Featured on WUSA9 CBS – Tomorrow’s June 18th Fatherhood Summit feat. NBA star Etan Thomas, Robert Griffin II, and Much More

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Bringing the World to Prince George’s County – Special Edition  

       

The 2016 FATHERHOOD SUMMIT – TOMORROW JUNE 18, 1PM

Please see my interview on CBS WUSA9 this week about this important event here: http://www.wusa9.com/entertainment/television/programs/great-day-washington/councilman-mel-franklin-s-dialogue-on-fatherhood/244946332

Register here: http://tinyurl.com/2016fatherhoodsummit

Join Councilman Mel Franklin, My Brother’s Keeper, The Etan Thomas Foundation, CRW & Associates and the Prince George’s County Fatherhood Initiative on Saturday, June 18 (Father’s Day Weekend) for the 2016 Fatherhood Summit featuring

Etan Thomas, former NBA Washington Wizards star (Co-Moderator)

Dr. Johnny Parker, Author, Speaker, Consultant and Chaplain (Co-Moderator)

Robert Griffin II, father of former Washington Redskins star Robert Griffin III

Dr. Lonise Bias, motivational speaker and life coach

Michael Sweetney, Oxon Hill, Georgetown and former NBA basketball star

No Malice, Rapper and former member of Clipse

 

What: 2016 Fatherhood Summit

When: Father’s Day Weekend – Saturday, June 18, 1PM

Where: Reid Temple A.M.E., 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769

Free to the public – Please register above

 

This fatherhood summit will be a great opportunity for county residents and our nationally renowned panelists to tackle the seriousness of fatherhood absence and help us build stronger families.

-Mel Franklin, County Councilman

Prayer and Vigilance in the Face of Terror and Evil

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Please continue to keep the people of Orlando in your thoughts and prayers.  We must all unite and reject the radical extremism that has attempted to hijack Islam in order to perpetrate such evil.  The worst mass shooting in our country’s history was made possible due to the combination of this radical extremist ideology and everyday access to military assault style weapons, like the AR-15 — also used in the San Bernardino shooting and to murder children at Sandy Hook Elementary — that allows a person to shoot others with over a hundred rounds in just a few minutes and have no place in domestic society.  May God continue to bless America.

2016 Fatherhood Summit feat. Etan Thomas, Robert Griffin Jr., Lonise Bias, Michael Sweeney, and No Malice

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Join Councilman Mel Franklin, My Brother’s Keeper, The Etan Thomas Foundation, CRW & Associates and the Prince George’s County Fatherhood Initiative on Saturday, June 18 (Father’s Day Weekend) for the 2016 Fatherhood Summit featuring 

 

Etan Thomas, former NBA Washington Wizards star (Co-Moderator)

Dr. Johnny Parker, Author, Speaker, Consultant and Chaplain (Co-Moderator)

Robert Griffin II, father of former Washington Redskins star Robert Griffin III

Dr. Lonise Bias, motivational speaker and life coach

Michael Sweetney, Oxon Hill, Georgetown and former NBA basketball star

No Malice, Rapper and former member of Clipse

 

Register here: http://tinyurl.com/2016fatherhoodsummit

What: 2016 Fatherhood Summit

When: Father’s Day Weekend – Saturday, June 18, 1PM

Where: Reid Temple A.M.E., 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769

Free to the public – Please register

 

This fatherhood summit will be a great opportunity for county residents and our nationally renowned panelists to tackle the seriousness of fatherhood absence and help us build stronger families.

 

-Mel Franklin, County Councilman

The Passing of Muhammad Ali – The World’s Greatest

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Prince George’s County joins the rest of the world in mourning the loss of the “Greatest of All Time,” Muhammad Ali.  Muhammad Ali transcended sports more than any other athlete of the 20th century.  From protesting the Vietnam War to fighting for civil and human rights, Muhammad Ali changed history and reminded us all that doing what is principled is always greater and more noble than doing what is popular.  His indomitable will inside the ring was only matched by his resilience outside of the ring.  He battled Parkinson’s Disease for the last three decades of his life with grace and dignity and gave hope to millions of others afflicted with this terrible disease around the world.  Muhammad Ali now goes to his rest and leaves us a legacy of excellence, wisdom, wit, persistence, and hope to carry on for generations to come.  “The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see.  Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.  Rumble young man, rumble.”

Join the “Choose Public Schools” Movement, May 24, May 25, and May 31

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“Choose Public Schools Workshops” Starting May 24th

Please join the Prince George’s County Board of Education Chair Segun C. Eubanks, Ed.D, as he hosts 3 workshops entitled “Choose Public Schools” at 6:30PM on May 24 (Oxon Hill HS), May 25 (Largo HS), and May 31 (Northwestern HS). These workshops, co-sponsored by several members of the Board of Education and County Council, will provide insight into the academic, social and financial benefits of attending and maintaining enrollment in the Prince George’s County public school system. Also, hear the testimony of parents who have chosen to send their children to public school and see some outstanding performances from PGCPS students.

For more information, contact the Board office at 301-952-6115.

Join the “Choose Public” movement. See you there!

‪#‎princegeorgesrising‬

For more details, go here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/PGCPS/bulletins/148ae6a

Over 400,000 Prince George’s County Residents Should Vote Today – April 26 Presidential Primary – Make Your Voices Heard!

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REMINDER: RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2016 MARYLAND PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

I am pleased to share with you my recommendations for the Maryland Presidential Democratic Primary happening today, Tuesday, April 26, 2016, 7AM-8PM.  To find out more details about voting in the Presidential Primary, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/elections/Pages/default.aspx.  Every one of Prince George’s County’s 440,000+ registered Democrats should vote in today’s primary if you did not vote in early voting.  Exercising your vote will help ensure that Prince George’s receives the federal, state, and local resources that we need to strengthen our communities.  Please, make your voices heard!

 

Hillary Clinton for President

Hillary Clinton is the best prepared, most thoughtful candidate for President in this election and has the vision and passion to stand up for middle-class, working class, everyday Americans.  Secretary Clinton will build on President Barack Obama’s progressive legacy of expanding America’s ladder into the middle class by making college and skilled trades affordable for all students, strengthening small businesses, establishing universal pre-kindergarten, rewarding companies that keep jobs here instead of overseas, and protecting America from violent extremism while upholding our values. I strongly endorse Hillary Clinton as our next President and I am pleased to be on the ballot as a pledged delegate for Secretary Clinton in the 5th Congressional District.

 

Donna Edwards for United States Senator

Donna Edwards will be a true progressive champion as our next United States Senator.  Congresswoman Edwards is a fearless leader who isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues and entrenched special interests, even when it’s unpopular to do so.  She is refreshingly authentic and has been a fierce advocate for Prince George’s County by working to bring federal investment to the County, passing legislation for providing healthy meals to students in need, and ensuring STEM opportunities for high needs schools and underrepresented communities.  I strongly endorse Donna Edwards as our next United States Senator.

 

Ingrid Turner for Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court

From serving as a Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Navy, Chair of the Prince George’s County Council, to being a Board Member of the County Bar Association, Ingrid Turner has the unique qualification of not only distinguishing herself as an aggressive advocate for the law but also as an accomplished maker of the law.  I had the privilege of serving with Ingrid for four years and she exhibited an unparalleled empathy and passion for improving the quality of life for the residents of our County.  I strongly endorse Ingrid Turner as a Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.

 

Herman Dawson for Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court

Judge Herman Dawson Sr. has served as a dynamic and strong voice of justice on the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for over 15 years.  Judge Dawson has dealt with some of our most challenging criminal cases with a balance of toughness and flexibility to both protect the public while also creating second chances for those who demonstrate an interest in following the right path. Judge Herman Dawson is one of the most respected members of the Court and I strongly endorse him to continue as a Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.

 

-Mel Franklin, County Councilman

Maryland April Presidential Primary Recommendations – Make Your Voices Heard!

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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE 2016 MARYLAND PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

I am pleased to share with you my recommendations for the Maryland Presidential Democratic Primary on Tuesday, April 26, 2016, 7AM-8PM (with early voting from Thursday, April 14 to Thursday, April 21, 10AM-8PM).  To find out more details about voting in the Presidential Primary, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/elections/Pages/default.aspx

**See the bottom of this e-mail for information about volunteering to help in the 2016 primary.**

 

Hillary Clinton for President

Hillary Clinton is the best prepared, most thoughtful candidate for President in this election and has the vision and passion to stand up for middle-class, working class, everyday Americans.  Secretary Clinton will build on President Barack Obama’s progressive legacy of expanding America’s ladder into the middle class by making college and skilled trades affordable for all students, strengthening small businesses, establishing universal pre-kindergarten, rewarding companies that keep jobs here instead of overseas, and protecting America from violent extremism while upholding our values. I strongly endorse Hillary Clinton as our next President and I am pleased to be on the ballot as a pledged delegate for Secretary Clinton in the 5th Congressional District.

 

Donna Edwards for United States Senator

Donna Edwards will be a true progressive champion as our next United States Senator.  Congresswoman Edwards is a fearless leader who isn’t afraid to take on the tough issues and entrenched special interests, even when it’s unpopular to do so.  She is refreshingly authentic and has been a fierce advocate for Prince George’s County by working to bring federal investment to the County, passing legislation for providing healthy meals to students in need, and ensuring STEM opportunities for high needs schools and underrepresented communities.  I strongly endorse Donna Edwards as our next United States Senator.

 

Ingrid Turner for Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court

From serving as a Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Navy, Chair of the Prince George’s County Council, to being a Board Member of the County Bar Association, Ingrid Turner has the unique qualification of not only distinguishing herself as an aggressive advocate for the law but also as an accomplished maker of the law.  I had the privilege of serving with Ingrid for four years and she exhibited an unparalleled empathy and passion for improving the quality of life for the residents of our County.  I strongly endorse Ingrid Turner as a Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.

 

Herman Dawson for Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court

Judge Herman Dawson Sr. has served as a dynamic and strong voice of justice on the Prince George’s County Circuit Court for over 15 years.  Judge Dawson has dealt with some of our most challenging criminal cases with a balance of toughness and flexibility to both protect the public while also creating second chances for those who demonstrate an interest in following the right path. Judge Herman Dawson is one of the most respected members of the Court and I strongly endorse him to continue as a Judge for the Prince George’s County Circuit Court.

 

**Volunteer to Help in Election 2016**

Would you like to volunteer to help one or more of these candidates at election polling places or making phone calls to your neighbors? If so, please sign-up here: http://tinyurl.com/volunteer2016primary. 

Your information will be immediately shared with the campaign that you are interested in assisting. Thank you!

-Mel Franklin, County Councilman

Read the Latest Edition of Prince George’s Rising – March 18 Update from Councilman Mel Franklin

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Bringing the World to Prince George’s County  March 18, 2016

       

An Update from County Councilman Mel Franklin

March 18, 2016 | Volume 2, 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 on the Prince George’s County Council. Over the last several years, including the immediate past 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.” For more information, please go to https://www.melfranklin.net or e-mail me at mel@melfranklin.net.

Funeral Arrangements for Officer Jacai Colson

The following are funeral arrangements for Police Officer First Class Jacai Colson #3693, who valiantly died in the line of duty on March 13, 2016:

Candlelight vigil: Sunday, March 20, 4:15pm, District III Police Station 7600 Barlowe Rd., Palmer Park, MD 20785

Viewing:

Thursday, March 24, 2016, 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Borgwardt Funeral Home, 4400 Powder Mill Road, Beltsville, Maryland  20705

Friday, March 25, 2016, 9:00 am to 11:00 am, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774.

Services:

Friday, March 25, 2016, 11:00 am, First Baptist Church of Glenarden, 600 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774

The Passing of Officer Jacai Colson: https://www.melfranklin.net/the-passing-of-officer-jacai-colson-end-of-watch-march-13-2016/

Officer Down Memorial Page for Officer Jacai Colson: https://www.odmp.org/officer/22801-police-officer-i-jacai-d-colson

 

Please Support the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act (SB324/HB309)

Thank you to the more than 500 county residents who have signed up to support the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act in the past few days. You are sending a strong message to Governor Larry Hogan that the State must be fully committed to providing the necessary financial support to this proposed $645 million teaching hospital, which will generate nearly $3 billion in economic activity and transform health care in Prince George’s County.  If you haven’t done so, please sign up and show your support for the Prince George’s County Regional Medical Center Act here:http://tinyurl.com/regionalmedicalcenteract

 

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

Prince George’s County Public Schools Scholarship and Financial Assistance Database

Interested in going to college for free? Take a look at the school system’s database of scholarship and financial assistance information here: http://www1.pgcps.org/scholarships/

Your State Senators and Delegates also have scholarships that are available. Please contact their offices to find out the details if interested: https://www.princegeorgeshousedelegation.com/delegates

Related item: Find out what Council, Legislative, School Board and other District that you live in and your elected representatives: https://voterservices.elections.maryland.gov/VoterSearch

Another related item – District 9 High School Showcase on March 19: http://pgcps.org/communications/press.aspx?id=223509

Trash & Recycling Overhaul Proposed

The Department of the Environment is proposing to streamline trash and recycling services in the County to promote recycling and save taxpayer funds.  However, it would result in once a week trash and recycling service. There will be a public hearing on this before the County Council on Tuesday, March 22, at 11AM at the County Administration Bldg., 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772.

Here is the resolution that the Council is considering that would approve or disapprove the contract: https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=4279803&GUID=882F1873-DFC5-4FCC-ADA5-A7D675F89B07

Here is the information from the Department of the Environment explaining the environmental benefits, cost savings and other reasons for the change: http://onceaweek.mypgc.us

You can contact your respective Council Member here and share your or your organizations’ views: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/About/Pages/default.aspx

Summer Youth Jobs Program Deadline Approaching

Remember to Apply by March 25 for the Summer Youth Jobs Program if you have an interested youth: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/summeryouth/Pages/default.aspx

Dave & Buster’s (Ritchie Station) Now Hiring – Opening Soon!

From D&B Management: “We have approximately 400 jobs at our new Capitol Heights Dave & Buster’s location in the Ritchie Station Marketplace.  We would like everyone in the County to know that we have jobs available. All applications are excepted by applying online. When an applicant is chosen the applicant receives a return email that gives a selection of dates and times they can select for their interview.”

For more info, go here: https://www.melfranklin.net/new-ritchie-station-dave-and-busters-hiring-opening-soon/

State Highway Administration Mar. 22 Public Hearing – MD-5 and MD-373 Interchange

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) invites interested persons to attend an informational meeting to present the proposed improvements along MD 5 at Brandywine Road, MD 373 (Accokeek Road) Interchange in southern Prince George’s County.  Details: Tuesday, March 22, 2016 (Snow Date – Thursday, March 31, 2016), Gwynn Park High School Cafeteria, 13800 Brandywine Road, Brandywine, MD 20613. For more info: http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Pages/CalendarDetails.aspx?EventId=205

Related Item – All Active State Road Projects: http://apps.roads.maryland.gov/WebProjectLifeCycle/ProjectHome.aspx?d=50

Parks & Recreation Summer Camps 2016

Are you looking for something fun and education for your youth to do this summer? Check out the wide array of summer camps offered by the MNCPPC Parks and Recreation Department.

Summer Camp Flipbook: http://bt.e-ditionsbyfry.com/publication/?i=287676

Summer Camp PDF: http://www.pgparks.com/Assets/Parks+$!26+Recreation/Pagelets/summerbook.pdf

Related item – Parks & Recreation Dept. Summer Playground Info: http://www.pgparks.com/Things_To_Do/Day_Camps_and_Playgrounds/Summer_Playgrounds_and_Xtreme_Teen_Centers.htm

Resource Conservation Plan Public Forum on March 30th

From the MNCPPC Planning Staff: Plan to join the Maryland National Capital Park AND Planning Commission (MNCPPC) on Wednesday, March 30, 2016 at the Newton White Mansion, 2708 Enterprise Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721, for an Open Forum that will provide on planning for resource and environmental conservation for Prince George’s County.

For more info, go here: http://www.pgplanning.org/Projects/Resource_Conservation_Plan.htm

PGCEDC/Shabach Ministries Small Business and Jobseeker Summit – March 19

From the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC): Please join us for the SHABACH! Ministry and Team EDC’s ‘Small Business and Job Seeker Summit’ on Saturday, March 19th, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at 600 Watkins Park Drive in Upper Marlboro, MD 20774.  During this high impact summit, Team EDC, along with the SHABACH! Ministry will introduce you to millions of dollars in tools and resources to grow your business and over 30,000 job opportunities to grow your career.  For more info:https://www.facebook.com/PGCEDC/photos/a.296582470380712.71831.283240491714910/1051222391583379/

Prince George’s County Retail Study Completed

Got some extra time for some reading? Find out why retail is or isn’t happening in our county by reviewing the County retail market analysis here:http://www.mncppcapps.org/planning/Publications/PDFs/298/Prince%20George’s%20County%20Retail%20Market%20Analysis%20Consumer%20Segmentation%20and%20Performance%20Outlook%20Report.pdf

Blue Ribbon Commission on Addressing Prince George’s County’s Structural Deficit – March 24

The Blue Ribbon Commission on Addressing Prince George’s County’s Structural Deficit will have a Public Hearing on March 24 at Harmony Hall Regional Center (10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744) from 7-9PM. Please read their preliminary report here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/Services/CouncilTaskforces/Documents/Preliminary%20Report_Full.pdf

For general info on the Blue Ribbon Commission, go here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/sites/CountyCouncil/Services/CouncilTaskforces/Pages/Blue-Ribbon-Commission.aspx

Military Installation Overlay Zone (MIOZ) Map Amendment Update

From MNCPPC: The MIOZ provides use restrictions, development regulations and permitting requirements to the area of the County impacted by, and with potential impact on flight operations at Joint Base Andrews.  The MIOZ may only be applied to the affected properties through a map amendment process identified in Part 3, Division 2, Subdivision 8 of the Zoning Ordinance.  A Joint Public Hearing is scheduled for April 5. More info and the staff report can be found here:http://www.pgplanning.org/Projects/Ongoing_Plans_and_Projects/Special_Projects/Other_Projects_and_Studies/Andrews_JLUS/Military_Installation_Overlay_Zone.htm

OTHER IMPORTANT COMMUNITY 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 FREE or go to http://www.dat.state.md.us/sdatweb/htc.html

Apply for the Homestead Tax Credit Program
Call (866) 650-8783 FREE 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

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/sites/SupplierDevelopment/Pages/default.aspx

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 Pothole Repair: 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



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