Chairman Mel Franklin issues Council Statement in Remembrance of 9/11

Chairman Mel Franklin issues Council Statement in Remembrance of 9/11 

The Prince George’s County Council, on this solemn anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks against our nation, remembers the more than 3,000 brave men, women and children, including 400 courageous first responders answering the call for help, who lost their lives in that tragic event.

The attacks targeted the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and would have targeted the U.S. Capitol or the White House but for the heroism of the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, which crashed into a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

Twenty-Four (24) Prince George’s County residents were among those killed in the attacks at the Pentagon.   They lived in Forestville, Temple Hills, Springdale, Camp Springs, Upper Marlboro, University Park, Clinton, Fort Washington, Lanham, Capitol Heights, Landover, Oxon Hill, Forest Heights and New Carrollton. The contributions of these beloved Prince Georgians to our communities are too numerous to measure. Each life lived and each loss impacts what we think and how we live every day.

The County Council encourages our residents to visit the Prince George’s County 9/11 Memorial Park on this National Day of Service and Remembrance.  The memorial, dedicated in honor of the 24 Prince Georgians killed in the attack, is located near the entrance of the Bladensburg Waterfront and Peace Cross.

Each person, each name, each life was meaningful and significant on September 11, 2001.

Each person, each name, each life is still meaningful and significant on September 11, 2015.

We will never forget.

Chairman Mel Franklin’s Statement on the Passing of Delegate Jim Proctor

It is with profound sadness that I share the news that Delegate James (Jim) E. Proctor Jr. (D-27A) has passed away. The Prince George’s County Council joins with our residents in mourning the loss of Delegate Proctor and extends our thoughts, prayers and love to Jim’s wife, Susie, and his children, grandchildren and extended family. Delegate Proctor was a mentor to me and countless others with whom he shared his wisdom, advice, and affection. Jim was my friend. And he loved Prince George’s County with the collective might of the numerous generations of his family that extend hundreds of years into our past. Throughout his 25+ years as a State Delegate, he brought an unmatched passion, advocacy, and persistence to the issues that mattered most for his constituents. Jim’s passing leaves a huge void that can’t be filled, especially in South County, but those of us who he counted on to take up the mantle of public service must do right by his legacy. We celebrate the life and the memory of Delegate James E. Proctor, Jr. God bless his family and all that he stood for.

Christmas in April – November 1 Deadline

From Christmas in April:

Christmas in April is an annual, one-day project to repair the homes of those who due to age, disability and financial hardship, cannot do the work themselves. Skilled and unskilled volunteers give six to eight hours of service to help with repairs. Christmas in April is a non-profit organization supported entirely by voluntary contributions of time and money.

To apply to for an home to be assisted by Christmas in April: http://www.christmasinaprilpg.org/HomeApp16.pdf

For more details, go here: http://www.christmasinaprilpg.org/

The program does have several limitations, however, CHRISTMAS IN APRIL CANNOT MAKE STRUCTURAL REPAIRS OR UNDERTAKE PROJECTS THAT CANNOT BE COMPLETED IN ONE DAY! If your house requires structural work, we can refer you to the County’s Department of Housing and Community Development at 301- 883-5570.

To be eligible for consideration, the HOME TO BE REPAIRED MUST BE OWNED AND OCCUPIED BY THE HOMEOWNER AND THE HOMEOWNER MUST

BE ELDERY AND/OR DISABLED. While there are no income requirements, the program does take need into consideration when making the final selections. In particular, the program is designed to help individuals who have no means to make the needed repairs themselves.

 

Repairs are limited to the last Saturday in April. Even with a team of 20 or more volunteers assigned to the home, we cannot guarantee that all work that needs to be done can be complete or that all requested work will be done.

 

Repairs differ in each home but they can include: interior and exterior painting, minor carpentry, plumbing and electrical work, replacing stoves, refrigerators and hot water heaters, if existing appliances are not working, clean-up and yard work may also be included.

 

The Christmas in April work will be done on Saturday, April 30, 2016. We anticipate accepting as many as 100 homes for repair in the 2016 program. If you are interested in being considered for our program, or know of someone who may be interested, please complete this application and return it to:

 

Christmas in April*Prince George’s County 7915 Malcolm Road

Clinton, MD 20735

 

Applications must be received in our office by November 1, 2015.

 

If you are applying on behalf of someone or making a referral, please discuss your referral with the homeowner prior to submitting the application and secure as much of the required information as possible. We also need your name, relationship to the homeowner and your phone numbers.

 

Additionally, the program requires a site visit by a Christmas in April volunteer to make sure the repairs are within the scope of the Christmas in April program. You will receive a call in mid- November to schedule this visit.

 

If you have any questions about the program, please do not hesitate to contact me at 301-868-0937. We anticipate that final selections will be made around January 8, 2016 (depending on the weather). The applicant will be notified in writing at that time whether or not they have been selected for the 2016 program.

 

COUNCIL CHAIR MEL FRANKLIN ISSUES STATEMENT IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY 2015

COUNCIL CHAIR MEL FRANKLIN ISSUES STATEMENT IN OBSERVANCE OF LABOR DAY 2015

 

Labor Day provides an opportunity to honor and celebrate the American worker and the contributions made to our economy and quality of life.

 

It is also an opportunity for this Council to thank the 7,000 person team that is our County workforce for their service and dedication to the needs of our citizens, particularly those members of the labor movement who continue to work with us to provide fairer wages, safer work environments, and better protections for workers in Prince George’s County.

 

Together, we have made significant accomplishments to grow our local economy, create and sustain jobs and workforce development opportunities, and strengthen working families, but as our economy continues to slowly rebound from a national housing crisis, there remain many challenges before us.

 

This Council reaffirms our commitment to “bring the world to Prince George’s County” with the creation of regional and international economic destinations of the 21st century economy.

 

Apple HBCU Scholars Program – Sept. 18 Deadline

From the Thurgood Marshall College Fund:

APPLE HBCU SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Overview
This program will offer a one-year scholarship to 30 students selected as Apple Scholars. This award will be applied to the scholars’ final year of study. More importantly, the inaugural class of scholars will receive an opportunity to develop key skills to enhance their resumes and help launch their careers through the hands-on experience gained at one of the top tech companies in the world.

These scholars will have the opportunity to:

  • Be awarded up to $25,000 (scholarship) for their senior year of study
  • Participate in a summer internship with Apple in Cupertino, California
  • Participate in a year-round development program to prepare for post-graduation careers
  • Be paired with an Apple employee mentor during their senior year
  • Serve as Ambassadors on their HBCU campuses to build awareness for the Apple and TMCF Diversity Initiative
  • Attend the TMCF Annual Leadership Institute in Washington, DC in November 2015
  • Participate in the Apple HBCU Immersion experience in Cupertino, California during the spring of 2016

Key Qualifications
This highly competitive program targets students majoring in specific disciplines. The selection process aims to assess critical soft skills that enable success in our program, coupled with technical ability. We’re looking for individuals that exhibit both a technical and cultural fit:

Technical Fit

  • Analytical ability
  • Ability to articulate ideas
  • Ability to learn new concepts
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

Cultural Fit

  • Highly motivated
  • Persuasive and candid
  • Focused on results
  • Team player
  • Possesses sound judgment and critical thinking skills

Eligibility Requirements

  • Computer Science, Information Science/Technology, Mathematics, and/or Engineering (electrical, mechanical, computer science, or materials science) major
  • Enrolled full-time at a four-year accredited HBCU/PBI (Predominately Black Institution)
  • Classified as a junior, and not expected to graduate before May 2017
  • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.30 (transcript required – unofficial transcripts accepted)
  • Prior internship experience strongly preferred (e.g., major-related project work, Hackathon, coding, etc.)
  • Prior leadership experience (e.g., participation in STEM clubs, campus organizations, etc.)

Scholar Expectations (including, but not limited to the following):

  • Able to participate in all program-related activities (e.g., Leadership Institute, Hackathons, professional and technical development, etc.)
  • Willing and able to spend summer in Cupertino, California
  • Must remain in good academic standing
  • Must not have any disciplinary infractions on academic record
  • Successfully complete all program requirements
  • Utilize Apple technology (e.g., MacBook, iPhone, etc.)
  • Serve as post-internship Apple Ambassadors

To apply, go to: http://tmcf.org/our-scholarships/current-scholarships/apple-hbcu-scholars-program/6941

Thank You for a Tremendous Prince George’s Family and Friends Day!

Thank you to the more than 2000 residents, nearly 200 businesses and nonprofits and dozens of volunteers who made this past Sunday’s Prince George’s Family & Friends Day a rousing success.  Our tremendous volunteers and staff executed a near flawless event even amidst the higher than expected turnout.  A special thanks to the performers and vendors during the event, especially those artists from the Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education (F.A.M.E.). 2016’s Family & Friends Day will be even bigger and better than 2015 (and just over a couple of months earlier in the year).  Some great pictures and video will be shared shortly.  Prince George’s is Rising!

TODAY – Prince George’s Family and Friends Day – 3-6PM

Join over 1500 county residents and nearly 200 business and nonprofit exhibitors at the Biggest Community Event of the Year! The Aug. 30th Prince George’s Family & Friends Day, our annual countywide showcase of our local business and nonprofit community, has arrived and will include the exciting sounds of F.A.M.E. (Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc.) performers Renee Barnes, Richard Payne, Chelsey Green, Verny Varela, and Virtuoso Horns, and free food and fun for the whole family.

RSVP Here

The Show Place Arena (Outdoors)

14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Sunday, August 30, 3PM-6PM

#princegeorgesrising

Convoy of Hope – Evangel Assembly Health Care and Humanitarian Relief Event – Sept. 12

From GVCMH: Global Vision Community Medical Center (GVCMH) one of Prince George’s County Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) which is bringing quality, affordable healthcare to serve more than 10,000 residents in areas surrounding the 20743 zip code. We are partnering with an organization called The Convoy of Hope and Evangel Assembly of God to reach out to more than 10,000 people in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The event will take place on the grounds at Evangel Assembly located at 5900 Old Branch Avenue. 
 
The Convoy of Hope is a faith-based humanitarian relief organization based out of Springfield, Missouri. The Convoy will be providing more than $1 million worth of goods and services for the event, including 80,000 pounds of food to be distributed that day, tents, tables, chairs and much more. Services being provided to the community that day will include:
 
 Health Services – Screenings and services will be provided by more than 50 vendors, including but not limited to:
 Global Vision Community Medical Center
The National Breast Cancer Foundation
American Cancer Society
 American Heart Association
American Diabetes Association
Prince George’s County Alzheimer’s Society
National Institute of Health Neurological Disorders
Southern Maryland Hospital
Washington Hospital
Howard University Hospital
University Medical Center
River Jordan Project
Dental Services and checks
Free Haircuts
Free Family Portraits
Job and Career Services
Community Services
Free Women’s shoes (4,000 women’s shoes and 4,000 children shoes)
Free Meals
Free Groceries (80,000 pounds of non-perishable foods)
Church and Organization Involvement:
More than 50 churches in the tri-state area will be partnering with us providing volunteers, as well as many organizations such as Washington Gas Co., Walgreens (providing flu shots), Plum Organics, Toms Shoes, and many more.

HPRC’s Back-to-School Health Extravaganza – Aug. 29

The Health Policy Research Consortium (HPRC) is partnering with the Town of Capitol Heights to host the first-ever Back-to-School Health Extravaganza in Capitol Heights, MD. The event will take place on Saturday, August 29th, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oakcrest Community Center1300 Capitol Heights Blvd., Capitol Heights, Maryland.
 
To address the life style behaviors that lead to poor health outcomes we must start early. Improving health for our children will require collaboration between schools, communities, educators and parents. For this reason the theme of our event is “Creating Healthy Communities for our Children.” The goal of the event is to provide health information in a fun and engaging way for the entire family.
HPRC will have educational talks from local community leaders including our keynote speaker Dr. Angela Wakhweya, Chief of Health Policy Services and Innovation with Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) who will discuss the role of communities and schools in children’s health. Additional speakers include:
  • Mel Franklin, Chairman and Councilman, Prince George’s County Council, District 9
  • Deborah Archer, Project Leader and Nutrition Educator, University of Maryland Food Supplement Nutrition Education (FSNE)
  • Stephanie Kohout, Physical Education Teacher
    Prince George’s County Public Schools and Ambassador with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation
  • Madieu Williams, Founder and CEO, The Madieu Williams Foundation and former Starter for the Cincinnati Bengals

HPRC will be passing out school supplies to help families in need. And best of all, the event is FREE! All are encouraged to attend. Click HERE to register. For more information please call 301-375-2021.

Read the Latest Prince George’s Rising Newsletter – Aug. 28 Update

Bringing the World to Prince George’s County  August 28, 2015

        

An Update from Council Chairman Mel Franklin: August 28, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 2

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 for a 2nd year as Chairman of the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last two years, 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. For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

Prince George’s County is Competing Hard to Become the New Home of the FBI Headquarters

    

In our efforts to create great economic destinations, we are competing hard to bring the new headquarters of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to Prince George’s County.  In November of 2013, the General Services Administration (GSA) formally opened the process for finding a location to build a new campus for an FBI headquarters specifying that it had to be 50 acres of property within two miles of a Metro station and within two-and-a-half miles of the Capital Beltway.  Two of the three finalist locations are in our County, including the Greenbelt Metro Station site and the former Landover Mall site.  According to the Post, these “locations are engaged in an intense competition with Springfield, in Fairfax County, to win the headquarters and an estimated 11,000 FBI jobs that will be consolidated from 20 sites across the region.” Based on commuting data, forty-three percent (43%) of FBI employees live in Maryland, more than Virginia (33%) or the District of Columbia (17%).  The project be a federal leased spaced and would be an economic game-changer for our county and state as it would create $2 Billion of economic activity and anchor a vibrant mixed-use development with new jobs and amenities.

Read the Washington Post Article – Maryland willing to invest big to lure FBI headquarters to Pr. George’s:  http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-willing-to-invest-money-to-lure-fbi-headquarters-to-pr-georges/2015/03/23/8d1a1ba8-d164-11e4-a62f-ee745911a4ff_story.html 


Over 1000 County Residents Have Already RSVP’d: Prince George’s County Family & Friends Day is August 30th

Please join your neighbors from all across the county for Prince George’s County Friends and Family Day on Sunday, Aug. 30th 3-6PM at Show Place Arena (14900 Pennsylvania Avenue, Upper  Marlboro, MD 20772), our annual countywide showcase of our local business and nonprofit community, which will include over 150 business and nonprofit exhibitors, the exciting sounds of F.A.M.E. (Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc.) performers Renee Barnes, Richard Payne, Chelsey Green, Verny Varela, and Virtuoso Horns, and free food and fun for the whole family.

Please RSVP at: https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ebc2opmj9cf583e4&oseq=&c=&ch=

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

Council Chairman’s Fall Issue Survey

Make your voices heard! As the County Council returns for its fall session beginning on September 8, what is the leading issue that we should tackle?

¬    Improving public confidence in county government spending and oversight of your local tax dollars.
¬    Working with the school system to increase county performance on standardized tests (PARCC, SAT, ACT, AP, etc.).
¬    Fostering more and better economic development to increase high quality jobs, support small businesses, and provide more amenities (shopping, eating, entertainment, etc.).
¬    Increasing the presence of public safety officers in your neighborhood.
¬    Pursuing alternatives to improve access to transportation, including increasing public transit options, more pedestrian/bike-friendly roads, and expanded lanes.
¬    Other another issue not mentioned!

To take the Council Chairman’s Fall Issue Survey, visit: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07ebgvjyp9idubhaco/start

Sept. 17 College Fair Sponsored by Council Chairman Mel Franklin and PTSO

Join over 100 colleges, universities, and college related services and over 2000 students at the 6th Annual PTSO College Fair, sponsored by Council Chairman Mel Franklin and Parents Together for Students Organization (PTSO), on Thursday, September 17, 2015, 4-7PM, Surrattsville High School,  6101 Garden Drive, Clinton, MD 20735.  Free and open to the public!  Link: https://www.melfranklin.net/sept-17-college-fair-sponsored-by-council-chairman-mel-franklin-and-ptso/ 


NBC4: District 7 Police Station to Open This Fall

From NBC4: “After funding problems, the 7th District police station in Prince George’s County is set to open this fall. News4 reported earlier this year that the station would be left empty for a year because of a budget gap. News4′s Tracee Wilkins explains what’s next.”  NBC4 News video: http://www.nbcwashington.com/video/#!/news/local/Prince-Georges-Co–Police-Station-to-Open-This-Fall/321825081

Prince George’s Community College Workforce Development Opportunities

With $5-7 billion in economic development on the horizon for our County over the next several years, ensuring that our own residents are prepared for the resulting employment opportunities must be a top priority for all of us.  Many of these skilled careers pay six figure salaries, but are often ignored by our residents and students because they don’t involve a traditional 4-year college degree.  Our Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) offers several opportunities to develop the best job skills for successful careers for the new economy.

The Construction and Energy Institute (CEI) delivers the vital education needed by students to enter the construction industry with marketable, trade-specific skills. It supports construction and development businesses by preparing their future workforce for direct, skilled entry into the industry and by providing continuing education and training for their experienced workforce.
The Hospitality and Tourism Institute (HTI) meets the ever-increasing worldwide demand for well-trained hospitality and tourism professionals and offers customized, specially developed, comprehensive training programs that benefit businesses by lowering in-house recruitment and training costs, reducing workforce turnover and increasing employee productivity.
The Human Services Institute (HSI) is a unique professional development, training and education asset for the employees of human service and social service agencies. It provides proactive discussion and serves as a clearinghouse for human services issues.
The Transportation and Distribution Institute (TDI) provides services for both individuals and businesses with in-demand, industry-specific training, certification, and licensing. TDI provides career training for individuals seeking jobs in the industry and workforce training for businesses, industry and government organizations in need of solutions for their transportation and distribution workforces.
For more info, go to: https://www.pgcc.edu/Programs_and_Courses/Workforce_Development_Institutes.aspx

Help Prevent Human Trafficking in Our Region

From the Maryland Reporter: “Community members and law enforcement officials say Langley Park, located just inside the Capital Beltway in Prince George’s County, is rife with prostitution and human trafficking.  ‘Throw a rock anywhere in Langley Park and you get a brothel,’ said Christine White, a University of Maryland criminologist and chair of the research committee for the Prince George’s County Human Trafficking Task Force.  Even so, law enforcement officials have said they’ve had trouble catching traffickers there, citing the language barrier, elusive perpetrators and scared victims.”
Read the full Maryland Reporter Article: http://marylandreporter.com/2015/08/06/human-trafficking-part-6-langley-park-residents-say-brothels-operate-in-plain-sight-yet-elude-pg-police/
Opinion article detailing ways to reduce human trafficking: http://www.somdnews.com/article/20141211/OPINION/141219740&template=gazette
Assistance for survivors of human trafficking at Still I Rise Inc.: http://www.stillirisemd.org/contact.html
Human Trafficking Resource Center: http://traffickingresourcecenter.org/

Join the Fight Against Litter in Prince George’s County: Clean Up Green Up 2015 – October 17

Prince George’s County invites community organizations, schools and businesses to join us for the annual countywide Fall 2015 ‘Clean Up Green Up’ on Saturday, October 17, 2015.  This event provides residents, schools and businesses with an opportunity to partner with Prince George’s County Government, the Neighborhood Design Center, Keep Prince George’s County Beautiful, Prince George’s County Public Schools and the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission to keep Prince George’s County clean and green.  The registration deadline to participate in the ‘Clean Up Green Up,’ is Friday, September 18, 2015.  You can sign up here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/PublicWorks/Services/Pages/Clean-Up-Green-Up.aspx

For registered participants, The Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) will provide plastic gloves, trash bags, safety vests, and a maximum of ten bags of mulch and litter grabbers for the ‘Clean Up Green Up.’ Supplies and mulch will be available for pick up at the Maintenance Facility located at 8400 D’Arcy Road in Forestville, MD on Wednesday, October 14 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and on Thursday, October 15 and Friday, October 16 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  If residents did not have the opportunity to register for this event they should call (301) 499-8523, for supplies are limited.
Thank You to All of Our Men and Women in the Fire Service – Fire Ops 101

   

 

On Tues., August 25, my colleagues and I had the privilege of experiencing Fire Ops 101 (“Fire Fighter for a Day”) with the IAFF Local 1619. After getting just a small dose of the experience of the heavy equipment, the heat of the fire, and the physical and mental strain that our Fire/EMS officers endure on a regular basis, I have a new found respect and admiration for the men and women in the Fire Service. Even though this was my 3rd year doing the Fire Ops Program, it was tougher than ever before! This morning, I was honored to address the IAFF National Convention at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center at National Harbor and thank them for their service and sacrifices for the safety of our families all across North America. As we approach another September the 11th Anniversary, let us never forget or ever take for granted the safety and protection that they provide us all.

OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY RESOURCES



Council Public Briefing on Laurel Hospital – Sept. 15
The County Council, sitting as the Board of Health, has tentatively scheduled a public briefing on the changes being made by Dimensions to Laurel Hospital, which will result in the replacement of the existing inpatient facility with an ambulatory care facility by 2019. We have received a great deal of public feedback on this issue and are finalizing plans to host a public briefing with Dimensions officials on Tuesday, September 15 at 10:00AM, during Council session at the County Administration Bldg. (14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772).
For more information on upcoming Council sessions, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/council
To watch Council sessions online, incl. past sessions, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/Resources/hearings/Pages/default.aspx

Women Empowerment Conference – Sept. 19
The Prince George’s County Commission for Women, in partnership with the Office of the County Executive and the Department of Family Services, will present the fourth Women’s Empowerment Conference (WE3 Conference) on Saturday, September 19, 2015 from 8:00am to 3:30pm (The Comfort Inn Conference Center Hotel, located at 4500 Crain Highway, Bowie, MD 20716). The WE3 Conference was established to inspire action and encourage collaboration among women and women’s organizations with the primary goal of addressing the pertinent concerns of women, girls, families and the community through advocacy—from their kitchen tables to Capitol Hill.
For more details, go to: http://www.we3-wlc.com/

Police Chief’s Youth Advisory Council – Young People’s Voices on Policing
From PGPD: Chief Mark Magaw created this council earlier this year with the goal of establishing an open dialogue with an age group that will bring a valued perspective on law enforcement issues. Several bright young citizens join us each month for this conversation, but we’re excited to now expand that group. The council is open to those between the ages of 16-24.
For more info, go to: https://www.melfranklin.net/police-chiefs-yac/

MNCPPC Parks and Rec. Sci-Fi Family Night – Aug. 29
Families can have fun and learn at this Sci-Fi Family Night! Fun things to try include: DIY Robot Competition, Lightsaber Training, Stars & Planets Trivia, Monsters vs. Aliens Challenge, and Intergalactic Photo Booth.
For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/mncppc-parks-and-rec-sci-fi-family-night-aug-29/

HPRC’s Back-to-School Health Extravaganza – Aug. 29:  The Health Policy Research Consortium (HPRC) is partnering with the Town of Capitol Heights to host the first-ever Back-to-School Health Extravaganza in Capitol Heights, MD. The event will take place on Saturday, August 29th, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at the Oakcrest Community Center, 1300 Capitol Heights Blvd., Capitol Heights, Maryland. For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/hprcs-back-to-school-health-extravaganza-aug-29/

Convoy of Hope Health Care and Humanitarian Relief Event – Sept. 12: From GVCMH – “Global Vision Community Medical Center (GVCMH) one of Prince George’s County Health Enterprise Zone (HEZ) which is bringing quality, affordable healthcare to serve more than 10,000 residents in areas surrounding the 20743 zip code. We are partnering with The Convoy of Hope and Evangel Assembly of God to reach out to more than 10,000 people in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia on Saturday, September 12, 2015. The event will take place on the grounds at Evangel Assembly located at 5900 Old Branch Avenue.” For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/convoyofhope/

Reid Temple AME Annual Community Fair – Sept. 12
The Reid Temple Annual Community Fair is on Saturday, September 12, 2015, from noon to 5:00 p.m. The event will be held on the Glenn Dale campus.
11400 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale, Maryland 20769
For more info: http://www.reidtemple.org/CommunityFair

Antioch Baptist Church Community Day – Sept. 13
At 4PM, Featuring Lonny Hunter, Rob Mercer and the Hillian Ensemble
13205 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. For tickets and more info: http://www.antioch-baptist.org/

27th Annual NAACP Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala – Oct. 3
From the Prince George’s County NAACP:  “With endearing excitement, the Prince George’s County Branch of the NAACP invites you to celebrate our 80th Anniversary.  The 27th Annual Hester V. King Freedom Fund Gala will be the highlight of the year.  This joyous occasion will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m., with a VIP Reception being held from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. The celebration shall take place at the College Park Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, 3501 University Boulevard, East Hyattsville, Maryland 20783.”
For more info: https://www.melfranklin.net/27th-annual-naacp-hester-v-king-freedom-fund-gala-oct-3/

NiaImani CHOICES Inc. Launch Event – Oct. 8

From NiaImani CHOICES: Incorporated in 2013, NiaImani CHOICES is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit community based organization dedicated to providing grassroots education and outreach services to disadvantaged residents of communities in Maryland and surrounding states. NiaImani CHOICES  was founded by Charlisa Watson, president of CRW & Associates, an award-winning, full-service consulting firm based in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The Oct. 8 Launch Event will be held at 6PM at Lake Presidential Golf Club (3151 Presidential Golf Club Dr, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774).
For more info: http://www.niaimanichoices.org/programs-resources/

Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention/Still I Rise, Inc.

Call (301) 868-4903 or go to http://www.stillirisemd.org
 Or call 211

Apply for the Homeowners/Renters Tax Credit Program
Call 1(800) 944-7403 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program
Call (866) 650-8783 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/homestead.html

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment
Call (301) 952-2500 or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/appeal.html

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

Request Pothole Repair
Go to http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/PublicWorks/Services/RoadwayImprovements/Potholes/Pages/default.aspx



Find Your Elected Officials
Contact your County Council Member at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/countycouncil/Pages/default.aspx

Contact the County Executive at http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/ExecutiveBranch/Pages/default.aspx
Find out and contact your state and federal elected officials at http://mdelect.net

View the Prince George’s County Code at http://www.municode.com/library/md/prince_george’s_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=15209



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


If you would like to be added to the Prince George’s Rising e-mail list, e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

Authority: Friends of Mel Franklin, Brendon Laster, Treasurer