Dear Friends,
 
I wanted to reach out to wish you a happy and joyful Thanksgiving. I want to also take this opportunity to share information regarding upcoming holiday happenings, a winter storm preparation guide, utility assistance for older adults, open enrollment for health insurance, and Covid information for the holiday season. In the meantime, please do reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.
 
As always, it remains my great privilege to represent you!

Sincerely, 
Geraldine 
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
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Covid Vaccinations
Bowie High School COVID Vaccination Clinic Dates (for anyone age 5+)
First Doses — Nov. 22 ; Second Doses — Nov. 29, Dec. 6, & Dec. 13; Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. 

Prince George’s County Public School Clinics are happening at various county high schools and some elementary schools over the next couple of weeks. View the full PGCPS vaccination schedule here.

Bowie Senior Center Hosts COVID Booster Vaccination Clinic:

  • Nov. 22 On November 22 from 9 a.m. – noon, Pfizer and Moderna booster shots will be available for individuals ages 65 or older, or age 55 or older with underlying health conditions.

  • Original COVID shot records must be shown and it must be at least six months since your second shot. Shots will be administered by Safeway Pharmacy.

  • Click here to register for appointment. If you do not have computer access, the public access computers in the Senior Center lobby can be used to book an appointment. Walk-ins will also be accepted as supplies allow.

Prince George’s Health Department Expands Opportunities for Vaccinations for ages 5 and older. View details here.  

Review General Vaccination Information for Parents and Children from the CDC here.
Holiday Season Giving and Happenings
Bowie Food Pantry
Due to the pandemic, the program will be different this year and will not be accepting/distributing food baskets or gifts/toys. Instead, families will receive gift cards to purchase their Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets. In addition, parents will be given one gift card per child to purchase holiday gifts. To make a donation go to www.bowiefoodpantry.org.

Donation sites for the pantry include: The Bowie Ice Rink, Bowie Senior Center and the Bowie Gym. Please visit the website for a list of highest needs items which now include:
  • Dry Goods—instant potatoes, stuffing, mac & cheese
  • Healthy Snacks
  • Soups
  • Canned Fruit
  • Granola Bars
  • Fresh Fruit and Veggies

FISH of Laurel, Inc. 
  • The greatest need is diapers (sizes 3–6) and baby wipes, apple juice (not juice boxes), ready-to-serve soup (similar to Progresso or Chunky), and canned beans (any type). The pantry is also collecting items for Christmas holiday bundles. Please click here for a list of the items needed.
 
  • The Meal Kitchen has the greatest need for casseroles. If you're able to cook and donate, please find details  here. Donations accepted 4:15–5:15 every night.
 
Click here to visit their website.

Shop with a Cop is Back
Shop with a Cop is back! This collaborative effort between the Bowie Police Department, the Bowie community, and local businesses providing local families, especially children, with the funds to shop for holiday gifts for themselves and family members. It also gives community members the chance to meet and get to know our incredible officers!

To donate to SHOP WITH A COP, send a cash or check donation by December 10 to:
City of Bowie
5901 Fred Robinson Way
Bowie, MD 20716
Checks made payable to "City of Bowie"

For more information or should you have questions about this annual holiday event, contact the Police Department's Community Services Unit at 240-544-5792 or COPS@cityofbowie.org. 

City of Bowie Tree Lighting Ceremony
Bowie Tree Lighting Ceremony at Veterans Park in Old Bowie (12700 9th Street Bowie, MD 20720) on December 5 at 7pm. There will be caroling, then Santa will make an appearance with the help of the Bowie Volunteer Fire Department. Due to COVID precautions Santa will not greet each child or invite them on his lap. Instead, he will ask children to write him a letter and to put it in his North Pole mailbox. (Materials and mailbox provided at the event.) Santa’s elves will also share treats that are reported to be coming from the North Pole. See the City Website for more details.
Covid and the Holiday Season
  • The Delta Variant accounts for approximately 99.9% of all COVID cases in our region. Studies indicate lower effectiveness of vaccine against the Delta variant compared to other strains, but effectiveness at preventing hospitalizations and death are still high. For these reasons the indoor mask mandate remains in effect in Prince George’s County. Please keep this information in mind as you and your loved ones enter the holiday season and colder weather.

  • See the CDC website for further guidance about the holidays. The guidance also includes tips for travel and protecting yourself and others in certain indoor settings.
Winter Storm Preparation and Utility Assistance

Utility Assistance
The Fuel Fund of Maryland, Silver Lights Program, assists;

  • People 60+ who are BGE customers with their utility bill
  • People 60+ statewide who need assistance with bulk fuel

Please call 443-231-4300 to speak to a dedicated staffer.
Maryland Health Connections
Health Insurance Open Enrollment
Between now and January 15, 2022 is the open enrollment period for health insurance in the Maryland Health Connection marketplace. Please view details and applications here.
By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer