Maryland Community Newspapers Online
Dr. George Hajjar, 52, of Lanham was one of nine Prince George's County residents and organizations recognized Oct. 29 at a countywide awards program sponsored by The Arc of Prince George's County.
Honorees were nominated by disability organizations, businesses and government offices.
Hajjar, whose private practice is based in Lanham, specializes in internal medicine.
At the event, held at the Prince George's Ballroom in Landover, Hajjar received the "Award of Excellence in Professional Involvement" and is cited for speaking directly to his patients and clearly explaining to them every step of their exam, rather than starting with their caregiver.
"I'm really appreciative of it — I didn't feel like I did anything special or out of the ordinary," Hajjar said. "We try to treat all patients equally and all patients with respect. I've been practicing the same way for 20 years."
The Arc is the world's largest grassroots organization that works for people with developmental disabilities and their families. The county chapter was founded in 1952.
Groups hosting AIDS panel and HIV testing in Largo
Several Prince George's County organizations are sponsoring the "Wear Red for the Cause World AIDS Day 2009: Universal Access and Human Rights" event from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1 in the Rennie Forum in the Largo Student Center at the Prince George's Community College at 301 Largo Road in Largo.
A panel of healthcare experts will discuss universal access to health care and human rights, with specific resources focused on Prince George's County.
The event is being sponsored by the Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the Prince George's County Health Department and the Prince George's Community College Health Education Center.
Free and confidential HIV and STD testing is available to the public.
For information, e-mail hsw@pgcacdst.org or call 301-736-3250.
Largo resident's son completes Navy basic training
Navy Seaman William E. Jordan, son of Bobbie Bennett of Largo, recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill.
During the eight-week program, Jordan completed classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival and shipboard and aircraft safety.
Tutors for youth, adult education needed in Seat Pleasant
The Seat Pleasant Community Development Corporation is looking for tutors for students in kindergarten through 12th grade and in preparation for the GED and SAT. The corporation is looking for those with education backgrounds and is encouraging high school students, retired residents and veterans to tutor. Call Lamine Ndour at 301-324-2470.
Nonprofit will hold holiday community outreach event
The Helping Good People Foundation, a Bowie-based nonprofit, will kick off its "It's Never Too Late" community outreach program at a holiday bazaar. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at New Carrollton's Four Points by Sheraton Hotel at 8500 Annapolis Road.
Attendees are asked to bring nonperishable food and canned goods and toys to create holiday baskets to give to needy families.
In addition, more than 30 vendors will be selling books, artwork, jewelry, toys and more. Gift wrapping and door prizes will be available. Call 240-551-3862 or 301-262-7141 or visit www.itsnevertoolatellc.org for more information.
Male symposium coming to Glenarden resource center
The Glenarden Apartments' HOPE and Resource Center will hold its two-day male symposium, "Positive Changes Through Positive Males Representation," from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
The event will be held at the Glenarden Apartments Community Center at 3010 Brightseat Road.
Registration is due today. The event is free. Discussion topics will include health and nutrition, social skills, workforce development. Call 301-322-5365 or 301-322-5386.
Area schools participate in gospel music festival
The Largo, DuVal and Eleanor Roosevelt high school choirs participated in a gospel music explosion Nov. 8 at Largo Community Church in Mitchellville.
The Largo High School Choir Parent Association sponsored the event, said Ann Johnson, a member of the association.
Johnson estimated nearly 300 community members attended.
Roosevelt High inducts students into music honor society
Thirty-two students were inducted recently into the Eleanor Roosevelt High School chapter of the Modern Music Masters, also known as Tri-M, Music Honor Society.
Founded in 1936, Tri-M is an international music honor society for secondary school students. The society recognizes students for their academic and musical achievements and for their service activities.
Area students include Kelsey Corbitt, Rodney Davis and Violet McKain of Lanham; Abigail Miller, Alena Moran, Marika Nell and Mayowa Omokanwaye of Cheverly; and Jasmine Cool and Gladys Ruiz-Malca of New Carrollton.
Airmen with local ties complete basic training
Air Force Reserve Airman Kyle X. Headen, the son of Susan Headen of Mitchellville, and Airman Andrew L. Bruce, nephew of Robert Bruce of Glenn Dale, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.
The airmen completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate's degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force.
Breast cancer campaign collecting loose coins for change
All Shades of Pink Inc., a Glenn Dale-based nonprofit corporation that assists women diagnosed with breast cancer and their families with resource referrals, non-medical advice and/or emergency financial assistance, is holding a "Change for breast cancer" campaign through Dec. 15.
Interested participants can request their pink coin purse at www.allshadesofpink.org and begin collecting loose change.
Once the coin purse is filled, participants can make a contribution to ASOP by check, money order or online donation in the amount of change collected.
Visit www.allshadesofpink.org or www.allshadesofpink.org/uploads/c4bc-brochure.pdf.
Holiday food and fitness expo to be held in Landover
The Prince George's County Health Department and Prince George's County Public Schools are sponsoring the fifth annual Holiday Food and Fitness Expo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Complex at 8001 Sheriff Road in Landover.
The expo aims to promote healthy lifestyles in the county. Information and health screenings will be available.
Call Melony Griffith at 301-883-3153 or e-mail mggriffith@co.pg.md.us.
Lanham hospital announces visitor policy change
Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham recently changed its visitor policy to better protect patients and visitors during flu season.
Visitors with runny noses, a cough and/or fever higher than 100 degrees will not be allowed to enter patient rooms, visiting hours are restricted from noon to 8 p.m. and visitors under age 18 aren't permitted in patient rooms except for a family member in an end-of-life situation.
These policies are subject to change as the hospital continues to monitor the flu. Visitors are encouraged to cover their nose or mouth with a tissue or inside of their elbow when sneezing or coughing and to wash their hands frequently.
County providing H1N1 vaccinations
Prince George's County is providing H1N1 shots to all school children at their schools and to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention priority groups from 9 a.m. to noon every Thursday at the Cheverly Health Clinic at 3003 Hospital Drive in Cheverly. The program began Oct. 27 and will continue until further notice.
Priority groups include pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants under 6 months, health care and emergency medical services personnel, all people ages 6 months through 24 years, and people age 25 to 64 with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
For information, visit www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/Health/flu-vaccination-info.asp.
H1N1 vaccines are also being administered from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 3 and 10 at the Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex at 8001 Sheriff Road in Landover in the town hall meeting room.
At least 1,000 will be administered each day at the four clinics to people ages 6 months to 24 years, health care workers and pregnant women. The shots are free, and no proof of residency is required.
For information, call 301-583-2400.
Doctors Community Hospital in Lanham is holding a program for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes within the past six months or who have never met with a diabetes educator.
The program serves as an overview for how to effectively manage diabetes. Participants will learn basic diabetes self-management skills for medication, nutrition, meal planning, physical activity and blood glucose monitoring.
The series is offered from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Nov. 30, or from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8.
A three-day series is being offered from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 28 and 29 and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Dec. 30.
Participants must register and submit a signed referral form from their doctor before entering the program. Most insurance companies cover program costs.
For information or to register, call the Joslin Diabetes Center at 301-552-8661.
Largo school hosting juried student art league exhibition
Prince George's Community College is displaying the fall 2009 Juried Student Art League Exhibition, which began Wednesday and continues through noon Dec. 10 in the Marlboro Gallery at 301 Largo Road in Largo.
Student artists will display their newest works and judges will choose the award-winning pieces from the participating artists. The gallery will be closed from Wednesday through Nov. 27.
The public is invited to a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3. Many works are for sale.
New Carrollton students make the grade
The following Charles Carroll Middle School seventh-graders made the first quarter honor roll: Myron Aboko, Deborah Amao, Emelyn Amaya Bonilla, Julio Argueta-Hernandez, Ximena Arispe-Guzman, Phyllis Arthur-Williams, Brenda Ayala, Vaskia Bailey, Caesha Beeker, Rodolfo Bello, Marcelia Berkel, Kelin Bonilla, Josel Bonilla-Fernandez, Arsjohne' Briscoe, Anthony Brown, Jerese Butler, Jacquelin Caballero, Dana Cadet, CJ Cambell Jr., Jennifer Cano-Ventura, Jeffrey Carino, Xamilet Carrera, Shamar Clarke, Anaya Cross, Carlos Cruz Galvez, Kevin Cupido, Dominick Daniel, Jewewl Dews, Monike' Dove, Simone Dowtin, Catherine Echeverria Amaya, Evelyn Eden, Toni Elias, Jennifer Escamilla, Zachery Faison, Luis Flores-Segovia, Deanna Folefac, Angel Galdamez, Christopher Glenn, Lauro Gonzalez, Johnatan Gutierrez, Winta Habtemariam, Xiom Hernandez-Aguilera, Roberto Herrera, Gerardo Herrera-Cortes, Keiylin Iraheta Vasquez, Keaira Jackson, Marissa Jagarnath, Alana James, Imahni Jeffrey, Devonne Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Glen Labis, Mayra Larios Ixtlahuaca, Danielle Lawrence, Flor Leon-Morales, Dianna Lopez Vivar, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Lopez Vasquez, Denzel Lowes, Doris Lucero-Balbuena, Ivette Machado-Sorto, Styfan Machado-Villegas, Cashe Macklin, Keiry Mancia, Sean Manwaring II, Janeta Martinez, Yovany Martinez-Hernandez, Dominique Mason-Michel, Christel Mays, Joslyn McFarlane, Liana Mejia Ordonez, Rayna Mills, Cinita Mines, Victor Monzon-Bracamonte, Yajayra Morales, Anngie Morales, Jacqueline Moran, Fitsume Mulugeta, Claudia Nash, Samantha Ngoe, Alex Nguyen, Vanessa Nguyen, Chinaza Okeke, Catherine Onumajuru, Nnedi Onyejiuwa, Cynthia Ortiz, Gerson Ortiz Sanabria, Demi Pedley, Nickida Pegus, Renee Penn, Esther Petit-Homme, Alex Pimentel, Kevin Portillo-Alvarez, Jona Ramirez-Chinchilla, Fernando Ramos, Brandon Reeder, Aniya Reid, Troy Richards, Leslie Rios, Madalyn Rivadeneira, Alis Rivera, Jennifer Robles, Natalie Rodriguez, Juan Rodriguez Lopez, Monica Rodriguez-Merlos, Victor Romero-Guevara, Dasia Salters, Cindy Sandoval, Jemuel Santos, Artenis Shabiu, Christian Smith, Enith Tapia, Elsa Tlapechco, Chantell Turner, Abdias Umana, Rafael Vickerie, Stacy Villibord, Luis Vivar, Emely Vivar, Miguel Vivar-Esquivel, Stephanie Viveros-Martinez, Terrence Walls Jr., Neilecia White, Jimmy Williams, Chantia Williams, Andre Winston, Donald Workeman, James Wright and Daleane Young.
The following eighth-graders made the first quarter honor roll: Vince Abellano, Sarah Adams, Sitra Adem, Jolaade Adepoju, Sabbir Ahmed, Gabriel Akanni, Zarreah Ali, Abdul-Quyyum Almaroof, Andrain Andrews, Derek Aquino-Placido, Michael Aregaye, Paola Argueta, Marcelo Arispe-Guzman, Giovanna Baisie-Arthur, Melvin Barahona Lainez, Rochelle Barnes, Raynal Bell, Samuel Benitez, Mirna Bonilla, Amber Booth, Desmond Brogsdale, Raul Cabrera, Alexis Carey, Andres Casimiro Rosales, Deshawn Collington, Abdulia Conteh, Kareema Conteh, Osvaldo Cruz-Paz, Joseph Davis, Deidre Dawson, Karl De Jesus Rodriguez, Michael Delaney, Maria Diaz Figueroa, Ivan Diaz-Cruz, Luis Diego Loaeza, Steve Dubon Gomez, Lauren Edwards, Raquel Elias, Elijah Emiola, Yolibeth Escobar, Yesenia Esparza, Ugomma Etoh, Diamond Farmer, Aira Tonijea Flores, Brian Flores-Toro, Jania Freeman, Diana Fuentes, Alex Fuentes, Najarogny Garcia Batista, Alexander Garcia Bermudez, Jonathan Garcia-Rios, Ziada Gebretnsai, Jennyfer Gonzalez, Gusta Gonzales Martinez, Duane Green, Andrea Green, Gregory Green III, Godfrey Griffith Jr., Jeffrey Gutierrez, Jocelyn Gutierrez, Cindy Guzman Saavedra, Eric Harvell, Asia Harvey, Jose Hernandez, Tatiana Hernandez-Aguilera, Juan Herrera, Edgar Herrera Blanco, Shaniqwa Hodge, Tranay Hunter, Amani Hunter, Kiara Hynds, Jeffrey Idahosa, Jonathan Jackson, Ma'Shawn Johnson, Faith Johnson, Kiyah Josey, Bilikisu Kadiku, Sagen Kidane, Brian Kobe, Gerlie Labis, Amber Lake, Babatunde Lawal, Marquise Lawson, Hyon Lee, Julisa Lemus, Yenis Lemus Guerra, Michael Lepzem, Jose Lima-Rosas, Stephanie Lopez, Jason Lopez, Wilfred Lopez Barahona, Veronica Maidoh, Garry Malloy, Mirna Martinez-Ramos, Jose Matute Cruz, Ariel McLaurin, Briana Medeus, Amina Moreno Benouraida, Allysa Mpofu, Tamerat Mulugeta, Yeni Munoz-Hercules, Jason Navarrete, Cynthia Nwaneti, Rebecca Ojomu, Ganiu Oladipo, Foyinsola Olaloye, Olabisi Omotoso, Akua Opoku, Wendy Oscuro, Santiago Osorio, Amed Oum-Mbogba, Christina Oyawale, Anhett Palma, Jason Paz, Michael Perdomo, Jennifer Perea, Lesley Perez, Jasmine Peters, Brionna Polk, Brenda Ponce-Ramirez, Keagan Pooran, Remi Popoola, Nancy Portillo, Djellza Ramadani, Marcelin Ramos Cisneros, Junior Ramos Reyes, Edwin Ramos-Rios, Nia Rawles, Evelyn Reyes, Amilcar Rivas-Bonilla, Nia Russell, Alexi Saavedra-Gonzales, Deonarine Sahdeo, Lasaro Salamanca, Saul Salmeron Reyes, Kelly Salvador, George Sharpe, Eric Siliezar Cuellar, Ashley Skipper, Samantha Spencer, Lucia Tarwillie, Samantha Taylor, Kirstin Terry, Kristin Terry, Linda Tran, Tarqueen Udosen, Christina Ugbaja-Jose, Alejandra Vargas Flores, Jacqueline Vigil, Blanca Villeda Torres, Brenda Vivar-Garcia, Jesel Vivar-Rosas, Cara Waldron, Naija Whitaker, Kiara Williams and Carla Wilson.