Delegate Nicole Williams Newsletter - July
Dear Neighbors and Friends - As this month comes to a close, it is important to reminisce on the importance of July 4th. Independence Day is important as it marks a crucial turning point in American history, signifying the establishment of a nation founded on the principles of freedom, democracy, and individual rights. Over the years, July 4th has become a day of celebration with various traditions, including fireworks, parades, concerts, and barbeques! It is a time that brings people together to take pride in our country while reflecting on its history. In other news, the Maryland Transit Administration and Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) received approval from the Board of Public Works (BPW) for a modification to the Purple Line Public-Private Partnership (P3) Agreement that formally extends the contractual deadline for achieving Revenue Service Availability to Spring 2027. This schedule change reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of completing construction in a dense urban environment. The Maryland Transit Administration and PLTP collaborated over the last several months to identify and mitigate delays where possible. However, work on the purple line continues to progress. The Maryland Transit Administration and PLTP will continue to meet weekly to review construction progress, anticipate potential schedule impacts, and develop further strategies. - Nicole
Annual National Night Out
On August 1, 2023, cities all around the United States will be coming together to share the importance of community safety. While the Annual National Night Out is full of festivities, we all share the common goal to establish safer community practices and more efficient resources for the sake of our neighborhoods. Please read below for information about District 22 National Night Out events.
New Carrollton Police Department
5 PM - 8 PM
New Carrollton Community Center: 8511 Legation Road, New Carrollton, MD 20784
Greenbelt Police Department
6 PM - 8 PM
Beltway Plaza Mall: 6000 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD (Rear of Beltway Plaza Mall)
Hunting Ridge: 6900 Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, MD
Windsor Green: 7474 Frankfort Drive., Greenbelt, MD
Schrom Hills Recreation Center: 6915 Hanover Parkway, Greenbelt, MD
Hyattsville Police Department
6 PM - 8:30 PM
Driskell Park: 3911 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD
Glenn Dale Crossing
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Glenn Dale Crossing: Hubble Drive and Aerospace Road, Lanham MD
Join us as we celebrate this monumental day!
You may RSVP by sending an email to the email address below, scanning the QR code below to access the RSVP form, or clicking the image below to fill out our RSVP form. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you there!
Community Baby Shower | Feria Comunitaria de Bienvenida de Bebes
Maryland Climate Pathway Listening Sessions
Maryland Department of the Environment is tasked by the Climate Solutions Act to build a plan to reduce GHG emissions by 60% by 2031 and net by 2045. On July 25th, 6 p.m. at Bowie State, MDE will embark on its first listening tour to present Maryland's Climate Pathway report to Marylanders and listen to the university's comments.
As you may know, the recreational use of Cannabis is now legal in Maryland. Please see the graphic above for the new laws and regulations of Cannabis use.
Article of the Month Track Star Sam Stribling Takes Iowa
Greenbelt resident Sam Stribling Jr. is 11 years old and has had a passion for running since he was 5. This month he will head to the AAU Junior Olympics in Des Moines, Iowa. Sam started his track journey with the Greenbelt Boys and Girls Club, following up with Glenarden Track Club a year later, where he excelled under Coach Rich Branch. Last year Stribling competed in the International Youth Championship held July 15th through the 17th at the sports complex. There he set the record for the 10-and-under boys 400-meter race with a time of 1:02:43. The AAU Districts and Regionals took place on June 17th and 18th and June 23rd through the 25th. There Sam won first place in the 200 and 400-meter categories. It earned him a ticket to Junior Nationals for 2023. According to Coach Burris, Sam is rated in the top five in the country in two events, 200 meters, and 400 meters. The AAU Junior Olympics will be held from July 26th through August 5th. The Stribling family has a GoFundME page to raise money to help offset the cost of entry fees and travel expenses. Click here to read more of the story.
Hyattsville Library Story Time
Over the past month, I have had the pleasure of spreading the power of reading to children through the Hyattsville Library! For story time, I read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? by Bill Martin, and Counting with Tiny Cat by Viviane Schwarz.
Beacon Heights Summer Playgrounds Program
"The Value of a true leader is not measured by the work they do, but by the work, they inspire others to do" - Simon Sinek
The Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA) has announced that qualified plug-in electric vehicle owners can apply for a new HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) permit. The MVA began accepting applications on June 12th through this portalor by visiting an MVA branch office. Please note that prior permit holders should remove expired vehicle permits and reapply for new ones. The new program includes a $5 application fee and is valid through September 30th, 2025. Any further information regarding the new HOV permit program can be found using this link.
Resources Capital Area Food Bank: Client Leadership Council Program
The Capital Area Food Bank is excited to announce that they have begun recruiting for their 4th Annual Client Leadership Council (CLC). The CLC is a paid, ten-month advocacy training program for people who are experiencing food insecurity in the Greater Washington D.C. area. The goal of CLC is to empower individuals to shape policy, inform the media, and influence food bank programming by sharing their lived experiences and becoming advocates. Our members are paid a living wage stipend for their time, including any transportation costs to and from the food bank. The program is offered in both English and Spanish. Use this link to nominate someone that you think would be a good fit for this program.
Pop-Up Community Clinics
Clinicas Communitaria St Matthews/San Mateo Church is offering free primary care health services every first Sunday and last Tuesday of each month (Primer Domingo y ultimo martes de cada mes). These services will be held from 9 am to 3 pm. Address: 5901 36th Avenue Hyattsville MD, 20782 Call or Text for an Appointment: 240-258-8583 Mande Un Texto O Llame A: 240-258-8583
WSSC Update: Extended to August 31
WSSC Water continues its Get Current amnesty program, which launched on June 1st to help customers with their delinquent water and sewer bills. The program provides bill credits and waives 100 percent of late payment charges and turn-on fees for qualifying customers. To learn more about WSSC Water's Get Current program and determine if you qualify, visit wsscwater.com/getcurrent. You can find information on other customer assistance programs at wsscwater.com/assistance.
Housing
Prince George's County Department of Housing Community Development 2023-2024 Affordable Housing Portfolio:
The portfolio lists over forty upcoming and completed senior living communities and multi-family dwellings, now available to County residents. If you want to access more information about the new portfolio, you can watch the promotional video here.
If you are currently facing housing or rental concerns due to financial hardship, the organizations listed below can provide some support:
Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund offers support mortgage relief, weatherization, housing counseling, and legal services.
Housing Counseling Services Inc. offers a variety of MD housing and rental assistance resources including but not limited to housing counseling, foreclosure prevention, utility assistance, and veteran support services
211 Maryland's database can connect you with local programs and resources, call 2-1-1 to speak with an Information and Referral Specialist or visit their website
Need Health Insurance?
Do you need Health Insurance? Prince George's County Health Connect enrolls county residents 18 to 64 in health insurance. Enrollment can be done in person or over the telephone. Bilingual navigators are available Monday through Friday, free of charge. Necesitas un Segura de Salud? Prince George's County Health Connect inscribe a los residents del condado de 18 a 64 años en un seguro de salud. La inscripción see puede hacer en persona y por teléphono.