Photo credit M-NCPPC
Kids enjoying the fun at Ellen E. Linson Splash Park in College Park.
Enjoy Summer Fun at M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County Aquatic Facilities
By PRESS OFFICER
M-NCPPC
Riverdale, Md. (June 17, 2024)—Get ready to dive into summer with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County! We are excited to announce the operating hours and locations for our outdoor and indoor aquatic facilities, perfect for families looking to make a splash this summer.
This summer, our pools are the ultimate destination for family fun and healthy living. With more swim classes than ever before, there’s never been a better time to dive in and improve your skills. Swimming is a refreshing way to cool off and promotes a healthy lifestyle by keeping you active and fit. Whether you’re splashing around for fun or perfecting your stroke, our experienced instructors are here to help you maximize your summer at the pool. Join us and experience why our aquatic facilities are one of the summer’s best attractions!
Outdoor Aquatic Facilities:
• Allentown Splash Park: 7210 Allentown Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
• Ellen Linson Splash Park: 5211 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20740
• Glenn Dale Splash Park: 1901 Glenn Dale Boulevard, Glenn Dale, MD 20769
• Hamilton Splash Park: 3901 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781
• J. Franklyn Bourne Pool: 6500 Calmos Street, Seat Pleasant, MD 20743
• Lane Manor Splash Park: 7601 West Park Drive, Hyattsville, MD 20783
• North Barnaby Splash Park: 5000 Wheeler Road, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
2024 Summer Outdoor Pools Operating Hours:
Weekday Operations: Starting June 17, 2024
• Mondays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–8 p.m.
• Tuesdays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–6:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–8 p.m.
• Thursdays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–6:30 p.m.
• Fridays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–8 p.m.
• Saturdays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–6:30 p.m.
• Sundays: 12 noon–3 p.m. | 3:30–6:30 p.m. Pool is cleared 15 minutes prior to closing time.
Indoor Aquatic Facilities (Hours vary by location):
• Allentown Splash Park: 7210 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744
• Fairland Sports & Aquatics Complex: 13820 Old Gunpowder Rd, Laurel, MD 20707
• Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex: 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover, MD 20785
• Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool: 6122 Sargent Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782
• Southern Area Aquatics and Recreation Complex: 13601 Missouri Avenue, Brandywine, MD 20613
• Southern Regional Aquatic Wellness Center: 7011 Bock Road, Fort Washington, MD 20744 (Temporarily Closed)
• Theresa Banks Memorial Aquatic Center: 8615 McLain Avenue, Glenarden, MD 20706
More information regarding how to make a reservation can be found here. Learn more about other resources, support, and facilities that are available during the summer months by visiting www.pgparks.com.
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At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin Announces Resignation
By LINDSAY WATTS
Prince Georges County Council Media
Statement from Prince George’s County Council Administrator Jennifer A. Jenkins:
After nearly 14 years of service, At-Large Council Member Mel Franklin has resigned his position, effective June 14, 2024. Franklin served two terms representing District 9 beginning in December 2010 before being elected twice as an At-Large Council Member. We thank Council Member Franklin for his years of dedication, hard work, and service. He’s authored numerous pieces of legislation that have significantly shaped Prince George’s County, and his knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in guiding the Council over many years. His presence will be greatly missed.
We are committed to a smooth transition for the benefit of our residents. The process to fill the vacancy on the Council will begin promptly with the scheduling of a special election. Further details will be provided soon.
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The Town of North Brentwood Pays Tribute to Previous Mayor, Lillian K. Beverly
Last rituals will be June 28, 2024, 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church
By PRESS OFFICER
Town of North Brentwood
Town of North Brentwood, the first African American incorporated town in Prince George’s County, mourns the loss of their first woman mayor, Lillian K. Beverly.
On June 12, 2024, Lillian Kelsey Beverly transitioned from this earthly home. She was 95 years old. The Town of North Brentwood mourns the loss of its first woman mayor. She wore many hats and was very active in the political arena from 1995–2007.
Mayor Beverly was a bold fighter for the Town of North Brentwood. Her mission, which she accomplished, was to ensure North Brentwood’s history and legacy would be known to all. She loved to tell the historical stories of a Black town that endured prejudice, sundown towns, Black injustices especially in obtaining housing. It was important to her that Blacks knew their history and their township.
Affectionately called Lil, she was founding member of the North Brentwood Historical Society, Prince George’s African American Museum and Cultural Center at North Brentwood, and Maryland Black Mayors Inc.
She will be remembered as the warrior who pushed forward to obtain funding for many of the town organizations, the town office building, PGAAMCC, and other grants and partnerships that are still in force. With her push she obtained funding for the Veterans Memorial Park in North Brentwood that was dedicated in 1997.
This 100th year of incorporation, the Town of North Brentwood Mayor, Council, staff and all citizens salute our honorable mayor. The impact she left on the town will always be remembered and cherished.
Her last rituals will be at First Baptist Church of North Brentwood, 4009 Wallace Road, North Brentwood, MD, on June 28, 2024, 11a.m.
REST IN PEACE.
—Town of North Brentwood Community
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Maryland Legal Aid’s Tenant Right to Counsel Project to Partner with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System to Host Legal Aid Clinics
By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Legal Aid
BALTIMORE (June 17, 2024) —Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is partnering with the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System to host Tenants’ Rights & Housing Clinics from May through August, occurring on the first Wednesday of each month. The purpose of these clinics is to assist individuals in understanding and maneuvering through the legal landscape. Participants will be able to receive advice and begin the legal intake process with lawyers, aiding them in resolving their housing concerns.
While the primary focus of these walk-in sessions will be on issues related to housing, evictions, and tenants’ rights, Maryland Legal Aid will also be prepared to assist with a range of other civil legal concerns. This includes criminal record expungement, family law, health, consumer rights, and employment issues, offering advice and legal support to those in need.
What: Tenants’ Rights & Housing Clinics
Where & When:
• Hyattsville Branch Library, Wednesday, July 3, 2024 | 1–4:30 p.m.
• Fairmount Heights Branch Library, Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | 1–4:30 p.m.
• Glenarden Branch Library, September 4 and 18 | 1–4:30 p.m.
• Oxon Hill Branch Library, October 2 and 16 | 1–4:30 p.m.
For general information about the Tenants’ Rights & Housing Clinics, visit https://www.mdlab.org/free-legal-clinics/
Maryland Legal Aid (MLA) is a statewide private, nonprofit law firm that provides free, civil legal services to low-income and vulnerable people to address their most fundamental legal problems. From its 12 offices around the state and through its many community-based clinics, we help our clients preserve and access safe and affordable housing, maintain custody of their children, and be safe from domestic violence. MLA increases our clients’ economic security by defending against consumer debt, including foreclosures and tax sales, removing barriers to employment, and accessing critical income supports such as unemployment, food stamps and other vital public benefits. Through special projects, we represent seniors, nursing home residents, children in alleged abuse and neglect cases, migrant farmworkers, and those in mental health institutions.
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Maryland Green Registry Sustainability Leadership Awards Features Climate Trailblazers
Members Save $83 Million Through Green Practices in 15th Year of Program
By PRESS OFFICER
Maryland Department of the Environment
BALTIMORE (June 21, 2024)—Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain last [Thursday night] presented awards to Maryland Green Registry members that are making Maryland greener and helping the state meet its climate goals.
Now in its 15th year, the Maryland Green Registry Sustainability Leadership Awards is the only statewide award program recognizing the successes achieved by Maryland businesses and organizations on their path to sustainability. More than 600 businesses have joined the network and made the commitment to go green. The awards were announced at the One Montgomery Green Gala in Wheaton.
“We are honoring outstanding leaders in environmental sustainability who are showing that going green and being profitable go hand in hand,” said Secretary of the Environment Serena McIlwain. “These businesses are advancing solutions to some of the top environmental priorities of the Moore-Miller Administration: Fighting climate change, improving the health of our waterways, and building a green economy that supports healthier communities.”
This year’s award winners are:
• Backyard Bounty has installed hundreds of rain gardens and conservation landscapes, preventing more than 22 million gallons of stormwater from flowing in the Potomac River each year. The landscaping company also migrated all maintenance equipment from gas to battery-powered and uses electric vehicles for staff travel.
• Blink Charging manufactures electric vehicle charging equipment in its energy efficient LEED Gold certified production facility in Bowie. In 2023, its deployment of more than 89,000 charging stations helped reduce 5.8 million gallons of gasoline usage and the associated harmful air emissions produced by burning fossil fuels.
• ORLO is upgrading energy efficiency and advancing decarbonization at affordable housing communities by converting the HVAC system from gas to electric at an apartment building in Takoma Park, installing solar systems and electric vehicle chargers, and establishing a Resilience Hub to provide solar power during outages. The changes are reducing more than 2,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually and saving money through reduced energy and maintenance expenses.
• Pompeian, Inc. has achieved carbon footprint certification by the Carbon Trust of its extra virgin olive oil and is continuing to make further reductions as part of the company’s goal to achieve Net Zero climate emissions by 2030. It has also achieved significant waste reduction and increased composting as part of its drive toward Zero Waste Certification by 2025.
• Saft America, Inc. produces long-lasting, energy-efficient batteries for a variety of commercial applications and has reduced the carbon emissions in its battery production by 21% over the last year. It continues to pursue energy upgrades to heating, cooling, and lighting and is dedicated to advancing research to provide industry with energy efficient battery solutions.
• Volvo Group Trucks, which was named to the Maryland Green Registry Leadership Circle for its outstanding commitment to continual improvement, achieved the Platinum level for the Superior Energy Performance standard for the fourth consecutive time, with a total energy reduction of 62.2%. They are continuing to work toward their goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, and they switched their operations to renewable diesel derived from vegetable oil from waste oils, such as used cooking oil. The Hagerstown plant is also developing and testing battery-electric and hydrogen-based fuel cell solutions for Volvo trucks and coach buses and producing key components for Volvo’s new zero-emission battery-electric trucks.
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