02-2021 College Park Here & Now

City uses AARP program to become an age-friendly community

By Brittany N. Gaddy

A work group composed of six members of the College Park Senior Advisory Committee aims to make the city more age friendly through the AARP Livable Communities program.

“Don’t let the AARP title fool you,” said Robert Thurston, the 61-year-old chair of the work

Guilford Woods: A hidden forest gem in the city

By Lily Fountain

I have lived here since 1977, and I thought I had seen every nook and cranny in College Park. But recently I discovered a little patch of forest known as Guilford Woods, south of campus along Guilford Drive, at the end where it connects with Mowatt Lane. Even in winter, this peaceful and undeveloped area is replete with holly trees, pileated woodpeckers, a bubbling brook, wetlands, hillocks and meadows.

A stream, Guilford Run, flows through this forest. Small rivulets converge to form the run,

Vaccine distribution lags, sites increase

By Rachel Logan

When College Park Mayor Patrick Wojahn arrived at the Wayne K. Curry Sports and Learning Center in Landover, he noticed that there weren’t many people milling around. The center is home to an Olympicsize pool, a six-lane indoor track and a huge gymnastics center, but the mayor wasn’t there to work out — he was there to get his first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Wojahn was at the complex on Jan. 16, a Saturday. The vaccine had only been available in Maryland for a month, and establishing a mass-vaccination infrastructure was

just starting to get underway: The pre-registration website was still being finalized, and the sports complex was one of a few vaccine sites in Prince George’s County. After checking in, Wojahn was directed to an indoor tent in the fitness center. Wojahn said that since individuals were asked not to show up more than a few minutes early for their shots, not many people were waiting. A nurse asked him about allergies, then advised Wojahn about possible side effects before giving him his shot. The nurse watched him for 15 minutes for any adverse reactions, and then he was free to go. Afterwards, Wojahn said his arm hurt, but,

“I was even able to go running later that day, and I felt a little more winded than usual, but I was fine.”

He said he was able to get his shot in the early stages of rollout only at the invitation of county officials, in support of their public confidence campaign. Although Wojahn said he was concerned about “skipping the line,” state guidelines allow officials who are considered essential to the continuation of government to be vaccinated early in the rollout.

As Maryland residents 65 and older are now being prioritized for vaccines, Wojahn

SEE VACCINE ON 10 

The COVID-19 testing site at Six Flags America in Bowie, Md. on Jan. 29. The testing site converted to a vaccination site this month. JULIA NIKHINSON

COLLEGE PARK’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Many homeschools launch during COVID-19 pandemic

By Heather Wright

Prior to the pandemic, Hyattsville resident Sharon Chua and her husband had considered homeschooling their children because they wanted the flexibility to travel regularly to the Philippines, where Chua is from. When schools closed because of the pandemic, the family took the plunge and began homeschooling their oldest child.

Chua’s son, William, now 7, was enrolled in a Montessori school last year, which they loved. Following the mid-March shutdown, the school transitioned to virtual classes. Chua explained in an email that “because his schooling … [had been] very hands-on, with a lot of manipulatives and real-life ‘work,’ and not as academically focused, … [going virtual] was not a very fun experience for him.”

Emily McNally’s son, Ciaran, is a 5-year-old kindergartener who started at University Park Elementary School last fall. “His teachers were wonderful and were doing the absolute best they could under really difficult circumstances, but we found that virtual school was not a good fit for our son or our family,” said McNally in an email. Since last year’s closures, almost everyone in the area with school-aged children has been helping school their children from home, at least part-time. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) remain fully virtual as of press time. Some local private and parochial schools have transitioned to a hybrid model, which incorporates both distance and in-person classes.

The American Association of Pediatricians (AAP) recommends that children between the ages of 2 and 5 use screens

for no more than 1 hour per day. Current guidelines for schoolaged children are more flexible, with the AAP emphasizing that children and teenagers need adequate sleep, physical activity, and time away from media. Overall, those who seem to struggle most with hours upon hours of virtual schooling are younger children, who usually have more limited attention spans and a greater need for hands-on activities. English-language learners and students with learning disabilities also struggle more with virtual schooling.

While Maryland officials have called on schools to reopen for hybrid in-person learning by March 1, a Jan. 28 PGCPS press release says that they are continuing to assess options for resuming in-person learning this spring and would provide an update in mid-February.

“During the virtual classes, Ciaran was at best unfocused and at worst having a meltdown,”

Managing Editor Mark Goodson mark@hyattsvillelife.com

McNally said. “We often had to bribe him to do the classes or had to pull him away from an activity he enjoyed, like reading a book or playing with his brother, to sit down in front of a screen.”

She added, “It was hard to watch a kid who was previously interested in learning and generally even-tempered become frustrated, bored, and moody after a day in front of a screen.”

Some older children in the area are frustrated with online learning, too. Peter Witte, a University Park resident, described how both of his children, a 10-yearold fourth-grader and an 8-yearold third-grader, struggled with distance learning during the end of the 2019-20 school year.

“Nearly all of this had to do with the remote, technological changes to their learning experience. They felt alienated from their education,” he explained in an email. “During this experience, we [Witte and his wife] also had to keep them on task or

Advertising Sales Manager

Chris Currie

encourage them to stay engaged ... . This was new. They had loved learning in the past, during ordinary in-person schooling.”

A PGCPS spokesperson noted that approximately 132,000 students were enrolled for the 202021 school year, down from about 136,000 last year. The decrease reportedly reflected students opting to homeschool, delaying entering school (from preschool or kindergarten) or transferring to private schools.

Approximately 3% of U.S. students, ages 5-17, were homeschooled in 2016, a percentage

that has been fairly consistent since about 2007, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. According to the Maryland Department of Education, 3,177 students were homeschooled in Prince George’s County during the 2019-20 school year, which was confirmed by a PGCPS representative. Data for the 2020-21 school year was not currently available but would be updated on a rolling basis, according to PGCPS.

Witte said that although homeschooling has gone well, he and his wife plan to send their children back to school after the pandemic. “Our kids would like a schooling experience that is more social,” he noted, adding that he and his wife both had demanding, full-time jobs.

McNally also plans on sending her son back to school after the pandemic. She said that although there are plenty of ways for homeschooled children to connect with others, “I feel the social aspects of in-person school are so important.” She also plans to return to in-person work, herself, which would rule out homeschooling. McNally emphasized, “I’ve really loved this time learning along with them.”

Chua and her husband think that they will continue homeschooling after the pandemic resolves. “The pandemic accelerated the process, but our original motivation still remains,” she said. “In fact, we’re about ready to add our daughter, Alexandra, to the mix! It will be different because she’s just three, but we’ve gained confidence with the experience.”

Part-time job networking with local businesses

Streetcar Suburbs Publishing, a nonprofit organization, seeks an ad sales manager. Our volunteer-run organization publishes two monthly newspapers, the Hyattsville Life & Times and the College Park Here & Now. Each paper is delivered to every address in the city it covers, for a combined circulation of nearly 18,000.

Our nonpartisan, independent newspapers connect people in our communities, giving all residents free access to information on local government, services, schools, nonprofits, businesses, and the arts. We also introduce residents to each other through profiles.

A community newspaper chronicling the here and now of College Park.

Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

The College Park Here & Now is published monthly by Streetcar Suburbs Publishing., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses provided.

Associate Editor Nancy Welch nancy@hyattsvillelife.com

Writers & Contributors Margaret Attridge, Dawn Budd, Beth Charbonneau, Sydney Clark, Lily Fountain, Brittany Gaddy, Rachel Logan, Kelly Livingston, Chris McManes, Eric Olson, Cheryl Williams, Heather Wright

Layout & Design Editor Ashley Perks

Advertising

advertising@hyattsvillelife.com

301.531.5234

Business Manager Catie Currie

Board of Directors

Joseph Gigliotti — President and General Counsel

Chris Currie — Vice President Stephanie Stullich — Treasurer Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross, Emily Strab, Reva Harris Mark Goodson — Ex Officio

Kit Slack — Ex Officio

Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. mail to every address in College Park. Additional copies are distributed to popular gathering spots around town. Total circulation is 9,600.

CPH&N is a member of the National Newspaper Association.

Advertising subscriptions by local businesses help keep those businesses’ lights on during the pandemic, help residents shop local, pay the newspapers’ expenses, and keep our newspapers independent.

The sales manager handles all advertising sales and earns a commission on all advertising revenue. This includes revenue from existing business and from responding to leads generated by the newspaper, itself, on our query form.

This position could be a great opportunity for the right extrovert thwarted by the pandemic, someone who wants to make a bit of money on the side, support community journalism and get to know the local business scene. For more information, contact advertising@Hyattsvillelife.com.

Peter Witte, a professor at the University of Maryland, homeschools his children at his University Park house on Jan. 27. Witte’s wife, a philosophy professor at the university, works in the background. JULIA NIKHINSON

Taking tiny steps can lead to big victories

By Beth Charbonneau

The look on my doctor’s face told me that she wasn’t kidding: I needed to get my elevated blood pressure down before it became a big problem. Like almost onethird of Prince George’s County residents, who also have high blood pressure, I was at risk for serious heart disease, stroke and more. I knew what I needed to do — increase my exercise, choose heart-healthy foods, and reduce salt and sugar — and I was motivated to make these changes. Having already attended classes at OrangeTheory Fitness in College Park, I knew I could improve my cardiovascular health by taking more classes there. MOM’s Organic Market was filled with fresh foods that I could use to cook more meals at home. I got a blood pressure monitor. In the first week of March 2020, I had a solid plan. We all know what happened after that.

I spent the rest of 2020 just trying to get by. As 2021 approached, though, I felt like I had the ability to really focus on my health. But simply knowing what I needed to do wasn’t going to be enough. Behavior change is incredibly hard, even when we have knowledge, facts and some motivation. As a psychotherapist, I am always focusing on how to help clients make changes. Motivation and willpower can often be limited, and may not be the only tools one needs to reach a goal. Because I was already chronically tired and stressed, I knew that “just do it” was not going to help me move forward.

Thankfully, I already knew a bit about the ways that changing habits can improve outcomes.

There are steps to changing habits: Break big goals down into small steps and then into micro actions; work within some existing routines in your life. Still, making the necessary changes felt like a big, challenging project. I turned to a book for help: Tiny Habits: The Small Changes that Change Everything, by B.J. Fogg, a researcher with Stanford’s Behavior Design Lab. Fogg’s book includes a wealth of information on how to create processes that promote change.

With the aid of Fogg’s book, I realized that I was missing one critical piece in my plan: how to use emotion to help change my behavior. Our brains love it when we feel good about something, and they always want to get more of that feeling. I realized that if I actively celebrated all of my tiny steps towards change, my brain would respond by encouraging that flow of positive emotion. I’d create my own positive feedback loop, and my chances of successfully changing habits would go up. Some of Fogg’s ideas sounded silly at first: celebrating a tiny, one-minute behavior — like taking my blood pressure in the morning — and doing a victory dance for myself. But I was willing to experiment, because the brain and

behavior science behind Fogg’s suggestions were solid, and I really wanted to prevent heart disease and stroke.

I’m looking forward to sharing this one idea from Fogg’s book — genuinely celebrating the small actions we can take as we work towards bigger goals — with my clients, with the hope that they, too can learn to create happier and healthier lives. If you see someone clapping for themselves after finishing

a loop around Lake Artemesia, that might be me. You should give yourself a hand, as well, anytime you get out there and take care of yourself. Small steps lead to big journeys, if we just keep going.

Beth Charbonneau, LCSW-C, is a psychotherapist living and working in College Park.

There are steps to changing habits: Break big goals down into small steps, then into micro actions; work within some existing routines in your life.

Hunt for dinosaurs this Valentine’s Day

By Cheryl Williams

Travel to the Jurassic this Valentine’s Day weekend! On February 13 and 14, participating businesses across College Park will display pictures of dinosaurs in their store fronts as part of the College Park Dinosaur Hunt — a free, family-friendly, outdoor scavenger hunt.

The Route 1 Corridor is known as Dinosaur Alley, due to the wealth of fossils found in the area’s clay-rich soil. Paleontologists and amateur dinosaur hunters alike have found fossils at various sites in Laurel, Beltsville, College Park, Greenbelt and Bladensburg. Maryland’s first known dinosaur, Astrodon johnstoni, was discovered near Beltsville, in 1858, when African American miners at Muirkirk ironworks unearthed two unusual-looking teeth. These teeth were later examined by Dr. Christopher Johnston, a professor at the Baltimore Dental College, who noted the star-

like shape of each tooth’s cross section. Astrodon, or star tooth, was the first sauropod discovered in North America, and was named the official Maryland State Dinosaur in 1998.

Travel down Route 1 today, and you will see a cheerful, pink and green sauropod painted on the side of Vigilante Coffee’s College Park cafe. Believed to be an apatosaurus, this skateboardand coffee-loving dinosaur was designed and painted by professional skateboarder Abe “Orange Man” Dubin.

Glenn Roessler, special events coordinator for Vigilante Coffee, shared that the coffee shop is participating in the College Park Dinosaur Hunt as part of its “ongoing commitment to celebrate the vast number of wonderful small businesses that call College Park/Route 1 home. We’re honored to be a part of that community, one that we expect to keep growing & improving as more entrepreneurs discover all College Park has to offer.”

Proteus Bicycle, just off Rhode Island Avenue, in the Hollywood Shopping Center, is home to various miniature dinosaur figurines. The staff regularly position these dinosaurs throughout the shop as a fun activity for visiting families.

“Precovid, I would send kids on scavenger hunts to help me find the dinos,” co-owner Laurie Lemieux said. “They are fun and a conversation starter!”

Lemieux is excited to share her shop’s dinosaurs as part of the College Park Dinosaur Hunt. “I love seeing people smile. We all

need some levity these days!”

Potomac Pizza, located near the intersection of Route 1 and Campus Drive, was the first business to register as a site for the College Park Dinosaur Hunt.

“I personally am a huge fan of dinosaur history,” said Chris Martin, director of marketing and community relations for Potomac Pizza. Over Valentine’s Day weekend, the shop will be featuring a brontosaurus, Martin’s favorite dinosaur. “We have built and maintained fantastic relationships with area schools through fundraisers and other events,” said Martin. “We will always partner on whatever we can.”

A map to all of the dinosaurs featured in the scavenger hunt will be posted on the College Park Dinosaur Hunt website (see below) on February 13. Participants are encouraged to hunt for dinosaurs during daylight hours, and can search from their vehicle or on foot. All participants not in a vehicle are required to wear face masks and maintain safe social distancing, staying 6 feet or more from other participants at all times.

For more information on the College Park Dinosaur Hunt, visit collegeparkdinos.com.

We're asking a lot of our homes these days - bedrooms have become offices, dining tables are classrooms. People are thinking about upgrades and renovations, wondering if it's time to move and what their homes might be worth There's a lot to consider

We've helped clients all up and down the Route 1 Corridor, and have plenty of insights to share, not only about buying and selling, but also about home improvements - big and small - that add value We talk with homeowners every day on all kinds of issues, whether they're looking to sell or planning to stay put! We're here to help you consider your options.

Give us a call or drop us an email. We'll help you navigate what's next.

443 990 1230

Vigilante Coffee’s dinosaur mural by Abe Dubin. COURTESY OF VLAD TCHOMPALOV

Laurie Lemieux, co-owner of Proteus Bicycles, with her shop’s dinosaurs. COURTESY OF LAURIE LEMIEUX

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

All information is current as of February 6.

Help College Park’s Senior Citizens. Meals on Wheels College Park needs drivers - all are welcome to volunteer for flexible slots on weekday mornings. Fill out an application at mealsonwheelsofcollegepark.org or call 202.669.6297.

Free Kids’ Journalism Workshop. This free, virtual workshop will help young reporters learn how to craft their own feature articles, from outline, to interview, to revision, to print. Work with Here & Now’s Mark Goodson and the Greenbelt News Review’s Melissa Sites. Finished features will be considered for publication in this newspaper’s one-year anniversary edition in May! Sundays, March 7 and 21, and April 11, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. To sign up, viisit CPAE.org.

“David C. Driskell’s Students.” An exhibition featuring works by students of David C. Driskell, whose teaching career spanned five decades. Brought to you by the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of the Visual Arts and Culture of African Americans and the African Diaspora at the University of Maryland. Online exhibit here: driskellcenter. umd.edu/david-c-driskells-students.

Route 1 Corridor Conversations. New local programming begins on Feb. 25 with Black Lives Matter 1887 to Today. North Brentwood African American Museum talks about history and follows on March 31 with a discussion with local author Carol Pearson. To register, visit hyattsvilleaginginplace. org/programs-and-activities/ corridor-conversations.

Food Assistance Available. Help by Phone, Ltd operates food pantries across Prince George’s County, with one located just off Route 1 in Hyattsville at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Please call 301.699.9009 if you are in need of food assistance and would like to schedule a pick-up this week.

Numi Yoga. Daily livestreamed yoga sessions and outdoor classes, which still meet, weather permitting. For more information and to register, visit numiyoga.com.

Smile Herb Shop Classes. Need more smiles these days? Join a virtual class and explore the magic of healing herbs! For a full list of classes and more information, go to smileherb.com.

Explore Your City’s History. Composer Carlos Simon and Lineage Percussion present “Shadows of Lakeland” in partnership with The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center and Joe’s Movement Emporium. Explorate the history, resolve and resilience of a historical Black community in College Park. Part of the NextLOOK series supporting new works by regional performing artists. Virtual event. Feb. 19, 7 to 9 p.m. Pay-as-you-wish. joesmovement.org/new-events.

OpenBarre. College Park’s fitness studio offers virtual classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and outdoor classes Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Register for a $5 Valentine’s Day virtual stretch class on Saturday, Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. For more information, go to openbarrestudios.com.

College Park Community Library Book Club. The library’s book club meets on March 9 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. to discuss Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. For more information, email Carol Munn at donkinc@msn.com.

Valentine Collage Workshop. Make a Valentine’s Day collage with Racquel Keller in this virtual workshop on Feb. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m. RSVP to info@ cpae.org.

Gentle and Advanced Chair Yoga. Online and outdoor yoga classes to increase resilience, improve fitness and promote mindfulness. RYT 200 certified instructor, experienced in modifying postures for people of all abilities. No experience needed, and first class free. For more information and to register, email yogiamalie@gmail.com.

Neighbors Connect. This grassroots volunteer organization promotes the health and well being of seniors through acts of kindness, and assistance with transportation and shopping. For more information, leave a message at 301.864.5267.

Virtual Book Club. The College Park Arts Exchange book club will discuss The Yellow House: A Memoir by Sarah M. Broom on Feb. 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For more information and to register, email info@cpae.org.

Saturday Tap Dance Workshops. Free virtual tap workshop with instructor Elizabeth Gardner every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information and to register, email info@cpae.org.

Live Dance Fitness Classes. Join music theater dancer and choreographer Samantha Fitschen on Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 7:45 a.m. Fee is $5. For more information, visit cpae.org.

Virtual Farming Meetings. The University of Maryland Extension, Prince George’s County is offering 4-H activity clubs and several online courses this winter, including Landscaping a Septic System, Urban Farming, and Maryland Vegetable and Fruit Growing. For more information, go to extension. umd.edu.

Friday Dance Workshops. Join instructor Karen Stewart, of Jessie’s Soul Line Dancers, every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. for step-by-step instruction and dance along to soul, gospel and pop music. For more information, go to cpae.org.

Felt Flowers and Butter ies Workshop. Join Ingrid Hass for this virtual crafts workshop on Feb. 20, from 1 to 3 p.m. RSVP to inf@cpae.org.

Women in Aviation: Panel Discussion. On March 3 at 6 p.m., the College Park Aviation Museum hosts a panel discussion about the roles and career paths of women in aviation, from student pilots and flight attendants to air traffic controllers and more. Virtual event; participants must have access to Microsoft Teams. To register, visit mncppc.org/calendar. aspx?eid=15529.

Draw like Roman Selsky. Zoom with artist Racquel Keller for a free, virtual art workshop sponsored by College Park Arts Exchange. For more information, email info@cpae.org.

Uncover the History of Black Aviation in Prince George’s County. The College Park Aviation Museum presents a lecture and virtual discussion on the history of Croom Airfield, the first African American owned and operated airfield in Maryland, and second in the nation. Feb. 20 at 11 a.m. To register, go to mncppc.org/calendar. aspx?eid=15523.

FROM THE EDITORS

The College Park Here & Now is proud to be your local news outlet. You hear from us every month — we send you a lot of words — and now we want to hear from you! We’re inviting you to participate in a community art project that we’ve got in the works — an art installation filled with the words of College Park residents. So tell us, What is important to you, here and now? Interpret this question any way you wish — no word limit, and you can submit as many responses as you’d like. Please email your responses to LaurenRosh54@gmail.com.

College Park Community Food Bank hosts day of service

By Margaret Attridge

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a time of remembrance, is also an annual day of service honoring the legacy of the civil rights icon. This year, volunteers gathered at the College Park Church of the Nazarene to take part in the church’s first day of service dedicated to King and to assist the College Park Community Food Bank (CPCFB) in its efforts to combat food insecurity.

Mark Garrett, who is the church’s pastor and CPCFB president, said that the food bank takes inspiration from King, and specifically his words, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are we doing for others.” Indeed, this quote is featured on the food bank’s Facebook page.

“That’s just not it’s not what we do, it’s who we are. We are committed to serving our community for those who are hungry,” he said.

The College Park Community Food Bank started off as a church ministry, according to Garrett, but has grown larger over time, and is now an entity unto itself.

“It’s the College Park Community Food Bank. It sounds good, but it’s actually true. Half of our board members don’t go to our church. The majority of the volunteers that come to the food bank don’t go to our church … It’s the whole community coming together, even though it started as a church ministry,” said Garrett.

According to Garrett, the CPCFB served between 100 to 150 families once a month before the COVID-19 pandemic, but since March, the community’s need for assistance has only grown.

“When the pandemic began, we started serving every Saturday. We started off [serving] about 200 families, and then it jumped to 250, then 300,” said Garrett. “And, it’s still getting larger every month, our numbers are still growing. Our last non-perishable distribution served [about] 364 families.”

“It has become a vital resource for people,” added Lisa Bartusek,a CPCFB board member who helped organize the event. “The pandemic, in a weird way, has pushed us in a direction that I’ve really always wanted to go … we are able to do way more than we ever did before.”

During the day of service, volunteers cleaned the pantry area, reorganized supply closets and accepted donations, according to Bartusek.

City Councilmember Fazlul Kabir (District 1) was one of the many volunteers participating in the day of service. He said that he volunteered to honor King’s legacy of nonviolence and community service.

“[This service day] is an opportunity to bring the community together and reflect on what Dr. Martin Luther King actually did … through action. Action, meaning community actions and community engagement. So, any kind of volunteer ac-

come see us!

tivities that we have been doing … solves [the] community’s problems, [and] it brings people together. It tries to remind [us] what we are for others,” he said.

Garrett attributes the food bank’s success to the generosity of the entire city.

Councilmembers, residents and university students, including Bryana Rowley, who is a sophomore at the University of Maryland, all turned out.

“As college students, who often live in a bubble, we don’t really see everything else that may be going on in the local community.

So I think this was a nice opportunity for me to give back directly to people right down the

street from [the university],” she said. The food bank welcomes volunteers every Saturday to distribute food. Volunteer spots fill up every week, though, as people step up to serve.

“One of the other volunteers mentioned that [spots] go quick, and they’re hard to get your name in for, so apparently they do have a lot of volunteers ... it’s a good thing,” said city resident Ryan Hess. “I live just down the street [from the food bank], and the line of cars that are lined up for the distributions on Saturday … wraps around like a three-block area.”

Councilmember Llatetra Brown Esters (District 2), also volunteered on the day of service.

“I had not been able, in the past, to actually volunteer for the food pantry because those spots to volunteer actually go so quickly … I was excited about the opportunity to sign up on Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday ... I wanted to actually do something and contribute, somehow, on that day,” she said.

Garrett said that new volunteers at the food bank are often inspired by what they experience there.

“If someone comes in, and they see for themselves, they experience it for themselves, they see us being able to serve people, they see the gratitude, and they see all the activities that are taking place in that day, it will light a fire in people … that, I think, is the best place to start.”

College Park councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Dr. Fazlul Kabir volunteer at the College Park Community Food Bank.

JULIA NIKHINSON

COLLEGE PARK POST

Remembering Those Lost to COVID-19

This past January 19, 2021 was recognized as the National Day of Remembrance for the victims of COVID-19.

Cities and towns across the

Amber lights displayed in memorial at City buildings in January

country lit their government and municipal buildings with amber lights and/or rang bells in remembrance of the hundreds of thousands of American lives lost to the coronavirus pandemic.

The City of College Park joined the rest of the country in lighting up its buildings, the Duvall Field Concession Stand and Davis Hall, (pictured above) for a week.

The City’s buildings were lit in an amber color in commemoration of the 400,000 American lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Information

Information for Prince George’s County Vaccine Distribution Plan

Information current at time of publication. Please visit Prince George’s County website for the most up-to-date information.

COVID-19 vaccines are free to all residents who live or work in Prince George’s County -- regardless of insurance coverage or immigration status -- and are currently being distributed to eligible residents.

For current phases, eligibility, FAQs, and more information: http://mypgc.us/covidvaccine

Eligible County residents are required to fill out this vaccine pre-registration form: https://covid19vaccination. princegeorgescountymd.gov

Even if you are not currently eligible, you are encouraged to pre-register at the above link. You will be notified as appointments become available. Residents aged 75 and older are encouraged to pre-register online or via the Hotline now.

Vaccine Registration Hotline (7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Mon.-Fri.): for County residents who need help registering for the vaccine or don’t have access online, dial 311 and press #

State of Maryland vaccine phase and vaccine clinic locations: https://coronavirus.maryland. gov/pages/vaccine

Congratulations to Our Three Doris Ellis Essay Contest Winners

This past fall, the City of College Park’s Educational Advisory Committee (EAC) sponsored an essay contest.

The contest was to honor the memory of Ms. Doris Ellis, a retired Physical Education (P.E.) teacher, who served on the EAC for the past 10 years until her passing on April 21, 2020.

Over the years, Ms. Ellis was a strong proponent of programs and grants that enabled City of College Park children to participate in athletic activities and build leadership skills. She always reminded the committee members of the important role sports and fitness activities play in developing leadership and good character.

The Education Committee believes this contest not only honored Ms. Ellis, but also supports our schools in their eventual reopening.

The essay question was: How have you kept your mind and body active during the pandemic? Students were asked to submit essays or drawings (for early elementary aged students) of their answers.

Over 30 essays were submitted from students across the City. Each entrant received a letter from the EAC recognizing their entry.

The winners will be invited to a

Thank you to all who entered the EAC Essay Contest

council meeting in February for recognition. The three winners are:

Brayan Mercado

Parkdale High School

Marcques M. Washington II Greenbelt Middle School

Lucy Lynch University Park Elementary School

Each winner will be awarded $200.00 and their school will receive $2400 to purchase P.E.

equipment or other supplies that might be needed for the P.E. program to operate safely.

We congratulate all of our entrants for their amazing essays and work!

Wear. Donate. Recycle.

Help keep clothing and other textiles out of landfills

Did you know the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that textile waste occupies nearly 5% of all landfill space? The average citizen throws away 70 pounds of clothing and other textiles annually.

While the EPA estimates that the textile recycling industry recycles approximately 3.8 billion pounds of post-consumer textile waste (PCTW) each year, this only accounts for approximately 15% of all PCTW, leaving 85% in

our landfills.

The City of College Park is a member of the Council of Textile Recyclers, the leading United States non-profit organization in textile recycling whose mission is to create awareness about keeping clothing, footwear, and textiles out of landfills.

recycled billions of pounds of clothing, household textiles, shoes, and accessories to give them a second life.

As a member of the Council of Textile Recyclers, the City is dedicated to being part of the solution. Check out the City’s Reuse page on our website to learn more about what the City will accept and how you can recycle your own textiles: https://www.collegeparkmd.gov/ recycling#reuse.

Hunting for College Park Dinosaurs UMD Child Development Center Open

Join in this fun family and physically distant scavenger hunt!

Looking for a free, fun, and socially distant activity to do with the family?

Look no further than the College Park Dinosaur Hunt happening this Valentine’s Day weekend, February 13 and 14, 2021.

Use your detective and paleontology skills for this fun scavenger hunt. Pictures of dinosaurs will be popping up in locations across College Park for your family to find!

Bingo cards will be posted on the event’s website (collegeparkdinos. com) on February 13, as well as a map featuring the locations across the City where dinosaurs can be found.

Submit a picture of your bingo card to the City’s social media pages (Facebook: City of College Park, MD; Twitter: @collegepark_md; Instagram: @collegeparkmd) or email your picture to events@ collegeparkmd.gov for a chance to win a gift card to a local College Park business of your choosing. Deadline to submit your bingo card photo is February 15, 2021 at noon.

Participants are encouraged to hunt for dinosaurs during daylight hours and can search for them either via vehicle or on foot.

All participants not in a vehicle are required to wear face coverings and maintain safe social distancing.

For more information on the College Park Dinosaur Hunt, including the map of locations and bingo card, visit collegeparkdinos.com.

The University of Maryland’s Child Development Center, operated by Bright Horizons, opened on February 1, 2021.

The Center (pictured right) is located on the City’s property at 4601 Calvert Road.

In return for leasing the property at no cost to the University, City residents not affiliated with the University have priority for 14 slots at the Center. City residents who are affiliated with the University are also given a priority.

For more information, visit www. brighthorizons.com/umd.

Since the mid 1940’s, charities in the United States and the post-consumer textile recycling industry have re-purposed and

The Center opened on February 1

Winter Weather

Some Key Tips to Be Prepared for Winter Weather

All of these tips as well as the City’s Snow Removal Plan can be found at www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow.

DRIVEWAYS

Residents should be aware that the best way to avoid extra shoveling is to wait for City crews to finish clearing the streets before opening driveway entrances to avoid shoveling more than once. While clearing driveways, residents are encouraged to deposit snow to the right of the driveway (facing the street). Do not shovel snow back into the street after the snow plow has cleared it.

FENCES & MAILBOXES

All fences and mailboxes abutting City streets should be constructed to withstand the force of snow pushed from the street by snow plows. The City is not responsible for replacing or repairing property damaged by snow or snow removal.

TRASH & RECYCLING

City staff will make every effort to maintain collection schedules, but may not be able to do so because of hazardous conditions. Please check the City website at www.collegeparkmd.gov, City social media, call or email the Department of Public Works for changes to the collection schedule.

PARKING DURING SNOW EVENTS

Vehicles parked on the street are the greatest obstacle for City plows clearing the streets.

The following are parking guidelines for City residents:

• Park off the street whenever possible to allow snow plows to clear snow to the curb.

• Park on the even side of the street if off-street parking is not available. Exception: if your

address is odd-numbered and the area across from your house is undeveloped, park on the odd side of the street.

• Park as close to the curb as possible. Vehicles parked more than 12” from the curb may be ticketed or even towed, as this severely inhibits the passage of snow plow trucks.

SIDEWALKS, STORM DRAINS & FIRE HYDRANTS

Property owners, occupants, and merchants are reminded of the City requirement to remove accumulated snow and ice from all public walkways, driveways, parking lots, and other areas used by pedestrians or automobiles.

The City Code states that snow and ice be removed within the first twenty-four (24) hours after snowfall stops. Residents should work together to clear storm drains and make fire hydrants accessible to emergency crews.

UPDATES DURING SNOW EVENTS

The Department of Public Works is staffed around the clock during snow events; please call 240487-3590 or email publicworks@ collegeparkmd.gov with any questions or concerns.

You may also find updated information by visiting the City’s website at www.collegeparkmd. gov/notices, social media: facebook.com/collegeparkmd, twitter.com/collegepark_md or by signing up for emails via College Park Connected at www. collegeparkmd.gov/cpconnect.

You can check on the status of street plowing and traffic information at www.511portal. com/collegeparkmd.

New Speed Camera on Metzerott Road

New speed camera on Metzerott Road

Have you noticed a new utility pole on Metzerott Road between the pedestrian crosswalks that has a Maryland flag design decorated box on top?

This is a new speed (automated speed enforcement) camera that replaces the green box camera that sat on the ground near St. Andrews Place.

This speed camera enforces the posted speed limit in both directions on Metzerott Road.

Speed cameras have been successful in reducing speeding in the City, especially to enhance pedestrian safety.

To see the areas where speed cameras are installed, please visit https://www.collegeparkmd. gov/dps.

Portable speed cameras are also used by police in areas previously approved by the City Council as noted on the City’s website.

Cameras within a half mile of University of Maryland property are active 24/7 as authorized by state law in institution of higher education zones.

Fines for speeding 12 or more miles per hour over the posted limits are $40.

Revenue from City speed cameras is used for public safety improvements, including the City’s contract police who supplement regular Prince George’s County Police Department assignments City-wide.

Please avoid a fine by obeying posted speed limits.

College Park Community Library aims to reopen with new program

By Sydney Clark

The new year is here, and the College Park Community Library is eager to reopen and even launch a new program.

The library, which is located in the basement of the College Park Church of the Nazarene, has been closed since Gov. Hogan issued the state’s shutdown order last March.

Before the pandemic, the volunteer-run library offered a wide range of free programs to the community — book, photography and arts groups, storytime sessions, English as a Second Language classes, a junior reader program — and more.

The library was planning to hold its eighth annual book festival last March, with some 43 authors on tap to participate.

“To call everybody and say to them, ‘Hey, we have to put this on hold maybe until October [of 2020] or later,’ was so devastating, yet they were all understanding,” said Jackie Kelly, library cofounder and director.

Kelly noted that the library will reopen only when it is safe to do so. The library’s space is small — roughly 17 by 23 feet — with a desk and a table, a sofa, some chairs, and, of course, books.

“I cannot see having maybe 12 kids and their parents in there for storytime, and there’s no room to social distance,” she said.

One of the library’s book groups continued to meet monthly in the church parking lot well into the fall, and more recently has been meeting virtually.

“Once the weather got cold and the days got short, it was difficult to do it at 7 p.m. outside,” said member Jessica Elk. “It’s unfortunate, because it was nice to be able to go somewhere and see people. That made a huge difference.”

The pandemic has impacted some members’ participation, though.

“It’s just been exponentially harder ... we have more people who are regulars, but they’ve kind of dropped out with the pandemic,” book club member Carol Munn said.

The club has a core group of about seven people and a mailing list of some 20 more. Member Debbie Dugan said that people tend to participate sporadically or if a book interests them.

“Once we’re in a different place

[with the pandemic], I think we’ll definitely be looking to get together in-person again,” Elk said.

Although the library’s reopening date is uncertain, Kelly is looking forward to implementing a new programming idea that a volunteer suggested.

Andy Guan, a recent University of Maryland graduate, wants to launch a program for lowincome families to teach them how to build, maintain and use computers. Guan believes that such a program will empower participants and likely increase their access to computers.

Guan said the inspiration for this project stems from his childhood experiences.

“I used to rely on my public library all the time for computers, to be able to access computers growing up, and it’s sort of unfortunate that the College Park community doesn’t have that option,” Guan said.

“I want to find a way to sort of get around that and bring more computers to people’s homes.”

Guan has been building computers since he was about 12 years old, mainly, he said, to figure out “cheap ways to create a powerful machine to play games on.”

“I guess my own desire to play games has really helped me to develop a skill that can help others,” Guan said.

Kelly recently approved Guan’s suggestion and will provide him with $500 in funding to launch the program.

“I talked to the leadership staff at the library, and we decided that we have some money set

aside from a grant that we can offer him. I don’t want him to take any money out of his pocket, because that’s not what volunteers need to do,” Kelly said.

Guan is exploring next steps, but he also had an eye to how the pandemic may affect his options.

“We still have a pandemic going on, and it’s not clear how

many people may be comfortable coming back to the library, but I have a very strong idea of what I’m going to do for the program,” he said.

Kelly said she is excited about Guan’s idea and admires his ambition.

“He has goals in mind, and he’s going to meet those goals,” she said.

In the meantime, Kelly is seeking additional volunteers for when the library reopens. “We’re trying to do everything within the community that we can to make our community viable right now, and we can’t wait for our doors to open again, and have people come in and take part in our activities,” Kelly said.

To learn more about the College Park Community Library, like the library on Facebook, @colparklib.

SERVICES INCLUDE

- Leaf Cleanup/Gutter Cleaning

- Landscape Spruce Ups/Clean Ups

- Bed, Weeding, Edging and Mulching

- Pruning/Trimming (Natural or Formal)

- Tree and Shrub Removal

- Planting Trees, Shrubs, Perennials and Bulbs

- Mulch/Topsoil/Compost/Gravel

- Transplanting Small Trees, Shrubs and Perennials

- Lawn Cutting, Aerating and Fertilizing

- Grading and Drainage Projects

- Storm Cleanup and Debris Hauling

- Patios, walkways and walls

- Masonry and concrete repair

“We can’t wait for our doors to open again, and have people come in and take part in our activities,”

Jackie Kelly library co-founder and director

The College Park Community Library, located in the basement of the College Park Church of the Nazarene. JULIA NIKHINSON

group. “It’s not just for seniors. It’s to try to improve the community … for all.”

On Sept. 8, 2020, councilmembers passed a resolution in support of the city’s participation in the AARP Livable Communities program and authorized plans to develop a work group.

The Senior Advisory Committee is an advisory board appointed by the city council, Thurston said in an email. The board identifies and recommends matters that support residents’ successful aging in the community to the mayor and council.

“I hope that this process can allow us to maintain unique communities, but also break down maybe some of the silos within the communities by focusing on the city in its entirety,” Thurston said.

According to Thurston, communities in College Park face similar issues, but residents don’t have an avenue to work together collectively.

“I think we tend to rely on [the] mayor and council to address those issues within the communities, and hopefully from a larger scale.” he said. “But individually within the communities, I don’t think that we realize the strength we have.”

The AARP program focuses on eight elements to improve livability for people of all ages, according to AARP’s website. Those include outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, work and civic engagement, communication and information, and community and health services. Residents can consider and evaluate these elements to identify areas for possible improvement, Thurston said.

Thurston said he thinks the work group’s first focus will be to improve communications between the city government and its residents.

Residents felt there was a good deal of room for improvement

in College Park, said Thurston, based on the results of a soft survey. But respondents also reported that there may be resources and support in the community that they weren’t aware of, he noted.

In July 2012, the mayor and city council created a Neighborhood Stabilization and Quality of Life Work Group. Thurston said that the work group brought citizens together to talk about issues and things they would like to see changed in the city.

“However, the one thing that was missing … was a structured process for the citizens to be able to work through their issues to achieve the goals,” he said.

The AARP Livable Communities Program provides such a structure. Thurston described the prospect as a win for the committee.

It provided a way for the committee “to focus on obtaining certain goals that it has, but also see that it can also assist the city in achieving some of its goals, as well,” he said.

At the city council Sept. 1, 2020 work session, councilmember John Rigg (District 3) voiced his support, saying that it’s critical to meet the needs of the city’s diverse population.

“I’m hoping that this engagement with AARP … can help provide us, as the council, with ... opportunities to think about how to continue to cultivate that multi-generationality,” he said.

Senior Advisory Committee Work Group Co-chair Bonnie McClellan, who advocated for the program, said she thinks it will “be a feather in our cap.”

“It will be just a greater part of what our city wishes to do,” she said, “which is to attract people who would want to live here and be part of a community. And that would show that we are that community that they might be looking for.”

Thurston said, “The ultimate goal is to continuously improve the city towards … maybe a utopian concept or idea that there is that possibility that the city can be truly livable for all … citizens.”

Mac

Council addresses sewage backflow

By Kelly Livingston

A special meeting on Jan. 11 brought the College Park City Council together with representatives from the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission (WSSC) to discuss issues related to sanitary sewer backflow.

Councilmember John Rigg (District 3) pressed to have the meeting scheduled.

According to Rigg, sewage backflow is a recurring problem and is linked to major flood events. The most recent backup was due to the flooding on Sept. 10, 2020, when 4 to 5 inches of rain fell in less than three hours in the city. Flooding was widespread throughout the DMV, and in College Park, some residents reported sewage backflows in their homes.

“We know that in the last several years, there’s been more frequent and larger rain events that have led to, among other things, sanitary sewer backups in at least a couple of dozen houses pretty regularly,” Rigg said. Following that flood, Rigg turned to a neighborhood listserv to gauge the level of damages experienced by Calvert Hills residents.

Rigg noted in an interview with the College Park Here & Now that he received 56 responses to his initial survey. Twenty-seven responses listed sewage backflow as the primary problem.

Rigg sent a follow-up survey to those 27 residents, and he received 20 responses. Rigg said that threequarters of those respondents, most of whom indicated that they had lived in their homes for over five years, noted more than one instance of sewage backflow in the time they’ve owned their homes.

Rigg noted that he has experienced backflows four times in the 14 years he has lived in his Calvert Hills home.

WSSC Water/Wastewater Systems Assessment

Division Manager Glen Diaz, who attended the January meeting, said that the severity of the Sept.

10 flood posed unique challenges. He added that the two systems meant to regulate stormwater and sewage “collided” during the flooding.

“Sewer systems are not water-tight, and water finds the path of least resistance,” Diaz noted.

“When you have as much overland flooding as we saw on the 10th of September, the water is going to find any opening that is there.”

The WSSC representatives maintained throughout the meeting that when a backflow occurs, the best course of action for residents is to document and report the issue.

Rigg, along with several residents in attendance, expressed frustration with the WSSC reporting and claims processes. Rigg spoke about his own experiences with WSSC’s response — and lack thereof — to backflow incidents in his own home.

The first time his home was flooded, Rigg said, WSSC came out to inspect and clean up the damage, and the company compensated his family for the loss. In more recent incidents, Rigg said, WSSC provided neither an inspection nor compensation. Several residents participating in the meeting said that WSSC’s reporting process was cumbersome and that they received less than satisfactory service once they made a report.

The WSSC representatives in attendance noted short- and long-term solutions currently in the works to address sewage backflow.

Diaz cited reconstruction of the system as a potential long-term solution. He said the company is cleaning the city’s sewers to increase capacity in the pipes.

Rigg, noting his dissatisfaction with the WSSC representatives’ responses during the meeting, said that he plans to continue the conversation about how to resolve this issue for residents in the long-term.

During the Jan. 26 meeting, the city council approved Rigg’s request to add a letter to WSSC to the council’s agenda.

Manuel Guevara-Cordova, Mary Anne Hakes, Arelis Perez, Robert Thurston, and Carol Gray are among the group leading the effort to establish an AARP livable community in College Park, Md. JULIA NIKHINSON

A new Baltimore Avenue is on its way

By Eric Olson

Plenty of words have been written over how bad 2020 was, and for good reason. But I’m going to highlight one good thing that happened locally in 2020: The long-awaited reconstruction of Baltimore Avenue finally began.

In June, contractors for the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) began work on the stretch between College Avenue and University Boulevard. For a couple years prior, pre-construction activities — mostly moving utilities out of the project area — had been ongoing.

At times over the past 25 years, this project has seemed like a mirage. When I joined the College Park City Council, in 1997 — before any of the city’s multi-story buildings were constructed – efforts were already underway to convince the MDOT SHA that College Park needed an upgrade; the city was eager for a safe, pedestrian-friendly boulevard instead of a thoroughfare.

For a couple centuries, Route 1 served as the main corridor up and down the East Coast. By the closing years of the 20th century, with the interstate highway system in place, U.S. Route 1 primarily served as a local road — but also as a barrier between the east and west sides of College Park. Traffic was heavy and speeding was a problem, which put pedestrians at risk. And the many curb cuts along commercial strips didn’t help.

Around the turn of the 21st century, MDOT SHA kicked off a public planning process to

study how the road could be rebuilt in a better way for all users. The plan that emerged called for wider sidewalks, separated from the road by landscaped strips, and the addition of bicycle lanes While the plan garnered a great deal of support, there was also disagreement among some business owners who wanted to retain a center turn lane. The plan called for planted medians, with dedicated turn lanes only at intersections with traffic lights.

Ultimately, the planted median stayed in the plans, and it would take many years before Baltimore Avenue was prioritized for reconstruction. With competing transportation needs across the county and state, it took the City of College Park, the 21st District Delegation, Prince George’s County and the University of Maryland all advocating for the road reconstruction to move the project forward. Over the years, efforts included a march led by then-city councilmember, now Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, countless hours of meetings, and many years of lobbying by residents, civic leaders – including the late bike/ped activist Bill Kelly – and elected officials.

The project — which was

initially envisioned as a full reconstruction from College Avenue to the Beltway — was broken into three distinct phases, which were prioritized according to volume of pedestrian use. Phase I stretches from College Ave to University Boulevard; this is the phase currently under construction. Phase II will extend from University Boulevard north to Cherry Hill Road, and Phase III will be reconstruction of the Cherry Hill Road intersection. Local officials are continuing to push the second and third phases forward.

By 2010, the Prince George’s County Council designated this project as one of the county’s top three transportation priorities, and in 2013, our 21st District legislators secured a commitment that the project would be funded when the state raised additional gas tax revenues. As the new road design and engineering were being conducted during the last decade, the City-University Partnership worked together with our elected officials, the MDOT SHA, and city and university leaders to ensure that the maximum number of street trees will be planted and to preserve buffers between the curb and sidewalk throughout

the project. We pursued a $17 million federal grant in 2016 for undergrounding utility lines. Unfortunately, we did not receive the grant. While utility lines will not be buried, there will be fewer utility poles along the road than in the past.

When the project is complete, in 2023, midtown College Park will be a better environment for walking, biking and driving. It will be more of a main street boulevard, deliberately planned for all users, with easy access to restaurants and retail, neighborhoods, campus and the surrounding trail system. It will also dovetail nicely with the Purple Line light rail currently under construction, which will stop at Rossborough Lane, just outside Ritchie Coliseum. Improvements that have been decades in the making are now in motion, offering some optimism during an otherwise bleak time. We can look forward to being out and about again, and enjoying better, safer ways to get around in College Park.

Eric Olson is executive director of the College Park City-University Partnership.

When the project is complete, in 2023, midtown College Park will be a better environment for walking, biking and driving. It will be more of a main street boulevard, deliberately planned for all users, with easy access to restaurants and retail, neighborhoods, campus and the surrounding trail system.

which is part of the Anacostia Watershed. A small wooden footbridge spans the stream, connecting the neighborhood to the south with the commercial district and campus to the north. And from the footbridge, you can see footprints of wildlife along the creek. A new species of aquatic worm has been found in the stream, which is home to a variety of animals. There are also wonderful wetlands and meadows scattered throughout Guilford Woods, and all of these habitats support a rich diversity of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and the strikingly large pileated woodpecker, with its distinctive black-and-white markings and bright red crest.

Guilford Woods is also home to a wide variety of trees, many of

which are 150 years old or more — such contiguous forest canopy is rare in College Park. On the winter forest floor, the fallen leaves from many species speak to this diversity. I have seen tulip poplars (some of the biggest trees in the woods), American beech, white oaks, river birch, American holly, sycamores, pawpaw, and more. Right now, in winter, hollies are especially noticeable for their bright green leaves and red berries.

People flock to Guilford Woods, too — people in search of relaxation or solace, those seeking to enjoy and learn about plants and animals, people appreciating a beautiful commute to or from campus — residents, students and faculty alike, all enjoying the embrace of Guilford Woods.

Guilford Woods brings many other benefits to our town, too. The trees and soil generously

soak up stormwater that would otherwise exacerbate flooding. The 15-acre tree canopy helps protect local neighborhoods and the campus from heat island effects of climate change and sequesters carbon to prevent further damage to our environment. The deep roots of the trees also prevent erosion. Each time I walk through Guilford Woods, I feel renewed, connected to the circle of life beyond my computer screen. If you want to learn more about this tiny forest that’s so accessible to College Park residents, you can visit https://friendsofguilfordwoods.weebly.com/ or email friendsofguilfordwoods@ gmail.com. I hope to see you at Guilford Woods as we celebrate this College Park gem!

said that getting scheduling information to the town’s oldest residents may be tricky.

He said that the College Park Community Center, which usually serves the town’s senior population, has been closed during the pandemic. But a robust services program still reaches out to seniors with a newsletter, and vaccination information will be included in upcoming issues.

Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being offered at most locations. The FDA has issued both brands emergency use authorizations based on efficacy rates and clinical trials. Each of these requires two doses; Pfizer doses are three weeks apart, and Moderna doses are four weeks apart. Other vaccines from drug companies Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, and Novavax are showing promising results in clinical trials and may be available soon, pending FDA approval.

Maryland is rolling out the approved vaccines in three phases. These tiers follow CDC guidelines, and vaccinations are delivered, by appointment, as doses are available. The federal government oversees vaccine distributions to states.

Phase 1, which has three internal tiers, includes essential workers, including healthcare providers, postal workers, and educators, and individuals who are 65 and older.

Phase 2 is slated to start in April, depending on Maryland’s receipt of allocations. Individuals over the age of 16 with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness, essential utilities workers and incarcerated adults are currently grouped in this phase.

Phase 3 is tentatively set to start in May and will serve the general population. Approximately four million Marylanders are in this group.

Individuals must pre-register for vaccinations, which are

available only by appointment. Individuals can pre-register at https://covid19vaccination.princegeorgescountymd. gov, or by calling 311 and then pressing the # button. At this time, only residents of Prince George’s County can register for and receive vaccinations in the county.

Due to limited vaccine allocations throughout the state, it may take several weeks, or longer, for residents to receive scheduling information from the county’s health department.

Six Flags America, in Upper Marlboro, which has been a COVID-19 testing site since June, is serving as a drive-through vaccination site. Vaccinations are also being offered at select Safeway and Giant Food stores in the county. As the federal government rolls out new distribution procedures, local pharmacies may receive vaccine allocations, as well.

The University of Maryland may also be designated as a vaccination site. While a timeline for the university’s participation has not been finalized, the university’s health center will follow CDC and state guidelines for vaccine distribution.

Although Phase 1 is fully operational and new locations are being established weekly, vaccine rollout is not without stumbles.

“The primary [problem] currently facing every state in America is the extremely limited supply of vaccines that are being produced and allocated by the CDC and the federal government,” Hogan said.

“There’s only two companies— they just can’t make them fast enough,” Hogan noted. “Everyone in the world wants them, and there’s only so many [doses being manufactured].

“As frustrating as this is for every single one of us, this will obviously be a much longer process than any of us will like, and it’s going to require a great deal of patience for many months,” Hogan said.

Guilford Run, part of the Anacostia Watershed, might be College Park’s least explored stream. COURTESY OF ALEXA BEALY

Spotlight on the Old Town College Park Civic Association

By Dawn Budd

This month, we are shining a spotlight into the center of College Park’s Old Town. Nestled between Calvert Road on the south, Rossborough Lane to the north, Route 1 to the west and the B&O/CSX railroad tracks to the east, this historic neighborhood is home to the Old Town College Park Civic Association (OTCPCA), led by Kathy Bryant, who serves as president.

The association meets in person only when issues arise that prompt a community discussion. “People are overloaded,” Bryant explained, citing this as the reason for infrequent meetings. The group hosts a listserv, though, which connects people in much the same way as a meeting could.

Bryant explained that the association’s primary focus is to “bring attention to something in the neighborhood that needs attention.” A few years ago, for example, there were complaints about noise in the neighborhood. On behalf of the association, Bryant reached out to Scott Somers, who was city manager at the time, and he addressed this issue with the city council. The council followed through and approved noise restrictions, which have resulted in a quieter neighborhood.

In hopes of fostering goodwill between the Old Town neighborhood and the student community, Bryant has established

a relationship with university leaders and attends selected events sponsored by the College Park City-University Partnership.

In addition to Bryant, the OTCPCA’s board includes Vice President Bob Schnabel, Secretary Birgit Meade and Treasurer Kerry Kidwell-Slak.

Bob and Billie Schnabel founded the group in September 1978. Then called the Old Town College Park Preservation Association, the organization published a monthly newsletter in support of recognizing Old Town as a historic district. The neighborhood had been designated in 1889.

In 2008, Prince George’s County recognized the neighborhood as a historic district, one of four in the county. Resident Stephanie Stullich, who spearheaded the effort for this designation, said, “The design guidelines created for the historic district have been a big help in making infill development more attractive and of a higher-quality than what was getting built before.” Most recently, the group supported the development of Howard Lane, a new street in Old Town, which was profiled in the December 2020 issue of the College Park Here & Now

If you live in Old Town and want to learn more about the association or be added to the listserv, contact Kathy Bryant at kbryant20740@ yahoo.com.

Christian Science Church

In Memoriam: Longtime DeMatha principal John Moylan

By Chris McManes

College Park resident John L. Moylan twice prevented DeMatha Catholic High School from closing. He then proceeded to build it into one of the preeminent private schools in the nation.

Moylan, who served as DeMatha principal for 32 years (1968-2000), died Jan. 15 in College Park. He was 88.

“John was the inspiration and perspiration for taking DeMatha to great heights,” DeMatha President Rev. James Day said. “No matter what auxiliary duties he assumed, and they were many, he never lost sight of the fact that he was above all, an educator.”

Moylan’s DeMatha career spanned 60 years and included teaching, coaching, moderating and counseling. Occasionally, he would even mop the floor.

“There was nothing that he wouldn’t do,” said Dr. Dan McMahon, Moylan’s successor and current DeMatha principal.

Twice within a few years after Moylan became principal, the Trinitarians, the religious order that runs DeMatha, were seriously considering closing the all-boys

school over finances. Both times, by a vote of 3-2, they decided to remain open.

“The reason was because John was the principal and they trusted him,” McMahon said. “His force of will, stamina and leadership saved the school from closing. Without John’s leadership and guidance there would be no DeMatha.”

Moylan is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joan, and four children: sons Kevin, Timothy and Patrick (all DeMatha grads), and daughter Kathleen, who graduated from Regina High School. The family lived in College Park Woods and were members of the community pool.

The Moylan boys developed their golf skills at the University of Maryland and played basketball and baseball for the College Park Boys Club. When Kevin was about 15, his father coached his basketball team.

After graduating from Assumption College in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1954, Moylan served two years in the U.S. Army Intelligence Corps. He supported American military advisors by working with the CIA as a translator, linguist and French instructor.

Moylan came to DeMatha in

1956 to teach French and Spanish. A year later, he founded the Hyattsville school’s counseling center and was director of guidance. In 1958, he established the first co-ed summer school program for area Catholic high schools. As principal, he oversaw the expansion of campus facilities to accommodate a student body that increased from 425 to 925.

“Once he became principal, his vision for the school was the driving force to expand our programs and increase our population,” Day said. “He was really the DeMatha Energizer Bunny, and nothing was

Surviving the COVID crisis

beyond his vision or work ethic.”

During Moylan’s principalship, the school’s academic reputation grew. The U.S. Department of Education twice recognized (1984, ’91) DeMatha as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. It was the first Washington-area private school to be so honored.

McMahon said Moylan recognized that one didn’t have to be a faculty member to be a teacher. He recalls him often assigning boys who got into trouble to work with the school’s janitor, Clarence Wesley.

“The reason was that Wes was such a good teacher of kids,” McMahon said. “A kid who had to follow him around for an hour after school on two consecutive days ended up being a better kid. … John was always looking for who would have the best influence on the trajectory of a kid’s life.”

Moylan started the school’s computer science and business departments. In 1970, he established its music program, which has grown into one of the nation’s finest. DeMatha music students routinely win top honors at competitions and earn college scholarships.

Moylan worked with the football

team’s kickers and punters for 60 years (1956-2016). He was an assistant basketball coach from 1956 to 1966 under Morgan Wootten.

Moylan greatly expanded DeMatha’s athletic offerings by adding sports like soccer, hockey, crew, lacrosse and golf. Among the highly successful coaches he hired were Ray Smith (golf), Dick Messier (wrestling) and Bill McGregor (football). Just like academics and music, DeMatha’s athletic program ranks among the nation’s best.

“John was interested in finding outlets for kids, ways to express themselves,” McMahon said. “If it served kids, he wanted it. … He hired great coaches and then for the most part, got out of the way.”

When Moylan was hired, he was the first lay principal of any Catholic school in the Archdiocese of Washington. After he retired in 2000, he assisted in admissions for eight years and was principal emeritus until his death. Among his many awards, The Washington Post named him 1993 Principal of the Year.

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By authority, Carolyn Brosch, Treasurer/ Team 21 Slate

Chris McManes (mick-maynz) has a son attending DeMatha.

College Park’s John Moylan led DeMatha Catholic High School to national prominence in his 32 year tenure as principal. COURTESY OF DEMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL