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December 11, 2020
Dear friends,
Please be sure to read the items on the sidebar to the right for numerous opportunities to help others in need this holiday season as well as some safe ideas for holiday fun.
I also want to thank Dr. Alvin Thornton for his service as Chair of the Prince George's County Board of Education. Dr. Thornton announced his resignation last night. His leadership has been paramount to delivering progress in Prince George's and his leadership on the state level was instrumental in moving forward the Kirwan commission recommendations. Much work is ahead for all of us and for the Board of Education to chart a course forward that builds on the success of the last two years under his leadership and propels our school system and the future's for our kids and county even further forward.
COVID Updates
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks held a press conference yesterday today with additional COVID-19 updates for Prince George's County including reductions to retail capacity and a pause on indoor dining. Our positivity rate has climbed to over 10% and all residents should take precautions to minimize interactions with people outside of their household. Masks are to be worn in all public places. Watch the press conference here.
 Maryland COVID Alert
We join the @MDHealthDept in encouraging everyone to opt in to MD COVID Alert, the official COVID-19 Exposure Notifications System for Maryland. Add your phone to help stop the spread. Learn more: http://covidlink.maryland.gov/mdcovidalert
Capital Region Rail Vision Report Released
It is an honor to serve on the Capital Region Rail Vision Steering Committee led by the Greater Washington Partnership. Yesterday we released the Capital Region Rail Vision, a 25-year strategy to remove key physical and operating barriers, and provide residents a more coordinated, integrated, and competitive rail service. The vision outlines the necessary steps to better connect the region with more frequent and rapid rail service resulting in improved access to jobs, housing and more equitable and inclusive growth.
The report released outlines an innovative vision for the future which would provide Prince George's County residents direct access via MARC through Union Station, to places like National Landing in Virginia, and also create easier regional access to Bowie State University, University of Maryland, and the city of New Carrollton.
Included among the benefits of the Capital Region Rain Vision to Prince George's County is run-through service to National Landing, expansion of Commuter rail off-peak service, decreased commuter rail headways, and integrated fare systems. Additionally, County residents could potentially traverse from New Carrollton to Crystal City in 30-minutes without transferring trains.
Achieving this forward-thinking plan will require commitment from all stakeholders. I look forward to the work ahead to implement this vision and grow a thriving economy.
Employ PG Gift Cards for Residents  It was such a pleasure to partner with Employ Prince George's to distribute $300 Visa gift cards to District 3 and Prince George's County residents who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic today. This program is open to all Prince Georgians who lost their job as a result of the pandemic. Gift cards are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis as funding becomes available, so please apply today.
Go to www.employpgedge.com, create an account and fill out the application form. After you apply, please watch your email for your approval and for the details of when and where to pick up your gift card.
Office of Veterans Affairs
Did you know Prince George's County has an O ffice of Veterans Affairs? Dr. James Dula, Director, can help Prince George's County Veterans access benefits, employment services and more. Email JADula@co.pg.md.usor call 301-780-8260.
Adelphi Road-UMGC/UMD Purple Line Station Sector Plan
 Thank you to all those who joined the Planning Department, Vice Chair Taveras and myself for the sector plan kick-off meeting Wednesday evening. The plan for this area has not been updated since 1989. This area was defined as a local center in the community-driven Plan 2040, the County's general plan because of the Purple Line station which is under construction now.
 The Purple Line Corridor Coalition is doing great work to support small businesses, affordable housing, and more along the Purple Line, including the Adelphi Road-UMGC/UMD station. Learn more about that work here.
PGCPS Strategic Plan Culture and Climate Survey
Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) is in the process of developing an equity-focused strategic plan to guide the future direction of our school system. As a part of this process, they need your input on our culture and climate.
Please take 15 minutes to complete this survey to share your ideas about how PGCPS can better serve our diverse school community. Your feedback is crucial to the creation of our system's plan to move forward.
Thank You Greater Washington Community Foundation
District 3 Nonprofit Networking BreakfastThank you to the many nonprofit leaders who joined my office last week for our 12th (!) Nonprofit Networking Breakfast--this time virtual, of course. I am incredibly grateful for the incredible ways our nonprofit organizations have stepped forward to assist our community during the past eight months. If you missed the event but want to hear updates from the Office of the County Executive, Nonprofit Prince George's, the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and me, please watch the recording here.
Happy Anniversary Community Crisis Services, Inc.!
 I'd like to offer a special congratulations to Community Crisis Services, Inc. celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2020. In this anniversary year when their work is more critical than ever, I am grateful for all they do for the community. Please remember--and tell others--CCSI operates the County's Social Services hotline 24/7. For suicide prevention, homelessness, mental health crisis, domestic violence, and other needs residents simply need to dial 2-1-1.
Upcoming Events
Holiday Joy for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities - December 16
My office is proud to partner again with the Prince George's County Department of Family Services to distribute boxes of meals AND boxes of groceries AND a box of holiday treats (yes, THREE boxes!) to District 3 seniors age 60+ and individuals with disabilities of any age on Wednesday, December 16.
This is likely the last distribution we will have as funds must be spent by December 31 for this program.
If you have not registered in advance, we will have extra boxes available first-come, first-served on December 16 starting at 10:00 am at the New Carrollton Municipal Building, 6016 Princess Garden Parkway.
We anticipate more than 200 individuals will need to have their boxes delivered. If you can help deliver to approximately six homes or apartments on the morning of December 16 please sign up here. Please note, by selecting "1" slot you are signing up to deliver to one route of approx. 6 stops.
Save the Date! Greater Riverdale Cares Holiday Distribution - December 19
My office, in partnership with our Greater Riverdale Cares Partners including Christian Life Center's Passion and Compassion Ministry, Sewing Empowerment and Economic Development, the PGCMLS Foundation, the Department of Parks & Recreation, and more will host a holiday food distribution on Saturday, December 19, at 12:00 pm, at Park Tanglewood; enter on Tanglewood Drive at the intersection with Riverdale Road. Walk-ups welcome but must be in line by 12:00 pm.
Virtual Connection on Police Reform Work - December 21
 Please join Council Chair Calvin Hawkins, Maryland Delegates Erek Barron, Alonzo Washington, Nicole Williams and me on Monday, December 21, from 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm to learn more about the police reform work happening at the State and County. Register here and the link to join will be emailed to you prior to the event.
New Meal Site and Partnership with Shepherd's Table
I'm so grateful to Shepherd's Table for their new "Beyond the Table" initiative in Riverdale. Shepherd's Table will be at Riverdale Elementary School every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:00 pm to distribute meals to those in need. All are welcome.
As always, feel free to reach out to a member of my District 3 team or me if we can help you in any way. I am sharing updates regularly on social media, especially my Facebook page. #onlytogether Together Strengthening Our Community, 
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