Prince George's Suite Magazine WINTER SPRING 2025

Suite Prince George’s

WINTER/SPRING 2025

20 Years

A Great View Of Prince George’s County

Sax Phenom Nathaniel Gillian MOLC: A Street Named Edwards

www.pgsuite.com

Crowning Maryland

$4.95

Ms. SHERRI LUMPKIN

A BRIGHT FUTURE

The Washington Commanders County Economic Forecast for 2025

ALSO INSIDE: Meet MOLC’s Adenia Bradley, ADVERTORIAL: UMD’s New Cancer Center, David Iannucci’s Revenue View, Sonji Joyner, JBA Commander Col. Jun S. Oh, James Proctor’s Travel Photography And More

An Overview By M.H. Jim Estepp

Introducing the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health.

Comprehensive cancer care for Prince George’s County from University of Maryland Medical System.

Our cancer experts diagnose and treat a full range of common and rare cancers with care that’s delivered in one convenient, full-service location in Largo.

We’re with you every step of the way to answer questions, help with appointments and scheduling and provide emotional support for you and your loved ones.

Complete cancer care, close to home.

That’s a better state of care.

umcapitalregion.org/cancer

Suite Prince George’s

A Great View Of Prince George’s County, Maryland

WINTER/SPRING 2024-2025 Raoul Dennis Publisher/Editor-In-Chief D. A. Phillips Associate Publisher Gil Griffin Copyediting Raoul Dennis, Amir Stoudamire Advertising Kristina Townsend Editorial Assistant Raoul Dennis Art Director/Page Design Maria Lopez-Bernstein Consultant Amir Stoudamire Senior Photographer Kim Johnson Photographer

Consultants & Support Barbara Frazier, Mildred B. Dennis, Ysabel Garcia de Lopez and Eugenia Hopkins

.

Editor Ad Infinitum Ed Brown

Cover “Sherri Lumpkin: Ms. Senior Maryland”

Prince George’s Suite magazine is published four times per year by RADENN MEDIA GROUP, LLC, P.O. Box 1066, Oxon Hill, MD 20750. 410/553-2084. Subscription rates: $20/year in the United States and all its possessions. Single copies $4.95, plus $1.50 shipping and handling. Periodicals postage paid at Oxon Hill, MD 20750, and at additional mailing offices. All editorial and advertising correspondence should be addressed to RADENN MEDIA GROUP, LLC, P.O. Box 1066, Oxon Hill, MD 20750 or [e-mail: editor@pgsuite.com for Prince George’s Suite magazine]. website: www.pgsuite.com. All contents © 2025 by RADENN MEDIA GROUP, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN No. 1941-6024. All advertising inquiries should be directed toward advertising@pgsuite.com or call 410/553-2084. Nothing in this publication can be reproduced in any manner without specific written permission of the publisher. Prince George’s Suite magazine and the RADENN MEDIA GROUP, LLC will consider but assume no responsibility for unsolicited materials; these require return postage. Postmaster: Please send address changes to Subscription Department, RADENN MEDIA GROUP, LLC, P.O. Box 1066, Oxon Hill, MD 20750. Printed in the USA.

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PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

Outlook Outlook Outlook

Now And Then: Nathaniel Gillian stands with the statue of jazz great Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA We are facing challenges that have many of us feeling disoriented and confused. Much has changed in the country. As a county,

Prince George’s is used to change as we have come through many. But we work through whatever challenges we face: the economic collapse of 2008, the housing crisis that followed it, government shut down (2018), and COVID-19 (2020). Today’s reordering of federal institutions coupled with a statewide deficit are putting unprecedented stress on families and companies here and across Maryland.

As ever, it will be faith in God, the strength and planning of leadership and the resilience of families to help us come through these times.

Toward that end, we look forward to the seating of a new County Executive in the wake of the ascension of Angela Alsobrooks to the US Senate. Further, we offer the annual economic outlook by M.H. Jim Estepp, founder and President & CEO of the Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable, on the possibilities for 2025 (see page 5).

As with any time of change, there’s a blend of the exit of the old and the ascension of the new.

We say goodbye to Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation President and CEO David Iannucci (page 24) as he passes the mantle of leadership over to Ebony Stocks (page 14). We hope to provide a full profile in the near future.

We profile Joint Base Andrews Commander, 316th Operations Group Col. Jun S. Oh (page 20). The commander is the most recent to lead the national base which is home to Air Force One. This story offers a glimpse into the origins of the man and the thoughts of the leader.

PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

We celebrate Sherri Lumpkin, Maryland’s winner of the Ms. Senior Maryland pageant and county resident (page 26). Conversely, we introduce a musical prodigy who plays the saxophone like nobody’s business, wait until you meet Nathaniel Gillian (page 30). Lumpkin, a mother and graphic designer, has been a modest and soft spoken talent dating back to before her days at Black Entertainment Television. Making her mark in life yet again as Ms Senior Maryland is a surprise to no one who knows her. Gillian, who isn’t out of high school yet, is a veteran musician who has been playing sax since his dad put one in his hands at age five.

We honor Mission of Love Charities’ founder Doug Edwards who shepherded the first two decades of MOLC by aiding families in need in all circumstances. A street has been named for Edwards in his honor. for all he did to help so many in the county (page 16). We also recognize Adenia Bradley, the new executive director of MOLC (page 18) regarding her vision for the organization’s future. Hailing from Virginia Beach, VA, Bradley has raised her family in Prince George’s where she takes pride in being a grounded leader.

We give a spotlight to public relations professional Sonji Joyner (page 10). Joyner has been a beacon for sharing news about the organizations in the county for several years. We spoke with the young professional as she nailed several accomplishments – including the writing of her new book.

We hope you enjoy the edition and that it gives you some light in what may be considered dark times.

Best, The Editors

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CONTENTS 18.

In This Edition 8. Economic Outlook: 2025 10. Profile: Sonji Joyner 12. Stuff: News, Notes, & Items Of Interest 16. Mission Of Love Charities: A Street Named Edwards 18. Profile: MOLC Executive Director Adena Bradley 20. Profile: Joint Base Andrews Commander, 316th Operations Group Col. Jun S. Oh 24. Profile: EDC’s President & CEO David Iannucci Retires 26. Cover: Ms. Senior Maryland-Sherri Lumpkin 30. Culture: Musical Teen Prodigy Nathaniel Gillian 35. Medical: UMD Medical Center 43. Travel: Photos by James Proctor 46. Sports: The NFL Future Looks Bright In The DMV 6.

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PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

2025 WHO’S WHO IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COMING SUMMER 2025

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK 2025

What Does 2025 Mean For The County is fortunate to have a well-educated and enlightened population that engages its leaders and “shows up” when needed.

By M.H. Jim Estepp, President & CEO Greater Prince George’s Business Roundtable & Andrews Business & Community Alliance.

By M.H. Jim Estepp

“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” That classic line from Dicken’s A Tale of Two Cities is often used to describe simultaneous success and failure. It can also alert us to what our 2025 economy may look like going forward.

Making predictions about our financial future is not easy.

Consider that Maryland Lawmakers often have very lofty goals for the annual session in Annapolis. Although well intended, they often leave out how we will pay for those programs.

The General Assembly has M.H. Jim Estepp a plethora of bills which can impact big and small businesses in our state this year. Many of those bills will not be of much assistance to our business community, still struggling to fully recover from both COVID19 and massive spending by the Federal Government which, in part, has led to significant inflation, pushing up interest rates and stifling expanded housing construction/sales.

One example of how big spending bills can impact the economy when times are financially troubled is the previously enacted increases in state spending for education, without dedicated revenue sources which has caused both state and many local governments to face 8.

budget deficits in the next fiscal year.

Last year I made the following comment on my predictions: “The County, State and the U.S. have significant opportunities to help improve the economy and bring about a more steady and prosperous society. Everyone knows about the negatives that abound, and we can all pitch in and do our part to make the lives of those in our community better. The County is fortunate to have a well-educated and enlightened population that engages its leaders and “shows up” when needed.

Having said this, I believe that between the state and counties,

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PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

r Prince George’s

housing opportunities will actions aimed at reducing the federal workimprove, supplies will increase and I believe that between the state and force, especially directed toward workers interest will hold steady for the counties, housing opportunities will not returning to their assigned workplaces. most part. Rates may even become improve, supplies will increase and Finally the areas of Health Care, Criminal lower than expected.

Justice Reform and Immigration interest will hold steady for the most Prices at the pump and grocery part. Rates may even become lower than Enforcement as well as stricter rules for stores will moderate because of expected. businesses in general, will receive added changes in national policies and fed scrutiny and more legislation. action.

Have a great year and thank God we can The Washington Region will be especially vulnerable to new face the future with optimism. federal policies because of zero-based budgeting and increased PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

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Sonji’s Way

A Professional Who Works At Introducing Her Clients to The World, Sonji Joyner Learned That There Are Times When It’s Not A Bad Idea To Shift The Focus.

Story And Photography By Maria Bellos Fisher

Author Sonji Joyner is a lifestyle strategist by trade, a teacher by drive and a spiritualist by calling. Her book, “Love Anyways, a 21-day devotional on love,” came out of a universal yearning she felt during the pandemic.

“Every morning I was waking up and it was like God was tugging in my heart, having me write. I was seeing a lot that was happening in the world. Our students were going through a lot. My children were going through a lot.

“If you take a vaccine if you don't get the vaccine -- it was separating families. As a nation and as a human race, I felt like we lost touch.

We weren't kind to one another and it was tugging at my heart to shift the focus.”

As Joyner focused, her book took shape. Each day starts with an idea about love, sometimes a story, followed by a prayer, then a Bible passage, with space for a journal entry.

Joyner knows God’s hand in her life. When her father died, she quit a big job at Polo Ralph Lauren in New Love Anyways" is a 21-day devotional reader and journal York because the that teaches how to love no matter what the obstacles are. company expected her to put work over family. Undaunted, 30-year-old Joyner organized a Fashion Week event in three months by herself, raising $25,000, giving three designers a market and donating $5,000 to a cancer charity in her father’s honor.

A few years later her brother hatched a scheme. If she moved to Prince George’s County, she’d start a trend and the whole family would migrate. Always the trendsetter, she took the leap. Once in the area, Joyner asked a question at an event and two women 10.

approached her, which long story short, led to a job at Black Entertainment Television. Joyner produced the BET Awards for almost 10 years. She was awarded the flexibility to grow professionally at BET, met her husband there, and enjoyed the environment that “felt like family.” She left when the parties got a little too real – dogs sniffing under her car and a shooting at a show. By that time, she was a mom of two, priorities had changed and a little self-preservation never hurt anyone.

I began in Fall 2015 while I was working for BET and continued my education after transitioning to Director of Marketing and Public Relations position at First Baptist Church of Glenarden. I graduated in 2017.

Joyner left BET to command communications at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, where she was a parishioner. She’d started working toward her Master’s degree at American University in 2015 while working at BET, graduated while working at the church.

When the job led to connections at Prince George’s Community College Joyner took the opportunity to teach. She taught a communications survey course at the school just before the pandemic and a supervisor urged her to apply for a Communications Manager job at PGCC. She did, and just in time, because teaching changed drastically during the pandemic. Joyner is still the Communications Manager at PGCC and her faith plays a huge role in her life.

Her book is a labor of faith and love and she was assured that it would be a fruitful project when she had a reading at her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta’s, 50th Anniversary weekend last year at Brown University (Joyner is a graduate of Johnson and Wales), before an audience of more than 200. She followed the reading with a signing and the book sold out in minutes. For mor information or to purchase the book, visit https://www.amazon.com/Love-AnywaysWINTER/SPRING 2025

21-Day-Devotional/dp/B0CD115QDX. Favorite Food: “I love anything Mediterranean, soul food, and my mom's peach cobbler.”

Favorite color: Red Favorite designer: Diane Von Furstenburg Retail weakness: Great shoes and well-tailored pants, love brick and mortar stores. “Need to feel the fabric.”

Holiday weakness: Christmas Self-care practices: Walking outside, four to five times a week while praying and meditating, staying mindful. Skin care, resting, drinking a lot of water.

“All of those are part of my self-care because to me, it's about maintaining. Yeah. I have a 11-year-old going 12 and I'm 52. Yeah, so I want to be around as long as I can for her, but really, for myself as well.”

Biggest fault: My forehead. “I've always hated my forehead and it's always front and center. I have a Five Finger head.”

Biggest accomplishment: “This is gonna sound crazy, but graduating while raising my kids working full time. My graduation day was the same day as my daughter graduating from Pre-K.” Biggest regret: “I really would’ve wanted to live in Europe for a little bit. Before I got married, I went to school for a semester at the Paris Fashion Institute and I was like, ‘I'm going back.’ So I do regret that because I would have loved to. Even if it was just for six months; a year, just living abroad and have that experience.

Superpower: Joy. “I’m always always, always looking at things from A lens of like if God brings it to me, I'm able to do it. And with joy.”

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Community Flyover

Senior Airman Katrina Messer was presented with the “Service Before Self Award”. In her acceptance she said, “I'm grateful for this opportunity to be here, I have a huge passion for creating change and getting veterans and military members the services that they so well deserve and I'm hoping to continue on this career path.

Better Budgeting Boss

Respected Educator, Dr. Monica Goldson, Ed.D., was appointed as President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Washington, ushering in a new era of leadership as she makes history as the first Black woman to hold the role. “I’m honored to lead this vital work, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in their careers, contribute to their communities, and lead fulfilling lives.”

Eye Wonder

For any eyeglass wearer that has ever been humbled in the emotional pain of their main pair of specs becoming broken and mangled, save your tears. The Quick Fix Eyeglass Repair shop located in Laurel is a lifesaver. With a quick cell phone snap shot of your damaged goods, Quick Fix will text you an estimate and timetable for the repair. Just be sure to get someone else to drive you there.

Adventist Health’s New Exec

Adventist HealthCare has announced that Daffodil Baez, will be the new president of Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center. “I look forward to working with leaders and partners throughout Prince George’s County so that every community member has access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home,” said Baez.

Stuff

Then & Wow Robo Doc

MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center debuted the da Vinci 5 (DV5) robot, the most advanced generation of the Intuitive robotic surgical system. The DV5 offers advanced capabilities for minimally invasive procedures including hysterectomies and gynecologic surgery; urological procedures of the prostate, kidney, and bladder; and gastrointestinal procedures like bowel surgery, gallbladder removal, and colon cancer surgery. For more, visit www.pgsuite.com/health-fitness, see “Robo Doc”.

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PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

YOUR TRUSTED CHOICE

Aisha Braveboy For Prince George’s County Executive

PUTTING HER EXPERIENCE TO WORK MEET AISHA: Current two-term Elected State’s Attorney Former Maryland State Delegate (D-25) Former Children’s Hospital Executive

Independent polls say BRAVEBOY is the most

FAVORABLE candidate in the race.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Historic Legislation - Bills Passed: Hate Crimes, Ghost Guns, Strangulation, and Organized Crime 90% Homicide Conviction Rate Over 40% Decrease: Intimate Partner Homicides Over 30% Reduction: Carjacking Crime

AS COUNTY EXECUTIVE, AISHA WILL PRIORITIZE: Comprehensive Crime Reduction & Public Safety Strategy Quality Affordable Housing Options for Seniors & Families Empowering Local Businesses by Expanding Government Procurement Opportunities to AISHA BRAVEBOY FOR COUNTY EXECUTIVE Create New Jobs & Increase the Budget First-Class Education, Workforce Website: www.AishaBraveboy.com Development and Access to Jobs & Wealth Social Media: @Braveboy4CEX Clean Streets & Reliable Trash Pickup

By Authority: Friends of Aisha Braveboy, Andre Rogers, Treasurer Excellent Healthcare & Government Services

Todd Coolery

Stocks Option

The Hon. Todd M. Turner, Executive Director of Prince George’s County Office of Ethics and Accountability enjoys a new honor. He stands a graduate of Leadership Maryland’s Executive Program. joining Maryland’s powerful alumni network. Congratulations!.

Ebony Stocks is the new Interim President and CEO of the Prince George’s Economic Development Corporation. Stepping in for the recently retired David Iannucci, Stocks now leads one of the most influential business agencies in the state.

As Executive Vice President for the past six years, Stocks has shaped programs like Grow Prince George's, Step Forward Initiative, and the Pathways Series. For more, visit www.pgcedc.com/pressroom, see “Stocks” Anniversaries

The Jerk Pit has reached 20 years in the county. As if the great food and business skills weren’t enough, the Prince George’s Economic Development Corp. gave the eatery a shout out in January which helps to document the venue as a top shelf institution.

Stuff

Prince George’s Suite Magazine & Media celebrates 20 years of publishing in the county this year. The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Small Business Of the Year Award to the county’s lifestyle magazine came as Prince George’s Suite Magazine reaches its 20 year anniverary (*Launched in 2005).

Then & Wow Comptroller Upgrades

“My team and I are focused on building a modern and responsive agency that meets the needs of every Marylander and every Maryland business.

The next two years will be filled with continued progress that Marylanders can see,” Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman said.

Key accomplishments for Comptroller Lierman’s second year in office included: • Releasing the agency’s first State of the Economy report

Congratulations to the Washington Informer Newspaper - this year reaching its 50 year anniversary. Weathering print media storms, the Informer continues to deliver. Thanks for paving the way.

Made In Maryland, Celebrating USA 250

The Maryland Mosaic collection will be shared and celebrated in 2026 with the 250th anniversary of the nation. The mosaic is a collection of over 120 specific firsts attributed to Maryland. The creators of the mosaic announce that Maryland is a “small state with a big history.” For more information visit marylandmosaic.org.

• Launching the Maryland Tax Connect self-service portal for businesses.

• Securing funding for new technology and personnel to support the work of the agency.

For more, go to www.marylandtaxes.gov/media, see Comptroller Lierman Outlines Priorities for ThirdYear in Office; Unveils 2025 Legislative Package 14.

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A Street Named For A Man Of The People Doug Edwards Served Others Most of His Life. Now Prince George’s Honors Edwards Story and Photography By Raoul Dennis

“It stops here at my desk,” said Council Member Krystal Oriadha (D-Dist. 7) of the years of bureaucratic bottlenecking that blocked the recognition honoring Dr. Douglas Edwards.

Edwards is best known for his work as founder and former president and CEO and passionate patriarch of the Mission of Love Charities, a nonprofit community service and support foundation providing food, resources and shelter to those facing homelessness and other challenges.

“I made it clear that we would get this done on my watch,” Oriadha said.

Residents, elected and community leaders and members of the Mission of Love Charities community gathered Oct. 30 at the long awaited unveiling of Douglas Edwards Place.

It is on the corner of Yeoman Place (Douglas Edwards Way) and Old Central Avenue. The location is directly opposite Mission of Love Charities at 6180 Old Central Ave. in Capitol Heights.

Council Member Oriadha Honored Mission of Love Charities’ Dr. Douglas E. Edwards in the Street Sign Naming Ceremony.

Ceremony honors Dr. Edwards’ dedication and ongoing efforts to enhancing the quality of life in Capitol Heights and in neighboring communities.

Each in turn, prominent leaders spoke of Edwards’ David-VsGoliath like struggle to launch, maintain and grow the institution and the services it provided to some 50,000 clients over its 32year history.

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State Senator C. Anthony Muse, County Council Chair Jolene Ivey, Senator Joanne Benson, Maryland education and community activist Belinda Queen, former County Councilmember Sam Dean and former Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Chair Betty Hewlett were among the notable speakers.

“We are honored to shine light on the accomplishments of Dr. Edwards and his many achievements that inspired others in the community,” said Council Member Oriadha. “His attributes have been nothing less than admirable and we want to memorialize his efforts to inspire future generations.”

Dr. Edwards held positions at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the U.S. Department of Labor. After thirty-two years of dedicated service, he retired from the federal government in 1992. He made a commitment to God that if he reached the age of 55 with at least 30 years of service, he would devote himself entirely to ministry. When Prince George’s County Executive Parris Glendening learned of Dr. Edwards' desire to operate a nonprofit, he generously provided space at the Shepherd's Cove Shelter for Women and Children, where Dr. Edwards established Mission of Love Charities on August 1, 1992. The following year he founded the Mission of Love Outreach Ministries.

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A Dedication To Service

Adenia Bradley Takes The Baton At Mission Of Love Charities

By Maria Fisher // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM JOHNSON

1. What about your early life made you the kind of person who would be interested in leading an organization like MOLC?

PHOTO: AMIR STOUDAMIRE // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

While working with Southern Management for the last 8 years of my career I was responsible for their philanthropy. Which included sitting on the board of Mission of Love, ensuring the residents of Southern Maryland had the resources to raise their families. Creating and running the SMC Pantry giving out Mission of Love Charities Executive Director Adenia Bradley food to the residents and team members that might be going through hardships.

I’m very hands-on at times but I do trust the 2. What is your vision for the MOLC? What's work of my team. We can get very busy at the your management style? front door and if my team needs my assistance, I’ll jump right in to help.

3. What would you say are the most valuable aspects of MOLC? There are a lot of things to choose from, our foundation includes our robust board, dedicated team, and strong community partners allow us to provide solid and consistent services to the community we serve.

We were able to provide services for PHOTO: KIM JOHNSON // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE 24,165 people in 2023. These services include meals for the unhoused, food My vision for MOLC is to provide full wrap bags for families, showers, case management, around services for people that come to our workforce development, and rental and utility door. As a client comes to the door needing assistance. food, we want to be able to provide case management assisting them with applying for 4. Besides direct donations, how can the public SNAP or Medicaid, providing them mental most effectively support MOLC in its goals, and physical health referrals, and assisting them especially in considering some of the potentialwith seeking employment. We have partnered ly challenging budget issues many institutions with Greater Baden Medical to provide a mini will be facing? clinic inside our current building to provide Please follow us on social media and consider mental health and medical support for our volunteering when possible. clients.

We start the Lyndon Hills Project in 2025. 5. What are three positive trends happening at We have plans to expand our services to MOLC? Please provide details if possible. include workforce development programs Increased Public Awareness: Growing recognigeared towards helping families sustain them- tion shifting public perception of the systemselves. atic problem of homelessness. Increasing 18.

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interest can translate into more funding, volunteers, and in-kind donations.

Data driven Approaches: We have improved on our way of collecting data which will allow us to be more specific on which services would be more beneficial to our clients.

Prevention and sustainability: Shifting focuses towards intervention programs, rental assistance, and financial counseling and support for individuals at risk of losing their housing.

6. What initiatives have you introduced since joining MOLC? We planned and successfully executed our first annual golf tournament my first year and we have increased our profits every year.

We sucessfully held our Hunger and Homelessness Gala with a profit.

I Brought Greater Baden Medical Services to MOLC to provide services to our clients.

Successfully executed ESOL classes.

7. There was a recent street naming in honor of MOLC founder Doug Edwards. What does such recognition mean for MOLC going forward?

Recognition of that magnitude shows that we have been a staple in the community and have managed to grow and adapt to the needs of the community. It’s also a testament that we have a solid foundation. I’m very happy for our founder, this is testament for his hard work throughout the years.

If there are other points regarding MOLC or your goals or thoughts not raised in these questions, please share at will.

MOLC is in the process of starting renovations of the new building, the old Lyndon Hills School. We are excited of the opportunity to expand our services as well as expanding our workforce development programs.

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Aiming Higher, Working Harder, No Regrets Joint Base Andrews Commander, 316th Operations Group, Col. Jun S. Oh Discusses The Important Relationship Between The Base And The County–And His Own Path To Leadership Compiled By Raoul Dennis // PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMIR STOUDAMIRE

Q: What is your typical day like?

A: [My job] is like being the base’s “mayor.” We take care of the base to make sure it is well-maintained, ensure everyone’s security and safety, support all our mission partners/units so they can successfully accomplish their missions, oversee the base’s budget and resources, and making decisions about the base to include future plans, emergency response, and resolving any problems.

Q: How do you view your connection with the community surrounding JBA? A: The connection between Joint Base Andrews and the local community is one of mutual benefit and our partnership is extremely critical to JBA’s success. We would not be able to do what we do without the support of Prince George’s County and our surrounding community across the National Capital Region. JBA creates an economic impact of over $1 billion annually to the local economy of Prince George's County, supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents.

As a joint base, we recognize that our service members and civilians don't just work on the base; they also live, shop, and play in the surrounding community. We believe that our presence is not just about occupying a physical space, but Col. Jun S. Oh about being an integral part of the fabric of the community. We strive to be good neighbors and build strong relationships with local residents, businesses, and organizations.

Q: Do you have any special vision for projects, activities or partnerships between JBA and the community?

A: Partnerships and exchange of expertise and resources can help military installations to operate more efficiently, reducing costs and improving services. This in turn can enhance quality of life and can lead to improved amenities and services for military personnel and their families, such as housing, childcare, and recreational facilities.

Furthermore, this partnership can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the surrounding community, benefiting both the military installation and the local economy. These benefits also enable private

entities access to new markets and customers, which include military personnel and their families. It also allows private entities to partner with the military, enhancing their reputation and credibility.

Additionally, innovative technologies and solutions from both private entities and the military can enhance each other’s capabilities.

Q: What inspired you to join the military and this particular branch?

A: Growing up as an Army brat overseas, I had every intention of enlisting in the Army out of high school to follow in my father’s footsteps.

However, my father wasn’t having it. He knew the importance and value of a college education. I was very fortunate to receive both an Army and an Air Force ROTC scholarship out of high school. My heart was with the Army, but it only offered me a partial scholarship, while the Air Force provided me the full ride I needed to lessen to burden on my parents. My father made sure I went Air Force. I have no regrets.

Q: How do you view your military career?

A: As a privilege and an honor to serve our nation. It is truly one of my greatest honors to be able to serve our airmen and their families. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to serve alongside some phenomenal people that have helped me grow both personally and professionally. My only hope at the end of my career is that I have been able to make a positive impact, no matter how small, on everyone I had the privilege and honor to serve with.

Q: What have you found to be the most rewarding aspect of your career?

A: The opportunity to mentor airmen and watch them grow and develop not just as confident leaders, but as parents, spouses, and individuals.

In the Air Force, we all become part of an extended family, and seeing our airmen grow personally and professionally keeps me motivated and helps me through both the good days and the tough ones. I continue to grow as a person and a leader every day, even in my current position, learning from both our youngest and most experienced airmen.

“Midgett Parker has been a consistent positive voice in the Prince George’s County Community for over 30 years.

A trustworthy and respected counselor of law in business and commercial real estate.”

–David C. Harrington, President & CEO, Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce

Commercial Real Estate Acquisition, Land Use, and Zoning Law Business Entity Formation and Business Law Major Construction Projects, Contracts, and Financing

The Law Office Of

Midgett S. Parker, P.A. Midgett S. Parker, Jr. began the practice of law upon admittance to the Maryland Bar in 1985. He developed and refined his legal acumen in commercial real estate and business law in Prince George’s County and other local jurisdictions in Maryland while in private practice in large law firms in the Washington metropolitan region. In February of 2020, he opened the Law Office of Midgett S. Parker, P.A. Midgett has won numerous land use cases before local zoning officers, boards, commissions, and councils. On behalf of his clients he has worked with government officials at all levels of government on matters ranging from tax legislation to affordable housing and land use regulations. Midgett has the highest rating for strong legal ability and ethical standards (AV) in Martindale-Hubble peer review.

Midgett has developed a niche in representing commercial land owners, developers, houses of worship, and non-profit entities in all aspects of their real estate portfolio, development activities, and construction projects. In addition to land use, zoning, and real estate, he counsels clients on a broad range of issues from business concerns, financing, contract negotiations, and internal operations.

midgettparker-law.com 301-825-8600 5827 Allentown Road, Camp Springs, Maryland 20746 email: MidgettParker.Law@gmail.com

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Q: What have been some of your greatest career challenges?

A: Balancing the demands of military service with my family’s needs and my personal life is one of them. This is a challenge all our service members with families face. It’s the typical missed birthdays, anniversaries, and school activities, due to being away for duty or deployments. Inevitably, something not so great happens at the house when we’re on the road and our families are left to deal with the problem on their own. There are also the numerous moves associated with every assignment — the challenges to a spouse’s career, dealing with new schools, and helping our kids make new friends.

What’s on your 2025 wish list?

A: To be the best husband and father to my family, to continue to grow and develop as a leader both personally and professionally, and to make a positive impact in every encounter.

22.

Q: What are some of the most surprising things you and your family have come to enjoy about being in the DMV? A: Other than the traffic, we love it here.

There’s so much to do in the area that we’ve probably barely scratched the surface of all the unique opportunities this region has to offer.

My wife and I can definitely see ourselves retiring here.

Q: What are three things you’d like to see community leaders do to be helpful to JBA’s people?

A: Continue to welcome and support our service members and their families, provide access to resources and services, and promote awareness and understanding of military life. I encourage community leaders to host community events that cater to military families, or even simply taking the time to thank our service members for their service. I would also encourage community leaders to offer support groups, childcare support, and education resources. This could include partnering with WINTER/SPRING 2025

local organizations to offer these services or providing funding and resources to support existing programs. Community leaders could also host community events or forums to educate people about military life or partner with local schools to develop curriculum teaching children about the importance of military service.

Q: What’s on your 2025 wish list?

A: To be the best husband and father to my family, to continue to grow and develop as a leader both personally and professionally, and to make a positive impact in every encounter.

Q: What are three words that define your leadership style?

A: Perspective, empathy, and service. Going above and beyond to consider and understand varying perspectives and being open to new ideas and approaches helps build strong relationships with everyone I encounter. By being empathetic, I can build trust to foster and create environments where people feel seen, heard, valued, and supported. Service means putting others’ needs before my own and making sacrifices for the greater good.

Q: What are three books you’ve found to be valuable to your personal and professional growth?

A: It Worked for Me: In Life and Leadership,

by Colin Powell; Call Sign Chaos: Learning to Lead, by Jim Mattis and Bing West; and Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell.

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Starting The Next Chapter Retiring Prince George’s Economic Development Corp President & CEO David Iannucci Looked Over A Storied Career And Said: “It’s Time.”

By Raoul Dennis and Maria Fisher

David Iannucci, president of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, retired this month after serving for 14 years.

“What we have been embarked upon here is nothing less significant than reinventing the economy of Prince George’s County,” Iannucci said in his retirement speech. “No one can say that we lacked ambition or vision. And we have made significant progress toward that goal, leading the state in job growth over 10 years, leading in new business startups, providing a historic and unprecedented level of support in the form of training and programming for the county’s small and minority businesses.”

Iannucci spent more than 25 years of his public service career in economic development. He served as Executive Director of the Baltimore County Department of Economic Development, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development and the Chief Legislative Officer for Governor William Donald Schaefer.

He holds a Government and Politics degree from the University of Maryland and a law degree from the Iannucci with Ebony Stocks, the interim University of Maryland School of president & CEO successor at the Law. PGCEDC. Iannucci told his audience, “Public service has been a central focus of my 50 working years, and I am very fortunate to have been able to piece together a long career, starting with a job on Capitol Hill opening mail, with time in with state government and two governors, and finally working in county government, most importantly my last 14 years in my home county. My time in Prince George’s County has been the most personally satisfying and meaningful of anything that I have done. It has been a time to help my home county, where I have lived most of my life, where my daughter attended public school, where my family calls home.”

Now shifting gears to consulting, Iannucci is looking ahead at what Prince George's County needs to do to remain competitive.

“With the support of the state, Prince George’s County has the opportunity to be the capital of quantum [computing], centered around the University of Maryland,” Iannucci said. “It requires a significant investment by the state in order for that to happen, but we are sitting on an amazing opportunity to be, in College Park, what Silicon Valley is to the West Coast. Quantum computing could literally change everything. A 24.

company called IonQ we are so fortunate to have them located in Prince George's County. It's important that the county and the state fully focus on quantum computing as one of the industry sectors of the future.”

Although other states and countries share quantum computing goals, “If Maryland takes advantage of what we have here now, which is the University of Maryland College Park and IonQ, with significant investments required of the state, it could be literally hundreds if not thousands of jobs.”

The application of the quantum computing will be critical to society, Iannucci explained. “It can do things thousands of times faster than the fastest computer and everything from pharmaceutical development to crypto, to cybersecurity and encryption, to manufacturing technologies.

It can do calculations in minutes that might take the world's fastest computer 90 years to do.”

Goddard Space Flight Center presents another economic opportunity for the county, Iannucci says. He believes that the county needs to support the facility and the technologies and innovations that emerge from it. Goddard produced the Hubble and James Webb Space Telescopes; is building the Roman Telescope and developed the Perseverance and Curiosity Land Rovers on Mars. “That's the type of brand that I'd like people to be associating with Prince George's County,” he said.

Iannucci’s vision of the future is bright, but not without its flashing yellow lights. The Trump Administration has been very direct about reducing the size of the federal workforce in the region, Iannucci said, which could have a dramatic effect on the Maryland, Prince George's County and Montgomery County economies. “It’s a great risk to the local economy. Given all the hard work on the FBI [building site] by Senator Alsobrooks and Congressman Hoyer, I think we're holding our breath for what the future of the FBI decision might be and that could be very unfortunate,” Iannucci told Prince George’s Suite.

Iannucci told PGS that the quality, diversity and skills of the Prince George’s County workforce represents the future of America and he believes in working to ensure that future. He promised, ““I'm not going to disappear. I'm still committed to the county, to the state. I’m going to stay here and do whatever I can.”

Iannucci grew up in Prince George’s County from age six. He lives in Bowie with his wife of 45 years, Mary Ann Blotzer. His daughter, Lucia, 23, is studying nursing in grad school. He is an avid Nats fan and plans to spend a great deal of his time in the stands at Nats field.

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Sherri’s Finest

Ms. Senior Maryland, Sherri Lumpkin, Sends A Reminder That The Best Is Always Yet To Come

By Gil Griffin

paternalism, objectification, and unhealthy competition This is not your grandmother’s pageant. among contestants characterized by cruelty and mental Well actually, the Ms. Senior America Pageant kind of is. and psychological abuse.

In the 1970s, as a young child, Sherri Lumpkin, now With those painful memories, why at 65, would Lumpkin, the 65, entered a girl’s pageant in D.C. In founder of a nonprofit business that deals in therapeutic healing, mothof one and grandmother of three, decide to enter the Ms. Senior the 1980s, as a young woman, er America Pageant as an independent representative of Maryland?

Lumpkin idolized Vanessa Williams, “It’s about transformation, competing against yourself and lifting all the first African American Miss women up who are over 60 and letting people know how we’re still America and on a trip to Atlantic amazing,” Lumpkin says. “Being on stage transformed me because I was out of my comfort zone. I was becoming friends with women who Hampton University 1979 City, she posed in front of a picture of I was competing against. It’s about our inner beauty and showing it to (age 19) the second, Suzette Charles. the world.”

But Lumpkin, who now lives in Maryland isn’t officially involved in the Ms. Senior America Pageant, Mount Rainier, remembers well the dark side of so Lumpkin ran a grassroots campaign to compete and represent the state. She started a GoFundMe page to raise money to enter. Pageant women’s pageants from decades ago that reeked of 26.

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“I had to help Sherri break through any fears, reservations, and apprehensions.”

officials were convinced after her interview, to allow Lumpkin to enter as Ms. Maryland.

Lumpkin, a Hampton University graduate, is a lifelong doll maker and graphic designer who founded Ragbaby Exchange, a nonprofit which for decades has hosted therapeutic doll-making workshops for a mostly black and brown female clientele.

It was at one of those art therapy workshops more than 20 years ago that Lumpkin first met a woman named Vanella Jackson-Crawford. Last year, Lumpkin turned to Jackson-Crawford — who four years ago won the Ms. Senior District of Columbia title and was a runner-up for Queen — for mentoring to prepare her for the pageant process.

“I worked with her on her poise, to help her minimize any distractions,” says Jackson-Crawford, a public speaker, personal trainer and coach.

“Pageants aren’t as superficial as they’re marketed and appear to be. I had to help Sherri break through any fears, reservations, and apprehensions. She just Lumpkin at age 35 with her son, Jordan: “We opened up. Her enerwere in England visiting gy and enthusiasm set friends.” her apart at the national pageant.”

When it was showtime on stage, Lumpkin performed a monologue, holding three of her dolls, explaining the damaging effects on girls’ self-esteem of pervasive colorism in the mainstream American culture in which she grew up.

Lumpkin eventually emerged as one of 12 finalists for Ms. Senior America.

“She was,” Jackson-Crawford recalls with a warm laugh, the moment when Lumpkin learned she had been selected as a finalist, “delirious.”

Lumpkin’s reign as Ms. Senior Maryland will continue until August. She says she’ll use the power of her crown to educate the public on a range of social issues.

“I want to connect with the state’s com- wanting to help seniors with mental health mittee on aging to advocate for better serv- issues. I want them to have an understanding ice,” Lumpkin says. “My biggest thing is that they don’t have to get depressed and lonely 28.

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–Jackson-Crawford

because they’re seniors, but to be active and achieve.”

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Modeling for a photographer in 2000 (age 40)

A fashion show at a Cabaret in 1982 (age 22)

Playing For Keeps Since Age 5 Being Onstage With His Father, Nathaniel Gillian Was Born To Play The Music. Deal With It.

By Gil Griffin

Not even Charlie Parker at his back-in-the-day best, channeling a fire-breathing dragon into his alto sax, blowing hard bop riffs on stage at Café Bohemia in Greenwich Village might’ve had the brass to do what a brash teenager from Clinton recently had the audacity to do.

But budding, teenage sax man Nathaniel Gillian was in beast mode. He was on stage, in a contest, and suddenly realized that in order to win it, he had to conjure all the power and elasticity his lungs and mouth could muster and also summon his showmanship.

“Circular breathing,” recalls his longtime mentor, trombonist Chuck Carthan, a retired United States Air Force music director, who was in the house that night. “He used it to hold one note for a looooong time.

While he held it, he looked down at his watch.

Then kept holding it and he adjusted the microphone. The crowd went crazy! It was a beautiful thing.”

Sorry, Charlie — this young cat, who admires your work — may have upstaged you.

Carthan let loose a loud, ear-rattling laugh while describing the moment.

But to use the appropriate parlance, Gillian ain’t Nathaniel Gillian no joke. With the fivepiece band he leads, Nate 30.

G and the Crew Off 35th Street, Gillian is a mainstay on the contemporary DMV jazz scene. He’s currently completing his senior year at DC’s Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Next fall, Gillian is set to enroll at Boston-based, Berklee College of Music, one of the country’s preeminent performing arts schools, where he plans to study music production.

“I want to stretch myself as far as I can, as a musician,” says Gillian. He loves to play in the bluesy key of D, likens his jazz game to that of legend, Grover Washington Jr., lists Maceo Parker’s “Pass the Peas” as one of his favorite jams, but calls Chick Corea’s high-tempo standard, “Spain,” the most challenging to play, because of its prerequisite, rapid-fire finger gymnastics.

“I have a lot of musical ideas,” Gillian continues. “I attended a Berklee summer program last year and we had an assignment to do a performance. We worked with a pianist and came up with a song on the spot. Whenever I’m in the room with other creative minds, we can create something beautiful.”

One could say Gillian was born for the stage. His father Orin is a founding member of a brass ensemble called the Holy Horns.

Orin Gillian also is a sax player, but when Nathaniel was 5, Orin put a bugle, then a trumpet in Nathaniel’s hands, while they’d perform at Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington.

The son would eventually take after his father and pick up the sax, but as Nathaniel was cutting his teeth, he had some growing pains.

“When I was in fifth grade, I was performing ‘Blessed Assurance’ in PHOTO: AMAYA ZULU church,” Gillian begins. “I was

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PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA

doing a solo, I felt like I was going bad and I just froze up. I was terrified. I left the stage and started crying. My dad told me later that only the PHOTO COURTESY ORIN GILLIAN musicians noticed that I did something wrong and that no one in the audience was staring at me.”

Gillian’s confidence has grown ever since. Some of his contest wins include a bronze medal Sounds Like Father & at a national Son: Nathaniel was 3 N A A C P years old when he first performed with music compehis father’s group, tition. He has “The Holy Horns”. performed at the Kennedy Center with the Ellington School’s jazz orchestra.

But another of Gillian’s mentors, Reginald Cyntje — a trombonist and Ellington’s director of jazz studies — who has taught 32.

him for four years, is keeping him in check, warning him of the dangers of hubris.

“A lot of young artists like the positive feedback and the attention, but don’t like to be told they need to work on something,” Cyntje says. “That created some discomfort for Nathaniel. But he’s working through it. He has matured and has realized that he needs to master things. That growth is great. He’s on the path to become a great saxophonist.”

Gillian walks it his way. On stage, he favors black sneakers with white laces over dress shoes, with his business suit. He moves around the room when he plays.

And when he performs pulmonary acrobatics by holding notes for what seems like an eternity, Nathaniel Gillian exudes swagger. He’s light years from fifth grade.

His self-assurance is consecrated.

“I have zero nerves,” Gillian says. “The stage is where I’m most comfortable.”

If you’d like to support Nathaniel's musical journey as he ventures off to Berklee College of Music, you can do so by visiting https://go.fidelity.com/dv0b3i. Thank you for helping him on his journey.

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It’s time to speak up, reach out and break the stigma about mental health.

Luminis Health’s new behavioral health pavilion on the campus of Doctors Community Medical Center in Lanham provides support for ages 4 and up. No matter what you’re dealing with, we’re here to help.

Our services include: • A behavioral health walk-in urgent care for ages 4 and up • Outpatient therapy and medication management • A partial hospitalization day program • Substance use assessment • Inpatient psychiatric services

Learn more at Luminis.Health/BehavioralHealthLanham 8200 Good Luck Road, Lanham, MD 20706 240-757-1381

Luminis Health (formerly Anne Arundel Health System) is a nonprofit health system providing care for 1.5 million people in Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, the Eastern Shore, and beyond. Our system encompasses nearly 100 sites of care, including Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, J. Kent McNew Family Medical Center and Pathways in Annapolis, as well as Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center in Lanham.

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The Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health Meet UM Capital Region Health President & CEO Nathaniel Richardson, Jr.

Dr. Magesh Sundaram We Address More Than Cancer

Dr. Melissa Ana Liriano Vyfhuis A Prince Georgian Who Brings Her Heart To The Center

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PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE

Residents Deserve The Best ‘The Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health, housed within the new 100,000-square-foot state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Medicine facility, is now open.’

When we moved into the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center in June 2021, we moved with a purpose—to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in a modern and comfortable setting to Prince George’s County residents.

From day one, we planned to provide comprehensive cancer care and treatment services here in Largo. I am excited to share that the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health, housed inside the new 100,000-squarefoot state-of-the-art Center for Advanced Medicine facility, is now open.

Specialists at the new Cancer Center are delivering advanced cancer services in one central location, with plans to grow a network of cancer-related services throughout Prince George’s County.

At the Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health, we diagnose and treat the most prevalent cancers in Prince George’s County—breast, colon, lung and prostate—as well as other common and rare forms of cancer, including lymphoma, melanoma, pancreatic and sarcoma.

The Risk Prince George’s County Cancer rate is 197 cases per 100,000 population. But the county has the highest cancer mortality rate in Maryland.

Black women face a disproportionately higher risk of dying from breast cancer than white women despite similar rates of diagnosis.

Black men have the highest rates of prostate cancer in the United States. They are 60% more likely to be diagnosed than white men.

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From our providers to community partnerships, we are changing how healthcare is delivered in our community and providing outstanding care to residents who deserve nothing but the best.

This issue is dedicated to showing how we are transforming cancer care, and our plans to continue expanding access to outstanding healthcare as we strive to fulfill our mission to make UM Capital Region Health the leading destination to meet the health and wellness needs of Prince George’s County.

We could not do this work without support from the local community. We will continue to work to earn your trust as we develop programs and services that help the residents of Prince George’s County live healthier and longer lives.

With appreciation, Nathaniel Richardson, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer University of Maryland Capital Region Health This letter first appeared in Maryland’s Health Matters.

The Fight

The Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health treats the most prevalent cancers in Prince George’s County—breast, colon, lung and prostate—as well as other common and rare forms of cancer, including lymphoma, melanoma, pancreatic and sarcoma.

Treatments, early diagnosis and other newer medical strategies have led to significant victories in the fight against cancer.

Pap Test, Mammography, HPV Vaccine Prostate and breast cancer: early detection has led to reduced mortality rates.

WINTER/SPRING 2025

Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, Surgery and Immunotherapy Stop smoking: Anti-smoking campaigns and increased awareness has reduced smoking — a habit known to contribute to lung and other forms of cancer.

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‘Let’s Catch It At An Early Stage’ The Core Philosophy Includes Working Together With Community And Patients to Care For The Entire Body PHOTO: KIM JOHNSON

Dr. Magesh Sundaram is the medical director and director of surgical oncology at the cancer center at University of Maryland Capital Region Health.

By Maria Fisher Doctors at the center are already surprised at what engaging with the community is revealing. “We are seeing some surprising trends, such as younger adults − people under 50 − having advanced colon cancer,”

Sundaram said. Health trends like these have spurred doctors to go into the community to raise awareness. “Pay attention to your body, what you’re experiencing; and bring those issues to your doctor where they can check you for colon cancer, other cancers, and catch it at an early stage,” Dr. Magesh Sundaram urged.

Dr. Sundaram is the medical director and director of surgical oncology at the cancer center at University of Maryland Capital Region Health.

Prince George’s Suite Magazine interviewed Dr. Sundaram to learn that the facility not only offers medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiation and clinical research trials, it addresses

its patients’ whole health. If a patient has cancer and heart disease, for example, the facility employs cardiologists as well as cancer specialists, so the patient is treated as a whole.

The center includes a radiation oncology wing State of the art chemotherapy, where patients receive state-ofradiation and other high end technolthe-art radiation; the cancer clin- ogy are available at the center where multidisciplinary services are offered ic, where patients get evaluated to patients. Cancer isn’t the only by breast surgeons; a lung canissue addressed–overall wellness is cer facility, where patients can the goal despite the illness. be seen by lung specialists, endometrial pulmonologists and chest and cardiothoracic surgeons; and Maryland Oncology and Hematology, where patients receive infusion therapies and systemic chemotherapy.

Community involvement doesn’t stop at colon cancer. The interventional pulmonology team offers advanced robotic lung cancer screenings to smokers and has detected several cases of lung cancer.

The Center sits across the street from Community Radiology Associates, Chesapeake Urology, and the campus is growing to provide a wide spectrum of cancer and health services available to residents of Prince George’s County.

“Now patients can come here and have a centralized location to receive all the cancer care and medical services without having to run all over the county,” Sundaram said.

“Now patients can come here and have a centralized location to receive all the cancer care and medical services.”

– Dr. Sundaram

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Watch video of the entire interview with Dr. Sundaram on https://pgsuite.com/

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A Reflection Of The Community

Not Only Does Dr. Melissa Ana Liriano Vyfhuis Live In Prince George’s, She Brings A Human Touch To The Work At Cancer Center

By Gil Griffin At the very least, cancer diagnoses are shocks to the system and at most, mortifying. That can be especially true for patients who’ve either never experienced radiation treatments or had a CT scan.

But prominent local oncologist Dr. Melissa Ana Liriano Vyfhuis uses technology and her affinity for the community to combat cancer and relieve understandable patient anxiety.

Vyfhuis (pronounced “FY-fuss”) is medical director of University of Maryland Capital Regional Health Radiation Oncology in Largo. She specializes in treating lung, breast, gynecologic, and gastrointestinal cancer. Vyfhuis uses two innovations — a CT simulator and plastic body molds — to prepare her patients for treatment sessions, whose time span can range anywhere from a handful over the course of a few days, to several weeks.

“Once we meet with the patient and we decide as a team and as a family that radiation treatments are the way to go,” Vyfhuis says, “we simulate them.”

Vyfhuis describes the simulator as a traditional CT scanner but with, “more bells and whistles, that allows us to place a patient on the table in order to deliver radiation safely and effectively.”

To demonstrate how the molds of patients’ bodies are made, Vyfhuis holds a malleable purple sheet that looks similar to the hard plastic slides used on PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE

commercial airliners passengers that crew members would instruct passengers to use in case of an emergency evacuation on the ground.

“We lay the patient on the table and make a mold of their body to ensure that they’re in the same position every time for the treatments,” Vyfhuis explains.

“It helps to decrease the setup uncertainty for the treatments.”

Vyfhuis, who also is fluent in Spanish, was born and raised in Prince George’s County, and now lives in Bowie.

While geographical familiarity alone is no cure for cancer, it can’t be discounted as a balm for providing patients with at least a little semblance of relief.

“When you have a physician who is a reflection of who you are and the community that you serve, often it makes for a better patient experience,” Vyfhuis says. “It adds an extra layer of love and compassion. I know what the community is going through and where people are coming from.”

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A Look At The Center

For a more complete look, visit virtual tour video at www.pgsuite.com/health-fitness. Go to The Cancer Center at UM Capital Region Health 42.

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World View California, Utah And New York Thru The Lens of Photographer James Proctor of Primary Multimedia

New York City Statue of Liberty

The primary multimedia team recently embarked on several inspiring photographic journeys, beginning with Bryce Canyon, Utah's crimson-hued rock formations sculpted by time and nature.

Despite the intense 100+ degree heat in Death Valley, California, we captured unforgettable moments in the dramatic, vast landscape. The adventure continued in New York City during the holidays, where the festive lights and iconic skyline created the perfect backdrop for our memorable images.

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Grand Central Station

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The Empire State Building

Little Island

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Bryce Canyon

Death Valley

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A Future So Bright Welcoming In A New Era For The Washington Commanders. Here’s Why.

By James Estepp While it may not have ended the way Commanders fans wanted, there is no longer the feeling of dread that the off-season has brought about much of the last three decades, as this year’s team equaled the number of playoff wins of the past 25 years combined.

Jayden Daniels was the second player selected in the 2024 draft, behind another Heisman Trophy winner, Prince George’s County’s own Caleb Williams.

It James Estepp would be hard to imagine Williams is still the county’s favorite NFL quarterback.

Commanders fans often hear of the guy who plays quarterback up I-95, the one with multiple league MVP wins. Jayden Daniels just performed a feat the MVP has never achieved; winning consecutive playoff games.

Daniels suffered the same fate as the previous five rookie quarterbacks playing in a conference championship game, falling to a superior opponent.

This is not a story of defeat, though, but one of hope for a very bright future.

Two of those five rookies, Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco, ended up winning Super Bowls later in their careers, and Roethlisberger was, like Daniels will be, the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

It could easily be argued that Daniels, a perennial winner at LSU, is already superior to the other rookies who 46.

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advanced this far. Rookies Roethlisberger and Flacco each threw three interceptions under the brightest of lights, one game shy of the big one, in their championship debuts.

In the biggest of moments, Daniels was poised, unflappable, and an undeniable star, as a man made for the biggest of stages. He led the team like a 10-year veteran, continually facing down the challenges of a veteran-laced Eagles team, many of whom played for a Super Bowl just two seasons ago.

In the end, the team around him made too many mistakes to overcome, but this end is just the beginning.

Imagine you’re going to be a free agent, and you have multiple teams to choose from, and money is no object. Is there a better option at this point than joining Daniels and an up and coming Washington team that sits $90 million under the salary cap as they look at the 2025 Draft and season?

This can be where dynasties are made, again.

In the words of one-hit wonder Timbuk 3, The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades.

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Reimagine Local Storytelling

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Meet our Nationally-Recognized Cancer Team Our experts include a diverse group of nationally and internationally renowned specialists for many forms of cancers, including but not limited to brain, breast, gastrointestinal, head and neck, lung, and prostate.

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