Photo courtesy Melwood Enterprises
Melwood Enterprises recognizes employee Marc Lusby
Melwood Enterprises Recognizes Employee Marc Lusby During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
By PRESS OFFICER
Melwood Enterprises
UPPER MARLBORO, Md.—As the disability community celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, Melwood Enterprises is recognizing employee Marc Lusby who, upon completion of a four-year apprenticeship with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), will become the first stationary engineer with a disability in Melwood’s history.
This month, Lusby is taking the next step in his training as he moves to a new contract site, where he’ll take a leading role as a maintenance engineer. At his previous assignment, he worked across approximately 400,000 square feet as an apprentice, gaining hands-on experience and building his mechanical knowledge. Now, at a 128,000-square-foot two-story building, he’ll work more independently at a single location, learning from a new chief engineer while also helping guide an apprentice of his own.
“Marc’s story demonstrates what can happen when people with disabilities are given the opportunity to learn, develop their skills and advance their careers, and we’re so proud of what he has accomplished,” said Brice Alexander, Executive Director of Melwood Enterprises. “Marc is one of hundreds of Melwood Enterprise employees who deliver world-class service to our customers across the region, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating the incredible value and capability of workers with disabilities.”
Lusby’s journey exemplifies the power of the AbilityOne Program, which leverages the power of the federal government to create employment and career pathways for people with disabilities. Lusby entered the apprenticeship with no mechanical background after beginning his Melwood career as a custodian. Through hands-on training, determination, and a willingness to learn, he developed the skills that are now preparing him for a career as a stationary engineer.
As Lusby continues his training toward the license required to become a full-time stationary engineer, he is also helping create a path for the next person who follows.
“Melwood has provided a path that I didn’t know was possible. The union apprenticeship has been an incredible opportunity to learn and build skills that will serve me throughout my career,” Lusby said. “I know my future is bright, and I hope my example opens the door for other people with disabilities to see that they can have a future in this field, too. I’m excited to take what I’ve learned to a new site, take on more responsibility, and continue growing in my career.”
Lusby’s story also demonstrates the effectiveness of Melwood Enterprises’ unique and revolutionary approach to apprenticeships. By serving as the employer, Melwood Enterprises removes labor costs from the customer, and provides a pathway to career skills and building that can be replicated and scaled across the trades, from stationary engineers to HVAC technicians in pursuit of their journeyman licensure.
Workers with disabilities, including injured veterans, who are interested in apprenticeship opportunities with Melwood Enterprises should apply through the company’s job board.: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/MEL1004MHTC/JobBoard/23add39c-bea8-4103-9bd6-f0474cce1fec/?q=&o=postedDateDesc
Melwood Enterprises delivers top-tier business solutions to public and private sector clients across more than 70 locations in the D.C. region and across the mid-Atlantic, while expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Boasting a team of seasoned performers, industry-respected certifications, unparalleled retention rates, and excellence in long-standing contracts, Melwood Enterprises delivers satisfaction, stability, and exceptional return on investment. For more information about Melwood Enterprises, a part of the Melwood family of companies, visit www.MelwoodEnterprises.org.
TOP OF PAGE
University of Maryland Capital Region Health Awarded State Grant Funding to Support Capital Area Violence Intervention Program
By PRESS OFFICER
University of Maryland Capital Region Health
LARGO, Md. (Sept. 22, 2026)—University of Maryland Capital Region Health has been awarded nearly $100,000 in state grant funding to support its Capital Area Violence Intervention Program (CAP-VIP). CAP-VIP is a hospital-based violence intervention program providing care and support services to patients recovering from violent injuries. The funding, which totals $99,999.49, was awarded through the Maryland Department of Health Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention. Established in 2024, the Center seeks to create safer communities by addressing firearm violence.
Based in the only trauma center in Prince George’s County, CAP-VIP provides support to patients ages 15 to 40 who are at high risk for repeat violent injury. Through trauma-informed care, intensive case management, and community-based programs, CAP-VIP addresses factors that contribute to violence and poor health outcomes, including barriers related to employment, housing, education, and behavioral health services. The funding awarded to CAP-VIP will allow the program to provide patients with clothing and rideshare services, and will help train frontline staff on responding to gun violence.
“Violence is a public health challenge that affects individuals, families, and communities long after a patient leaves the hospital,” said Nathaniel Richardson, Jr., President, UM Capital Region Health. “This funding will help us continue providing critical support and resources that reduce the likelihood of reinjury and help patients build healthier, more stable futures.”
The Maryland Department of Health recognized CAP-VIP as part of its efforts to support programs focused on prevention, intervention, and healing. Through partnerships with community organizations and service providers, CAP-VIP helps patients navigate recovery while addressing social determinants of health associated with recurring violence.
“This program is about meeting people at a pivotal moment in their recovery and connecting them with the support they need to move forward,” said Dr. Bethany Strong, MD, MS, Medical Director of CAP-VIP. “We’re grateful for this investment in a program that creates meaningful opportunities for healing, resilience and long-term success.”
Providing primary and specialty health care services to Prince George’s County and surrounding areas, University of Maryland Capital Region Health was established in September 2017 upon formal affiliation with the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) and is committed to improving health outcomes in the communities it serves. University of Maryland Capital Region Health operates the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in Largo, University of Maryland Laurel Medical Center, University of Maryland Bowie Health Campus, and the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Group with practice locations in New Carrollton, Suitland, Bowie, Laurel and the National Harbor. Together, community physicians and University of Maryland School of Medicine (SOM) faculty provide clinical expertise across a range of specialties and programs including: acute rehabilitation; anesthesiology; critical and chronic ventilation care; emergency medicine; neonatology; orthopedics; and vascular surgery. University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center is home to the county’s only Level II Trauma Center and a highly regarded cardiac surgery program, which is led by faculty from the University of Maryland School of Medicine; a certified and designated primary stroke center. For more information, visit www.umcapitalregion.org
The University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS) is an academic private health system, focused on delivering compassionate, high-quality care and putting discovery and innovation into practice at the bedside. Partnering with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and University of Maryland, Baltimore who educate the state’s future health care professionals, UMMS is an integrated network of care, delivering 25 percent of all hospital care in urban, suburban and rural communities across the state of Maryland. For more information, visit www.umms.org
TOP OF PAGE
Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® Installs 2027 President, Officers, and Directors
By ERICA KALEDA
Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® (PGCAR)
REALTORS®, friends, family, and colleagues gathered to celebrate the Installation Ceremony of PGCAR’s 2027 President, Charnise Carter, of Realty One Group Performance. Carter was installed by her sister, Brandi Calhoun. Charnise will officially assume leadership of the 3000 member Prince George’s County Association of REALTORS® (PGCAR) on October 1, 2026.
In a momentous event filled with excitement and anticipation, we proudly congratulate our newly elected President and the distinguished members of the 2027 Board of Directors. This significant occasion marks the beginning of our new year for PGCAR, as we embrace a future of growth, innovation, and community-building.
Under President Carter’s leadership, her vision is: know your market, know your county, know your business, know your community, Charnise explained: “As REALTORS®, knowing our community means more than knowing real estate. It means knowing our communities, supporting our businesses, understanding our growth, and recognizing the opportunities that make Prince George’s County a great place to live, work, and invest.”
Other newly elected and installed Officers and Directors include:
Officers
President-Elect—Leisel L. Taylor, Keller Williams Preferred Properties
Secretary—Carole Warren, Keller Williams Preferred Properties
Treasurer—Paul “Carlos” Lancaster, Samson Properties
Past President—Carole Webb, Samson Properties
Directors
Yolanda Burgess, Platinum Partners Realty
Erick Burke, 212 Degrees Realty LLC
Cherice Clark, Clark Premier Realty Group LLC
Chazi Diggs, Capital Structures Real Estate
Donald L. Frederick, Jr., RE/MAX United Real Estate
Stephanie Ireland, eXp Realty LLC
Christian Jackson, Keller Williams Preferred Properties
ArLancia Williams, Keller Williams Preferred Properties
The Voice for Real Estate in Prince George’s County: PGCAR is the voice for REALTORS® in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Representing more than 3,000 real estate professionals in the national capital area, PGCAR is an affiliate of the Maryland and National Association of REALTORS®. We are proud to serve our members and our community and work to ensure professionalism in the industry. Our volunteers and staff work to offer services to real estate professionals and to provide avenues for our members to become more successful. We proudly work to promote and protect homeownership and private property rights.
TOP OF PAGE
