Hospice of the Chesapeake Announces the Resignation of President and CEO Ben Marcantonio

By Sandra Dillon
Hospice of the Chesapeake

Pasadena, Md. (July 23, 2020)—Hospice of the Chesapeake announced today that President and CEO Ben Marcantonio has submitted his resignation effective September 25.  Marcantonio informed the Chairman of the Board of Directors earlier this week that he has accepted a position as the Chief Operating Officer for the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.  Marcantonio joined Hospice of the Chesapeake as Chief Operating Officer in 2013 and was quickly promoted to President and CEO in 2015.

“Ben has been a guiding force and a strong advocate for Hospice of the Chesapeake.  We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to our mission since joining our team in 2013 and his focus on the expansion of care provided by the organization,” said Brian Gibbons, Chairman of the Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors. “Ben has worked tirelessly during his tenure as CEO and the organization has reach many milestones including caring for more than 550 hospice patients per day in mid-2020, the construction and opening of the Rebecca Fortney Inpatient Care Center in 2015 and the Hussman Outpatient Supportive Care Center in 2018.”

The Board of Directors also announced they have appointed Michael Brady to serve as the Interim President and CEO effective upon Marcantonio’s departure.  Brady currently serves as Chief Financial Officer and joined Hospice of the Chesapeake in 2017. Prior to joining Hospice of the Chesapeake, Brady served as CFO with the National Lutheran Communities and Services in Rockville, which is the parent organization of three non-profit faith-based senior care communities and two home health/home care entities.  Brady is currently the Chairman of the Leading Age Maryland Board of Directors and a 2020 Leadership Anne Arundel graduate.

“I am very confident that Mike will provide strong leadership and bring valuable insight in this interim role.” Said Brian Gibbons, Chairman of the Hospice of the Chesapeake Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors will begin a search for a permanent successor in Fall 2020.  For more information, please contact Sandra Dillon, Director of Communications at 443-837-1554 or sdillon@hospicechesapeake.org.

Caring for life throughout the journey with illness and loss is the mission of Hospice of the Chesapeake.  For more information, please visit www.hospicechesapeake.org. Hospice of the Chesapeake has an office in Prince George’s County at 9500 Medical Center Drive #250, Largo, MD 20774

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Council Convenes Virtually for Final Session Prior to Summer Recess; Holds Public Hearings; Adopts Several Measures; Places Bond Bills on November Ballot; Addresses Homestead Property Tax Credit Cap Legislation

By ANGELA ROUSON
Prince George’s County Council Media

upper marlboro, Md. (July 21, 2020)—The Prince George’s County Council convened virtually on Tuesday, July 21, in its final regular session before the August recess. During Tuesday’s session, the Council considered and adopted over 25 legislative measures; held 18 public hearings; and addressed proposed correspondence.

Council Chair Todd M. Turner noted the outstanding work of his Council colleagues, as well as staff, to address important issues given our virtual operations.

The Council adopted the following measures:

• CB-042-2020, legislation proposed by the County Executive realigning $20 million from the Police Department Capital Budget earmarked for a public safety training facility, to build a clinical health facility addressing mental health and addiction.

• CR-066-2020, legislation asserting that racism is a crisis of public health, public safety and economic welfare because of its effect on the entire Prince George’s County community.

• CR-062-2020, the Council established the Prince George’s County Food Insecurity Task Force to address issues related to the supply and demand of healthy food, and areas with limited access to healthy food, food-health connections, school meals, and food security.

• CB-043-2020, CB-044-2020, CB-045-2020, CB-046-2020 and CB-047-2020 - 5 (five) bond bills will be placed before voters during the November General Election for approval to fund County capital projects for public works, community college, libraries, public safety and county buildings.

• The Council voted to extend the appointment of Prince George’s County Acting Police Chief Hector Valez for four months pursuant to the County Charter.

• Approved the Prince George’s County Public School system’s budget reconciliation request for the $2.3 billion for the Fiscal Year 2021 school year

• The Council also approved several measures addressing the Salary Plans for the County’s frontline workers, including provisions for COVID-19 Hazard Pay for first responders.

In other matters, following public testimony from over 25 residents on CB-048-2020, proposed legislation concerning a Charter Amendment to amend the Homestead Property Tax Credit Cap in Prince George’s County, District 6 Council Member Derrick Leon Davis, moved to table the bill, an action unanimously supported by the Council, and no further vote was taken. The matter will not be placed on the November ballot in the General Election for voters to decide. “The Council has heard from our residents on this matter and believes today’s action indicates the will of the people we were elected to represent, and a recognition of our current times,” said Council Chair Turner.

The Council also recognized Department of Corrections Director, Mary Lou McDonough, as she prepares to retire from Prince George’s County Government following over 40 years of service.

The County Council [was] scheduled to meet as the District Council on Monday July 27, 2020. The Council will reconvene in September, unless an emergency meeting is needed during recess.

To view Council Bills and Resolutions, please visit https://princegeorgescountymd.legistar.com/Default.aspxutm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

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Great American Outdoors Act Passes House of Representatives
Landmark Conservation Legislation Headed to President’s Desk

By PRESS OFFICER
National Park Foundation

WASHINGTON (July 22, 2020)—Will Shafroth, President and CEO of the National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service, made the following statement regarding passage of the Great American Outdoors Act in the House of Representatives:

“After years of bipartisan collaboration and debate, today we reached a once-in-a-generation achievement in the conservation community—passage of the Great American Outdoors Act. 

As a leading proponent for tackling national park deferred maintenance, the National Park Foundation is thrilled that the House of Representatives voted 310–107 to pass the Great American Outdoors Act. On the heels of last month’s resounding bipartisan vote in the United States Senate, we look forward to the President signing into law this incredible win for America’s national parks and public lands.  

The Great American Outdoors Act affirms our shared commitment to caring for America’s special places by providing significant resources to address national park deferred maintenance. Tackling our parks’ long overdue maintenance needs will ensure these places are safe and accessible for all, continue fueling local economies, and offer education and inspiration for generations to come. 

By directing much-needed funding to repair and improve national park facilities, roads, water systems, trails, and other vital assets, this soon-to-be law will allow the National Park Service and its partners to preserve America’s special places while offering a world class visitor experience. 

The Great American Outdoors Act’s substantial investments in our iconic landscapes, hallowed battlefields, and important historical and cultural sites will enhance the Foundation’s work to enrich national parks with philanthropic support. With meaningful federal resources devoted to long overdue park maintenance needs, philanthropic partners can focus on funding innovative projects that enhance the visitor experience and ensure our parks reach their highest potential. 

In addition to addressing national park infrastructure, the Great American Outdoors Act enshrines our nation’s conservation legacy through permanent, mandatory funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This hallmark program will conserve precious lands in national parks as well as boost access to close-to-home recreation opportunities in communities throughout the United States. 

The Foundation commends Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12), Democratic Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD-5), and Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA-23) for their shared commitment to moving this significant legislation forward.

The Foundation applauds the dozen bipartisan lawmakers who introduced the Great American Outdoors Act in the House: Rep. Joe Cunningham (D-SC-1), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-1), Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID-2), Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11), Rep. John Katko (R-NY-24), Rep. T.J. Cox (D-CA-21), Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-NY-1), Rep. Xochitl Torres Small (D-NM-2), Rep. Kendra Horn (D-OK-5), Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH-15), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME-2), and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE-1). We are grateful for the more than 200 members who supported the Great American Outdoors Act as cosponsors. 

Passage of the Great American Outdoors Act is a historic triumph for our national parks and all who cherish them. The National Park Foundation looks forward to working with Congress and the Administration on implementing this landmark conservation victory.”

The National Park Foundation is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, the National Park Foundation raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. Visit www.nationalparks.org.

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