Bringing the World to Prince George’s County  November 4, 2015

An Update from Council Chairman Mel Franklin

November 4, 2015 | Volume 1, Issue 4

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.

Reminder: Invitation to Conversations with the Chairman – Nov. 9, 10, 17

Join me in a discussion about our County’s future. From over $6 billion in economic development to significant reductions in crime, our County is moving in the right direction. But, amid declining voter participation and the need to accelerate our progress as we look ahead to 2018, let’s discuss our agenda moving forward, including a “big idea” for increasing “community leadership” in the decisions of our county government.  All meetings start at 7PM, with doors opening at 6:30.  Because space is limited, please RSVP for one of the three community conversations, below, as soon as possible.

RSVP for Nov. 9 North County Conversation with the Chairman at Greenbelt Library (Auditorium) (11 Crescent Rd, Greenbelt, MD 20770): http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ivtwhzcab&oeidk=a07ebqja1qwae30f6f2

RSVP for Nov. 10 Central County Conversation with the Chairman at Spauldings Library (Auditorium) (5811 Old Silver Hill Rd, District Heights, MD 20747): http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ivtwhzcab&oeidk=a07ebql6vkzd5cb1b1e

RSVP for Nov. 17 South County Conversation with the Chairman at Surratts-Clinton Library (Auditorium) (9400 Piscataway Rd, Clinton, MD 20735): http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ivtwhzcab&oeidk=a07ebql7ixad3d0eeef (event registration re-opened)

COMMUNITY NEWS YOU CAN USE

2015 Veterans Stand Down and Homeless Resource Day – Nov. 7

The 2015 Veterans Stand Down and Homeless Resource Day will be held at the Wayne K. Curry Sports & Learning Complex, located at 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785, on Saturday, November 7, 2015, from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. The Veterans Stand Down and Homeless Resource Day offers ONE STOP easy access to community services that include, medical and dental services, onsite application for benefits for the Veterans Administration, mental health assessments and counseling, mainstream benefits, photo ID cards from the Motor Vehicle Administration, birth certificates, legal support, education, training and employment opportunities, haircuts, and showers, in addition to other services. For county residents only.

NAACP/Ocwen Help & Hope for Homeowners Event – Nov. 14

The NAACP will host a “Help and Hope for Homeowners” event on Saturday, November 14, 2015 from 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Largo High School (505 Largo Rd., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774).  Admission and parking are free for all attendees. Homeowners whose loans are serviced by Ocwen are encouraged to attend this event to meet with Ocwen Home Retention Agents and HUD-approved housing counselors.

Attention Businesses: The Hire Prince George’s County Program
  

From the PGCEDC: Cut your training costs in half when you hire county residents, including getting funds to offset costs from screening, recruiting and training employees. Contact the PGCEDC TODAY at Jeffrey Swilley, Workforce Services Division, 1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 400, Largo, MD 20774 (301) 618-8400 or jswilley@pgcedc.com.
For more services and events from the PGCEDC: www.pgcedc.com/
“Hire Prince George’s Program”: https://www.melfranklin.net/learn-about-the-hire-prince-georges-county-program/

19th Annual PGCPS Powering Up With Technology Conference – Nov. 14

Attend the 19th Annual Powering Up With Technology Conference on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr.  High School and explore innovative strategies using technology to engage 21st century students in the classroom. Bring $45 (check or money order) and register to attend on site! No cash will be accepted. For more information, go here:https://sites.google.com/a/pgcps.org/puwtconference/Home

Maryland S.T.E.M. Conference 2015 – S.T.E.A.M. Kickoff on November 7

From PGCPS: “We’re proud to announce that we will be a part of the 2015 Maryland S.T.E.M. Festival and will have tons of fun, FREE, innovative and stimulating S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) based events. A special kick-off event will take place at the
College Park Aviation Museum on November 7, 2015, from 1- 5 pm. Information and a Q&A on all of the events to be held will be available at this event. Refreshments will be provided. The Museum is located at 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, MD 20740. For more information, please call 301-864-6029; TTY 301-699-2544.” For full info, go here:http://pgcps.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=217729

Prince George’s County Charter Schools Lottery Is Open

For interested parents and students, the county’s public charter school lottery is open now but will be closing in the next few months.  To participate in the lottery, go here: http://lottery.pgcps.org/

Read the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan

Are you curious about what the plan is for economic development and jobs for Prince George’s County?  Read the County’s Economic Development Strategic Plan.
Economic Plan Powerpoint: http://www.pgplanning.org/Assets/Planning/Countywide+Planning/Research/Economic+Drivers+and+Catalysts.pdf
Executive Summary: http://www.pgplanning.org/Assets/Planning/Countywide+Planning/Research/TEDS-Exec.pdf
Full Plan: http://www.pgplanning.org/Assets/Planning/Countywide+Planning/Research/TEDS-Full.pdf
Experience Expand Explore Prince George’s County: http://www.experienceexpandexplorepgc.com/

Raising Funds to Assist Survivors of Domestic Violence

Thank you to Still I Rise Inc. and Dr. Glenda Hodges for partnering this past Saturday, Oct. 31 at Colony South Hotel, to raise thousands of dollars towards establishing a new shelter for survivors of domestic violence at the “What’s Going On? Setting Your House in Order” Prayer Breakfast, featuring U.S. Senate Chaplain Barry C. Black.  This will be an annual event that continues to raise funds and awareness about this issue.

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 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

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

Authority: Friends of Mel Franklin, Brendon Laster, Treasurer