Dear Friends,
As we remember the horrific events that took place twenty years ago on September 11th let us remember and pray for the souls that were lost and their families. Please read below for information about ways to commemorate that day this weekend.
I also want to share links to two Washington Post editorials I wrote on. One is on the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) program in Maryland, an issue that I have worked passionately on in my 12 years in Annapolis. The second editorial is about SC Maglev High Speed Rail project and questions on the private sponsors’ transparency.
In addition, there is information about Covid-19 booster shots, PGCPS school transportation updates, The Legislative Redistricting Commission Public Hearing for Prince George’s County, important virtual hearings about the major rezoning of the County contained in the Countywide Map Amendment (CMA) and the Bowie Mitchellville Master Plan, and a local festival celebrating the history of Old Bowie.
Please reach out to me at any time with any questions or concerns and please do continue to practice good public health habits as we continue to fight the challenging Covid-19 pandemic.
Sincerely,
Geraldine
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
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September 11
A Day of Service
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The City of Bowie is sponsoring service projects over the weekend in honor of those we've lost. Learn more here.
The City of Laurel will host a special 20th anniversary presentation about the events of that day on Laurel TV. See this link for times.
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Washington Post Editorials |
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I have two recent editorials in the Washington Post. The first marks the 25th anniversary of welfare reform which in Maryland was renamed as the Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) in 1996. I have worked passionately to expand TCA in my 12 years in Annapolis so please read my thoughts about how we must work to improve the program as a meaningful way to help families climb out of poverty. Read it here.
The second is about the SC Maglev High Speed Rail proposal, a project for which I have consistently questioned the private sponsors’ transparency and goals. You can read it here.
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If you think you are eligible for a Covid-19 booster shot please call your local pharmacy or your personal physician to inquire. Currently patients need to fill out a form at their local pharmacy and must meet one of the following criteria: have cancer, received an organ transplant or are taking immunosuppressant medication. However Covid-19 booster shots may be available for the general public by the end of the month. A list of pharmacies can be found here.
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PGCPS
Back To School New Bus App and Updated School Safety Webpage
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School bus transportation in PGCPS has had challenges as the school system remains short staffed on bus drivers. The PGCPS StopFinder mobile app helps parents to view information about their child’s bus schedule, where a child’s bus is, and to receive notifications about where the bus is. You can find more information here.
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PGCPS also maintains a webpage related to school health and safety, including information on immunizations, vaccines, and COVID-19 protocols. You can access it here.
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Additionally, a list of all Back to School nights throughout the County has been posted online. You can find the relevant date for your child's school by clicking here.
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Maryland Redistricting
The Legislative Redistricting
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The 2020 Census release is leading to the redistricting for County, State, and Congressional seats in the next several months. State leaders are beginning the process of drawing new maps that affect our community. There are two primary statewide committees working on this issue - the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission (MCRC), appointed by the Governor, and the Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission (LRAC), appointed by Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones.
The Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission will hold its Prince George’s County hearing on Monday, September 20 at 6 p.m. at the following location.
Prince George’s Community College
Largo Campus
Largo Student Center (LSC), Room 227
301 Largo Road
Largo, MD 20774
Masks will be required for all attendees regardless of vaccination status.
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Reminder - County Zoning Map Amendment Final Hearings, Monday, September 13, and Tuesday September 14 |
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Final approval and adoption of the new Countywide Map Amendment which rezoned all properties in Prince George’s County (pursuant to HB 980 of the 2021 Session) will take place on September 13 and September 14. Please learn details about how to watch the proceedings here.
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Bowie-Mitchellville Vicinity Master Plan Update October 4, 2021 Hearing |
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The City of Bowie and the County Planning Departments are working on a Preliminary Master Plan for Bowie-Mitchellville and Vicinity, now available on the M-NCPPC project website. This plan will guide future planning in development of the greater Bowie area. Hearings will be held by the Bowie Advisory Planning Board on Tuesday, September 14, at 7pm and the City Council on Monday, September 20 at 8pm and any thoughts on the proposed plan are welcome. Please visit the city of Bowie meeting website page here.
The Prince George’s County Planning Board and County Council will hold a joint public hearing on Monday, October 4 at 5:00 p.m. regarding the Bowie Mitchellville Vicinity Plan. Registration must be completed by 3:00 p.m. the day before the meeting and comments will not be accepted via social media or voice mail. Learn more about the October 4 meeting here. Create an account and sign up to speak via this link.
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Old Bowie Celebrates Festival
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Explore historic Old Bowie at the Old Bowie Celebrates Festival on Saturday, September 18 from 11am to 5pm. Enjoy live musicians. Shop more than 35 arts and crafts vendors. Appreciate the talents showcased in our art show. Taste the offerings from our food trucks. Be mesmerized by magicians, a stilt-walker and other family-friendly entertainers! Admission is free.
Parking in downtown Old Bowie will be limited. Shuttles will run regularly from the north parking lot of the Bowie MARC station off of Rt. 197. For more information on parking and the festival, visit their website.
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By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer |
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