Planet Fitness Announces Grand Openings of Two “Judgement Free” Gyms in Prince George’s County
Official Grand Opening celebrations will be held on October 24 with food, fun, raffle prizes and entertainment.
Each facility will donate $500 to the local Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington.

By PRESS OFFICE
Planet Fitness

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, MD (October 10, 2018)—Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the U.S. and home of the Judgement Free Zone®, today announced the official openings of two new clubs in Hyattsville and Fort Washington.

The retrofit facilities, formerly Fitness Evolution, have been undergoing extensive remodeling efforts since February 2017 and feature upwards of 100 pieces of new cardio equipment—from treadmills, ellipticals, stair climbers, arc trainers to upright bicycles, recumbent bicycles and rowers, plus PF 30-Minute Express Circuits. As part of the remodeling effort, brand new locker rooms and PF Black Card® spas including massage chairs, HydroMassage beds, tanning, Total Body Enhancement and more were added. Planet Fitness will also continue to upgrade these clubs through 2019 to feature all new, state-of-the-art strength training equipment.

Planet Fitness is celebrating the grand openings of the two new facilities on Wednesday, October 24, and each event will feature official ribbon cuttings with local dignitaries and other special guests. Each club will make a $500 donation to the local Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington during a check presentation ceremony and local guests can expect complimentary food, entertainment and raffle prizes such as Amazon Echos, 55" Smart TVs, Garmin Watches and more. Celebration details include:

Grand Opening Celebrations on Wednesday, October 24:

• NEW Planet Fitness Fort Washington from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. (12746 Old Fort Rd)

• NEW Planet Fitness Hyattsville from 5–7:00 p.m. (3500 E West Hwy)

“We’re committed to giving back and reinvesting in the communities across Prince George’s county and are thrilled to unveil our remodeled Judgement Free facilities to our existing and soon-to-be members,” said Victor Brick, Planet Fitness franchisee. “We encourage everyone to come check out the clubs during our official grand opening events, meet our friendly staff, get a tour and see what the Judgement Free Zone is all about!”

Planet Fitness prides itself on providing a high-quality experience at an exceptional value and being home of the Judgement Free Zone®, where members experience a hassle-free, non-intimidating environment. Membership includes a variety of other benefits, including brand name cardio and strength equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions and free fitness training by a certified trainer through the PE@PF ® program. In addition, as a member appreciation gesture, Planet Fitness provides free pizza on the first Monday of every month, and free bagels on the second Tuesday of every month while supplies last, as a reminder that it’s okay to treat yourself every once in a while.

The PF Black Card® membership, which is $21.99 a month, includes additional amenities such as the ability to bring a guest every day at no additional charge, access to all 1,500+ Planet Fitness locations, as well as access to massage beds and chairs and tanning, among other benefits*.

Planet Fitness also provides members with an opportunity to connect and support each other with “Planet of Triumphs,” an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. Planet of Triumphs provides an online platform for members to recognize their triumphs (big or small), share their stories and encourage others, reinforcing the Company’s belief that ‘everyone belongs’. Check out real Planet Fitness member stories and accomplishments at PlanetofTriumphs.com.

For more information or to join online, please visit www.PlanetFitness.com or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/PlanetFitness) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/PlanetFitness).

*PF Black Card® amenities may vary by location

Founded in 1992 in Dover, NH, Planet Fitness is one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers in the United States by number of members and locations. The Company’s mission is to enhance people’s lives by providing a high-quality fitness experience in a welcoming, non-intimidating environment, which we call the Judgement Free Zone®.

PF Group Partners, LLC, is a franchise division of Planet Fitness.  PF Growth Partners, LLC owns and operates 57 Planet Fitness health clubs.

Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital Center Recognized Nationally for Promoting Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation

By PRESS OFFICER
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center

CLINTON, MD (October 9, 2018)—MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center (MSMHC) was among a select group of hospitals nationwide recognized for promoting enrollment in state organ donor registries in a national campaign sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The campaign has added more than 443,000 donor enrollments to state registries nationwide.

MSMHC conducted awareness and registry campaigns to educate staff, patients, visitors, and community members about the critical need for organ, eye, and tissue donors and, by doing so, increased the number of potential donors on the state’s donor registry. The hospital earned points for each activity implemented between October 2017 and April 2018 and was awarded Silver recognition through the HRSA Workplace Partnership for Life Hospital Campaign.

Of the 1,283 hospitals and transplant centers participating in the campaign, 360 Silver Awards were awarded during this phase of the campaign.

“Winning the Washington Regional Transplant Community (WRTC) Silver Award for promotion of organ donation gives me such pride and also has personal meaning,” said Renee Sicheri, MSMHC RN and member of the MSMHC ICU team.  “The collaboration between WRTC and our ICU team is evident with every donor patient, as well as the donor family, who are given compassionate care, love, respect and support by the entire team.  My family has been touched personally by organ donation.  My brother-in-law experienced a hemorrhagic stroke and was an organ donor.  His gift of life impacted seven people’s lives. I remember how supportive the team was, and the comfort they brought my family. I am proud to be a part of this fabulous program and the great work carried out by the teams at MSMHC and the WRTC.” 

The Donate Life campaign is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Workplace Partnership for Life, mobilizing the nation’s hospitals to increase the number of people in the country who are registered organ, eye, and tissue donors and ultimately, the number of organs available for transplant.

“MSMHC is proud to support organ donation,” said MSMHC President Christine Wray.  “We humbly thank donors for giving the gift of life, and their families, for supporting their generous decision.  We thank all physicians and associates who work in units where donations originate, for their professionalism and reverence for this delicate process.  Finally, we thank WRTC for partnering with us in this important, life-saving mission.”

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center, located in Clinton, Maryland, is a 176 bed acute care hospital serving the Washington, D.C., metro and Southern Maryland area. The hospital is focused on caring for patients and their loved ones utilizing advanced technology under the guidance of expert clinicians. Quality, Safety, Wellness, and Patient Satisfaction are achieved through a spirit of patient centered services that connect us to the community we serve.

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First Lady Yumi Hogan Meets with Burn Survivors, Firefighters

By PRESS OFFICE
Office of the Governor

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 9, 2018)—First Lady Yumi Hogan today welcomed attendees and mentors from the International Association of Fire Fighters 2018 International Burn Camp to the Maryland State House. Held annually, this camp is a life-changing opportunity for burn survivors ages 13–21 and the firefighters who work to make a difference in the lives of these young people.

“It was my honor to welcome the 2018 campers today—the many brave young men and women who are facing a tough challenge in life, but will now enjoy a week of fun and friendship,” said First Lady Yumi Hogan. “I want to thank the firefighters and volunteers for their dedication to building and running the International Burn Camp year after year, making this week of camp a dream come true for many young people.”

Over 100 campers from across the country and Canada came to Annapolis [on October 9] to tour the Naval Academy and the State House as a part of their week-long camp. The all-expenses paid camp helps these burn survivors understand that they are not alone and that there is a larger support system for them.

Learn more about the International Association of Fire Fighters Foundation and the burn camp at https://foundation.iaff.org/.

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