05-2023 College Park Here & Now

Elite basketball coach returns to College Park roots

By Chris McManes

Chris Matthews, who spent part of his childhood in College Park and is better known as Lethal Shooter, is recognized as one of the premier shooting coaches in the world. He often works with NBA and WNBA stars.

On April 22, he instructed youngsters at the University of Maryland’s (UMD) Ritchie Coliseum.

“The one thing I try to do every time I come back home,” Matthews said, “is to show the youth I appreciate them and, most importantly, to give back like the people gave back to me when I lived in College Park.”

Matthews presented the Community Unity Youth Clinic and Basketball Game along with the Jeffrey Winslow Foundation,

COLLEGE PARK WILD

Morning call

By Rick Borchelt

The Lark, sitting upon his earthy bed, just as the morn Appears, listens silent, then, springing from the waving corn- field, loud He leads the Choir of Day— trill! trill! trill! trill!

William Blake, 1810

It’s May, and if you’re a light sleeper, you might have a hard time staying asleep with the windows open when the birds start singing in the morning. The dawn chorus of songbirds, beginning an hour or more before sunrise, reaches its crescendo as the sun clears the horizon, dropping off

Campus homecoming for Jeff Kinney on Maryland Day

By Braden Hamelin

It’s been 30 years since Diary of a Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney graduated from the University of Maryland (UMD) and launched what has become a wildly successful writing career, but the Maryland alum hasn’t forgotten his roots.

Kinney returned to the university for its flagship Maryland Day celebration and unveiled a statue of his famous character, Greg Heffley. Kinney also signed books for fans at UMD’s Stamp Student Union.

Kinney, one of the university’s most high-profile alums, said that his time at UMD was a springboard for success.

“I ended up with a Criminal Justice degree; I loved every class I took. Ultimately I became a computer programmer, graphic designer, and children’s author,” Kinney wrote in an email to the Here & Now. “So the path you set out on doesn’t always take you where you planned to go, but you use everything you learn along the way.”

Kinney noted that his experiences beyond the classroom were key. He pointed to his cartoon strip published in The Diamondback and his time with Gymkana Troupe, the university’s acrobatic outreach group.

“These experiences opened up new worlds to me and gave me the confi-

dence I needed to step out into the real world,” he said. “I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of every opportunity that the school provides. Chase after what engages you and makes you happy, and it’ll lead to great things.”

And outside of his love for his alma mater, Kinney has another connection to Maryland through his son, Will, a sophomore at the school. The two of them headed to Ledo Pizza College Park and shared a pie — Kinney said he was excited to be back at his old haunt.

“It’s really amazing to meet readers who grew up on my books, who are also

The rich legacy behind the new Lakeland marker on Baltimore Avenue. P.2

Six building blocks for optimal health. P.4

Author Jeff Kinney gathered with fans at Maryland Day on April 29. LAUREN REEDER

LAKELAND'S LEGACY

Legacy can be a living thing

By Maxine Gross

Stormy skies threatened as we Lakelanders gathered in April to unveil a historic marker for our community. The threat of rain didn’t throw us off; we’ve weathered storms before. As cars whizzed by on Baltimore Avenue, nine elders, all over the age of 90, took their seats in front of an audience of more than 100. Most of us had been classmates at Lakeland High School, back when it was the only high school open to African American students in this part of Prince George’s County.

State and local officials turned out for the event, which was led by Denise Mitchell,

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Career Day at Hollywood Elementary

Dear Editor, I wanted to take a moment to highlight the wildly successful career day at Hollywood Elementary on April 28.

More than 50 guest speakers presented to Hollywood students about pathways to future careers. From Amazon and UPS truck drivers to Branchville’s volunteer firefighters, from local business owners to folks who work at the University of Maryland, the day was full of light and life. Hollywood’s students were inquisitive, engaged and excited about their futures. Career day also featured members of our law enforcement community, and federal and city government workers. As you might know, Hollywood Elementary’s symbol is a star, and

we think of every student here as being exactly that. From my position as a parent and volunteer on career day, I saw stars shining bright, everywhere I looked!

I also wanted to take the opportunity to applaud school counselor Racquel Lambert and her team, who did an amazing job coordinating and ensuring that the event went smoothly. Principal Carlos Johnson and Vice Principal Jillian Speigle led the way with the passion and pizzazz that all elementary leadership needs! Events like career day are important, especially in elementary school. As Ms. Lambert reminded me after the event, early exploration of careers is vital for students to help them envision how their

Managing Editor Mark Goodson mark@streetcarsuburbs.news

academic success connects to their possible futures.

Hollywood Elementary has a long tradition of representing the best of our neighborhood in North College Park. I was so grateful to be a part of this event and to witness firsthand the ways in which we’re nurturing Hollywood Stars to become civically engaged, curious individuals who will make differences in our community as they learn and grow.

Thanks to Here & Now for the opportunity to highlight this wonderful event in our community.

Jaclyn Bruner is a Hollywood parent and an asst. clinical professor at the University of Maryland.

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Miranda Goodson

mayor pro tem and the first woman of color to hold that position in College Park. Rev. Stephen Wright guided the group in spiritual centering and Violetta Sharps Jones, vice president of the Lakeland Community Heritage Project, offered a traditional ceremonial libation: “We pour this libation to give honor, reverence, respect, and recognition to our ancestors whose shoulders we stand on and whose shadows we walk in. We pour this libation, honoring you for making that journey to Lakeland so many years ago, you are our heroes. It is in your memory that we gather here today, and this marker is being unveiled.”

Jones added, “Lakelanders have been fighting for our recognition, for acknowledgement of our existence, our purpose, our contributions. Hopefully this is just the beginning.”

Julie Schablitsky, chief of cultural resources with the Maryland Department of Transportation, spoke about her relationship with Jones and her understanding of Lakeland’s history. She also noted the importance of the marker we were about to unveil.

Ed Williams spoke of his love of Lakeland and of the legacy of that love he was passing on to his children and their children. He also sang: “It's been a long , a long time coming, but I know a change gon' come.” Other Lakelanders gathered on that day echoed his sentiments.

Many of us started the day at Embry African Methodist Episcopal Church with a book drive and the church’s Literacy Enrichment and Legacy Walk/Run. Signs along the route spoke to Lakeland’s story and some of the people who made our community so special. These signs were yet another way we Lakelanders are reaching back in our history and forward to our future at the same time. As Rev. Latishia Cokley, pastor of the church said, “There is a definite connection between our past and our future, between legacy and the importance of literacy. The two work hand in hand to bring about a brighter future for Lakeland.”

The idea of legacy connected Lakelanders that day. To some, a legacy might be a story, watch, a sum of money or even a plot of land. To others, and certainty to many Lakelanders, legacy may be represented by those things — and by so much more. For these people, for us Lakelanders, legacy is a living thing, a community of place and people, of lineage, of caring across generations. Here in Lakeland, we celebrate and work towards the fullness of legacy as we honor our community’s past and value its present. And we look to our future in Lakeland, too, by advocating for home ownership, holding events, collecting stories, writing books, publishing to digital media, lecturing and exhibiting artifacts of our history — and writing columns like this one.

UMD employee arrested for possession and distribution of child pornography

By Sophie Oriani

A nationally-recognized 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. StreetcarSuburbs.News

Associate Editor Nancy Welch nancy@streetcarsuburbs.news

Writers & Contributors Rick Borchelt, Jaclyn Bruner, Alice Carlson, Mary Daniel, Maxine Gross, Braden Hamelin, Chris McManes, Matt Menke, Sophie Oriani, Lauren Reeder, Paul Ruffins

Layout & Design Editors Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris

Web Editor Jessica Burshtynskyy

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301.531.5234

Business Manager Catie Currie

Board of Directors

Joseph Gigliotti — President & General Counsel Melanie Dzwonchyk — Interim Secretary Stephanie Stullich — Treasurer Gretchen Brodtman, Bette Dickerson, Nora Eidelman, Maxine Gross, Joe Murchinson, T. Carter Ross Katie V. Jones, Mark Goodson, Griffin Limerick — Ex Officios

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 and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

On April 28, the Maryland State Police announced the arrest of Wiliam Gomes, a University of Maryland (UMD) employee, on 14 counts related to the possession and distribution of child pornography.

Gomes was arrested on April 27 following an investigation that started in February. A search of his Howard County home turned up multiple im-

ages of child pornography on his electronic devices.

Gomes’s LinkedIn page lists his title as associate director in enterprise software engineering at UMD. The university removed his staff listing from their site and told WTOP that Gomes has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.

Gomes is being held without bond. Mark Sobel, a defense attorney who specializes in felony sex offenses, is his lawyer.

Members of the Lakeland community gathered to unveil this historical marker at the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Lakeland Road. LAUREN REEDER

Maxine Gross is chair of the Lakeland Community Heritage Project’s board of directors.

quickly afterwards.

Despite how widely known this dawn chorus is, the phenomenon has long puzzled birdwatchers and biologists alike. What do birds gain by singing in the near-dark when it is chilly and hard to see each other? Answers have not been easy to come by.

It’s easier to understand some of the physical reasons for the birds’ dawn chorus. Dawn singing coincides with their cyclical surges in hormones like melatonin and testosterone, which rise as a function of day length. And of course male birds are warning away male rivals as they defend their newly established territories. At the same time, they are advertising to prospective mates and reinforcing bonds if they are already paired with females. But why such raucous song at dawn rather than during the rest of the day?

The PG-rated reasons I listed above have never fully satisfied scientists. More recent research suggests a more plausible Xrated rationale, at least in part.

Many long-lived raptors and waterfowl, like eagles and geese, mate for life. Barring something unfortunate happening to one of the partners, these pairs call and strut and parade in front of each other to re-establish their bond and prepare themselves physically and socially for the rigors of nesting and bringing up young. This is not the case with most songbirds, though. They are shorterlived with higher mortality and usually form new pairs every season. With the advent of DNA technology, it’s become increasingly evident that a lot of avian hanky-panky is taking place on the breeding grounds. A number of the eggs in any given clutch may belong to different fathers, and philandering male birds who sneak off into rival territories and have their way with females over there have generally been blamed for — or credited with — this infidelity. More recent research suggests the female birds may actually be the ones taking their love to town. Fairywrens, small songbirds that are ubiquitous in Australian parks and gardens, offer up the evidence.

Using tiny radio transmitters attached to the birds to monitor their movement, combined with DNA analysis of the eggs in a given clutch, scientists have discovered it’s the females that are sneaking out in the gray dawn and dusk to find other, potentially more fit mates than the ones they have left behind

singing their hearts out. The females come back home with eggs fertilized by other males — up to 95% of all fairywren nests hold eggs from different fathers than the one with which the female is pair-bonded. Some birds here in Maryland seem to engage in this kind of revolvingdoor matrimony, too.

Whatever the reasons for the

morning chorus, there’s a distinct order to the songs at dawn in our backyards. Robins usually kick off the singing, with cardinals coming in close behind. Chickadees and titmice and song sparrows chime in next, followed by doves and thrushes and blackbirds. Warblers are the last to strike up a song, whether they’re migrating through or

have stayed on to nest. When the birds’ urge to sing is strongest, in early spring, mockingbirds and robins may even sing all night long, especially when the moon is bright (or there are street lights nearby).

Indeed, light pollution appears to be disrupting the morning chorus for all birds, pushing their singing earlier and earlier

in the pre-dawn hours.

The frequency at which the dawn chorus is sung is getting higher pitched, too, though it’s often not a pitch our ears can hear. Most of the woodland songbirds we see locally sing at a relatively low frequency, and these songs carry better in the predawn stillness. But low frequencies are harder to hear in the constant noise of cars, the hum of air conditioners and the clamor of construction.

The dawn chorus is a worldwide phenomenon so widely recognized that it has its own special day: International Dawn Chorus Day, always the first Sunday in May. While I count the Maryland dawn chorus among the most beautiful on Earth, I marvel at dawn choruses from around the world, too. I invite you to come along on a virtual adventure by exploring the links below.

Haskell Peak, California: tinyurl.com/3ndkzvm2

Brisbane, Australia: tinyurl. com/3uvnt8bx

Matto Grosso, Brazil: tinyurl. com/msz79hj5

Hertfordshire, England: tinyurl.com/yunnfn34

Have questions for Rick about the world of nature in and around the city, or suggestions for future College Park Wild columns? Drop him a note at rborchelt@gmail. com.

Rick Borchelt is a naturalist and science writer living in College Park.

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Brown thrashers are one of the thrushes that join the College Park dawn chorus. COURTESY OF MARK GARLAND

BE WELL, COLLEGE PARK

Six nutrition building blocks for optimal health

By Mary Daniel

It's officially farmers market season, and I, for one, am excited. College Park’s farmers markets offer an abundance of seasonal produce, and a morning at the market can be fun for the whole family.

Unless you have specific issues (allergies, for instance), virtually all the fresh produce you’ll find at a farmers market will be good for you — and especially good for your gut. The gut performs vital functions; it digests and metabolizes food to supply our body with energy, and it is key to removing waste, including compounds that could lead to inflammation and disease. Bacteria in the gut helps regulate a host of functions, from creating vitamins to controlling the immune system, brain function and metabolism. Scour the farmers market for fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, and you’ll be giving your gut — and the rest of your body — the best building blocks for optimal health.

Let’s take a look at six of the nutritional building blocks you can easily access all year round, and especially as we approach peak season for locally grown produce.

Glucosinolates. Found in many vegetables, these antiinflammatory compounds help balance hormones, stave off hunger and protect against heart attacks and some cancers.

Bok choi, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, rutabaga and turnips are good sources.

Polyphenols. These chemicals can improve digestion and brain function and regulate blood sugar levels, as well as protect against blood clots, heart disease and certain cancers. Polyphenols are found in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and olives and olive oil.

Proteins. Proteins help build muscle and connective tissue and are essential for healthy blood, enzymes and neurotransmitters. Whether you opt for plant or animal proteins, variety is important.

Beef, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, quinoa, buckwheat and beans are easily available sources.

Pre- and probiotics. Prebiotics are nondigestible food components found in high-fiber foods such as chicory root

and cocoa, garlic, onions, asparagus, apples and bananas, and some grains (barley and oats, in particular). Probiotics are live microorganisms found in many fermented foods, including kimchi, yogurt, kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut, pickles, miso, tempeh, sourdough bread, and some soft and aged cheeses. Both pre- and probiotics support the good bacteria essential for gut and whole-body health.

Dopamine. This neurotransmitter is essential to brain health. While foods don’t supply us with dopamine — our bodies make it — some do prompt our brains to release it, and the list of dopamineboosting foods is long. Proteins include dairy, eggs, fish and poultry; helpful nuts and seeds include almonds and walnuts, along with chia, flax, and pumpkin seeds. Apples and bananas are terrific fruits in this category, and avocados, beets, artichokes, cauliflower, kale and spinach, along with

chickpeas, black beans and lentils round out the list. Add in chocolate and coffee, and your brain will thank you. Omega-3 fatty acids. These promote healthy cell formation and support hormones that regulate blood vessels and blood clotting, help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control a number of autoimmune diseases and may protect us from some cancers and other conditions. As a bonus, they help us feel full, too. Many fish — wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Atlantic mackerel, herring, albacore tuna, and sardines and anchovies — are high in omega-3 fatty acids, as are walnuts, chia and hemp seeds, flaxseeds and flaxseed oil, and egg yolks.

College Park’s grocery stores offer a wide selection of foods with these six essential nutritional building blocks. Mom’s Organic Market sells hemp seeds, dandelion and kohlrabi, which are sometimes hard to find. MOM’s also offers a large

selection of organic foods, many of which are from local sources, including Pennsylvania’s Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative. Shoppers, Giant, Lidl and Trader Joe’s also carry good selections.

For wonderfully fresh seasonal produce, visit the city’s farmers markets, both of which are open for business now. College Park Farmers Market at Paint Branch Parkway, at 5211 Campus Drive, is open Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Hollywood Farmers Market, at 9803 Rhode Island Avenue, is open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here’s to buying local, having fun — and, as always, to good health!

Mary Daniel is a certified nutrition health coach living and working in College Park. To read more about her, go to youronepreciouslife.com

College Park's grocery stores offer a wide selection of foods with these six essential nutritional building blocks. Mom's Organic Market sells hemp seeds, dandelion and kohlrabi, which are sometimes hard to find.

BASKETBALL

which is named after his father, and the university’s Office of Community Engagement.

The game featured local boys and girls against members of the UMD, Prince George’s County and Maryland National-Capital Park police departments.

After taking a 15-point halftime lead, the officers prevailed 4744. The children outscored the adults 36-24 in the second half.

A 3-point shooting contest resulted in two youngsters each winning a scholarship to attend a summer camp of their choice at the university.

The event was part of the College Park Dream Team, a series of basketball games that began in 2013 as a partnership between the city’s Lakeland community, the university and the aforementioned police agencies. The program’s goal is to use sports to enhance relationships between local youth and law enforcement. UMD police chief David Mitchell attended the recent game.

Following the shooting contest, Matthews greeted old friends and made some new ones. He signed autographs and

posed for photos before getting one of the day’s last pizzas from Ledo Pizza in College Park. A few Terrapin men’s basketball players handed out slices to attendees.

Matthews lived in Lakeland from 1995-2000. He attended Paint Branch Elementary School and used to work out every day at the College Park Community Center-Youth Sports Complex. He also played a lot of basketball at Cole Field House.

College Park’s State Legislators

“If it wasn’t for those type of resources, I probably wouldn’t be Lethal Shooter, because I was getting up a lot of shots in those gyms,” Matthews said. “The resources we had at College Park Rec were amazing.”

Matthews said that living in Lakeland was a great experience and that numerous people at the community center there helped shape him into the person and coach he is today. He honored several of his mentors with plaques at halftime.

“They took the time to help me with my game and pull me to the side and tell me what I was doing right and wrong,” he said. “A big portion of my life belongs to College Park, and I’m always going to take that time to come back and help.”

Matthews played high school ball with NBA All-Star Kevin Durant at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md., before finishing at Lutheran Christian in Philadelphia. He played two years at Washington State under current Virginia Coach Tony Bennett before transferring to St. Bonaventure. A two-year starter for the Bonnies, he averaged a career-high 12.6 points as a senior in 2009-10 and led the team in 3-point shooting (101 of 258, .391).

After a seven-year professional playing career that took him to the NBA G League and stints in Mexico, China, Russia and Canada, Matthews started training players. He has worked with, among others, Bobby Portis, Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Dwight Howard, Skyler Diggins-Smith and Candace Parker. He has also trained rapper/singer Drake and Dallas Mavericks

owner Mark Cuban.

Matthews, who lives in Southern California, remains an outstanding shooter. In January 2022, he sank 23 of 25 3-pointers from NBA range in 66 seconds.

When training to break a record, Matthews said he takes up to 2,000 shots a day: “If you want to be a great shooter, you have to shoot every single day.”

Matthews noted that amateur players should work on mastering shorter shots before taking it out to 3-point range.

“Once you master midrange shots, form shooting, free throws, then step out to the 3-point line to get a better rhythm,” he said. “But the one thing you never want to do is take bad shots.”

Regardless of one’s pursuit, on or off the court, Matthews’ advice is to “continue to stay focused. All of us are going to fail in life, but giving up is never an option. In today’s world, everybody wants instant gratification. But the process is what makes us who we are today. Just stay locked in.”

Chris McManes (mick-maynz) covers sports for the College Park Here & Now

College Park has a wonderful hiker/biker trail reaching from Hollywood to Calvert Hills — and on to Riverdale Park and Hyattsville! But too few of our neighbors know about it. That’s why

The City/University Partnership is working with all of us to share the joy on the annual Trolley Trail Day of music, food, drink, fun runs, yoga, and more!

Over the years, we’ve gotten state funds to improve

Lakeland’s own Chris Matthews speaks with young players in College Park on April 22. COURTESY OF STEPHEN BLACKWELL AND ANTONYA DA SILVA

THE SCIENCE OF THE CITY

The county’s deadliest road

By Paul Ruffins

My first installment in this series on traffic safety and pedestrian injuries looked at fatality on a road that was recently upgraded to incorporate a number of safety measures. This second article discusses the deadliest road in the DMV.

Prince George’s County has the highest annual rate of pedestrian deaths and injuries in the DMV — roughly 12 per 100,000 residents. Statewide averages in Virginia and Maryland are three to four fatalities per 100,000, and the District’s average is about six. Locally, several stretches of Kenilworth Avenue and University Boulevard are particularly dangerous. These streetscapes are densely lined with stores, restaurants and apartment buildings and have streams of pedestrians trying to cross multiple lanes of typically heavy traffic.

But Indian Head Highway (Route 210), the road AAA cites as the deadliest in Maryland, doesn’t fit that description at all. On most of its 21mile stretch, it is a multilane divided highway notched straight through a rural forest of tall trees. Constructed by the federal government before and during WWII, it served as a military transport route between the District and the naval station at Indian Head (now known as Naval Support Facility Indian Head). Over time, the area expanded rap-

idly. “That’s exactly the problem,” said Rev. Robert Screen, facilitator of the Route 210 Traffic Safety Committee, a group of concerned residents.

“This isn’t a rural area anymore. [Route] 210 runs right through the communities of Accokeek, Fort Washington and Forest Heights. According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, five motorists and five pedestrians died on this road in 2022 alone.”

Most major highways in the DMV — the Beltway, Montgomery County’s I-270, Virginia’s I-66 — are limited-access roads with interchanges (of-

ten cloverleafs) that allow for reasonably safe traffic flow. In contrast, Route 210 has stoplight-regulated intersections, some of which are relatively obscured by trees.

“When I was a kid, I was taught to walk against traffic and wear light clothes at night. Unfortunately, many pedestrians around here ignore that advice,” said Ron Weiss, who used to head the Indian Head Highway Area Action Council. Weiss and Screen have been lobbying to improve Route 210 for years.

“But our worst problem is speed,” Weiss added. Indeed,

at one intersection dozens of swerving skidmarks stand as clear evidence that many drivers have made panic stops to avoid running the light. One camera clocked a car going 128 in a 55 mph zone. In February 2023, 12 drivers exceeded 100 mph, and a speed camera on Route 210 in Fort Washington recorded a car going over 170 mph.

“Those are killing speeds,” Screen said. “Those drivers deserve a felony conviction for being willing to deliberately risk other people’s lives.”

He accepts the rapid development around Route 210 as a fact of life and said that residents have pushed the state and county for the funds to redesign five particularly dangerous intersections. So far, only one has been upgraded.

“Right now,” he said, “the only

answer is greater enforcement, and getting that hasn’t been easy.” Lack of funding at both the state and county levels is part of the problem.

Even acquiring the highway’s six speed cameras turned into a major legislative battle, due to a Maryland law limiting camera use on state roads (the law allows cameras only near schools or temporary construction zones). A 2018 exception to this law allowed installation of a single camera on Route 210. The state legislature authorized the addition of two more cameras in 2019 and then another three in 2023, for a total of six.

The cameras on Indian Head Highway appear to have a limited impact, though. The 210 Safety Traffic Committee reported that due to technical difficulties, only 38% of drivers photographed speeding were issued citations. In December 2022, cameras caught 21 drivers traveling 90 to 99 mph and 10 drivers doing over 100, but none received a citation. Weiss wonders if ticketing those drivers would have even made a difference. “The cameras go off if you exceed 11 mph over the limit. So if you’re going 67 mph, you’re going to get a $40 ticket. But if you’re going 100, you’re going to get the same ticket, which isn’t enough to slow down the people who love to drive that fast.” Screen also pointed out difficulties in addressing the issue: “When we tried to get the state legislature to raise the fines to $500, which would deter a lot more speeders, we got a lot of pushback.”

Paul Ruffins is a citizen scientist and professor of curiosity.

Traffic speeds by the memorial at Route 210 and Fort Washington Road where 3 Kaleab Yehenew was killed in September 2022. PAUL RUFFINS

COLLEGE PARK POST

Hiker Biker

Trails in College Park

Get active this spring

The City of College Park is home to miles of interconnected hiker biker trails, such as:

TROLLEY TRAIL, which follows the old trolley train’s path along Rhode Island Avenue down towards the District, is a widely used 3.8 mile hiker/biker path. The Trolley Trail also connects to multiple other walking or bicycling trails, including the Indian Creek trail and the Paint Branch trail.

A permaculture garden resides on the trail in the Berwyn area.

PAINT BRANCH TRAIL is a 3.5 mile trail that runs between the Cherry Hill Neighborhood Park and Lake Artemesia.

The trail starts at Lake Artemesia and connects to the Indian Creek Trail, Lake Artemesia Trail, Trolley Trail and Northeast Branch Trail.

LAKE ARTEMESIA TRAIL encircles its namesake, Lake Artemesia. The Trail connects to the Paint Branch Trail, Trolley Trail, Indian Creek Trail and Northeast Branch Trail.

The lake trail is also part of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.

INDIAN CREEK TRAIL connects Lake Artemesia to Berwyn Heights. From there you can connect to the Lake Artemesia Trail and the rest of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System.

NORTHEAST BRANCH TRAIL also begins at Lake Artemesia and runs south of Hyattsville. This trail goes past the College Park Airport and through the Discovery District and Riverdale Park.

Learn more about the City’s hiker biker trails at www.collegeparkmd. gov/trails.

May 7-13 is Children’s Mental Health Matters Week

Children’s mental health is as important as physical health

According to Children’s Mental Health Matters, one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health condition at any given time. It is important to recognize that a child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health.

Mental health, also known as emotional or behavioral health, is a vital part of your child’s medical health and development. It affects how individuals think, feel, and act. All children and teens have periods of anger, frustration, and sadness. However, for some kids, these feelings can reach a tipping point and interfere with everyday life.

Early intervention is the best way to prevent long-term or severe conditions into adulthood. To seek help for your child’s mental health, you can:

• Encourage them to get involved with after-school activities, athletics, or community and faith-based organizations.

• Voice your concerns with your pediatrician. They can make referrals for treatment.

• Ask your insurance company which mental health professionals are within your healthcare network.

They are usually trained in both psychology and education, and can help children academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally.

• Reach out to a Family or System Navigator for children up to 21 years old. Each Maryland county has Navigators to help families access resources within Maryland’s mental health system. There is no cost for navigation services.

• Mental Health Education and Advocacy Organizations in Maryland are dedicated to assisting family members with finding help for children. Organizations such as the Mental Health Association of Maryland (MHAMD), Maryland Coalition of Families (MCF), and National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide education, support, and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families.

The City’s Department of Youth, Family Services and Senior Services offers emergency counseling resources for our youngest residents and their families. For more information, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/ YFS, call at 240-487-3500, or email

Mosquito Control

Mosquito Spraying to start in late May / early June

Warm spring weather can cause mosquito larvae to become active, producing adult mosquitoes. The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) will begin applying mosquito larvicide control products to standing water in known breeding areas to prevent the development of larvae into biting adult mosquitoes.

West Nile and Zika virus are both transmitted by mosquitoes. To help control the mosquito population in your community, remember to tip anything that holds water on a weekly basis (birdbaths, old tires, plastic children’s toys, tarps, pet dishes etc.)

For permanent areas of standing water (ponds, rain barrels, etc.), mosquito “torpedoes” slowly and continuously release an insect growth regulator into the water

that prevents larval mosquito development into adults for up to 2 months. The City offers mosquito torpedoes for residents – visit the Department of Public Works for more information.

The adult spray portion of MDAs program is scheduled to start in late May/early June and run through September to trap and control mosquito populations.

Any resident who wishes to have their property frontage excluded from adult mosquito control pesticide applications by truckmounted ultra-low volume (ULV) sprayers must fill out an exemption form annually.

For details, visit www. collegeparkmd.gov/ pets#mosquito.

City Announcements

More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov

CITY CLOSURE FOR MEMORIAL DAY

All City offices will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day. Refuse and recycling will occur one day later than normal during this holiday week:

• Monday collections will occur

Tuesday, May 30

• Tuesday collections will occur

Wednesday, May 31

• Wednesday collections will occur Thursday, June 1

Special collections for brush and bulky items will only be scheduled for Friday, June 2, of this holiday week. You must call 240-4873590 or email publicworks@ collegeparkmd.gov to schedule a pickup before setting your items out to the curb.

NO MOW APRIL HAS ENDED

We hope our native pollinators had a great month!

No Mow April has ended on Sunday, April 30. Please cut your yard next week so grass and weeds do not exceed 12” high. City staff may issue violation notices (with time to correct prior to a fine) for properties not in compliance. The City and your neighbors greatly appreciate your cooperation.

For more information, please visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/ pollinators.

CURBSIDE FOOD SCRAP COLLECTION

The tonnage of food scraps collected for composting has significantly increased since curbside collections have begun. Each of us can make a difference!

City residents can join the program by signing up and purchasing containers at www.collegeparkmd. gov/curbsidecollectionapp. Once you pick up your containers, your collection service will start the following week.

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM

A FCC program provides a monthly discount on internet service for qualifying households and one device discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Apply online and find more information at affordableconnectivity.gov.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPRING 2023 SURVEY

We want to hear from you! Let us know your thoughts on businesses, public transportation, and more!

Have questions? Email economicdevelopment@ collegeparkmd.gov. The survey closes on May 26, 2023.

Survey link: www.surveymonkey. com/r/CPEconDevSurvey2023.

City Events

More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov/events

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE!

May 12 , June 9, July 14, August 11 and September 8 | 6:30 - 8:30PM| City Hall Plaza, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

The City of College Park hosts a series of concerts over the summer and you are invited! Join us on the City hall plaza on select Fridays for Friday Night LIVE!

The events will feature a variety of musical genres and performers and includes something for everyone- music, food, beer, and entertainment. There will be children’s performers, a bounce house, kids activities, and crafts.

All concerts will be held at City Hall Plaza (7401 Baltimore Avenue) between May -September from 6:30 to 8:30PM. Parking will be offered for free at the Downtown College Park parking garage at the corner of Yale and Knox. Local food and beer will be available for purchase during the event!

FINAL SPRING CLEAN UP

May 13, 2023 | 7:30AM - 12:00PM | Department of Public Works

The City of College Park Public Works facility will be open on May 13 from 7:30AM - 12:00PM for City residents to drop off bulky trash, white goods, electronics recycling, brush, and yard trim. You must be a resident of the City of College Park and bring proof of City residency to participate. Smartleaf® compost and wood mulch are available for anyone to purchase and pick up as supplies last – residency is not required. For more information, including accepted materials to be collected, visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/ CleanUpSaturdays.

ARBOR DAY

May 18 | 6:00PM | Narrangansett Parkway and 52nd Avenue

The Tree and Landscape Board and the North College Park Civic Association are hosting the annual Arbor Day Tree Planting on Thursday, May 18 at 6:00 p.m. at the intersection of Narragansett

Parkway and 52nd Avenue. A native Scrub Pine will be planted.

BIKE TO WORK DAY

May 19 | 6:00 - 9:00AM | City Hall

The Washington, DC region’s Bike to Work Day (BTWD) will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023. This FREE event is a healthy way to start your day. Whether you’re new to biking or an experienced, everyday bike commuter, everyone is welcome to roll up and join us. There will be pit stops in DC, VA and MD for bikers to register. The first 15,000 who register and arrive at one of these pit stops by bike will receive a FREE T-shirt.

Stop by the City of College Park’s pitstop at the City Hall building, 7401 Baltimore Avenue! Recharge with snacks and network with other bikers before continuing on your way.

For details and to register, visit www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVATION

May 29, 2023 | 11:00AM | Veterans Memorial

The City of College Park will hold its annual Memorial Day Observance on Monday, May 29 at 11:00 a.m. at the College Park Veterans Memorial at the intersection of Rt. 1 and Greenbelt Rd.

This year commemorates the 30th anniversary of the memorial’s dedication, in May 1993.

The program will include music, speakers, and wreath laying in fitting tribute to the men and women who have served our country.

Please bring pictures of your loved ones, veterans alive or passed to share on our Honors Table. Parking is available near Bowlero at 9021 Baltimore Ave. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at College Park, American Legion, number 217. This event is sponsored by the City’s Veterans Memorial Committee.

University leads quantum summit

By Alice Carlson

The second annual Quantum Investment Summit took place in April at The Hall CP, attracting a large crowd of experts who are using quantum physics to shape the future of computing.

Presenters included Kiera Peltz and Sahil Tapiawala, among others. Peltz is executive director at Qubit by Qubit, a startup that seeks to educate students about quantum computing, starting in middle school. Tapiawala, who co-founded Singapore-based Atomionics, discussed how that startup uses quantum sensors to locate energy sources.

Quantum Startup Foundry, an incubator at the University of Maryland (UMD), hosted the event. Piotyr Kulczakowicz, QSF director, stated in a media release that the incubator aims to establish the DMV as the capital of quantum; the April summit was designed with this in mind. Researchers and investors from around the world came to College Park to participate in the event.

“This groundbreaking re-

search must be translated and shared with industry leaders, government agencies, innovative startups and other partners so that it can have a direct and equitable impact on the world. Making those connections is a vital part of why we are all here today to share knowledge and ideas about what the future of quantum is in the state of Mary-

land, the nation and the world,” said Gregory Ball, vice president of research at the university.

UMD’s College Park and Baltimore campuses are hubs for quantum research. The university’s annual allocation for this approaches $1.4 billion, placing the university 10th in the country, according to UMD President Darryll Pines, who spoke at the

event. Pines also noted the university’s great location, close to many other research facilities, and its impressive faculty.

“We are industry leaders. We have the elements necessary to continue to be that industry leader in this field," he said. "And ultimately, we'll be the ones, along with all of you, to radically change the world. That's be-

at University of Maryland

cause in addition to cutting edge resources and great researchers, we also have the commitment to value driven excellence."

Our services include:

•

•

•

•

•

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

pavilion on the campus

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.

“This groundbreaking research must be translated and shared with industry leaders, government agencies, innovative startups and other partners so that it can have a direct and equitable impact on the world.”

Gregory Ball, vice president of research

University of Maryland President Darryll Pines speaks at the second annual Quantum Investment Summit at The Hall CP.

LAUREN REEDER

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

SAVE THE DATE

Friday Night Live. Join neighbors at city hall for an evening of music, food, beer, entertainment and arts and crafts stations. Free. May 12, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. 7401 Baltimore Ave.

Tiny Band Concert. A trio of local musicians will be performing the original songs by band member John Synk. Free. May 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Old Parish House.

Virtual Book Club. The College Park Arts Exchange will lead virtual discussions of The Child is the Teacher, by Christina De Stefano, on March 21 and Conditional Citizens, by Laila Lalami, on April 18. Virtual sessions from 7 to 8:30 p.m. To join either/both Zooms, email info@cpae.org

College Park Community

Library Book Club. The club will discuss The Garden in England, by Julia Kelly, on May 11 and Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson, on June 8. Both sessions at 7:00 p.m. Lower level of

the College Park Church of the Nazarene. New members welcome! 9704 Rhode Island Ave. For more information, email Carol Munn at donkinc@msn. com

Painting Workshop. Bring a photo of your choice and transfer the image to watercolor paper and then paint it at this class. $10 May 19, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Old Parish House. To register, email info@ cpae.org

Draw like Edwin Henry Landseer. Zoom with artist Racquel Keller for a free art workshop sponsored by the College Park Arts Exchange. May 20, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. For more information, email info@cpae.org

Learn Brazilian Drumming

The College Park Arts Exchange is hosting drumming classes at the Old Parish House on May 20, June 10 and June 24, from 1 to 5 p.m. Free. 4711 Knox Rd. For more information, email info@cpae.org

CLASSIFIEDS

Streetcar Suburbs Publishing is seeking a new managing editor for the College Park Here & Now. Scan the QR code on this page to view a full job description. For more information, including application details, email email managing editor Mark Goodson at Mark@Streetcarsuburbs. news

Open House at UMD’s Memorial Chapel. Visit this space, which might be ideal for your special gathering! May 21 from noon to 2 p.m. 7744 Regents Dr. on May 21 from noon to 2 p.m. For more information, call 301.314.9866

Cycle Through Aviation History. Join staff of the College Park Aviation Museum for a 10-mile bicycle tour of the Anacostia River with stops at sites that made aviation history. For ages 13 and older. May 27,

ONGOING

Spring Gardening Resources: The University of Maryland Extension, Prince George's County, offers a variety of programs across a broad range of topics, from container gardening to financial assistance for installing a private well or septic system. For more information, go to extension.umd.edu/ news-events/events

time TBD. Register by calling 301.699.2255

Free Craft Night. Held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 7, collage; July 5, origami; August 2, Perler fuse beading. (Please bring scissors, a magazine and a glue stick to the June 7 session.) Sessions at the College Park Community Library, on the lower level of the College Park Church of the Nazarene, 9704 Rhode Island Ave.

National Orchestra Institute Programming. Visit The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland to experience a range of musical offerings for all ages. For a list of events, go to theclarice.umd.edu/ calendar

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

SEE CALENDAR ON 12 

ON THE HOUSE

Hold on a sec!

By Matt Menke

Do you remember the first time you touched your home’s newel post? Or that moment you first slid your hand down the handrail along a stair, feeling its smooth finish? Do you prefer the openness of a midcentury staircase? Or maybe the sleek, chrome grab bars sold at your favorite home goods store really catch your eye? Integral to the beauty of all these items is how solid they are; they offer security that’s largely meant to be taken for granted. This month we’ll take a tour of things we grab for support, those railings and bars we all have around our homes.

We all know why grab bars and handrails are important — who hasn’t had to reach for one with little to no notice?

And while you may be strong and have good balance, kids can bounce around like pinballs, and an elderly person may need to hold a rail to climb even a short flight of stairs. And someday you'll carry one too many bags of groceries or be on the wrong end of a huge couch you and your friends are moving. That ball you tossed for the dog? It’s a few steps down and out of view, just lying in wait for your foot.

A home inspector looks at rails and grab bars, but less for

appearance and more for the basic safety they offer — their most important functional element. Local building code specifies details for new builds, but owners of older homes are required to install rails and bars only when they’re renovating.

The rule of thumb is any stairway, inside or out, with four or more steps requires a handrail. If those steps are 44 inches wide (or wider), like a commer-

cial stairway or a wide deck entrance, code calls for a handrail on both sides. A railing is supposed to bear a 180-pound load, though inspectors give a firm push and estimate load capacity. Straight railings, like along a landing or balcony, or around an outdoor deck, are mounted 36 inches high, at minimum, so they’re not obtrusive, but you can easily reach them if you need to

steady yourself.

The railing should be graspable — even if your hand is in a mitten. Outdoor decks, which are often high off the ground, call for sturdy, easy to hold railings installed to code. But we’ll save the details of decks for a summer issue.

Spindles, those vertical posts that stretch from the bottom rail to the handrail, should be less than four inches apart,

and any space below the lower railing should be small enough that a 6-inch diameter ball can’t drop through. Railings should be designed to help keep your kids safe while they explore, play peekaboo and climb those stairs.

The only place in the home that’s statistically more dangerous than stairs? Your bathroom. While showers and tubs in residential homes aren't required to have ADA-compliant grab bars, homeowners often think about installing them after they’ve slipped one too many times on a soapy floor. And when it comes to grab bars, it’s good to remember that looks can be deceiving. A grab bar retrofitted in a shower or tub might be attached with only short fasteners that go through the tiles but far short of the studs in the wall — and that bar likely won’t support your weight if you grab it to break a fall. If you remodel a bathroom, consider installing extra bracing in the wall before you close it in to guarantee a solid install for those shiny new chrome bars.

When it comes to stairs and rails and grab bars, the takehome is simple: Think about things that might go wrong and do what you can to lower risks. And risks not just for you, but for your family and friends — and the next owner, too.

Matt Menke lives in College Park and is a licensed Maryland home inspector.

PEXELS.COM

Al-Huda School and Islamic Relief USA host food and clothing drive

By Braden Hamelin and Lauren Reeder

A line of cars stretched along the street outside the Al-Huda School in College Park’s Hollywood neighborhood on April 2 for a food and clothing drive, one of a series hosted by the school and Islamic Relief USA each year. The drives are open to all and aim to serve a broad community regardless of ethnicity or religious beliefs.

“This food distribution was for the entire community, College Park and surrounding areas, and this is why you saw 90 minutes of non-stop traffic,” said Azad Mohammed, one of the organizers.

Staff and volunteers assembled 300 food boxes for the drive, with each box topped off with nonperishable basics meant to last a family of five for about a month. That boost can be vital for struggling families, according to Kesha Abdul-Mateen, program coordinator with Islamic Relief Mid-Atlantic.

“They know that they have items that they can stock their pantry with so that they can use the funds they might have left over for meat for other things, maybe to take care of that light bill, to take care of, you know … purchasing halal or meat at the grocery store,” she said.

According to Abdul-Mateen, this drive served a particularly special purpose.

“Ramadan is our big, big program. Our goal was to focus on food insecurity for families

experiencing poverty during Ramadan as well as all types of families regardless of race, religion or gender,” she said.

Mohammed, a Beltsville resident, hosted an informal giveaway about eight years ago to serve the area’s growing refugee population. His generosity, along with a lot of hard work, evolved over time to become the series now hosted by the school.

“It all started in our garage.

We used to collect clothing and things and distribute it to the needy,” Mohammed said. He launched the project largely in response to the war in Syria, which forced many refugees to emigrate to the U.S. “We would host furniture, then everything else in our garage, and then it sort of branched out because it became such a huge influx of refugees,” he added.

The Al-Huda School had an active soup kitchen at that

time, and school officials and Mohammed joined forces to address needs in the surrounding community. Mohammed now has an office at the school.

The fall of Afghanistan, in August 2021, prompted an influx of refugees to College Park. Mohammed and school officials stepped up, securing grants so they could expand their services. As the COVID-19 pandemic increased needs throughout the community, they partnered with Islamic Relief USA to tap into more resources.

Abdul-Mateen underscored that community support has been essential for refugees who came to the area following the collapse of the Afghan government.

“We are making an impact in the Greenbelt area. We're helping people who are experiencing food insecurity or who are stuck in a kind of immigration limbo,” Abdul-Mateen said.

“Because as you know, newly resettled Afghans don't have access to benefits like SNAP [or] food stamps until their immigration status has changed.”

Events that bring people together, like the food drive, can help build a sense of community — neighbors helping neighbors. Some people pick

up multiple boxes or get in line more than once so they can stock up and share with friends or neighbors. This kind of generosity offers not just tangible necessities but essential connections for people struggling with issues like poverty and food insecurity or the challenges of establishing themselves after immigrating.

“There's a lot of people in line supporting others who didn't have a car. … they usually work together as a community,” Abdul-Matten said. “So if one person has a van, you know, they'll try to pick up for more than one family to make sure that no one is without.”

Mohammed seconded that the drives create community. He has seen Afghan refugees who once needed help become engaged in the community, even stepping up to serve as donors who are able and eager to give back to the program.

“I think this is how society grows. To give back and help others as well. Each one, teach one; each one, help one,” he said.

Organizers will be hosting their next drive at Al-Huda School in July. For more about the school, go to alhudaschoolmd.org, and for more information about Islamic Relief USA, go to irusa.org.

Volunteers distributed food boxes during the drive at the Al-Huda School. LAUREN REEDER

Maryland Day brings crowds to UMD

By Alice Carlson

The smell of Old Bay and grilled burgers filled the air at McKeldin Mall, as the University of Maryland (UMD) and city residents celebrated Maryland Day on April 29th.

UMD alumni brought their families back to the campus they love, and their kids sported Maryland gear head to toe as they crowded around the fountain for this year’s fishing for terrapins event. Students worked their way through campus, some for the first time and some for the last.

“As a senior, it's bittersweet being here right now; I’m gonna miss living in close vicinity to such an amazing school. I’ve been to Maryland Day every year since I was a freshman, and I cannot believe this is my last one as a student. It’s always such a fun time,” said Marissa Chuck, a pre-med student.

Events took place across campus. Large crowds gath-

ered in STAMP Student Union to watch as Jeff Kinney, alum and author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, unveiled a statue of Greg Heffley, the book’s central character. That wasn’t the only unveiling on campus, either. Hoards of people gathered in front of Thurgood Marshall Hall to see a new sculpture with big red letters spelling out Do Good. The sculpture was installed in recognition of

the Do Good Institute, part of the university’s School of Public Policy, which is dedicated to making the world a better place. The institute hosted events on Maryland Day to spread their message across campus.

“When you come to the University of Maryland, you're not just a student that comes in and out for a couple of years. You're not just a number, right?

You are standing on a foundation, and each one of us is adding a brick to that foundation, making it stronger for the next students that come here that are going to make an impact,” said UMD alum Khalil Kettering, during his presentation on the main stage. Kettering, a former masters student, was also a member of the Do Good Institute.

The main stage, which was

located at McKeldin Mall, brought entertainment throughout the event, including a breakdance battle showcasing members of Maryland’s own breakdance club, the B-Terps. Players with UMD’s basketball team hosted a lively autograph session, too.

Captain Laura Dyer, a member of the College Park Police Department, has participated in Maryland Day festivities since the event began, in 1999. Taking to the stage with Teddy the Terp, the university’s official comfort dog, Dyer led a game of trivia for a group of kids, awarding each kid a Teddy the Terp stuffed animal if they answered their question correctly.

For Dyer, a big fan of the event, Maryland Day is all about community. “I love to have everything that we do at Maryland on display for everyone else to see,” she said. “They get a chance to really meet us and engage with people, so that's definitely the coolest thing about an event like this.”

“When you come to the University of Maryland, you're not just a student that comes in and out for a couple of years. You're not just a number, right? You are standing on a foundation, and each one of us is adding a brick to that foundation, making it stronger for the next students that come here that are going to make an impact.”

Khalil Kettering University of Maryland alum

Saturday Tap Dance Workshops. Free virtual tap workshop with instructor Elizabeth Gardner every Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. For more information and to register, email info@cpae.org.

Community Meals. Each Tuesday and Thursday, the College Park United Methodist Church’s kitchen staff cook healthy and delicious meals for all who are interested. You can reserve meals in advance and also donate a meal. For every meal donated, the church gives a meal to a family in need. Pick up reserved meals at 9601 Rhode Island Ave., between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 301.345.1010

College Park Community Library Story Time. Story time with Micki Freeny every Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. The group meets in the courtyard of the College Park Church of the Nazarene, 9704 Rhode Island Ave.

Produce Available Every Third Thursday. Sponsored by Community Connect Calvert Hills. Make your reservation by emailing your contact information (your name, street address, email and phone) to connectporfavor@gmail.com at least one day in advance of distribution. You can register for a duplicate order and share with others in need. Deliveries available to homebound residents. Pickups after 2:30 p.m. at a central location. For more information, or to volunteer to deliver, call 301.864.5267

COLLEGE PARK CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS

Yarrow Civic Association. Membership is free. For more information, email Wendy Kelley at wendybird85@yahoo. com

College Park Estates Civic Association. For more information, email Ray Ranker at rayranker@gmail.com

West College Park Citizens Association. Membership is open to all residents of West College Park age 18 and over. For more information, email

Suchitra Balachandran at cp_woods@yahoo.com

Berwyn District Civic Association. The next meeting will be on May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Tacos a la Madre, 5010 Berwyn Rd. To register, email president@ myberwyn.org.

North College Park Community Association. The NCPCA will meet on May 11 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, go to myncpca.org

Lakeland Civic Association

For additional information, please email lakelandcivic@ gmail.com

Old Town College Park Civic Association. For more information and to add your name to the listserv, email Kathy Bryant at kdbryant20740@gmail. com

Calvert Hills Citizens Association. Annual meeting and elections will be held on May 17 at 7 p.m. For more information, please email the board at calverthillscitizensassn@ gmail.com

students at my alma mater. We’re bound together by these stories, and by our experiences at Maryland,” Kinney said. “It’s such an honor to have my character become a permanent part of this campus.”

Fans of all ages jostled into the student union, shoulder to shoulder for a chance to see Kinney unveil the statue and get his signature.

“People were here outside the building at 7 a.m. to line up to make sure that they got to meet him,” said Laura Hood, manager of student programs at STAMP.

Hood estimated that about 500 people were at STAMP for the event and said Kinney was happy with the turnout. Kinney was eager to interact with people and even hung out after the event to relax and talk to fans after the mad rush subsided. Snapping selfies with him was a hit — one fan reported ran through the student union screaming, “My inner child is so happy right now!”

Given the extraordinary energy on campus sparked by Kinney’s visit — and now a new statue in his name — it’s a safe bet that the university’s inner child is happy right about now, too.

KINNEY FROM PAGE 1

Author Jeff Kinney gathered with fans at Maryland Day on April 29. LAUREN REEDER