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Photos courtesy Department of Juvenile Services
Young people from Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ facilities across the state gathered at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center (CYDC) in Prince George’s County for their own Olympics-style competition, competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in a range of events.
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Youth Across Maryland Compete in CHAMPS Olympics at Cheltenham Youth Detention Center
By PRESS OFFICER
Department of Juvenile Services
Young people from Maryland Department of Juvenile Services’ facilities across the state gathered at the Cheltenham Youth Detention Center (CYDC) in Prince George’s County for their own Olympics-style competition, competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals in a range of events. Changing Habits And Making Progressive Strides (CHAMPS) is a rewards-based incentive program for youth who are doing well at their detention or residential facility.
The youth enjoyed a unique opportunity to demonstrate their athleticism in the 400-meter and 100-meter races, relay races, the standing broad jump, and football throw, on a wonderful hot summer day.
DJS staff enthusiastically cheered on the teams. “Never give up and always do your best,” said Antonio Jones, who coaches the Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center (BCJJC) team, winning four of the competition’s events.
“I encourage the kids to give everything they have for a successful outcome. It’s great to see they do that well, especially when some of them are new to these events, said CYDC’s Coach Brittany Wiseman.
Qudaisa Sowell, the Western Maryland Children’s Center Coach, shared that even though the girls did not have that much time to prepare they still competed. “Showing up was the most important part,” added Sowell.
DJS youth are involved in a variety of activities throughout the year, including art contests, recreational and sporting events, STEM, oratoricals, and many other competitions provided through CHAMPS. These extracurricular activities encourage positive changes in the young people in DJS’ care and are part of the Department’s year-round programming. This is an opportunity for the youth to learn new skills in a variety of environments and instill healthy habits within the agency’s positive youth development framework.
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Prince George’s County Animal Services Division to Host Virtual Listening Session
The session will focus on County facility operations, programs and services, and animal codes
By PRESS OFFICER
Prince George’s County Department of the Environment
Largo, Md. (Sept. 2, 2024)—The Prince George’s County Animal Services Facility and Adoption Center (ASFAC) will host a virtual listening session called “People, Pets, & Policy: How We Serve Prince George’s County” on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The session will provide information on facility operations, adoption programs and services, and the County’s codes and rules for pet ownership.
“This session allows us to educate and inform County residents about the valuable programs, resources, and services we deliver to pets in our community,” says David Fisher, Associate Director of the Department of Environment Animal Services Division. “I encourage everyone to join us to learn more about our facility and how we can work together to find loving homes for our furry friends.”
Interested attendees can register for the virtual session at www.princegeorgespets4us.com. Once registered, a confirmation email containing information about joining the session will be sent.
Registrants are invited to submit questions in advance to lmlowe@co.pg.md.us no later than Wednesday, September 11.
For more information, visit www.princegeorgespets4us.com
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M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County Announces Official Programming for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
By PRESS OFFICER
M-NCPPC
RIVERDALE, Md. (Sept. 3, 2024)—M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County is pleased to announce an exciting series of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024. Starting September 14 through October 15, we invite the community and the media to honor and embrace the rich cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans through interactive activities, live music, traditional dance performances, art exhibitions, and family-friendly festivals.
“We are thrilled to host these events during Hispanic Heritage Month, offering our community a chance to learn, celebrate, and honor the rich contributions of Hispanics and Latino Americans,” said Bill Tyler, Director of M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County. “Prince George’s County is home to a thriving Latino population, and this year’s celebrations reflect the Department’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and cultural appreciation.”
The following are just a few of the programs available. For a complete list of Hispanic Heritage Month offerings please visit www.pgparks.com
Latinas in Aviation Global Festival
Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
College Park Aviation Museum
1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park, 20740
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation’s College Park Aviation Museum and Airport is honoring Latina pioneers in aviation and celebrating Hispanic culture. This one-of-a-kind festival allows you to meet and hear from inspiring Latinas and learn about the magic of aviation. Enjoy demos & children’s activities, food, community art, bilingual story time, author meet and greets, and giveaways. Cap off the afternoon with a 3 p.m. concert performance.
Hispanic Festival
Sunday, September 15, 12:30–5:30 p.m.
Lane Manor Park
7601 West Park Dr. & University Blvd., Adelphi 20783
The Hispanic Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Kickoff Hispanic Heritage Month with a vibrant celebration. This FREE festival draws over 10,000 people to Lane Manor Park in Adelphi, bringing the community together for an unforgettable day. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious ethnic food, craft vendors, carnival games, exhibitors, and more.
Festival Del Rio
Saturday, September 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Bladensburg Waterfront Park
4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg 20710
Celebrate the outdoors and the Anacostia River at the 9th annual Festival del Rio Anacostia. This bilingual environmental festival teaches the community about the river and how to become better stewards of the Anacostia and its watersheds. Enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, entertainment, delicious food, fishing demos, live animals, and free boat rides and giveaways.
Hispanic Heritage Month Celebración
Sunday, October 13, 2–5 p.m.
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road, Hyattsville, 20785
Join us for a FREE, family-friendly event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month! The celebración will include an art exhibit of artists Silvia Martinez (Puerto Rico) and Pepe Piedra (Peru) exhibit: “Icons, Idioms and Myth,” live music, dancing, arts & craft activities for children, and light refreshments.
With over 28,000 acres of parkland, trails, athletic fields, playgrounds and more, the M-NCPPC, Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George’s County provides an award-winning park system through progressive, quality, innovative leadership and a commitment to its community and environment. The Department delivers first-class recreational activities and programs for people of all ages and ability levels. It strives to improve the quality of life for residents in Prince George’s County and the communities in which they live, work, and raise families. The Department’s Formula 2040 Plan establishes a framework that will assure the Department can meet future parks and recreation programmatic and facility needs, fulfilling its mission to determine the combination of land, facilities and programs that will provide appropriate experiences for Prince Georgians in the future. To learn more, visit www.pgparks.com
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Governor Moore Joins State and Federal Leaders to Announce Maryland Adding
IRS Direct File System for 2025 Filing Season
By PRESS OFFICER
Office of the Governor
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (Sept. 4, 2024)—Governor Wes Moore today announced that Maryland will join the Internal Revenue Service’s Direct File online tool for the 2025 filing season, enabling taxpayers to prepare and file their taxes electronically and free of charge. Governor Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman were joined by U.S. Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo; U.S. Senator Ben Cardin; U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen; Congressman Steny Hoyer; Congressman John Sarbanes; and local volunteer income tax assistance partners for the announcement in Annapolis.
“Today, we take a big step forward to make tax season easier, simpler, and more affordable for all Marylanders,” said Gov. Moore. “I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their support. Maryland doesn’t just talk about partnership, we move in partnership—and this latest win shows what’s possible when the state, federal government, and community partners work together.”
“Thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, more than 700,000 Maryland taxpayers will be able to file their taxes online for free, directly with the IRS this coming filing season. Direct File will save Marylanders time and money and help ensure they receive the tax benefits they are owed,” said U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen. “After a successful pilot this filing season, we are pleased to expand the program as a permanent offering and welcome Maryland as the latest new state to offer this free option to taxpayers.”
“Partnering with the IRS to offer Direct File to eligible Maryland taxpayers in the 2025 tax season is an exciting opportunity and fundamental to our core priority of modernizing our agency to make government work better for all Marylanders,” said Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman. “In countries across the globe, residents enjoy much simpler return-free tax systems. While our state and nation are not there yet, with Direct File and our agency’s new Maryland Tax Connect system for individuals coming this term, Maryland will have the most transparent, efficient, and modern system in the nation.”
During the 2024 filing season, the Direct File system launched in 12 states resulting in more than 140,000 Americans successfully filing and claiming more than $90 million in refunds and saving an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees on their federal returns.
For the 2025 filing season, more than 700,000 Marylanders will be eligible to use the Direct File tool. Other states currently using Direct File include Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
“Tax preparation for the average working American can come with high costs and countless hours filing returns. Fulfilling tax obligations shouldn’t be more difficult than the hours you spend working,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “Direct File was extremely successful in making tax filing more affordable and accessible. Implementing a permanent Direct File program in Maryland will help lift a significant tax burden and benefit thousands of Maryland taxpayers.”
“Through the Inflation Reduction Act, we provided new resources for the IRS so it can better serve everyday Americans with initiatives like Direct File,” said U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen. “Our state’s participation in this proven program will offer hundreds of thousands of Marylanders a convenient and free way to do their taxes next year— meaning less time filling out complicated returns and more money in their pockets.” “Americans want—and deserve—a free, easy, accurate, and secure option to file their taxes,” said Congressman Steny Hoyer. “As House Majority Leader last Congress, I helped secure funding for Direct File in the Inflation Reduction Act to provide them that opportunity. Direct File is yet another example of Democrats’ commitment to lowering costs for Marylanders and all Americans, and I am proud that Maryland will join nineteen other states in participating in the program this next tax filing season. I appreciate the IRS and our partners in the Biden-Harris Administration for making this option permanent and available for all.”
“The Direct File pilot program has proven its ability to ease the burden of tax season by saving taxpayers time, effort and money when filing,” said Congressman John Sarbanes. ”I appreciate the IRS’s work to expand this program across the country and am glad that starting in 2025, Marylanders will be able to use this new tool and experience a smoother, more affordable tax season.”
To help taxpayers with the new Direct File system, Maryland will partner with Code for America, a civic technology company that launched the FileYourStateTaxes tool that allows taxpayers to easily file their state returns. Maryland is the second new partnership Code for America has announced for the 2025 filing season.
“Code for America is committed to ensuring taxpayers across Maryland have access to free, easy online state tax filing,” said Code for America Chief Executive Officer Amanda Renteria. “Through our FileYourStateTaxes tool, more people will be able to file a return and gain access to tax benefits that help working families. We look forward to applying the mindful use of technology to the tax filing process in Maryland and providing this revolutionary service to the state’s people.”
For more information about the IRS Direct File tool, visit the U.S. Department of Treasury webpage.
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