The Pri nce Ge orge’s Pos t

OMMUNITY EWSPAPER FOR RINCE EORGE S OUNTY SINCE A C N P G ’ C 1932 Vol. 89, No. 2 January 14 — January 20, 2021 Prince George’s County, Maryland Newspaper of Record Phone: 301-627-0900 25 cents Telemundo 44 and Comcast Present Latin American Youth Center With 200 Laptops and Complimentary Internet Essentials Service for Families Giveaway encourages multigenerational connection as part of national NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises campaign

By SAVANNAH ISNER the U.S. and Puerto Rico. families and has connected the value of relationships and Comcast “I am so happy that our more than four million low- hope for the future. The do - youth and families will be re - income students since its in - nation contributes to learning WASHINGTON (Jan. 7, ceiving laptops that will help ception in 2011. gaps for students and to social 2020)—Telemundo 44, in them remain connected to “Staying connected is isolation for seniors — issues partnership with Comcast’s their school learning as well more important than ever as that have been exacerbated by Internet Essentials program as our LAYC after school pro - learning and working and in - the COVID-19 pandemic. By and the Hispanic Heritage grams and services,” said teracting with loved ones has focusing on these demograph - Foundation, celebrated Dia de Lupi Quinteros-Grady, Presi - shifted to become more so - ics, the company aims to cre - los Reyes (Three Kings Day) dent and CEO of Latin Amer - cially distanced and virtual,” ate opportunities for intergen - yesterday and presented 200 ican Youth Center. “I am said Misty Allen, Senior Vice erational connections and free laptops to families who grateful for Comcast’s gen - President of Government & provide bonding experiences are served by the nonprofit erosity to uplift our commu - Community Affairs for Com - among family members who Latin American Youth Center nity in this way. Our commu - cast’s Beltway Region. “We need a safe, socially distanced (LAYC), which serves over nities are facing many hope the laptops and Internet way to see loved ones. In ad - 4,000 youth and families challenges, and the gift of a Essentials service help to start dition, while the pandemic through youth centers, school- laptop supports our youth and the new year off right for these keeps many students out of based sites and public charter their families in a significant families and give them the physical classrooms, technol - schools in the District of Co - way.” ability to access the informa - ogy becomes vital for distance lumbia and in Maryland’s Comcast will also provide tion they need and to keep in learning and helping young Prince George’s and Mont - each family with 12 months touch with what matters people continue with their gomery Counties as the Mary - of complimentary Internet most.” studies. land Multicultural Youth Cen - service through its Internet Es - This initiative ties into “We are thrilled to be able ters. This donation is part of a sentials Program, the nation’s Comcast’s broader mission to to help support intergenera - PHOTOGRAPHS CREDIT JASON PUTSCHE PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF COMCAST broader national campaign led largest and most successful help close the digital divide tional connections among Telemundo 44, Comcast and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation celebrate by NBCUniversal Telemundo broadband adoption program and is one facet of Telemu - Three Kings Day and pass out laptops and internet Essentials service infor - Enterprises, the leading media that provides high-speed In - ndo’s holiday campaign, Fe - mation for prince George’s County families at the latin American Youth Cen - company serving Hispanics in ternet service to low-income lices Fiestas, which celebrates See lApTops Page A3 ter’s location in Riverdale, MD.

Maryland Legislators, Advocates and Medstar Health opens an infusion Business Supporters Introduce Center for CoViD-19 Treatment— one of seven statewide— Paid Family Leave Bill Coalition urges passage of legislation to protect workers, improve family health and security; on Medstar southern Maryland new Maryland poll shows overwhelming support for the measure Hospital Center’s Campus By PRESS OFFICER workers feel more loyalty to their em - from each paycheck. The average com - By CHERYL RICHARDSON cian to receive the treatment, which con - Maryland Time To Care Coalition ployees.” bined weekly contribution is $7.24 or Medstar Health sists of a one-hour infusion, followed by Recent polling shows 91 percent of 0.67% of payroll. Marylanders apply one hour of monitoring at the infusion A broad coalition of advocates, busi - Maryland registered voters believe for the benefit when they need to take CLINTON , Md. (Jan. 7, 2021)—Today, center. The treatment is appropriate for ness leaders and legislators today an - people should be able to take time leave from work for birth or adoption MedStar Health opens an outpatient in - COVID-19 positive patients with mild to nounced legislation to enact a paid fam - away from work for major needs like of child, illness, or caring for a loved fusion center for the treatment of COVID- moderate symptoms who are at high risk ily leave program in Maryland. The the birth of a new child or serious ill - one. Families use benefits to cover ex - 19, one of only seven such facilities of developing complications. The drug program would provide partial pay to ness. While 88 percent of registered penses while not being paid at work. statewide, on the campus of MedStar must be given within 10 days of the start help workers who need to take time off Maryland voters support the legisla - The program would be administered Southern Maryland Hospital Center. By of symptoms. to care for ailing relatives or themselves. tion, there’s also broad support across through a state insurance pool. providing monoclonal antibody infusions, The COVID-19 infusion center is lo - Sen. Antonio L. Hayes (D-Baltimore party lines, including 92 percent of “In Maryland, unpaid leave under this center will help people with COVID- cated in the Lakeside Building on Hos - City) and Del. Kris Valderrama (D- Democrats, 81 percent of Republicans the federal Family and Medical Leave 19 stay out of the hospital while they re - pital Drive. The center offers four treat - Prince George’s County) unveiled the and 86 percent of Independents. Act is inaccessible for 56 percent of cover, reducing the disease’s devastating ment rooms, and all appropriate physical “Time to Care Act” (SB211 and Supporters shared stories about dif - working people,” said Ricarra Jones, toll in the region and across the state. distancing measures and safety precau - HB375), establishing a Family and ficulties facing families and businesses political director of 1199 Service Em - The center will be administering the tions are in place to keep patients and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) pro - when coping with caring for children ployees International Union. “Paid Fam - monoclonal antibody infusions. The staff safe. The center has additional ca - gram through which employees may and aging parents. ily Leave will play a large role in a better specific medication (bamlanivimab) pacity and can expand should more treat - take up to 12 weeks of paid leave from Montgomery County business owner work-life balance for our members be - was the first to receive emergency use ment space be needed. their jobs to care for new children, other Aaron Seyedian, founder of Well-Paid cause they will no longer have to battle authorization from the U.S. Food and “Today, we are proud to offer conven - family members with serious health Maids, said he is glad his business has the thought of choosing between caring Drug Administration for the treatment ient access to this effective treatment for conditions–such as COVID-19–or dis - access to Washington, D.C.’s Paid Fam - for their family and working their job.” of mild to moderate COVID-19. It Maryland’s southern region,” said Chris - abilities, or themselves. ily and Medical Leave program, which, Support for such leave is growing: works by binding to the spikes that are tine Wray, president of MedStar Southern “It’s shameful that in 2021, in the unlike the Time to Care act, is entirely Nine states (California, Colorado, Con - on the surface of the SARS COV-2 Maryland Hospital Center. “Our hospital middle of a pandemic, so many people employer-paid. necticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, virus, which causes COVID-19, and is committed to caring for our community are forced to choose between economic “I have dozens of different costs that New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, stopping the virus from being able to throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and security and caring for their family,” I am constantly trying to control as a Washington) as well as the District of attach itself to cells within the body. In this infusion center is a key way to get Sen. Hayes said. “The pandemic has business owner but paid leave is not one Columbia currently have paid family early studies, monoclonal antibodies treatment to people who need it, keeping only heightened the need for a compas - of them. I don’t stress about it. I don’t and medical leave laws. have been shown to reduce the risk of them out of the hospital.” sionate, sensible paid family leave pro - even feel it,” Seyedian said, speaking The U.S. is the only industrialized hospitalization for people with COVID- gram, and that’s what the Time to Care of the District of Columbia leave pro - country that does not guarantee some 19, and it may also reduce the duration MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Act delivers.” gram. “By being able to use paid family form of paid family leave for workers, of COVID-19 symptoms. Center , located in Clinton, Maryland, is a The program partially replaces and medical leave, my employees can forcing many to choose between the job “This infusion center is great news for 182-bed acute care hospital serving the wages during the leave period, drawing actually take the time they need when they need and the family they love when our area. It gives us the opportunity to Washington, D.C., metro and Southern from a fund pool into which employers it’s a situation that would otherwise be critical needs arise. National polling have a treatment available in this region Maryland area. The hospital is focused on and employees each contribute a small financially impossible for me to cover from March 2020 showed 75 percent that can help people with COVID-19 get caring for patients and their loved ones amount from each paycheck, similar to through vacation pay or one that they’d of voters would support a national paid better,” said Karla Evans, RPh, MedStar utilizing advanced technology under the the way Social Security works. try to work through, risking their health family and medical leave policy that Southern Maryland’s director of phar - guidance of expert clinicians. Quality, “We know that paid family leave has and safety, ruining their job perform - covers all workers. macy. “Having this treatment option Safety, Wellness, and Patient Satisfaction many beneficial effects, “said Del. ance, and increasing the likelihood that The U.S. is also the only one of the available also helps keep our inpatient are achieved through a spirit of patient Valderrama. “It allows parents to take they’d quit.” thirty-five Organization for Economic beds open for sicker patients who need centered services that connect us to the more time away from work to bond with To fund the program, employers and hospitalization.” community we serve. For more informa - their infants, for instance. And it helps employees contribute a small amount See bill Page A6 Patients need a referral from a physi - tion, visit MedstarSouthernMaryland.org.

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• Bible & Leadership Institute prince George’s County to Host Virtual ChildWatch: suitland Native and NAVFAC Washington • PGCPS Students Awarded Posse Scholarships Community Meeting on the impact of A Reminder That All-important Charity Electronic Acquisition specialist Retires • Closures for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Cultural Arts on Economic Development is Not a substitute for Justice From Federal service After 36 Years • Prince George’s County Council Concludes The meeting will be held on Thursday, Jan - Yet like so many other prophets, Dr. King’s Virtual 2021 Annual Retreat uary 28, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. voice was often at odds with leaders or conve - sbA and Treasury Announce ppp • Give Yourself the Gift of Wellness Educa - niently left unheard by citizens in his own land. Re-opening; issue New Guidance tion

Around the County, Page A2 Community, Page A3 Commentary, Page A4 business and Finance , Page A5 A2 — January 14 — January 20, 2021 — The Prince George’s Post TOWNS and NEIGHBORS in and Around Morningside-skyline by Mary McHale 301-735-3451 Around the County 2021 is here—and i thought no year My four daughters, other family, and Danny Fluhart, Dr. Mudd House could be worse than 2020! four dogs visited Quiet Waters Park in president and beekeeper bible & leadership institute—2021 Winter I love Washington. For years I visited Anne Arundel County. They all enjoyed Danny Morris Fluhart, 79, FBI cryp - the Capitol, sat in on hearings, admired it. As one reviewer wrote, “The park tologist and former President of the Dr. semester the sculptures in the Rotunda, dropped overall is super nice, two dog parks as Samuel A. Mudd House, died at his home Classes will be held online, via Zoom by various offices, took the trolley to the well as a nice overlook and an off-leash in Waldorf on Aug. 27. DATE: Saturday, January 16, 2021 Senate dining room or the tunnel to the beach.” As many of you know, I am the great- VENUE: Accokeek First Church of God online, via Zoom House offices, excited to be at the pulse Msgr. Francis Kazista, a veteran priest granddaughter of Dr. Sam Mudd, the 301-283-2116 / www.accokeekchog.org of the Nation. I Marched for Life—and of the Washington Archdiocese, died Southern Maryland doctor who set the Rose Kitt, Admin. Assistant for other issues—around the Capitol. Nov. 2. Among his many assignments broken leg of John Wilkes Booth as he [email protected] One time Joan Baez was sitting on the was as parochial vicar at Mount Calvary escaped after fatally shooting President 301-885-8124 (cell) Capitol steps, singing with us. Parish in Forestville. Abraham Lincoln. I believe he didn’t Description: The Winter semester of our Bible & Leadership Institute is of - There was even a time when I could June Herrity Cowles, 88, Census Bu - know it was Booth or that he knew about fering the following classes: park in the lot, right at the back door. reau retiree, died Dec. 17. She was born the assassination. He was, however, ar - • Understand People: 9–10:15 a.m. I attended the Inaugurals and the In - in Washington and was married to Fred rested and sentenced to prison at Florida’s • Growing Toward Spiritually Maturity: 9–10:15 a.m. augural Parades for several years—De - Dupre Cowles. They became parents of Dry Tortugas Island, became a hero for • Exalt His Name: Understanding Music and Worship 101: 10–11:15 a.m. mocrat and Republican. I was saddened seven and made their home in Forestville. treating yellow fever victims, and was Registrations are open now up to January 23, 2021. To register and learn when Kennedy’s Parade had to be Eleven grandchildren and three great- pardoned by President Andrew Johnson more about our entire course offerings and benefits, go to: rescheduled to the new Capital Centre grands also survive her. Mass of Chris - after four years. He returned to his home http://accokeekchog.org/bible-institute/ or send an email to: adminasst@ because of freezing weather. tian Burial was at St. Francis Assisi and medical practice. He died Jan. 10, accokeekchog.org. Or call or text Rose Kitt at 301-885-8124. But on this January 6, I sat in horror, Church in Triangle, Va. Burial is at Na - 1883. Our certified instructors are: Pastor Paula Collins. Minister Lisa Kirby and watching a mindless, vindictive, treason - tional Memorial Park. His house near Bryantown is one of Minister Ben Snyder. ous mob jamming balconies and stair - I received an announcement about the the most-visited historic sites in Charles —Rose Kitt, Accokeek First Church of God ways of the Capitol, breaking windows, death of Oliver W. Gaskin, “The Lawn - County and is open for guided tours rampaging through offices, strewing gov - mower Man.” Can someone email me (though closed right now). Danny pGCps students Awarded posse scholarships ernment papers, pilfering, cheering, more about him? Fluhart headed the Dr. Mudd House for UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (Jan. 5, 2021)—Thirteen Prince George’s County yelling, waving banners, proudly taking nearly 15 years. He knew everyone and Public Schools (PGCPS) high school seniors have been named 2021 Posse pictures of their mayhem. Changing landscape how to handle anything. Scholars and will receive four-year, full-tuition college scholarships from The The cost of repairing their crusade A spending bill Congress passed last He was born in Columbus, Ohio. He Posse Foundation’s partnering schools. will be immense. In terms of the cost of week includes authorization for two new married Elizabeth Herberg in 1965 and Posse Scholars from across the nation will enter colleges and universities in making repairs? Yes! But more impor - Smithsonian museums, one on American settled in Maryland. He was an FBI cryp - multicultural groups of 10 known as “posses.” Throughout their college career, tant, the cost of making the Capitol a Latinos and the other on American tologist for 36 years before taking on the they will support each other and receive ongoing assistance from The Posse fortress. I’ve already noted the tall fence women. Both will be on or near the Mall. Dr. Mudd House. His memberships in - Foundation. Posse Scholars have a 90 percent college graduation rate and encircling the Capitol grounds. Will it The Latino museum might be housed in cluded the Southern Maryland Beekeep - demonstrated potential to positively impact their professions. Each scholarship become permanent? the historic Arts and Industries Building ers Association, U.S. Genealogical Soci - is worth approximately $140,000. More than 50 PGCPS students have received At 91, of course, I’m not attending next to the Smithsonian Castle. ety, Historical Society and Riverview Posse scholarships since 2013. the Inaugural this year. I’ll be watching A new Lidl store opened Dec. 9 on Grange. He enjoyed gardening, growing This year’s Posse Scholars include: from the quiet of my couch as President Livingston Road in Oxon Hill. cactus, studying genealogy and entering Name, High School, Posse University Joseph Biden of Delaware and Vice Pres - items in the County Fair. Diego benitez Rodriguez , International High School at Langley Park, ident Kamala Harris of California are in - Virus vicissitudes He’s survived by his wife of 54 years, Lewis & Clark College augurated. Thanks to the virus, I assume Maryland report: through 5 p.m. Jan. Margaret, seven children, 16 grandchil - Tino Cione , Bowie High School, Bucknell University there will be no Parade. We are changed 6, a total of 292,904 cases, of which 3,146 dren and sister Mary Patricia Thomas. JaJuan Hall , Largo High School, Lafayette College forever, and not for the better. are new (in one day!). Also, we’ve had A traditional Catholic Latin Mass was Ninah Jackson , Oxon Hill High School, Bucknell University 6,132 die of coronavirus, 50 in the last celebrated at St. John Francis Regis Assiata Kamagate , Frederick Douglass High School, University of Rochester Neighbors & other good people day. Church with burial in the church ceme - Matthew Miller , Chesapeake Math & IT Academy - South, Bucknell Anita Cook, formerly of Morningside, State data show Prince George’s has tery. University was driving Brandywine Road recently given out just 4.3% of its vaccination al - The Dr. Mudd House is seeking do - Camoni Mullens-Warren , Oxon Hill High School, Bucknell University when a deer ran into the car, totaling it. location, the third lowest in the state— cents. For information, contact Kate Tay - Rosebell onuma , Academy of Health Sciences, University of Rochester A few days later she and Dean Woods, and has the highest infection rate in the lor at [email protected]. iman osman , Chesapeake Math & IT Academy - South, Lafayette College also of Morningside, had someone swipe state. At 91, I’m being very careful, and samantha peabody , Oxon Hill High School, Lafayette College their loner car on Rt. 5 at the Woodward looking to get that shot. Milestones Jasmine Robinson , College Park Academy, University of Wisconsin - Rd. overpass, damaging it beyond repair. Happy birthday to Robert Koch, Jan. Madison Tom Ferrell, who grew up on Lark - Did you see it? Call police 15; Dolly Wood (VFW), Jan. 16; Nikial Maryama Thiam , Chesapeake Math & IT Academy - North, University of spur in Morningside until moving across A pedestrian was struck and killed by M. Boston, Jan. 17; Dennis Seaman and Rochester Suitland Road to Reamy Drive in Sky - a vehicle Jan. 6 about 4:30 a.m. at Allen - former St. Philip’s School Principal Linda Cedric Wilkerson , Friendly High School, University of Wisconsin - line, has gotten in touch with me. I’ll town and Suitland roads, near Andrews. Cullinan, Jan. 19; June Nicholson, Jan. Madison tell you more about him in next week’s The man was found lying in the road and 20; Gina Glagola Hull, Jan. 20; and my For more information, visit www.possefoundation.org. column. pronounced dead at the scene. Police did step-grandson Jason Shearer, Jan 22. —Office of Communications, Prince George’s County Public Schools Tom’s sister, Kathy Hartle, recently not release his name. Roads in the area Happy 66th anniversary to Frank and moved from Shepherdstown, W.Va. to were closed for several hours. The acci - Sharleen Kelly Cappella, on Jan. 15. Mechanicsburg, Pa. dent is under investigation. prince George’s County Announces office Closures for Dr. Martin luther King, Jr. Day brandywine-Aquasco County government offices will close on Monday, January 18, by Audrey Johnson 301-922-5384 2021, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day CGEs HisToRY Clinton Grove Elementary School will appear in my January LARGO, Md. (Jan. 8, 2021)—The Prince George’s County Department of the Environment (DoE) announces the following services and facilities will be In the 1998 issues of the PL HUG, we began a series of 21 and January 28 Articles. closed or suspended on Monday, January 18, 2021: articles about the beginnings of what is now known as Clinton Facility/Service January 18 Grove Elementary School. Much of this information has THE MiGHTY WoNDERs Animal Services Facility been gathered from a book entitled “Records and Recollec - Stepping on Board with the Mighty Wonders of Aquasco, (3750 Brown Station Road) Closed tions: Early Black History in Prince George’s County, Mary - Maryland. “The Mighty Wonders of Aquasco, Maryland Brown Station Road Sanitary Landfill Open land” by Bianca P. Floyd and published by the Park and were a close-knit group, according to Tom Contee.” They Brown Station Road Public Convenience Planning Commission. This Book can be obtained at the had to be, because from early fall through early summer for Center Open Surratt House in Clinton, Maryland. years they were performing up to three programs every Sun - Electronics Recycling Acceptance Site Clinton Grove Elementary School began life in 1868 as day in churches around the Baltimore area. (Located at the Brown Station Road the Robeystown School No. 1, District 9. It was the first “Old Ship of Zion” recorded by the Mighty Wonders from Sanitary Landfill) *Closed school established for the African American community in Aquasco, Maryland. The recording is part of the Baylor Household Hazardous Waste Acceptance Site the Surrattsville – Clinton area. It was established to provide University Libraries Digital Collection’s Black Gospel Music (Located at the Brown Station Road education to the children of freed slaves by the Freedmen’s Restoration Project and was provided by The Sun by them. Sanitary Landfill) *Closed Bureau. This was done at a time when there was not strong Contee joined the group in 1970, a few years after its for - Missouri Avenue Solid Waste Acceptance support for the education on these children. mation. As they gained more attention in the local area, and Recycling Center Open The construction of the school began in August of 1867, Prince George’s County Organics they decided to record a 45 and sell it as a fundraiser for the after the land was “given” to the Freedmen by Townley B. Composting Facility Open band that was the “Old Ship/Canaan” pressing, recorded in Robey, a white farmer. Freedmen was suppose to provide Prince George’s County Materials money for the school’s support. In actuality, the land was 1971 or 1972. The group sold the 45 at concerts and to Recycling Facility (1000 Ritchie Road) Open purchased by the Freedmen’s Bureau and deemed to the family members, but aside from word of mouth, they made Bulky Trash Collection trustees. Two hundred dollars was provided for the con - no attempt to get radio play for the songs and relied on “love (By appointment only) No Scheduled Collections struction of the school and the finished building measured offerings” from the churches where they performed as pay - Trash Collection in County-Contracted Areas Regular collections occur 18 feet by 32 feet. It was located on the property now occu - ment for their services. I had the honor of being their Mistress Tuesday, January 19 through pied by the American Legion Hall on Piscataway Road. of Ceremonies at one of their Anniversary Programs. Friday, January 22 There were many difficulties in opening and running the None of the members had any formal training in singing Residential Curbside Recycling Collection Regular collections occur school. Failure to support the school when the trustee tried or performing. They simply took what they had seen at their Tuesday, January 19 through to solicit the remainder of the final four hundred dollars cost home churches and broadened it into a multi-part vocal Friday, January 22 delays in opening the school for the children. In fact, many Residential Yard Trim Collections Regular collections occur group. They took turns singing lead, with two members of the better off families refused to send their children to the Monday, January 18 John Stewart and Alfred Johnson, doing the honors more of - school, opting instead for the Bureau School in Oxon Hill or *Facility only open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Niles Chapel. ten than the others, and Contee would step up to take lead It was not until between the end of November and the be - for that song or performance. All in all, it was a way for the TheBus, a public transit service operated by the Prince George’s County De - ginning of December of 1868 that a teacher was selected men to sing the songs they liked, and it suited them well. partment of Public Works and Transportation, will operate a regular COVID-19 and directed to open the school. That teacher was Martha J. Special thanks to Dan Rodricks, Bob Darden, Tony Tadey, schedule on Monday, January 18, 2021, except Route 51 service to the Equestrian Smith. She was also directed to organize a school organiza - Bob Marovich and most importantly Tom Contee for the in - Center/Courthouse. Regular COVID-19 operations of Route 51 will resume on tion among Freedmen Organization who were to select five formation. Tuesday, January 19, 2021. In addition, the County’s Call-A-Bus service, in - men to serve as trustees for the school. Controversy contin - cluding dialysis and senior nutrition, will not operate on Monday, January 18, ued between the trustees and Robey to the point where it JANuARY WEDDiNG ANNiVERsARiEs 2021. Regular COVID-19 operations of the Call-A-Bus services will resume was suggested that school matters be taken out of Robey’s Happy Wedding Anniversary to Nurbert and Carol on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. hands. Martha Smith was the first teacher at the old Hughes, Buddy and Betty King, Walter and Theresa Lindsay Robeystown School. Login for editors Joiner who are Clinton United Methodist Church members See ClosuREs FoR DR. MARTiN luTHER KiNG, JR. DAY Page A3 (http://ektron.pgcps.org/login.aspx). More information about celebrating Wedding Anniversaries in January. January 14 — January 20, 2021 — The Prince George’s Post — A 3 COMMUNITY

Closures for Dr. Martin luther King, Jr. Day from A 2 prince George’s County to Host The Prince George’s County Department of Permitting, Inspections and Enforcement will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021. Regular business Virtual Community Meeting on the impact of hours will resume on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. In addition, Prince George’s CountyClick 3-1-1 will be closed on Monday, Cultural Arts on Economic Development January 18, 2021, and will return to regular operations on Tuesday, January By PRESS OFFICER PGCCAS is the first comprehensive WHO: Prince George’s County 19, 2021, 7 a.m.–7 p.m. However, residents can still submit service/issue re - The Maryland-National Capital inventory and assessment of the diverse Planning Department and Department quests online at www.countyclick311.com/. park and planning Commission arts and culture ecology in Prince of Parks and Recreation of The Mary - —Linda Lowe, Department of the Environment George’s County. This study will de - land-National Capital Park and Planning UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (Jan. 7, velop strategies and recommendations Commission prince George’s County Council Concludes Virtual 2021)—Prince George’s County will on how to integrate cultural arts into the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities host a virtual community meeting to County’s economic development and Council, Inc. 2021 Annual Retreat “Challenges and opportunities” engage stakeholders on the impact the land use planning strategies. PGCCAS WHAT: The Prince George’s Cul - Discussions Focused on County Budget, Fiscal Outlook, cultural arts have on economic devel - is a collaborative effort between the tural Arts Study: The Cultural Arts Im - COVID-19 Impacts and Legislative Priorities for 2021 opment as a part of the Prince George’s Prince George’s County Planning De - pact on Economic Development The Prince George’s County Council has concluded its 2021 Annual Retreat County Cultural Art Study (PGCCAS). partment and the Department of Parks WHEN: Thursday, January 28, 2021 “Challenges and Opportunities,” held January 6–7, 2021. The two-day annual The meeting will be held on Thursday, and Recreation of The Maryland-Na - | 7 p.m. meeting, which was held virtually from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, may be January 28, 2021 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 tional Capital Park and Planning Com - WHERE: Virtual via MS Teams viewed on the Council website. p.m. mission and the Prince George’s Arts To register— Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, says the Council remains committed Arts and culture are a proven eco - and Humanities Council. https://pgcca_caedi.eventbrite.com to effectively addressing the many challenges ahead, and seizing the opportu - nomic engine and multiplier. According Community participation is integral nities to emerge a stronger Prince George’s County. to the US Bureau of Economic Analy - to how the study will gather data, raise The Maryland-National Capital Park and “The Council convenes a retreat annually in January to establish a foundation sis, the arts contribute more than $800 awareness, and better integrate arts and Planning Commission encourages the for the upcoming Legislative Year. It was especially important to come billion annually to U.S. economic out - culture with the needs of Prince participation of persons with disabilities together this year to discuss the health, safety, and economic impacts of the put, amounting to more than 4% of George’s County. To participate, register or language interpretation in all its pro - pandemic on County residents, businesses, workers and communities; review gross domestic product. The virtual at https://pgcca_caedi.eventbrite.com. grams and services. For special assis - the County’s COVID-19 response; and discuss a path forward. We received meeting will engage stakeholders and Log-in information will be provided tance (i.e. large print materials, assistive important updates and engaged in productive dialogue. I remain confident discuss how arts and culture can impact prior to the meeting to all who register. listening devices, sign language inter - that our time together sets the foundation for a successful Legislative Year.” economic development in our commu - For more information on the study, visit pretation, etc.) call the Public Affairs Of - Council Members opened Wednesday’s session with a briefing on the nities. http://bit.ly/PGCCAStudy. fice at 301-952-4584. County Budget and fiscal matters provided by Office of Management and Budget Director, Stanley Earley. The presentation and dialogue focused on the County’s economic and long-term fiscal outlook, including an overview of the County’s employment and unemployment rates, housing and job trends, Howard university president issues a tax credits, budget-related fiscal challenges and Coronavirus Relief Funding. The County Budget session was followed by an update on the various programs Vaccine public service Announcement: and services available through the County to support residents and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Morning sessions concluded with a When the Time Comes, Get Vaccinated! COVID-19 update from County Health Officer, Dr. Ernest Carter, who provided status reports on the county’s COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, Behavioral Health By PRESS OFFICER actively speaking out Support and Healthcare System Capacity. Howard university to encourage more Day two of the Council Retreat, held Thursday, January 7, began with a vaccine trial partici - Judicial Branch Briefing from Seventh Judicial Circuit Administrative Judge, WASHINGTON (Jan. 6, 2021)— pation and, now, vac - Sheila R. Tillerson Adams; Court Administrator, Stephanye Maxwell and Howard University President Wayne A. cination participa - Family Justice Center Director, Denise McCain. Council Members were up - I. Frederick, a practicing surgeon and tion. dated on court operations, case statistics, early inmate release, and the system’s person living with sickle cell disease, has Nationally, COVID-19 response. a message for Black America: When the African-Americans In preparation for the opening of the 2021 Maryland General Assembly time comes, please get vaccinated! As are almost three Session on January 13, Senate Delegation Vice-Chair and former County an essential health care worker, educator, times as likely to die Council Member Obie Patterson, and House Delegation Chair Erek Barron father and person at high risk, Dr. Fred - of COVID-19 as discussed the County’s Joint Legislative Priorities with the Council, including erick decided to lead by example by pro - whites, according to the Countywide Map Amendment, Kirwan funding and school construction. ducing a public service announcement the Centers for Dis - PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY For more retreat information, updates and presentations visit (PSA) on the importance of getting the ease Control and Pre - Howard university president Wayne A. i. Frederick https://pgccouncil.us/Retreat coronavirus vaccine. He was among the vention. In Washing - was among the first to get a vaccine shot at Howard —Angela Rouson, Prince George’s County Council Media first to get a vaccine shot at Howard Uni - ton, D.C., university Hospital. versity Hospital, and he hopes his mes - African-Americans sage will encourage others to do the have comprised 75% of the COVID-19- Howard University Hospital CEO Anita Give Yourself the Gift of Wellness Education same. Watch the PSA at related deaths in Washington, D.C., while Jenkins, who is featured in the PSA get - University of Maryland Extension intern creates new https://youtu.be/1uotK7FlKOc. making up only 46% of the city’s popu - ting her shot.”We want the public to self-care texting service “The coronavirus pandemic is having lation. Public health officials and aca - know that we trust the science, we’re leading by example and taking the vac - COLLEGE PARK, Md. (Jan. 7, 2021)—A new texting service, developed by a significant impact on communities of demics are pointing to underlying health cine will help us end this pandemic and University of Maryland Extension Family & Consumer Sciences intern Rebecca color, and that narrative won’t change conditions for the severity of the virus in the tragic loss of life.” Ajiboye, delivers self-care advice to remind caregivers and health service until we take the necessary steps to pro - vulnerable populations. workers to give themselves the same level of care they provide for others. tect ourselves from exposure,” said Dr. The PSA, produced in partnership Just in time for the new year, Ajiboye created the new health and wellness Frederick. “The vaccines that are coming with Howard University’s television sta - Founded in 1867, Howard University is texting service through 2-1-1 Maryland, a nonprofit organization partnering to market are safe and have been proven tion, WHUT-TV; Howard University a private, research university that is com - with state agencies to provide mental health resources to Marylanders. The to be more than 90% effective. However, Hospital; and the Office of University prised of 13 schools and colleges. Students free texting service offers reminders with self-care tips for caregivers, especially we can’t get to the other side of this pan - Communications, features several essen - pursue studies in more than 120 areas as many are isolated from their own families while attending to others during demic without you. Wear a mask, keep tial health care workers sharing their per - leading to undergraduate, graduate and the pandemic. your social distance, wash your hands sonal reasons for getting the vaccine. As professional degrees. The University op - “They’re the ones who are spending a lot of their time and energy taking and, when the time comes, get vacci - each person steps up to be vaccinated, erates with a commitment to Excellence care of other people, so we wanted this texting platform to be a reminder to nated.” they express their “why”: for family, to in Truth and Service and has produced them to take care of themselves,” said Ajiboye, senior family science major in Dr. Frederick has been on the front - protect fellow co-workers and in honor one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall the School of Public Health. “It’s very necessary to put into yourself and to lines of the pandemic in a variety of of those who’ve lost their lives. Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Tru - make sure you are taking care of yourself and taking care of your needs. Once ways, including making the tough deci - “I understand there is a lot of hesi - man Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and you do that, you will be better equipped to take care of other people.” sion to close the University in March, tancy in minority communities across the more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Though healthcare workers were targeted for this new service due to their spearheading efforts to set up COVID- country when it comes to healthcare, but Howard also produces more on-campus 19 testing sites in urban communities, this is not an American experiment on African-American Ph.D. recipients than co-chairing the Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Black people. The vaccine is a worldwide any other university in the United States. See WEllNEss Page A6 ReOpen DC subcommittee to address cure to end a global pandemic and set us For more information on Howard Uni - equity and vulnerable populations, and on a path back to normalcy,” said versity, visit www.howard.edu. laptops from A 1 nated Spanish-language home of two of the world’s most popular sporting events: FIFA World Cup™ through 2026 and the Summer families, especially during these times when accessing classroom Olympic Games through 2032. Telemundo Global Studios is the com - lessons and information is so vital,” added Jackie Bradford, President pany’s domestic and international scripted production unit, including and General Manager, NBC4 Washington (WRC) and Telemundo Telemundo Studios, Telemundo International Studios, Telemundo In - Washington (WZDC). ternational, Underground Producciones, an internationally renowned The local laptop distribution for LAYC families is one of several production boutique based in Argentina as well as all of the company’s selected by Telemundo, including Boston, Chicago, Denver, Fresno, co-production partnerships. As the #1 media company reaching His - Houston, Miami, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City. Recipients were panics and millennials online, the Revenue Strategy & Innovation unit selected in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation and distributes original content across multiple platforms, maximizing its local community partners. Locally, Comcast has supported the exclusive partnerships with properties such as BuzzFeed, Vox, and LAYC’s digital literacy and inclusion efforts for years, focusing on Snapchat. Through Telemundo Internacional, the largest U.S.-based building digital competency for minority youth and incorporating distributor of Spanish-language content in the world; and Universo, digital technology in workforce development programs. This recent the company reflects the diverse lifestyle, cultural experience, and lan - guage of its expanding audience. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises laptop donation and complimentary Internet Essentials service add is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. to these efforts. PHOTOGRAPH CREDIT JASON PUTSCHE PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF COMCAST Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and tech - NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a world-class media company nology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, Telemundo 44, Comcast and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation leading the industry in the production and distribution of high-quality NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ celebrate Three Kings Day and pass out laptops and internet Es - Spanish-language content to U.S. Hispanics and audiences around largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential sentials service information for prince George’s County families the world. This fast-growing multiplatform portfolio is comprised of customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services at the latin American Youth Center’s location in Riverdale, MD. the Telemundo Network and Station Group, Telemundo Deportes, Tele - to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation mundo Global Studios, Universo, and a Revenue Strategy & Innovation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUni - range of video content through its pay television services. It also pro - unit. Telemundo Network features original Spanish-language enter - versal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable vides communications services, including residential high-speed in - tainment, news, and sports content reaching 94% of U.S. Hispanic TV networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television ternet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broad - households in 210 markets through 30 local stations, 50 affiliates, and production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, cast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original its national feed. Telemundo also owns WKAQ, a television station and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe’s leading content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcast that serves viewers in Puerto Rico. Telemundo Deportes is the desig - media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad corporation.com for more information. A4 — January 14 — January 20, 2021 — The Prince George’s Post COMMENTARY

not be lucky enough to be paid a fair or living “that the people of this country can solve the prob - wage. And we have the unbelievable spectacle of lems, that we don’t have anything to be afraid of 12 states denying their citizens tens of billions of as long as we have the people of America.” In Marion Wright Edelman dollars in desperately needed health care and jobs fact, Reagan said as governor of California he had under the Affordable Care Act by rejecting the learned many people were poor because the gov - President Emerita, Medicaid expansion even in the middle of the pan - ernment “bureaucracy” there to help them “has Children’s Defense Fund demic. them so economically trapped that there is no way With true structural change there would be far they can get away.” His first budget as president less need for charity; without it the very best char - sought to eradicate virtually the entire federal ChildWatch : itable efforts will never be enough. How many safety net and replace it with block grants and bil - private foundations could make up for the denial lions of budget cuts. A Reminder That All-important Charity of Medicaid or gaps in safety net programs? Yet The same familiar accusations and policies are like so many other prophets, Dr. King’s voice was back from some leaders today who believe gov - often at odds with leaders or conveniently left un - ernment’s safety net is responsible for putting poor is Not a substitute for Justice heard by citizens in his own land. people in a “poverty trap,” and they will only be I sit on a man’s back, choking him and making ing the forces that leave others in need in the During Dr. King’s lifetime, President Lyndon able to escape it if we shred the safety net to pieces. him carry me, and yet assure myself and others first place. Johnson’s great War on Poverty attempted to ad - In many corners we hear the same old exhortation that I am very sorry for him and wish to ease his If travelers are being assaulted on the Jericho dress some of the inequalities in the United States that the way to fix poverty and anything else that lot by all possible means—except by getting off Road, we should help bind their wounds, but also that needed redressing and restructuring. But ails Americans is for us to become a nation of his back. work to make the road a safe passageway. If our Richard Nixon sent a very different message as Good Samaritans. But has giving a beggar a coin —Leo Tolstoy, from communities have poor, homeless, and hungry he accepted the Republican presidential nomina - ever been as effective as creating an economy that What Then Must We Do? children and families and we volunteer at homeless tion in August 1968 already criticizing President provides him or her a good education and a job? shelters or donate to food pantries and think we’ve Johnson’s new anti-poverty efforts, saying: “For Is starting a prison ministry the same as speaking Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. done our part, we are only half right. We have the past five years we have been deluged by gov - out against racially unjust law enforcement and It is an act of justice. done an important part. But we are not finished if ernment programs for the unemployed, programs judicial sentencing policies and practices? Can the —Nelson Mandela we are not also fighting to prevent and eliminate for the cities, programs for the poor…America is most dedicated volunteer at a children’s hospital the violence of joblessness, poor education, a great nation today not because of what govern - give every child in her community access to pre - A true revolution of values will soon cause us poverty, and hunger and the inequalities and in - ment did for people, but because of what people ventive health care if the Affordable Care Act is to question the fairness and justice of many of our justices that feed and accompany them and unjust did for themselves.” Candidate Nixon had a dif - overturned? past and present policies. On the one hand we are systems that create them. ferent vision for government’s role: “Let govern - Should we be satisfied because we helped a called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s road - Our great prophet Dr. King understood this. ment use its tax and credit policies to enlist in this single wounded traveler if we didn’t do anything side, but that will be only an initial act. One day Many of the cracks in America’s edifice he iden - battle the greatest engine of progress ever devel - else about the rest who travel the road to Jericho we must come to see that the whole Jericho Road tified over a half century ago are deeper today. oped in the history of man—American private en - at risk of attack or unjust police brutality tactics must be transformed so that men and women will CEO compensation and corporate greed and wel - terprise. Let us enlist in this great cause the mil - and law enforcement policies that too often take not be constantly beaten and robbed as they make fare have skyrocketed to morally obscene levels lions of Americans in volunteer organizations who rather than protect Black lives? What is so scary their journey on life’s highway. True compassion while middle class and minimum wage workers will bring a dedication to this task that no amount today is that so many young children and adults is more than flinging a coin to a beggar. It comes and people seeking work were left behind even of money can ever buy.” Instead of worrying about of color have to combat daily violence in their to see that an edifice which produces beggars before the pandemic. In Fiscal Year 2018 3.8 mil - restructuring the edifice that had produced Amer - own neighborhoods and from law enforcement of - needs restructuring. lion American households, including 1.2 million ica’s beggars, he thought giving the edifice more ficials enjoined to protect them. —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with children, had no cash income, relying only power would help; instead of worrying about trans - We are facing another inflection point in our on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program forming the Jericho Road, he recommended rely - nation and I hope and pray we will hear and heed When Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke these (SNAP) to stave off the wolves of hunger—a pro - ing on millions more Good Samaritans. and move towards and not away from becoming a words on April 4, 1967 at New York City’s River - gram the Trump Administration has fought to shred When Ronald Reagan ran for president in 1980, more just nation. Will we just let everybody worry side Church—a year to the day before his assassi - while increasing government welfare to the wealth - he gave a similar message about letting people about themselves—and rely on needed acts of nation in Memphis—he was describing something iest individuals and corporations. Countless Black, take care of themselves—all the more charged be - charity—to get by? Or will we reform the deep my friend Dr. David Hilfiker shared in a thoughtful Latino, and Native American youths see no hope cause he chose to deliver it at an appearance at unjust structural inequalities and injustices at Sunday sermon at The Church of the Saviour for the future because there are no jobs for them the Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia, Missis - America’s core that favor the powerful at the ex - called “Justice and the Limits of Charity.” and our schools are not preparing the majority of sippi, the county where three young civil rights pense of the powerless, the rich at the expense of In his speech the night before his murder Dr. them for the jobs of the future. Racially unjust workers—James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, and the poor, and the greedy at the expense of the King repeated the Biblical parable of the Good profiling and sentencing policies feed Black and Michael Schwerner—were murdered in June 1964 needy? Can we become a more just as well as a Samaritan who stopped and helped the desperate other non-White youths and adults into a mass in - while seeking to ensure the right to vote for Black more charitable nation—understanding that the traveler who had been beaten, robbed, and left carceration system too often driven by profit. Gov - citizens in Mississippi’s closed society. It was a latter is no substitute for the former? Dr. Hilfiker half dead as he journeyed along the road from ernment safety net programs have lifted many mil - shameful signal to the White Jim Crow, states’ in the article “When Charity Chokes Justice” re - Jerusalem to Jericho. The Good Samaritan is tra - lions but not all children out of poverty. Additional rights South. Shockingly he did not say a word minded us that “working for justice is messier and ditionally considered a model of charity for his investments in nine federal programs that help about the racist violence that took these three far less rewarding than charity. There are no quick willingness to treat a stranger as a neighbor and make work pay, increase employment, and meet young lives but rather told his Southern audience fixes, and the most common reason for quitting is friend. Dr. King agreed that we are all called to children’s basic needs could lift 57 percent of our he believed in states’ rights and “in people doing discouragement. But we have little choice. Within follow his example and serve those around us poor children out of poverty now; instead these as much as they can for themselves at the com - an unjust society, there are limitations to our char - who need help. But he reminded us that true programs have been under systematic attack. Even munity level and at the private level.” Like Nixon, ity; we need to join others in the struggle for justice compassion—true justice—requires also attack - those who are lucky enough to get a job now might Reagan said he thought we needed to recognize as well.”

symbol. They hung nooses. They flew the Kekistan was real,” professors Henry Farrell and Elizabeth flag, modeled on a German Nazi war flag. N. Saunders wrote in the Washington Post. Rather than condemn the violence, the chaos We can take a measure of solace that the mob and the racism, Trump consoled the mob with failed to prevent Congress from completing its Marc Morial words that recalled his appalling “‘very fine people count of the electoral votes and confirming that on both sides” remark following a deadly white Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are the lawful Pres - President and CEO, National Urban League supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, in ident-elect and Vice President-elect. 2017. Furthermore, the results of yesterday’s runoff “We love you, you’re very special,” he told the election in Georgia offer hope that the incoming To be Equal : mob in a videotaped statement. “I know your pain; Senate will take its constitutional responsibilities I know you’re hurt.” seriously. Senators-elect Raphael Warnock and For the security of the Nation, Donald Trump Donald Trump has repeatedly forced Americans Jon Ossoff will replace two senators who sup - to choose between love of country, and love of ported and encouraged Trump’s election fantasies. Must be Removed From office immediately Donald Trump. It is one our great failures as a na - But we cannot afford to wait for Congress to tion that we have been brought to the brink of dis - act. Vice President Pence and the members of “The threat the president poses to our democ - We cannot speculate on the reasons for Trump’s aster by his desperate need for constant adula - the Cabinet are well aware of their responsibility racy is not short-lived and must be cut off urgently unhinged behavior. But we cannot allow it to tion—which includes constant degradation of his under the constitution. They must act now to and decisively—before it leads to even greater threaten our national security. As shocking as it political rivals and of the journalists who accu - protect the country or bear responsibility for any degradation to American democratic processes was, the insurrection was not even the worst of rately report on his behavior. tragedy that results from Trump’s worsening and traditions. It will need to happen quickly, even the deadly consequences of his utter inability to The insurrectionists scratched “Murder the me - recklessness. with other demands pressing on our country’s lead - face unpleasant facts. More than 360,000 Ameri - dia” a door of the Capitol. They smashed jour - —January 9, 2021 ership like certifying the election results, rolling cans have died from COVID-19, with new records nalists’ equipment and assaulted out the coronavirus vaccine and calming a nation for one-day death tolls being broken every few a photographer. in crisis.” days. “What is the downside for hu - The Prince George’s Post —Law Professors David Landau and On the very day he was whipping an armed moring him for this little bit of The Prince George’s Post Rosalind Dixon mob into a violent frenzy, nearly 4,000 Americans time?” an unnamed Republican died of the virus that he has allowed to rage, vir - official asked with regard to the P.O. Box 1001 15207 Marlboro Pike The events of this week have shown beyond a tually unchecked, throughout the nation. support some members have Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-3151 shadow of a doubt that every day that President We do not know what the next two weeks will given to Trump’s election fan - Phone: 301-627-0900 • Legal Fax: 301-627-6260 Trump remains in office is a threat to our national bring, but it almost certainly will bring more lies, tasies. Email: [email protected] security. more incitements to violence, and further break - The answer is horrifyingly Contents © 2021, The Prince George’s Post Incited by Donald Trump’s unhinged fantasies down of the functioning of the federal government clear. Congress must formally cen - publisher/senior Editor Editor about the election he lost, a mob of his supporters at a time when we need it the most. Legusta Floyd Lisa Duan smashed its way into the U.S. Capitol, terrorizing Inciting an insurrection is sedition. It is among sure every member who stoked lawmakers and staff. Four people are dead. the gravest of crimes against the nation. Removal the insurrection by promoting General Manager/ Administrative Assistant/ It is stunningly clear that Donald Trump is un - from office is the very least of the consequences Trump’s fictitious narratives and legal Advertising Manager billing able to discharge the powers and duties of his of - Donald Trump should face. But the penalties that baseless conspiracy theories Brenda Boice - fice. He has constructed an alternate reality of he should pay should not be our primary concern about the election. This includes legal Advertising Assistant Web Manager conspiracy theories and wishful thinking, and un - at the moment. He must be removed for the secu - those who supported falsehood- Robin Boerckel Kyler Quesenberry leashed a bloodthirsty mob to enforce it for him. rity of the nation. based objections to the counting The nation cannot endure another two weeks The spectacle of Confederate flags being pa - of electoral votes. Prince George’s County, Md. Member National Newspaper Publishers Association, of his illegal and unhinged efforts to maintain raded through the Capitol was a sickening re - While they may consider their and the Maryland, Delaware, District of Columbia Press Association. power. Vice President Pence and the Cabinet offi - minder of his months-long crusade to invalidate lies nothing more than political The Prince George’s Post (ISSN 10532226) is published every Thursday by the cers have a duty to invoke Section 4 of the 25th ballots in states where Black voters turned out in theater, “the prop revolvers were New Prince George’s Post Inc., 15207 Marlboro Pike, Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, and Pence record numbers. Outside, rioters flashed the “OK” loaded with live bullets, and half Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3151. must step in as Acting President. hand signal that has been adopted as a white power the audience thought the drama Subscription rate: 25 cents per single copy; $15 per year; $7.50 senior citizens and students; out of county add $1; out of state add $2. Periodical postage paid at Southern Md. 20790. Your Newspaper of Legal Record Postmaster, send address changes to Prince George’s Post, P.O. Box 1001, The Prince George’s Post Upper Marlboro, Md. 20772-3151. January 14 — January 20, 2021 — The Prince George’s Post — A 5 BUSINESS AND FINANCE social security Matters suitland Native and NAVFAC Washington Ask Rusty : Did My Wife Get a “Notch Electronic Acquisition specialist Retires From baby” benefit increase? Federal service After 36 Years By PRESS OFFICER Her advice for aspiring interns who plan to work in the federal By RUSSELL GLOOR, From Naval Facilities Engineering systems Command government: “Be patient, humble and proactive. Work hard and AMAC Certified Social Security Advisor Washington public Affairs let your passion and enthusiasm shine through.” Association of Mature American Citizens During her career, she had many memorable experiences. But WASHINGTON (Jan. 7, 2021)—Debra Strachan, Naval Facilities what stands out to her the most is traveling to different places. Dear Rusty: I was born in May of 1930, and my wife was born in Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Washington elec - She felt fortunate to have the opportunity to travel the country April 1931. My wife claims she received an increase in her Social tronic acquisition specialist, retired after more than 36 years of and meet wonderful people. However, her proudest moment was Security benefit due to the “Notch Baby” provision. Is she correct federal service. Strachan grew up in Suitland, Md., where she getting her 35-year pin and award. about this? Signed: Inquisitive Husband graduated from Suitland High School at the age of 16 in 1981. “It has been a pleasure to serve the Navy and our country for She started working at an early age. At the age of 15, she worked the past 36 and a half years. I want to thank NAVFAC for the Dear Inquisitive: Allow me to clarify for you what your wife is re - at Suitland Nursing Home as a housekeeper. An administrator at trust and confidence they have had in me over these years. As I ferring to, and you can use your own judgement on how to present the nursing home encouraged her to become a nursing assistant, depart, I want to say how proud I am of all of my users. You are the information to her. which she did. With that training, Strachan continued to work the rock stars! I will truly miss you. Thanks for all you do! So-called “notch babies” are those Social Security recipients there an additional four years until the privately owned nursing Peace!” who were born between the years 1917 and 1921. Folks born in home closed. Strachan is married with three “four-legged fur babies.” They those years were affected by a Social Security issue which had to “The Navy Yard has been in my family for three generations,” reside in Upper Marlboro, Md. do with how Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) were computed. said Strachan. Her goals in retirement include working on projects around Here’s what happened: Her grandmother and aunt worked at the Washington Navy the house, crafting and eventually travel. In 1972, when the Social Security Administration switched to Yard. Her mother retired from NAVFAC Washington. So, it was automatic COLA increases based on the Consumer Price Index, only fitting that Strachan began her federal government career they made an error in the automatic COLA computation formula with the Department of the Navy on the Washington Navy Yard which wasn’t discovered for several years. During those several as a clerk typist in the Management Analysis Division in June years they awarded COLA increases using the incorrect formula 1984. She was quickly promoted to a secretary in 1985. In No - which paid COLA at a higher level than appropriate. After discov - vember 1986, Strachan was selected for an upward mobility pro - ering the error, and in an attempt to fix the issue, in the mid-1970s, gram as a computer specialist, where she was trained to become Congress decided that those born before 1917 would be allowed to a certified Wang System/database administrator. She installed stay on the incorrect (more generous) formula, but COLA for those and configured new networks at each field office in 1991. Between born after 1917 would use a corrected formula. However, that didn’t 1997 and 2005, she joined specialized teams to head up the es - sit well with SS beneficiaries born after 1917 because they were re - tablishment of SPS and eContracts. ceiving less COLA than their counterparts born before 1917. So, in “I am actually an Electronic Acquisition Specialist,” said Stra - an attempt to mollify those Social Security beneficiaries born after chan. “I have always enjoyed working with computers and systems. 1917, Congress created a special “notch” formula for those born Troubleshooting issues and resolving them has always been a strong between 1917 and 1921. And those who were born between those point of mine.” dates were called “notch babies.” Although she enjoyed troubleshooting and solving issues, Stra - The new “notch baby” formula was not quite as generous as the chan also enjoyed working with her team members at NAVFAC incorrect formula being enjoyed by those born before 1917, but yet Washington. a bit more generous than the corrected COLA formula which applied “The members of my team all perform unique duties. Each of to anyone born after 1921 (and still exists today). Thus, “notch ba - us worked together to accomplish our mission and provide value PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY NAVY OFFICE OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH bies” do enjoy a slightly better COLA formula than other Social Se - to the command. We all worked well together. We were like fam - Debra strachan, an upper Marlboro resident, retired after curity beneficiaries born after 1921. ily. I will miss them deeply.” more than 36 years of federal service. Over the years, various attempts have been made to extend the notch baby end-year definition from 1921 to, for example, those born before 1927. And even as recently as 2019, a Congressional bill called the “Notch Fairness Act” attempted to provide restitution sbA and Treasury Announce ppp Re-opening; issue New Guidance by extending the end date of the “notch” to 1926. But none of those By JACK SPIRAKES, MPA apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan. quest to modify their First Draw PPP Loan attempts in Congress have ever succeeded in changing the definition u.s. small business Administration “The historically successful Paycheck amount; and of “notch babies” beyond the original 1970s Congressional definition Protection Program served as an economic • Certain existing PPP borrowers are now to apply only to those born between 1917 and 1921. So, anyone WASHINGTON (Jan. 8, 2021)—The U.S. lifeline to millions of small businesses and eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP born after 1921, including your wife, has COLA computed using Small Business Administration (SBA), in their employees when they needed it most,” Loan. the corrected formula, not the “notch baby” formula. consultation with the Treasury Department, said Administrator Jovita Carranza. “To - A borrower is generally eligible for a announced today that the Paycheck Protec - day’s guidance builds on the success of the Second Draw PPP Loan if the borrower: The 2.3 million member Association of Mature American Citizens tion Program (PPP) will re-open the week program and adapts to the changing needs • Previously received a First Draw PPP [AMAC] www.amac.us is a vibrant, vital senior advocacy organization of January 11 for new borrowers and certain of small business owners by providing tar - Loan and will or has used the full amount that takes its marching orders from its members. AMAC Action is a existing PPP borrowers. To promote access geted relief and a simpler forgiveness only for authorized uses; non-profit, non-partisan organization representing the membership to capital, initially only community financial process to ensure their path to recovery.” • Has no more than 300 employees; and in our nation’s capital and in local Congressional Districts throughout institutions will be able to make First Draw Key PPP updates include: • Can demonstrate at least a 25% reduction the country. And the AMAC Foundation (www.AmacFoundation.org) PPP Loans on Monday, January 11, and Sec - • PPP borrowers can set their PPP loan’s in gross receipts between comparable is the Association’s non-profit organization, dedicated to supporting ond Draw PPP Loans on Wednesday, Janu - covered period to be any length between quarters in 2019 and 2020. and educating America’s Seniors. Together, we act and speak on the ary 13. The PPP will open to all participating 8 and 24 weeks to best meet their business The new guidance released includes: Association members’ behalf, protecting their interests and offering a lenders shortly thereafter. Updated PPP guid - needs; • PPP Guidance from SBA Administrator practical insight on how to best solve the problems they face today. ance outlining Program changes to enhance • PPP loans will cover additional expenses, Carranza on Accessing Capital for Mi - Live long and make a difference by joining us today at its effectiveness and accessibility was re - including operations expenditures, prop - nority, Underserved, Veteran, and Women- www.amac.us/join-amac. leased on January 6 in accordance with the erty damage costs, supplier costs, and owned Business Concerns; This article is intended for information purposes only and does not represent legal Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Busi - worker protection expenditures; • Interim Final Rule on Paycheck Protection or financial guidance. It presents the opinions and interpretations of the AMAC nesses, Non-Profits, and Venues Act. • The Program’s eligibility is expanded to Program as Amended by Economic Aid Foundation’s staff, trained and accredited by the National Social Security Associ - This round of the PPP continues to pri - include 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, Act; and ation (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation and its staff are not affiliated with oritize millions of Americans employed by destination marketing organizations, • Interim Final Rule on Second Draw PPP or endorsed by the Social Security Administration or any other governmental small businesses by authorizing up to $284 among other types of organizations; Loans. entity. To submit a question, visit our website (amacfoundation.org/programs/ • The PPP provides greater flexibility for For more information on SBA’s assis - social-security-advisory) or email us at [email protected]. billion toward job retention and certain other expenses through March 31, 2021, and by seasonal employees; tance to small businesses, visit sba.gov/ppp allowing certain existing PPP borrowers to • Certain existing PPP borrowers can re - or treasury.gov/cares.

PRINCE GEORGE ’S COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

Managing Your Employees: What New and small businesses Need to Know Tuesday, January 19, 2021 • 12 –1 p.m. Register: https://www.pgcedc.com/events-calendar/managingemployeeswebinar

This is the third in a series of online events co-presented by Lerch, Early & Brewer and the In - novation Station Business Incubator Powered by the Prince George’s County Economic Devel - opment Corporation.

You’ve done the hard part (or so you thought): You’ve come up with a business idea, developed a plan, and raised the money to get your new company off the ground. However, one of your next tasks, responsibly growing and managing your workforce, will present a set of different challenges. Whether you have five, 50, or hundreds of employees, business owners must take care to properly (and legally) take care of their workers (and that’s before considering the issues presented by COVID-19). This workshop will address the many issues employers should be considering including: • Employment-related filing, reporting, and insurance requirements. • Hiring considerations. • Offer letters and employment agreements. • Wage and hour issues, including administering payroll and classifying employees and inde - pendent contractors. • Protecting the company’s trade secrets and other confidential information. • Anti-discrimination and anti-harassment laws. • Employee policies. • Workplace notice and posting requirements.

Join Lerch Early employment attorneys Michael Neary and Nida Kanwal on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 for an informative and engaging discussion on these topics and more. A6 — January 14 — January 20, 2021 — The Prince George’s Post

bill from A 1 Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries that does not offer COUNTY CHURCH DIRECTORY paid leave to new mothers, and one of the eight OECD countries that do not provide paid leave to fathers. Because there is no national program for paid family or medical leave, many U.S. workers who need to become caregivers have to uNiTED METHoDisT bApTisT bApTisT uNiTED METHoDisT make difficult choices between work and their loved ones when the need arises. Only 17 percent of the American workforce has access to paid family leave. Nearly 25 percent of women take 10 or fewer days FiRsT bApTisT CHuRCH First baptist Church of WEsTpHAliA College park union of maternity leave, potentially putting themselves and their children at oF HiGHlAND pARK risk physically and emotionally. united Methodist Church Welcomes You Where Jesus united Methodist Church Christ Is Lord and King A growing body of research shows that paid leave improves public ‘A bible based, Christ Centered Stephen L. Wright, Sr., Pastor health, enhances infant development and parental bonding, and reduces “A CHuRCH oN THE REACH FoR GoD” 14418 Old Marlboro Pike, & spirit led Congregation’ nursing home use. 9363 D’Arcy Road 5018 Lakeland Road Upper Marlboro, MD 6801 Sheriff Road Landover, MD Paid leave also increases the time women take off work after birth, Upper Marlboro, MD College Park, MD 20740 20785 (301) 773-6655 301-474-3995 Church (301) 627-7389 even as it enhances labor force attachment. In a 2013 study, the majority Sunday Biblical Institute: www.fbc-cp.org of California employers reported a positive or no negative effect of Two Worship services: sunday school : (Children/Adults) - 8:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. paid leave on employee productivity and profitability. 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:30a.m. Sunday Worship: sunday Worship : 10:00 a.m. For more information, visit www.timetocare.net sunday school: 9:30 Sunday Worship 11a.m. 7:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. Holy Communion 1st Sunday Rev. Dr. Kendrick D. Weaver, Saturday Worship: pastor from A 3 (301)735-9373 Wednesday Bible Study 7-8p.m. Wellness 6:30 p.m Wednesday Prayer Service 8p.m. www.uumchurch.com Fax: (301) 735-1844 increased demands due to COVID-19, ‘WONDERFUL WEDNESDAYS the service is available and useful for WITH JESUS’: Rev. Dr. Timothy West, anyone needing reminders to engage in pastor 12 noon (The Power Hour) and 6:45 pm Have a self-care practices and healthy routines. “There are three categories of mes - “A Time of prayer, praise, All ARE WElCoME sages—mindfulness, nutrition, and mes - Worship, & The Word” Safe sages about seeking social support or get - Web site: Dr. Henry p. Davis iii, pastor Church Directory ting support from social contacts,” says www.westphaliaum.org www.fbhp.org Weekend Advertisements are Ajiboye, who is also the creator of the 60 paid ads. different messages participants will re - ceive periodically throughout the week. s. G. spottswood bApTisT CoMMuNiTY CHuRCH Each message provides comprehensive A.M.E. Zion Church Call the information and many times, a tip or call- Prince George’s Post to-action to help people create new 419 Hill Road, Landover, MD Forest Heights WORD OF GOD healthy habits in their daily routines. 20785 • 301-490-2625 baptist Church COMMUNITY today and “There’s a disconnect between what We exist to strengthen your Rev. Ranesa Mayo, Pastor CHURCH have your Church people know they need to do and actually relationship with God. doing it, so if you just get a little nudge, “The Church Where Everybody is Somebody and “We are training disciples to 6371 Oxon Hill Road information published in it might be all you need to engage in that healthier behavior,” said experience victory in every Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 Jesus is Lord Alex Chan, UME mental and behavioral health specialist and super - area of their lives” Sunday School our Directory. 4109 Edmonston Road Bladensburg, MD vising faculty for Ajiboye’s project. “Developing all of the messages Matthew 28:19 –20 (Adults & Children) - 9:30 A.M. Worship Service - 11:00 A.M. (301) 864-3437 was really the way to give people the idea that they should value those Wed. Prayer Service & Bible things for themselves.” Sunday School 9:00 a.m. intercessory prayer:sundays - 8:30 a.m. % Study - 7:00 P.M. The service is not limited to Maryland and can be accessed from Morning Worship 10:00 a.m. Church school : - 9:15 a.m. Office (301) 839-1166 Call Today! anywhere, although resources are Maryland-centric. Additionally, mes - Morning Worship Celebration- 10:30 a.m. Fax (301) 839-1721 sages are not specific to people in caregiving positions; they are appli - Soulful Thursdays E-mail: [email protected] Wed. Night bible study - 7:45 p.m. cable to anyone who needs a reminder to practice self-care, including Bible Study 7:00 p.m. Pastor: Rev. Waymond B. Duke 301-627-0900 Elder Willie W. Duvall, pastor teachers and parents. “If your needs are not met, it’s very hard for you to put yourself into others because you're not whole yourself,” said Ajiboye. “If you’re not whole, how can you invest yourself into some - one else’s care?” The three different subject areas—mindfulness, nutrition, and con - CLAS SIFIE DS nection—are a basic but holistic approach to starting self-care routines. 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