard for buildings in the world.

Full press release here: https://www.melfranklin.net/statement-of-councilman-mel-franklin-on-alice-ferguson-foundations-living-building-certification/

Related item AFF hosts “Pinot on the Potomac” on June 24: http://mailchi.mp/fergusonfoundation/get-your-tickets-today-for-pinot-on-the-potomac-978697?e=4fb13944d5

 

Explore Prince George’s County’s History

The Prince George’s African-American Museum & Cultural Center at North Brentwood

From PGAAMCC: The Prince George’s African-American Museum & Cultural Center recognizes “the diversity of experience of the African American community and aim to reflect the broad spectrum of social and cultural activities of this community. We cherish our traditions and believe that our past should inform our future, and that bringing together diverse groups of people can create new approaches to cultural understanding.”

For more great info, go here: http://www.pgaamcc.org/

Prince George’s County Natural and Historical Resources Division Sites & Museums

From the Parks and Recreation Department: “The Natural and Historical Resources Division has historic sites and museums to interest anyone that is looking for information and experiences in archaeology; African American history; aviation; preservation; the Civil War; War of 1812; county and national politics; early political figures; agriculture; early plantation life; pre-history; dinosaurs; early churches, cemeteries and schools; and the Lincoln assassination.”

For more great info, incl. historical sites and museums, go here: http://history.pgparks.com/sites_and_museums.htm

 

The County Supports Locally Owned and Operated Business with Local Business Loan Program – Special Assistance for Local Entrepreneurship (S.A.L.E.): https://www.melfranklin.net/special-assistance-for-local-entrepreneurship-s-a-l-e-program-invest-local-and-create-jobs/

#jobsfirst

#princegeorgesrising

#investlocal

 

The Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program

The Senior Assisted Living Group Home Subsidy Program provides funding for low-income older adults who may need financial assistance in order to afford placement in an assisted living facility and enables individuals to continue to reside in the community. The assisted living facility combines housing with supportive services by offering congregate meals, housekeeping personal services and 24-hour supervision.

For more info: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1722/Long-Term-Care

 

From Crime Data to Government Spending, Explore “Data Prince George’s”

From Wash. Post: “Data from the Prince George’s County government became easier to access … after the county relaunched a website that gives the public the power to probe, download and search data sets about everything from building permits to crime.”

For DataPrinceGeorge’s, go here: https://data.princegeorgescountymd.gov/

For the Wash. Post story, go here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/open-data-portal-encourages-residents-to-analyze-their-government/2017/03/06/ff82b40a-0288-11e7-b1e9-a05d3c21f7cf_story.html?utm_term=.c8509549ae98

 

OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention – Call 211

Still I Rise, Inc. Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org

Prince George’s Co. Family Justice Center/The Next Step: http://www.princegeorgescourts.org/358/Prince-Georges-County-Family-Justice-Cen

 

Employment/Workforce Training

The Training Source: http://thetrainingsource.org/

No Opportunity Wasted: http://www.nooppwasted.org/

Training Grounds Inc.: http://traininggroundsdmv.org/

Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development: https://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/Workforce_Development_Institutes.aspx

 

Maryland Veterans Resource Guide: http://veterans.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/04/4-12-17-Resource-Guide.pdf

 

Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program

Call 1(800) 944-7403 or go to

Homeowners: http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Homeowners’-Property-Tax-Credit-Program.aspx

Renters: http://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/Pages/Renters’-Tax-Credits.aspx

 

Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program

Call (866) 650-8783 or go to https://sdathtc.dat.maryland.gov/default.aspx

 

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

Call (301) 952-2500 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html

 

Free Legal Assistance: District Court (Upper Marlboro) Self-Help Legal Resource Center

Call 410-260-1392 or go to http://www.courts.state.md.us/legalhelp/districtctselfhelpctr.html

 

County-Based and Minority Business Procurement Opportunities and Certifications

Call (301) 883-6480 or go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1259/Business-Development

 

County Employment and Workforce Assistance

Call (301) 583-4650 or go to http://www.pgcedc.com/workforce-services

 

For constituent concerns, please use County Click 311: http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov or call 311

 

Request County Road Pothole Repair: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1025/Potholes

 

Request State Road Pothole Repair (Roads with numbers, like MD-5, MD-4, US-1, US-301): http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/knowyourroads.html

 

Find Your Other Elected Officials:

Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/directory.aspx?eid=93

Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net

 

View the Prince George’s County Code and Charter athttp://www.municode.com/library/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances

Is a resource you need not here?
Check https://www.melfranklin.net or contact me at: Mel@MelFranklin.net

June 15, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Urges University of Maryland Medical System to Use Local Businesses and Local Hiring in Development of New Regional Medical Center

Council Approval of Financing and Land Transfer Paves the Way for Replacement of Prince George’s Hospital Center

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Tuesday, the Prince George’s County Council voted to approve county bond financing (CR-34-2017) and transfer of ownership of county land (CB-51-2017) to the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), the final legislative steps in authorizing the construction of a new $543 million state-of-the-art Regional Medical Center to replace the Prince George’s Hospital Center and the transition of control of the county’s health care system, including the Bowie Health Campus and Laurel Regional Hospital, to UMMS.  Before voting for final passage, Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) highlighted the significant public investment being made by county taxpayers, including county land and $208 million in county funds, and the need to buy and hire locally for the new hospital.  Today, Councilman Franklin issued the following statement:

“I am very excited that we are on the verge of a major step forward in health care and economic development in Prince George’s County.  The establishment of a new Regional Medical Center under the leadership of the highly reputable University of Maryland Medical System will lead to a major, positive transformation in the quality of health care in our county that has literally been decades in the making. As we make this significant step forward, we must also ensure that our local businesses and residents are not just spectators for this new economic opportunity, which was secured in large part by significant public investment.  Our small, minority, and woman owned businesses in the county are the foundation of our economy and spending with these businesses fosters a county “multiplier effect” that creates jobs and generational wealth throughout our communities.  I urge our new partners at UMMS to fulfill our expectations and high hopes by maximizing business opportunities for these firms and local hiring opportunities for qualified residents.  When we put ‘jobs first,’ we put opportunity first in Prince George’s County.”

The new Regional Medical Center, approved by the Maryland Health Care Commission last fall, will be located immediately adjacent to the Largo Town Center Metrorail Station in Largo, MD and will usher in a full scale redevelopment of the Boulevard at Capital Center into a residential, retail and office mixed-use “downtown” hub.  The visual video concept of the Regional Medical Center can been seen here:https://tinyurl.com/pgcrmc-future.

###

June 8, 2017

For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Releases Results of 45-Day Survey on County’s Change to Once-A-Week Trash Service

County Residents Overwhelmingly Express a Desire to Return to Twice-A-Week Service

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – Today, Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) released the full results of a 45-day countywide, online survey gauging the satisfaction of county residents with last year’s change from twice to once-a-week county trash removal service. A large majority, 74.4% of the 2,011 county residents who responded to the survey, expressed disapproval of the change in service and desire to return to twice-a-week service, while only 25.6% expressed support for the change.  Disapproval of the reduction in service was particularly notable in central (78.7%) and southern (75.1%) Prince George’s County.  Finding cost savings and pushing more residents to recycle were the primary reasons for the service reduction.  Councilman Franklin issued the following statement:

“While our change to once-a-week trash service had good intentions, the residents we serve have responded with overwhelming disapproval for this reduction in service.  While trash service might seem like a mundane or insignificant issue to some, it is one of the few ways that nearly all of our residents feel the impact of their local government on a weekly basis.  I have particularly heard a great deal of negative feedback from our seniors, who have found physically adjusting to the change in service challenging, and from residents who were extremely disappointed with the lack of public discussion before the decision to reduce twice-a-week service was made.  It is admirable that more people are recycling because of the change, but to reduce twice-a-week service without the people we serve feeling a significant benefit was a mistake that we should correct as soon as possible.  I will work with like-minded leaders and residents in an effort to restore twice-a-week trash service.”

The full survey results, including by region and zip code, are available at https://tinyurl.com/finalresults-trashsurvey.  Residents who live in a municipality that provides their trash service were unaffected by the county’s reduction in service.

###

Overall Survey Results

Councilman Mel Franklin’s 45 Day Survey on Once-A-Week Trash Service

Last year, the County changed waste pick-up service from twice-a-week to once-a-week to save money, promote recycling, and match other nearby jurisdictions. This was a very controversial change with many residents. Do you support the change in your waste pick-up service from twice to now once per week?

COUNTY SURVEY RESULTS – OVERALL

Selection	Percentage	Raw Number
YES, SUPPORT ONCE A WEEK	25.6%	514
NO, RETURN TO TWICE A WEEK	74.4%	1497
TOTAL	100%	2011

 

COUNTY SURVEY RESULTS BY REGION

Region	North County		Central County		South County		Countywide
Selection	Percentage	Raw Number	Percentage	Raw Number	Percentage	Raw Number	Percentage	Raw Number
YES, SUPPORT ONCE A WEEK	39.7%	98	21.3%	136	24.9%	280	25.6%	514
NO, RETURN TO TWICE A WEEK	60.3%	149	78.7%	503	75.1%	845	74.4%	1497
TOTAL	100%	247	100%	639	100%	1125	100%	2011

 

COUNTY SURVEY RESULTS BY ZIP CODE

Area(s)	Region	Zip Code	YES, SUPPORT ONCE A WEEK	NO, RETURN TO TWICE A WEEK	TOTAL
Mitchellville-Bowie	C	20716	1	9
Bowie	C	20720	18	60
Mitchellville-Bowie	C	20721	17	82
Capitol Heights	C	20743	17	52
Forestville-District Heights	C	20747	19	74
Kettering-Largo-Springdale-Glenarden-Upper Marlboro	C	20774	51	193
North Englewood, Cheverly, Hyattsville, Landover Hills	C	20785	13	33
CENTRAL COUNTY TOTAL			136 – 21.3%	503 – 78.7%	639
Beltsville	N	20705	23	23
Lanham-Lanham Seabrook-Glenarden	N	20706	8	23
Laurel	N	20707	13	13
Montpelier	N	20708	11	22
Bladensburg	N	20710	1	0
Bowie	N	20715	5	3
Bowie	N	20718	0	1
Riverdale	N	20737	11	22
Berwyn Heights-College Park	N	20740	3	0
Glenn Dale	N	20769	6	10
Hyattsville	N	20781	5	5
Chillum, West Hyattsville, Hyattsville, University Park	N	20782	4	9
Adelphi, Hyattsville	N	20783	5	7
Cheverly	N	20784	3	11
NORTH COUNTY TOTAL			98 – 39.7%	149 – 60.3%	247
Accokeek	S	20607	23	38
Brandywine	S	20613	15	42
Cheltenham	S	20623	5	21
Clinton	S	20735	77	261
Fort Washington	S	20744	52	121
Oxon Hill-Forest Heights	S	20745	11	23
Camp Springs-Suitland-Hillcrest Heights	S	20746	9	29
Camp Springs-Hillcrest Heights-Marlow Heights-Temple Hills	S	20748	13	60
Upper Marlboro	S	20772	75	250
SOUTH COUNTY TOTAL			280 – 24.9%	845 – 75.1%	1125
TOTAL			514 – 25.6%	1497 – 74.4%	2011

 

*Note: 3 respondents completed the survey but were not county residents.