Winter Wonderland kicks off holidays, P.12
City Council seats 3 new members
By SHARON O’MALLEY
College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir swore in three new members of the College Park City Council at the Dec. 2 council meeting.
At the same meeting, councilmembers voted to replace Mayor Pro Tem Denise Mitchell and elected her fellow District 4 councilmember, Maria Mackie, to take her place. Mitchell will remain on the council.
“Tonight we begin a new chapter for our city that is one filled with gratitude, responsibility and tremendous hope,” Kabir said in remarks following the swearing-in.
Kelly Jordan, 48, and Holly Simmons, 37, both from the city’s Berwyn neighborhood, took their seats as the new
Donations to food banks rise as demand increases
By SAMMY LIU
Rising food prices, the federal government shutdown and the holiday season have increased demand at College Park’s two food banks.
At the same time, administrators at the College Park Community Food Bank and the University of Maryland Campus Pantry said support from volunteers, food donations and grants is increasing.
“People are worried about feeding their families,” College Park Community Food Bank President Lisa Bartusek said. “So they look for resources to help with that.”
On the Saturday before Thanksgiving, dozens of people stood in line with grocery carts on the sidewalk outside the food bank. Cars lined the road from the church on Rhode Island Avenue all
the way to Muskogee Street as people waited for volunteers handing out the whole turkeys the food bank gives once a year.
The food bank moved to University United Methodist Church on Campus Drive on Dec. 6. (See related story on Page 10.)
“It’s always very well-attended,” Bartusek said. She added, “The government shutdown impacted a lot of neighbors in our area. … And that was quite a long time. People missed at least two paychecks. … I think we’re probably still seeing some of the aftermath of that.”
In the first two weeks of November, the number of people getting food from the Community Food Bank increased by 18% compared with the pantry’s average, Bartusek noted. She added that the brief pause in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits “caused a lot of uncertainty.”
Prince George’s County has more than 55,000 federal workers—one of the highest concentra-
SEE FOOD BANKS ON 10
Police identify remains as missing 14-year-old
By SHARON O’MALLEY
The Prince George’s County Police Department has identified human remains that were found in College Park on Nov. 3 in Indian Creek Stream Valley Park near Lake Artemesia.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has determined that the death of the victim, 14-yearold Jefferson Amaya-Ayala of Washington, D.C., was a homicide.
The teenager had been missing since Aug. 2, when he was last seen in the District, according to
the Metropolitan Police Department and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Law enforcement officials set up operations on Sweetbriar Drive on Nov. 3 and told a resident there was no danger to the neighborhood.
County police, Metropolitan police and the FBI’s Cross-Border Task Force were conducting a joint missing-persons investigation when they discovered the remains, according to a news release issued by county police on Dec. 5. Police said they have no suspects or motive in the killing.
New College Park City Councilmembers Kelly Jordan (left) and Holly Simmons take their seats on the dais immediately following their inauguration on Dec. 2. SHARON O’MALLEY
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Parkdale parents continue to push for PTA
By KEIRA HARDESTY
Parents and local elected officials are once again working to form a recognized parent group at Parkdale High School to improve communication between families and school administration.
The effort, led by College Park City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1), restarted on Nov. 5 with a crowded meeting among parents, Parkdale staff and Principal Tasha Graves. Afterward, Hernandez met with leaders of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) to ask for their support in forming a PTA or PTO at the high school, located in Riverdale.
“We’re not seeking radical change or control in how the school operates,” Hernandez said. “We’re offering to overhaul support of the parents in any way that we possibly can.”
Jenni Pompi, a Greenbelt City Councilmember whose son is a junior at Parkdale, said having an official parent group is important because it helps communicate parent interests to school administrators and gives them a way to volunteer and be active in the school.
About two years ago, parents attempted to start a group through the chartering organization Free State PTA, Pompi said. Free State reached out to Graves for recognition, but she refused, Pompi said.
“At that point, everything just sort of disbanded,” Pompi said. “I think everyone was really discouraged and the initiative died down, and then this year [Hernandez] was interested in getting things going again.”
Graves met with about 30 parents over
coffee and doughnuts on Nov. 5. Hernandez said the meeting started late and the school did not offer simultaneous translation for Spanish-speaking parents. Graves listed goals she would like to see from a parent group, which were “heavily focused” on fundraising, Hernandez said. Hernandez said parents were not able to voice their concerns or goals for a parent group, leading to frustration at the meeting. Still, he said, the meeting “was the first conversation … and that’s more progress that has been done in a while.”
Hernandez met with PGCPS leadership on Nov. 10. He expressed the willingness of parents to help out the school and asked the officials to support their efforts. Hernandez emphasized that his work is a continuation of the efforts of parents and community members who have worked to establish a parent group.
“It’s a fight worth having to be able to build out a better future for the students that are here,” Hernandez said.
PGCPS leadership, including Chief of Staff Deann Collins, is reviewing a survey Hernandez created for Parkdale parents to gauge their wants and determine next steps in the process of creating a group. Those leaders confirmed that Graves will hold a follow-up meeting with parents on Dec. 16, Hernandez said.
Graves did not respond to a request for comment from College Park Here & Now.
Nicola Netto-White, a Parkdale parent whose son recently graduated and whose daughter is a freshman, said a parent group would support families and the school and “build a strong community.”
“I’m excited that this is moving in the right direction, and I would just love to see this take off,” Netto-White said.
A College Park City Councilmember is helping parents with children at Parkdale High School start a PTA. GIUSEPPE LOPICCOLO
Paid firefighters return to Berwyn Heights
By KEIRA HARDESTY
The Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad added four career firefighters and two emergency medical technicians to its staff on Nov. 17, 17 months after the county reassigned the station’s full-time responders to other locations in June 2024.
The paid emergency workers will staff the day shift from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“This is very, very, very good news,” College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir said. He noted that the Berwyn Heights squad, located next door to College Park, regularly assists the city’s two fire departments with emergencies.
Then-Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Chief Tiffany Green relocated career firefighters and EMS personnel from stations in Berwyn Heights, Bowie-Belair, Bunker Hill and Greenbelt as part of a staffing plan that she said would address countywide shortages and firefighter fatigue.
Kabir said the reallocation affected College Park because Berwyn Heights rescue workers often respond to emergencies when the Branchville Volunteer Fire Co. and the College Park Volunteer Fire Department are unavailable.
The Branchville station, located on Branchville Road in College Park, is staffed solely with volunteers, while the College Park and Berwyn Heights VFDs operate as combination stations with both career firefighters and volunteers.
Berwyn Heights Fire Chief Benjamin Ross said there were times after the reallocation when the firehouse had too few volunteers to staff the day shift. During those shifts the county sometimes sent an engine and crew from elsewhere to cover the station.
Ross said the removal of career staff led to volunteer burnout and that the station’s ladder truck and rescue squad were occasionally unavailable.
“Our firehouse was always in service prior to the career mem-
bers being removed,” Ross said. “Now that they have been restored, I believe we will always be available again.”
Bino Harris, chief deputy with the Prince George’s County Fire/ EMS Department, said all county fire stations are expected to respond to calls both inside and outside their immediate coverage area.
“We always send the closest appropriate resource for the call,”
Harris said. “If they’re available, they’re going.”
After the reallocation, College Park, Greenbelt and Berwyn Heights challenged the decision in Prince George’s County Circuit Court, arguing that removing career firefighters would reduce service coverage. The court denied their request to stop the move.
Kabir said the three municipalities pushed back together because each is affected when any
nearby station’s staffing changes. County officials said the return of career staff to Berwyn Heights is possible because more firefighters and EMTs have recently graduated from the county’s Fire/EMS Training Academy.
Harris said adding the day shift back at Berwyn Heights will help improve coverage.
“If we can add that additional resource, add those hours of availability, we will certainly see the impact in that it can only make it better,” he said.
Ross said the change will take pressure off volunteers, allowing them to go to work or school during the day and continue volunteering at night. He also noted that Berwyn Heights has the closest heavy rescue squad to College Park and the University of Maryland.
Last December, the county returned 24 firefighters and emergency medical responders to the Bunker Hill station.
Harris said career firefighters are expected to return to the Greenbelt and Bowie-Belair stations as staffing allows. “We’re deploying them as fast as we can,” he said.
The addition of paid firefighters and EMTs to the Berwyn Heights Volunteer Fire Department will enable it to better assist College Park’s two fire companies, officials say. Shown, an engine at the College Park VFD. GIUSEPPE LOPICCOLO
Council pauses membership in association for local cities
By SHARON O’MALLEY
The College Park City Council has decided to pause its membership in a countywide association for municipal officials after a former treasurer of the organization allegedly embezzled more than $30,000.
Councilmembers said they will forfeit their membership in the Prince George’s County Municipal Association (PGCMA) until the group comes up with a security plan that will prevent future thefts. The association is conducting an internal investigation.
Cities pay approximately $2,500 a year to belong to the organization, which is a chapter of the Maryland Municipal League (MML), a statewide nonprofit association that lobbies the Maryland Legislature on behalf of the state’s 157 cities and towns.
“It’s our taxpayer money,”
Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) told College Park Here & Now. “Our residents are paying into a tax fund that is supposedly a fund that the council is protecting. That is
our job—to manage the budget. Why would we give money to an organization that is clearly lacking integrity?”
At its Nov. 12 meeting, some councilmembers insisted that PGCMA hire an outside accounting firm to conduct a formal audit of its books, but the association’s president, Edouard Haba, said an audit would be cost prohibitive for the small group. Instead, he said, the organization would submit to financial reviews.
“We know what we went through was traumatic,” Haba, who attended the meeting via Zoom, told the council. “We have tried as an organization to [reorganize] ourself, to put … policies in place that will safeguard our joint assets so that moving forward what happened will not easily happen [again].”
Haba, a member of the Hyattsville City Council, said PGCMA has formed a financial oversight committee, updated its bylaws and reviewed its dues structure, which he said has not been changed for a dozen years.
He said the organization’s value is largely “camaraderie and networking” among elected municipal leaders. The association brings elected officials from various cities together to discuss best practices for issues like parking and public safety, according to PGCMA Vice President Monica Casañas, who also attended the council meeting via Zoom. It also advocates for the county’s cities, holds social events for members and legislators, and organizes some community service work.
“We hope that we’re stronger together,” Haba said, noting PGCMA’s officers do not believe the organization is at risk for future embezzlement. “We all want all of us to stay together and move forward.”
Casañas, the mayor of Colmar Manor, agreed.
“We all work in silos, and we shouldn’t,” Casañas said. “Our towns are stronger when we stand together and speak [with] one voice.”
She also noted that PGCMA and other membership organi-
zations are “not immune” from theft. In response to questions from the council about why the current treasurer—who is not the one suspected of theft—is not an elected official, Casañas said,
“If you have that unfortunate inclination to steal, it doesn’t matter if you’re elected or not.”
College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir agreed that the association has some value for city leaders.
“We have used this organization as a platform on our behalf on the shared agenda items that the City of College Park and others in PGCMA advocated for,” he said in an interview after the council discussion. “We are [all] part of Prince George’s County … and we share many things in common. Everything that happens in the county and in the
state affects all of us. It’s important to talk to them, to be at the meetings, to listen to the presentations and discussion, to be part of it.”
Kabir said MML’s CEO, Theresa Kuhns, sent him a letter after the council’s discussion with Haba, outlining some financial reporting mandates and transparency that MML will require of PGCMA going forward.
At the meeting, Hernandez said the association has not been transparent about the theft or how the group is investigating it. He asked Haba to make a public statement about the organization’s financial irregularities and the status of its investigation, and to account for how dues from member cities are used.
College Park City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) supports a pause in the city’s membership in the Prince George’s County Municipal Association. GIUSEPPE LOPICCOLO
Number of events for seniors grows
By AYLIN AARHUS
College Park may be a college town, but it has no shortage of events for older adults. From karaoke to tai chi to bingo, the city and other organizations host activities every week.
Yet organizers say they have a hard time getting the word out.
“We’re not getting the kind of turnout we would like,” said Janeen Miller, coordinator for Age-Friendly College Park, a committee that works to make the city a good place for seniors to live. “A lot of people say, ‘Oh, I didn’t even know you were doing that, or I didn’t even know that was there.’ And so our challenge is reaching people so that they know about the events that are going on.”
On average, 20 to 25 people attend each local senior event, College Park Senior Advisory Committee President Mary Anne Hakes estimated. The city
has more than 2,000 residents older than 65, according to 2023 U.S. Census data.
Age-Friendly College Park and the Senior Advisory Committee began holding social events earlier this year after the College Park Woods Clubhouse opened in North College Park. Now the groups host two events a month.
At Coffee & Conversation on the first Wednesday of every month, community members chat and hear presentations on topics from emergency preparedness to native plants. At Games & Activities every third Wednesday, seniors play cards, board games and group activities like bingo or karaoke.
Another group, College Park WISE Connect, holds ice cream socials, bowling outings and group walks for seniors. While the number of events has increased since the clubhouse opened, Miller said it’s still hard to get information to
the community.
Heidi Weber, a member of the Senior Advisory Committee since July 2024, said part of the challenge is that many seniors don’t routinely search online for local happenings.
“Talking about seniors not using the web is one of my pet peeves,” Weber said. “Every last one of them does. … But what they don’t necessarily do is think of it as the default way to find information.”
Weber added: “If we don’t let people know [the event] is there and where to go, they won’t necessarily [say], ‘I’m bored on Wednesday; I think I’ll go on the city’s website and see what they do.’ … And so I think that has been the biggest challenge for the group, is there’s a lot of great things going on. How do we get that word out?”
Hakes said social events are vital to preventing loneliness among older adults.
Moose Lodge prepares to move
By MACKENZIE PRINCE
After six years of searching, officials of the College Park Moose Lodge #453 finally found a new place to call home at 8907 Baltimore Ave.
President Debbie Herbert said it may still be months before the move is complete.
The organization, which opened at 3700 Metzerott Road in 1948, sold its building in 2020 to Iglesia de Dios Pentecostés, Misión el Buen Samaritano, a local church, for $4.475 million, according to state tax records, and continued to rent space through a leaseback agreement.
“[Our goal] is just being able to hold more of our members,” Herbert said. “We have 409 members … and we could only fit 75 people in here, standing room only.”
In December 2024, the church filed for bankruptcy and resold the property to Mekane Hiwet Medhanelem Tigray Orthodox Tewahdo Church for $5.4 million.
The lodge tried to buy back the property at that time, but could not afford the asking price, Herbert said.
On Oct. 30, the lodge closed on its new location, where Cass RV Center previously operated.
“It’s still in the city of College Park, where we have been for 77 years, and that’s where we want to stay,” Herbert said. “[The new building] came to our attention and it’s the perfect spot.”
According to Zillow, the 2,400-square-foot building is larger than the lodge’s current rented space, and Herbert said she is looking forward to growing into it. However, she said, there’s still work to be done.
Administrator Gale Lamaster said he’s eager to take those next steps.
“Right now, we are in the design phase,” said Lamaster, who said lodge officers met with an architect in November.
The lodge’s Metzerott Road lease runs through June 30, leaving six months for renovations on the new space. If remodeling takes longer, Herbert said she may request a lease extension.
“What we’re trying to do is avoid isolation and depression with seniors,” Hakes said. “They’ve retired from their job, or their spouse has died, their children move away, their grandchildren live somewhere else. So the whole idea of getting them out of their houses, getting them involved, getting them to meet new people and do fun things, is the main reason we do this.”
According to the National Institute on Aging, loneliness in seniors is linked to a higher risk of depression and cognitive decline, as well as high blood pres-
Lodge members said they are looking forward to spending time at the new location.
Steven Uhas of Beltsville, who has been involved with the lodge since 1980, said the move is shocking after so many years in the same place. Still, he said he is excited about the new space, particularly the extra room to play horseshoes, darts, pool and shuffleboard.
For some members, the move
sure and heart disease.
Kathy Bryant, president of the Old Town Civic Association, has attended several local senior events.
“I think College Park has huge resources for senior citizens, more than probably anywhere,” Bryant said. “So I love it. I love everything.”
She continued: “Senior citizens are a vibrant, vital part of College Park or any society. We’re very knowledgeable. Just because we got old doesn’t mean we don’t have anything to contribute.”
also brings convenience. David Redzensky of College Park lives near the new location.
“I’m excited about having [the lodge] two doors down,” Redzensky said. “I keep imagining me, sitting out on my porch, waving to everybody driving by.”
Moose Lodge hosts community events, including food and clothing drives and other charitable activities.
Community members gather to listen to Michael Williams, College Park’s economic development director, at an event at the College Park Woods Clubhouse. AYLIN AARHUS
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Find more local events all month long in our online calendar at StreetcarSuburbs.News/events
Our calendar includes many events and meetings sponsored by the City of College Park and local nonprofits, including arts organizations and performance venues, occurring between Dec. 11 and Jan. 6. For additional events and meetings organized by the city, see the College Park Post newsletter in this paper’s centerfold. Find more local events all month long in our new, continuously updated online calendar, streetcarsuburbs. news/events.
Please send notices of events taking place between Jan. 6 and Jan. 26 to jalen@streetcarsuburbs.news by Jan. 1.
DEC. 11
College Park Community Library Book Club
Meets on the second Thursday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m. at the College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). December’s book: “The Unpassing” by Chia Lin. Jan 8: “Remnant Population” by Elizabeth Moon.
DEC. 13
Trains and Planes
Experience the holiday season and the thrill of our annual Trains and Planes program. Participate in activities, see the museum’s own train collection, and “meet and greet” train hob-
byists. Adults: $5, Kids: Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/mrxsvdm9.
Skate With Santa
Break out your festive holiday wear and enjoy ice skating and photos with Santa. Adults: $7, Kids: $6. 2-4 p.m. Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink (5211 Campus Dr.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/ctutkwhc.
CPAE Crochet Workshop
Join Fairy Ring Fibres for three simple crochet workshops. Learn the basics and progress to fun projects. Free. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/4kdafwsv.
CPAE Arts Drop In Drop In features fun, materialsbased activities for children ages 3-8 with their caregivers, led by Ian Blackwell Rogers, a local artist and early childhood educator with 30 years of experience. Free. 12:30-2 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit tinyurl. com/3t4whv6k.
Holiday Candle Making w/ Starr’s House of Wax
Make your own perfect candle for the holiday season! Join us
for an exciting and hands-on soy-and-coconut wax candle making workshop. $49. 3-5 p.m. Shop Made in Maryland (7401 Baltimore Ave.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/ mu5u9z26.
UNBOUND: A Perfume Workshop of Fragrant Freedom
Create your own signature perfume, explore more than 150 fragrance notes, enjoy fellowship and celebrate freedom in Christ. $60. 1-3 p.m. (1930 Harvard Ave.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/bdz5vvvs.
DEC. 14
Make It Sunday: Pressed Flower Ornaments
Make your own pressed flower ornaments as a gift or to decorate your home for the holidays. $37.75. 3 p.m. Shop Made in Maryland - College Park (7401 Baltimore Ave.). For more information visit https://tinyurl. com/43csnxcd.
DEC. 16
College Park Arts ExchangeArt Club
Spend your evening creating art with neighbors. Bring your own art project and materials. This is not an art class, but each meeting will begin with a group warmup. Adults only. Free. 7:30-9 p.m. Old Parish House (4711
Knox Rd.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/478zjxbv.
Book Club on Zoom
Book club with a focus on female writers. This month’s book is “The Mezuzah in the Madonna’s Foot: Marranos and other Secret Jews: A Woman Discovers her Hidden Identity” by Trudy Alexy. Jan 20: “The Years” by Annie Ernaux. Free. 7-8 p.m. College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/46vd5jz9.
DEC. 18
Senior Social Events
Seniors can use this event as an opportunity to engage in mentally and physically active programs, socialize and meet new friends. Join fellow seniors for socializing, light refreshments and community games. Free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way). To RSVP, call 240-487-3614.
DEC. 19
Friday Senior Social
Same as Dec. 18 Senior Social Events, but at a different time and location: 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Branchville Volunteer Fire Company (4905 Branchville Rd.). To RSVP, call 240-487-3614. For more information visit tinyurl. com/yuykc9zc.
Cub Corner
Explore our festive model train display in the gallery, and then gather for a special Cub Corner reading of “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg. After the story, little learners can create and decorate their own conductor hats—perfect for imagining adventures on the rails! $5; children under 2 free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit tinyurl. com/42tse8a5.
DEC. 20
Sacred Circle Dance
Sacred circle dance is a collective dance experience that draws from ancient and traditional folk dances. Dancing to wonderful music and rhythms. Women ages 18 and up. Free. 2-4 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.). For more information visit tinyurl. com/4256a82w.
DEC. 21
Christmas Caroling in College Park
Feel free to join late or leave early. Free. 7-8 p.m. Meet at Drexel and Rhode Island Ave. For more information visit tinyurl. com/339zhvuz.
JAN. 3
WASP Tour
This tour celebrates the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASP) program. Participating visitors will learn about the history of the program. Adults $5, kids under 2 free. 11-11:45 a.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit tinyurl.com/3x62cz4v.
COLLEGE PARK POST
Light Up College Park This December
Deck the City Holiday Decorating Contest Opens
December 1
College Park is getting ready to shine once again—our annual Deck the City Holiday Decorating Contest returns to celebrate bright lights, creative décor, and neighborhood holiday cheer. Residents are invited to take part in this fun community tradition by nominating their own home, a neighbor’s home, or any festive display within the City. Nominations open at 6:00 a.m. on December 1 and will be accepted through December 15 at 11:59 p.m. All entries must include photos, and homes must be located within the City of College Park.
Once the nomination period closes, all eligible submissions will be shared on the City’s Facebook page beginning December 16, allowing the community to view and vote for their favorites. Online voting will take place December 16–18, with winners determined by the total number of likes and reactions each photo receives. This year’s contest will feature two forms of recognition: Online Voting Winners and a Mayor’s Choice Award, which highlights an exceptional display selected by the Mayor.
Winners will be notified by email on or after December 19 and will receive a festive yard sign to display proudly throughout the holiday season. Proof of residency will be required for winning homes. Please note that contest rules and prizes may be adjusted if necessary.
Help us light up the season and showcase the creativity of our community! Submit a nomination beginning December 1 at www. collegeparkmd.gov/deckthecity.
Questions? Contact events@ collegeparkmd.gov.
Longevity Ready Maryland
Maryland introduces a statewide plan to strengthen support for older adults
By the year 2030, one out of 4 Marylanders will be over the age of 60, a statistic that is mirrored across the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2034, the number of people over age 65 will outnumber those under age 18. The Census Bureau refers to this as the “Graying of America.” Government officials across the country are responding to this new reality by addressing the needs of senior citizens with a fresh new lens.
In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore signed Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) on July 30th—a groundbreaking multisector plan for aging in our state. With federal cuts to vital programs like Social Security, Medicare, and SNAP, a strong strategic plan like LRM is essential and comes at a critical time.
Maryland Department of Aging
Secretary Carmel Roques said that Longevity Ready Maryland is “designed to ensure that Marylanders can age with dignity, purpose and independence” by promoting collaboration between government agencies, philanthropic efforts and the private sector. “We must strengthen supports for people who are aging now and for people who are already older and their care givers,” she added.
The Longevity Ready Maryland roadmap has been under development for almost two years, following Moore’s executive order issued on Jan. 3, 2024, to create the initiative.
The roadmap outlines four overarching goals, each with
short-term and long-term policy suggestions to achieve those initiatives:
• Build inclusive communities that are friendly to senior residents and their needs,
• Strengthen the caregiver workforce,
• Invest in health programs so that older people can stay healthier longer,
• Create more affordable housing opportunities and promote financial planning so seniors can have stable housing option.
The vision at the Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) is to build a state where every person can lead healthy, financially secure, purposeful, and socially connected lives. We will keep you informed as initiatives, programs and policies are developed under the LRM umbrella.
In the City of College Park, the Department of Youth, Family and Senior Services is addressing the needs of the senior population in the City. The Mayor and Council have appointed a Senior Advisory Committee, and the City has joined the AARP network of Age Friendly Communities. You can reach us by calling 240-487-3614, or emailing seniors@collegeparkmd.gov.
Brought to you by Age Friendly College Park, part of the AARP Age Friendly Communities network. The Age Friendly College Park initiative is sponsored by the Mayor and Council of the City of College Park, and coordinated by the Department of Youth, Family and Senior
Holiday Safety Tips & Reminders
How to report incidents and stay safe this season
In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. Prince George’s County Police also accepts reports of non-emergency incidents— such as fraud, traffic hazards, inside flooding, lost property, or vandalism—online or by phone at 301-352-1200.
TELL THE CITY: REPORT NON-EMERGENCY ISSUES
Report potential noise violations or other non-emergency concerns to the City through the 24/7 Hotline at 240-487-3588 or online at www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus.
To stay safe, remain aware of your surroundings, avoid distractions such as phone use, and walk with confidence—especially at night. Travel with others when possible and stick to well-lit, well-traveled areas. Keep electronics out of sight, limit displays of cash or jewelry, and use ATMs in busy, public places. When shopping or running errands, park in welllit locations, lock your car, and secure valuables. Avoid leaving vehicles idling, even briefly.
VACATION PREMISE CHECKS
If you will be away from home, the City offers a helpful service: a police drive-by check of your residence. This added layer of security is especially valuable during the holiday season when many homes are unoccupied. Student rentals may also be more vulnerable during breaks, so ensure your property is secured and consider using this service. Request a check under the Vacation
Premise Check Request tab at www.collegeparkmd.gov/living.
SCAM ALERT
Recently, there have been reports of individuals impersonating City employees in attempts to scam residents. Examples include people posing as curbside leaf collection staff and charging for services, or fake event planners posting online to collect fraudulent participation fees.
Only official City employees wear City-issued uniforms, operate marked City vehicles and equipment, carry City identification, and use @ collegeparkmd.gov email addresses. If something seems suspicious or unverified, do not engage. Instead, contact the appropriate City department to confirm. Report suspicious behavior to Prince George’s County Police at 301-3521200, and share any photos or vehicle information that may assist investigations. Report crimes or emergencies to 9-1-1, and notify the City of non-emergency concerns at www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus or 240-487-3588.
With the holiday season approaching, stay alert to potential scams and theft. Avoid sharing personal information, and complete online marketplace transactions at the local police department’s designated safe space. Stay safe, College Park!
City of College Park Inauguration 2025
Swearing In of the 2025–2027 City Council
The City of College Park held it s 2025 Inauguration Ceremony du ring the Council meeting on Tuesday, December 2, m arking the end of the 2 023–2025 term and the swearing in of the newly elected City Councilmembers for 2025–2027
The program included an invocation by Pastor Robert Stephens, remarks from outgoing Councilmembers, and recognitions for Llatetra Brown Esters, Susan L. Whitney, and John Rigg before the previous Council adjourned.
The Honorable Mahasin El Amin administered the oath of office to Mayor Fazlul Kabir, who then swore in the new Council: Jacob Hernandez & Alan Hew (District 1), Kelly Jordan & Holly Simmons (District 2), Daniel Oates & Ray Ranker (District 3), and Maria Mackie & Denise Mitchell (District 4).
Mayor Kabir appointed Councilmember Maria Mackie as Mayor Pro Tem and expressed appreciation to Councilmember Denise Mitchell for her dedicated service in the role during the previous term.
Incoming Councilmembers Jordan, Simmons, and Oates offered brief remarks, followed by Mayor Kabir ’ s address outlining priorities for the term, including the Duvall Field renovation, North College Park Community Center, Lakeland restorative justice work, stormwater improvements, Route 1 revitalization, and continued Purple Line progress.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction and a reception in the City Hall lobby.
Learn more at www. collegeparkmd.gov/ mayorandcouncil.
Taste of College Park 2026
Explore the flavors of College Park: January 16–25
Taste of College Park returns this winter for a weeklong celebration of the city’s diverse and vibrant food scene. From January 16–25, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore participating restaurants across College Park, each featuring special menus, prefixed dishes, and unique offerings created exclusively for the event.
Now in its second year, Taste of College Park continues to grow with support from College Park Life, highlighting the wide variety of dining experiences available throughout the city. It’s a great opportunity to try new eateries, revisit favorites, and support the small businesses that contribute to College Park’s energy and sense of community.
Winter Weather
Information
City Guidance for Snow, Ice, and Cold Weather Conditions
As colder weather arrives, the City of College Park reminds residents of the procedures and services in place to respond to winter conditions, including water main breaks, winter weather alerts, and snow and ice removal operations. Public safety remains the City’s highest priority during winter storms, and City crews work throughout the season to help ensure safe travel and timely communication.
WATER MAIN BREAKS
As temperatures drop, the risk of water main breaks increases due to shifting ground and freezing conditions. Prompt reporting helps repairs occur quickly. If you observe water bubbling from the roadway or suspect a break, contact WSSC Water at 301206-4002 and provide the exact address or nearest location.
WINTER WEATHER ALERTS
During a snow emergency:
• Equipment is dispatched in preparation for incoming precipitation.
• Salting operations typically begin at the onset of snowfall or icing.
• Plowing begins once snow or slush accumulates on roadways.
• One travel lane is cleared first, then expanded toward curbto-curb as conditions allow.
• Crews clear designated sidewalks, bus stops, RRFB crosswalks, and Trolley Trail sections. •Multiple passes may occur during extended storms.
SNOW & ICE – RESIDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Whether you’re sampling international cuisine, enjoying classic comfort foods, or discovering something new, Taste of College Park offers a fun and flavorful way to experience the best of our local restaurants. The event celebrates the diversity of flavors found across our community and encourages residents to explore the city in a new way. With offerings across multiple neighborhoods, it also showcases the creativity and hospitality of the chefs, owners, and teams who bring these restaurants to life. This year’s lineup reflects the continued growth of College Park’s dining scene and the enthusiasm of local businesses participating.
View participating restaurants and menus at CollegePark.life.
When snow, ice, or a wintry mix is forecast, the City will post updates on the website and across all City social media platforms. Public Works crews are staffed around the clock during snow emergencies to maintain the City’s 55 miles of roads, prioritizing emergency and main routes before moving into residential streets.
SNOW REMOVAL ACTIVITIES
Snow and ice removal are treated as emergency operations and take priority over other Public Works tasks. When activated by the City Manager or Director of Public Works, the City’s snow plan may include pretreating designated streets with salt brine. Once snow begins to accumulate, plows and salt trucks are deployed along predetermined routes.
Residents can help snow operations run smoothly by moving vehicles off the street when possible, or parking close to the curb if off street parking is unavailable. Snow pushed toward driveway entrances is unavoidable; waiting until plowing is complete can reduce repeated shoveling. When clearing your driveway, place snow to the right side (facing the street) and never back into the roadway. After plows have passed, residents should clear sidewalks, storm drains, and fire hydrants in front of their homes.
Refuse and recycling should be placed out on your regular collection day, though pickup may occur later or be delayed by one day depending on conditions.
Be prepared for winter—visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow for more information about winter operations. For questions, contact Public Works at 240-487-3590 or publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.
City Announcements & Events
More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov; Sign up for City newsletters at collegeparkmd.gov/cpconnect
CHRISTMAS DAY HOLIDAY CLOSURE
All City of College Park offices will be closed on Thursday, December 25, 2025 in observance of the Christmas Day holiday. All City offices will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24.
Monday and Tuesday collections will occur as regularly scheduled, but Thursday collections will take place on Friday, December 26. Special collections for this holiday week will occur on Saturday, December 27.
To schedule a special collection, please call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd. gov before placing items at the curb.
NEW YEAR’S DAY HOLIDAY CLOSURE
All City of College Park offices will be closed on Thursday, January 1, 2026 in observance of the New Year’s Day holiday.
Monday and Tuesday collections will follow the normal schedule. Thursday collections will occur on Friday, January 2, and special collections will take place on Saturday, January 3 for this holiday week.
To schedule a special collection, please call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd. gov prior to setting items out.
EMPOWER MARYLAND PIGGYBACK GRANT
The City of College Park is offering a $100 reimbursement to residents who complete a $100 Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® Assessment from a participating contractor. This assessment provides a full home energy evaluation and a customized report outlining ways to improve comfort and efficiency. The report may also qualify homeowners for additional rebates and tax credits worth up to $15,000, making it an excellent opportunity to save money and reduce energy use.
To qualify, homes must be located within the City of College Park, and assessments must be completed between December 15, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Residents must submit an online application and a brief survey to receive reimbursement. Once verified,
the City will issue a $100 check directly to eligible applicants.
Learn more and apply at www.collegeparkmd.gov/ empowergrant.
TASTE OF COLLEGE PARK 2026
January 16–25 | Various Locations Throughout College Park
Taste of College Park returns this January for a weeklong celebration of the city’s vibrant and diverse food scene. From January 16–25, local restaurants will feature special menus, pre-fixed dishes, and unique offerings that highlight the flavors of our community.
Now in its second year, Taste of College Park continues to bring residents together to explore new cuisines, revisit favorite spots, and support the many small businesses that help define College Park’s dining landscape. With support from College Park Life, it’s easier than ever to discover participating restaurants and plan your culinary tour.
Learn more and view restaurant menus at CollegePark.life.
HOLIDAY SAFETY UPDATES FOR RESIDENTS
Stay safe this holiday season by remaining aware of your surroundings, sticking to well-lit areas, and keeping valuables out of sight. When shopping, lock your car, avoid leaving vehicles idling, and park in busy, well-traveled locations.
Vacation Premise Checks: If you will be away, the City offers police drive-by checks of your home. Request a check at www. collegeparkmd.gov/living under “Vacation Premise Check Request.”
Reporting Emergencies: Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Non-emergency incidents—such as fraud, traffic hazards, or vandalism—may be reported to Prince George’s County Police at 301-352-1200. Report City concerns anytime at 240-487-3588 or www.collegeparkmd.gov/tellus.
Scam Alert: There have been reports of individuals impersonating City employees. Official staff wear City-issued uniforms, operate marked vehicles, carry City ID, and use @ collegeparkmd.gov emails.
If something seems suspicious, do not engage. Report activity to Prince George’s County Police at 301-352-1200.
MARTIN
LUTHER KING JR. DAY CELEBRATION
Each January, the City of College Park joins communities nationwide in honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service—observed on the third Monday in January— encourages all Americans to uplift their neighbors and work together toward building more just and connected communities.
Throughout the month, the City will offer programs, exhibits, and service opportunities inspired by Dr. King’s values of unity, compassion, and civic engagement.
Poster Exhibition | January 2–31
Visit City Hall throughout January to explore a special exhibition showcasing the life, leadership, and lasting impact of Dr. King. The display features a collection of educational posters available
for viewing on the first floor during regular business hours.
Youth Presentations | January 19
The City is supporting several engaging presentations for young learners, highlighting Dr. King’s message of courage, equality, and service. Programs include live performances, interactive storytelling, and creative arts experiences to help students reflect on Dr. King’s legacy.
Citywide Food Drive | January 2–31
Honor Dr. King’s commitment to community care by contributing to the City’s month-long canned food drive. A collection box will be available in the City Hall lobby (7401 Baltimore Avenue). Donations of nonperishable, non-expired canned or boxed food items will support the College Park Community Food Bank.
Day of Service Opportunities
More opportunities to volunteer and give back will be announced throughout the month. Visit www.collegeparkmd.gov/mlk for updates.
New padel court facility opens near College Park Airport
By KATHERINE SCHUTZMAN
A new facility featuring four padel courts opened in College Park on Oct. 18, introducing the fast-growing racket sport—often described as a mix of tennis and squash—to the area.
Padel Garten, an outdoor facility next to the College Park Airport at 4928 College Ave., is one of three padel-specific facilities in the DMV.
Padel is a racket sport played in doubles on an enclosed glass-and-mesh court. The game is scored the same as tennis but played with solid rackets perforated with holes and balls that look like tennis balls but are slightly smaller and lighter.
Co-owners Evan Darrow and Jacob Villanueva, founders of Glassbox Padel Club, said they hope the courts will become a community space.
“[Players] have this excuse to get off the phones, get off the computers and have their physical activity, have the exercise and competition aspect of it,” Darrow said. “We want a
space where they can hang out and have fun.”
The sport originated in Mexico in the 1960s, according to the International Padel Federation. As of 2025, padel is played in more than 140 countries, and the federation holds biennial World Padel Championships.
Players can buy Padel Garten memberships for $80 a month to get discounts on $60 to $80 hourly court fees. The owners
host weekend tournaments and sell snacks, rackets and other merchandise.
Although Darrow said he and Villanueva did not target College Park, the city fit the bill for a location close to the District, where they live, with a variety of “vibrant communities.”
Darrow said they hope being close to the University of Maryland will attract student players. The club plans to offer stu-
dent discounts soon, he said.
“The university kids have odd schedules during the quiet hours,” Darrow said. “If we can incent them to try something new and come out and make it affordable … we’re going to make it approachable for them.”
In addition to running the courts, Darrow said he and Villanueva have day jobs in IT. He said he had played padel only a handful of times before deciding to open the College Park facility.
He said the culture of playing with three other people in a doubles match made padel especially enticing compared with other racket sports that do not require doubles.
UMD industrial engineering master’s student Carlos Gonzalez is already a Padel Garten regular.
An exchange student from Spain, Gonzalez has played padel for about eight years, he said, and was pleasantly surprised to find the courts so close to campus.
“You might as well have it and take the risk of maybe not
having so many people playing,” Gonzalez said. “But once they get started, I think it’s a very fun sport.”
Darrow said the courts, open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, get five or six bookings a day. Weekends are busier than weekdays, when peak hours are 4 to 10 p.m.
Terence Tche, an employee at the nearby Junior Tennis Champions Center, said his skills from 15 years of competitive tennis easily transferred to padel.
“Padel gets that excitement of like, anything can happen,” Tche said. “You play off the glass. It’s kind of satisfying. But sometimes it’s frustrating, just a little bit different from tennis.”
The sport’s growing popularity in the United States motivated the owners to build the courts, Darrow said.
“We had been those guinea pigs ourselves,” Darrow said. “We’re Americans, and we are not familiar with this [sport]. … There was something attractive about the idea that it’s not an established industry.”
College Park padel enthusiasts play at the city’s four new courts for the racket sport. JALEN WADE
CAROLING IN THE COURTYARD
Saturday, December 13, 1-4 PM
Join us for a day of family fun for all ages, including live music, bonfire s’mores, and an indoor christmas market with local vendors! 5340 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville
CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
Wednesday, December 24, 7 PM
Join us this Christmas Eve for a time of love and joy 5340 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville
NEW YEARS EVE SERVICE
Thursday, December 31, 8 PM
Join us on New Year’s Eve with our special musical guests Freddy Washington Jr. and Titus Showers. 82624 Lokus Rd, Odenton
Washington Commanders donate lockers to Parkdale High School
By AYLIN AARHUS
Football players from Parkdale High School in Riverdale got an unexpected donation from the Washington Commanders: 65 lockers from the team’s training facility in Ashburn, Virginia, complete with the red-and-gold Commanders logo.
“They had no idea until they started to be installed,” said Zack Burns, assistant coach for the Parkdale Panthers football team.
“So it was a good surprise for them.”
Brian Moore, Parkdale’s former athletic director, worked with the Commanders to arrange the donation, Burns said. The lockers were installed in early October.
Burns said the donation replaced old lockers from when the school was built in the 1960s. The lockers were too small to hold the football team’s gear, and several were broken.
While the locker room is primarily used by the football team
Assistant
coach
Zack Burns said the donation replaced old lockers from when the school was built in the 1960s.
during the fall, Burns said the room is available to several of the school’s athletic teams, including wrestling and boys basketball.
Updating the locker room is part of several efforts to upgrade the school’s athletic facilities, including reseeding its football field last year, Burns said.
The Commanders have also supported Parkdale athletics through donations to Leveling the Playing Field, a nonprofit that donates equipment to youth athletic programs.
Burns said Leveling the Play-
ing Field helps supply Parkdale’s football program with gear, such as practice uniforms, cleats and gloves. Players’ families usually pay for these items, which Burns said can be a financial burden.
“Football is really expensive, and if a family has multiple kids that play different sports … sometimes it becomes tough,” Burns said.
Cooper Walner, a program associate with Leveling the Playing Field, complimented the Parkdale athletic staff’s dedication to providing equipment for their students.
“These are often teachers and coaches who really struggle to find time during the day to get off or get coverage to come into our warehouse to get the equipment,” Walner said. “Parkdale is one of those programs where those coaches and teachers are really putting in the extra effort throughout the year to really equip their athletes with everything that they need.”
In loving memory of Matthew Paul Du y
Matthew Paul Duffy, born on October 28, 1989, left this world on August 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. In his all-too-short life, Matthew touched the hearts of many with his warm spirit and infectious sense of humor.
As a son to Dawn Nimick and Edward Duffy, Matthew embodied kindness and generosity, qualities that endeared him to friends and family alike. He was known for making those around him feel at ease; his welcoming personality created a loving environment that drew people near. Matthew cherished family traditions, and some of the most treasured memories his loved ones share are from sunny vacations at Ocean City, where he delighted in the simple pleasure of the beach and bonding with family.
Matthew’s spirit was undeniably festive, particularly during the holidays. As a child, he was the embodiment of excitement, always the first up on Christmas morning, waiting eagerly amidst the gifts for the rest of his family to awaken. It is moments like these that his family will forever hold dear—a testament to his joyful nature and love for life.
“On behalf of our residents, I extend my deepest sympathy to Matt’s loved ones—his children, his parents, his family, and his close friends. May they find peace, comfort, and strength in the days ahead.”
College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir
His proudest accomplishments were undoubtedly rooted in fatherhood. The arrival of his two beloved daughters, Rayven and Isabella, filled his heart with immeasurable joy. Matthew thrived in his role as a dad, pouring his affection into every moment spent with them, creating a bond built on love and laughter.
A passionate football fan, Matthew excitedly
cheered on the Baltimore Ravens, reveling in the thrill of each game. His laughter echoed down the halls as he shared this passion with those around him.
Matthew is survived by his loving mother, Dawn Nimick, his caring father, Edward Duffy, and his cherished daughters, Rayven Duffy and Isabella Duffy. He is also survived by his devoted sister, Christina Briggles, and brothers Michael Duffy, Christian Duffy, and Kevin Duffy. His light continues to shine through his nephews, Bryce Duffy and Jace Ingram, who will carry his spirit forward.
Matthew Paul Duffy will be missed deeply—by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him. His memory will live on in the stories shared, the laughter remembered, and the love that ties his family together. Matthew taught everyone around him how to find joy in the little moments, and for that, he will forever be celebrated and cherished in the hearts of those he loved.
“We are standing on the sidelines, wishing you hope and comfort as you endure this difficult time. We will continue to keep you and the rest of your family and friends in our thoughts.”
With deepest sympathy, The Baltimore Ravens
46 county schools get library renovations
By LUKE ROWE
College Park students and others who attend Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt will have a new state-of-the-art library to study in starting the week of Dec. 8.
The updated library, paid for with part of a multi-million dollar donation to Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) by Sam Brin, the brother of Google co-founder Sergey Brin, will feature up-to-date technology, including new desktop computers and printers, and a workspace where students can collaborate on STEM and tech projects.
“Just the look, the artistry of it, it’s going to be phenomenal,”
Principal Portia Barnes said. Brin’s donation will fund libraries in 46 schools in the county, including an elementary school in nearby Beltsville, two in Riverdale and four in Hyattsville among other locations. The money will pay for 72,000 books, smart TVs, projectors, robotics kits and engineering instruments across the schools.
The Roosevelt library will display quotes from influential historical figures on the walls of a “relaxed and maybe not-so-traditional” environment, Barnes said. “We’ve just been used to what the library has been, which has been very, I will say, it [was] ’90s. … It looked exactly the same, almost, from when I was [a student] here.”
Barnes said students who already frequent the library will have more reasons to use it while the remodeled space might convince those who do not spend time there to start visiting it.
Principals and media specialists from participating schools offered suggestions for what to include in the libraries and had a say in individual color schemes and the placement of equipment.
“It’s been a pleasure working with them,” Barnes said. “For them to listen to me and then come back and go, ‘So here’s what we’re thinking. What do you think?’ They definitely wanted our feedback.”
Brin, who like his billionaire brother graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School and the University of Maryland, is the founder of the Pull Up Fund, which makes grants primarily in Prince George’s County for
Sam Brin’s donation will fund libraries in 46 schools in the county. The money will pay for 72,000 books, smart TVs, projectors, robotics kits and engineering instruments across the schools.
one who reaches back,” Barnes agreed.
efforts to support youth, education, community and equity.
The fund partnered on the library project with the local nonprofit Heart of America, which focuses on improving education through programs like library renovations and book donations.
“This is the type of funder you want to work with,” Heart of America CEO Jill Hardy Heath said of Brin.
“You feel proud to have some-
The initiative was Brin’s vision, according to Sheila Jackson, director of the PGCPS Department of Family and Community Partnerships. Heath said Brin was interested in giving back to his former school district.
The project is one of the largest systemic overhauls of school libraries in the country, Heath explained, adding she hopes it serves as a model for other school districts, nonprofits and donors.
All of the libraries are set to be completed in 2026.
Eleanor Roosevelt High School students help put together a renovated library at the school, one of 46 in the county that will get upgrades paid for by a multi-million dollar grant. COURTESY OF PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Community Food Bank relocates
By AUDREY BENGTSON
The College Park Community Food Bank has relocated to University United Methodist Church.
Its long-time location at 9704 Rhode Island Ave., the former site of the College Park Church of the Nazarene, will undergo renovations and will not host the food bank afterward, forcing it to move after 16 years, according to food bank President Lisa Bartusek.
“We’re an established location,” said Bartusek, who estimated the food bank serves about 400 families a week. “We have a lot of people who come regularly. … It’s going to be a change in their routine.”
The food bank fills about 20,000 requests a year, according to Bartusek.
“We really feel strongly about being a weekly distribution so that people really can rely on us,” she said. “So the idea of just not doing it one week is really not one of the possibilities we think about. We really want to make sure we’re there every week for whoever needs us.”
Bartusek said parking could be a problem at the new location, 3621 Campus Drive, because the Methodist church allows Terrapin football fans to use its parking lot on game days.
“Depending on the time of the game, it might overlap with our
FOOD BANKS
Saturday distribution time,” she said.
Bartusek said her volunteers will make adjustments as needed to maintain weekly service.
Some of the food bank’s volunteers said the move will not interfere with their mission.
“We’re committed as long as they will allow us to come,” said
tions in Maryland—and 11% of residents rely on SNAP benefits, according to the Maryland Department of Labor. College Park officials estimate that at least 1,100 federal employees live in the city.
Demand at the UMD Campus Pantry rose from more than 3,000 visits in October 2024 to nearly 5,000 in October this year, manager Larry Tumlin said.
“People coming here say they have to make a choice between paying their rent, tuition and food,” he said.
Among the pantry’s visitors, the majority are graduate students, Tumlin observed, explaining that those who live off campus do not have food plans through the college and some of them are supporting families.
“They have to make their own way,” he added.
Bartusek said high grocery prices are compounding the demand at food pantries. In the DMV, food prices grew 3.1% between September 2024 and September 2025 and 22% compared with five years ago, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Bobette Brown, founder and executive director of The Lady Chapter, a leadership program that regularly supplies volunteers to the food bank.
“To offer a glimmer of hope just by offering food, it may seem something small to those that have it, but it’s immeasurable and invaluable to those
that do not,” Brown said. “So I just love this, the work that they’re doing.”
Members of the Church of the Nazarene started the food bank in 2008 as a once-a-month program, Bartusek said. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it grew to a weekly operation to help more people in need. Since May 2021,
“Everybody’s looking for what they can to sustain them and help them get through the hard times,” Tumlin said.
Jose Miguel Cabrera Kozisek, a doctoral candidate in Spanish language and lit-
erature at UMD, visits the campus pantry twice a week. Cabrera Kozisek said when he came to the U.S. from the Republic of Ecuador two years ago, he was shocked to learn that a red pepper cost $1 at Trad-
it has been its own nonprofit organization, independent of the church.
“The congregation we’re moving to is very excited about our move,” Bartusek said. “Their mission includes helping food-insecure people, so we have a lot of overlapping interests.”
er Joe’s. “In our country, it’s only 25 cents,” he said.
Despite the high demand, Bartusek and Tumlin said an unprecedented number of donations have kept their food pantries well stocked.
“This semester we’re blessed because we are getting so many donations,” Tumlin said, pointing to an appeal made by UMD President Darryll Pines, who asked people to donate.
“A vendor even donated 12 turkeys,” he added. “I’m really happy to see the shelves as stocked as they are.”
Likewise, Bartusek said the Community Food Bank’s donation shed was “packed every single week” during November.
The food bank also received a portion of the $10 million Gov. Wes Moore distributed to food banks, school pantries and meal distributors when he declared a state of emergency at the end of October as SNAP benefits were about to be temporarily cut off.
“Even though demand is higher, we’re still fulfilling our mission,” Bartusek said. “We’re still giving food to all these people.” She added: “It’s not just us alone on an island trying to meet the needs. The whole community is helping.”
Dozens of people stand in line at the College Park Community Food Bank the Saturday before Thanksgiving to pick up free turkeys during the nonprofit’s annual giveaway. SAMMY LIU
The College Park Community Food Bank, which operated out of the Church of the Nazarene on Rhode Island Avenue for 16 years, has moved. Shown, volunteers distribute groceries and turkeys before Thanksgiving. SAMMY LIU
Shoppers can expect higher prices this season
By SHARON O’MALLEY
Shoppers in College Park and all over the DMV might need to stretch their holiday shopping dollars a bit further this year as retailers skimp on discounts and federal workers—present and past—continue to reel from federal layoffs and the government shutdown.
University of Maryland (UMD) marketing professor Jie Zhang predicted the Christmas shopping season will be “muted.”
“Many consumers … have experienced economic hardship and uncertainty,” Zhang told College Park Here & Now. “This will be a holiday season where consumers have tight budgets. They are less likely to spend big time.”
Although the National Retail Federation (NRF) reported a record number of shoppers nationwide over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Zhang said consumer sentiment is the lowest it has been since 1951.
“It is very gloomy and this certainly will affect how people will go about holiday shopping,” Zhang said, “not only in their willingness to spend [but] their uncertainty really would dent their holiday spending.”
Zhang pointed to the efforts of some retailers to absorb the impact of the federal government’s tariffs on items like clothing, toys, holiday decorations and electronics—but noted that most are passing at least some of those costs onto
consumers in the form of higher prices.
Plus, she said, retailers are trying to run leaner operations, so they are scaling back on ordering and are witnessing delays in shipments of imported goods.
“Some retailers may not even be able to receive their inventories on time for holiday sales,”
Zhang said, adding, “This is like a double whammy.”
The result, she predicted: fewer big, last-minute holiday sales, scaled-back staffing, leaner inventories and higher prices.
Pair that with the hardship experienced by federal workers
who either lost their jobs earlier this year as the government laid off tens of thousands of employees—including more than 15,000 in Maryland, according to the state Department of Labor. Pre-layoffs, College Park was home to approximately 1,100 federal employees, the city has estimated.
“So many consumers have experienced hardship,” Zhang said. “Many of them are living from paycheck to paycheck. They’re worried about how to pay for their health insurance, their mortgage, how to put food on the table. So many consumers have scaled back their spending.”
SMART TIPS FOR SHOPPERS
UMD marketing professor Jie Zhang has some advice for holiday shoppers:
• If you see something you love in a store, buy it on the spot. Because of lower inventories, shops might stock fewer of each item. If you wait for a last-minute sale, the item will probably be gone.
• Shop locally. College Park has a handful of large retailers, like Ross Dress for Less, Home Depot and Rally House, and is home to lots of smaller, locally owned shops that sell everything from handmade crafts and jew-
Still, she predicted a “very modest increase” in holiday spending this year. But she cautioned that NRF, which has estimated a 3.7% to 4.2% increase in spending over last year, does not adjust its numbers for inflation, which is hovering at just about 3%. An adjustment would put the increase in spending at 0.7% to 1.2%, Zhang said.
Zhang said the residual effects of layoffs and the government shutdown are the most likely reasons shoppers will tamp down spending in areas like College Park—where so many federal employees live.
“The massive layoff of federal workers certainly caused a lot of disruption to the local econ-
elry to comic books, cigars and popcorn.
“We’re all in this together,” Zhang said. Small businesses “have experienced so much this year. Now it’s the holidays. It’s a time when we are going through this together.”
• Shop at craft fairs and holiday festivals, where individual crafters have the authority to offer discounts on unique gifts.
• Choose practical gifts that the recipients can use year-round instead of bigticket luxury items.
omy,” Zhang said, noting that it cut into profits at restaurants and stores.
“Overall,” she added, “unfortunately this is going to be a challenging holiday season for local businesses.”
The silver lining, she noted, is that high earners are expected to spend more this holiday season, and those who are in a position to do so are donating generously to food banks and other local charities.
And Zhang added, “Better days are coming. … I don’t think people will have less joy and happiness. We just don’t have to spend so much time focusing on how much we spend on gifts to give and receive.”
representatives of District 2, replacing outgoing Councilmembers Llatetra Brown Esters and Susan Whitney, who did not run for re-election.
Jordan and Simmons won a three-way contest in the city’s only contested election in November.
Daniel Oates, 37, who lives in the Calvert Hills neighborhood, joined the council to represent District 3, replacing John Rigg, a four-term member who did not run for re-election.
Kabir and all eight council seats were up for election this year. All but Jordan and Simmons ran unopposed.
In a farewell speech to a crowded council chamber, Esters, who served five years on the council, encouraged her replacements to “do no harm, and where harm has been done, fix it.” A resident of Oak Springs, Esters asked her
Esters, who served five years, encouraged her replacements to “do no harm, and where harm has been done, fix it.”
former council colleagues to “continue to show respect and grace toward one another and city staff,” noting that they are more powerful as a team than as individuals.
Whitney, a two-term council-
member and Berwyn resident, lauded Esters “for always being the voice of reason” and noted her appreciation to former colleagues for “the level of mutual respect I’ve always felt in this room.” She said not all city councils operate with as much civility.
And Rigg, who lives in Calvert Hills, advised both new and experienced council members not to “indulge in ward politics,” saying, “This city is a big city but it’s not big enough for ward or district politics.”
Kabir said Mitchell served as mayor pro tem “with grace” and “has put College Park on the map.”
Mitchell, who lives in College Park Woods and served on the council from 2009 to 2015 and again starting in 2017, held the role of mayor pro tem from 2013 to 2015 and again from 2021 until Dec. 2.
Mackie, also a College Park Woods resident, joined the council in 2019.
The Adidas store on Route 1 attracted few customers the week after Thanksgiving. Store owner Anna Lee says she expects more customers with the holiday season. JALEN WADE
Winter Wonderland kicks off holidays
By JALEN WADE
Hundreds of residents, students and visitors gathered in front of City Hall on Dec. 6 to celebrate College Park’s third annual Winter Wonderland tree-lighting ceremony.
Ryna Quiñones, the city’s communications and events manager, said the event is how College Park brings the community together during the holiday season.
“This is a wonderful time to do with the holidays,” Quiñones said. “It can be a time that people may feel disconnected, you know, or maybe time that they want to spend with loved ones. And I think this is an opportunity for both. You get to hang out with friends and neighbors, bring your loved ones, do a little bit of holiday shopping if you’d like.”
At the front of City Hall was a hot chocolate station as well as an ice-carving demonstration.
Next to Cornerstone Grill & Loft, the Sugar Loop Funnel Cakes food truck was serving sugary delights.
The event featured music from the School of Rock in Silver Spring, folk band Hat & Hair and the blues band Fast Eddie
& The Slowpokes.
Inside City Hall, the community room featured story time and an exhibition called Science Spectacular.
Outdoors, children crowded around a petting zoo containing a mini horse, a llama, a zebu cow, sheep, lambs, goats, bunnies and chickens from the Waldorf petting zoo Mary’s Go Round.
Parents like District resident Bobby Digi brought their children to the zoo. Digi said a petting zoo isn’t something he normally sees near his home in the inner city. He added that Winter Wonderland gives his family a chance to see different things.
“My family loves to see farm animals,” Digi said. “Here [at the event] we have things like cookies, toys and agriculture that you can look at.”
Twenty-five vendors sold crafts, clothing, art and confectionaries along Knox Road.
Danielle Carter Miller, owner of the vintage and upcycled clothing store Junk 2 Gems, said she brought a booth to the event for the first time because it drew a diverse group of residents, students and visitors.
“I wanted to be a part of the
outdoor atmosphere,” Carter Miller said. “The community, the tree lighting, the live music—it just felt more inclusive and community oriented.”
Erica Greenspan, a University Park resident who stopped at the festival while on a bike ride, agreed she had never seen so many students at a city event.
“I think in the last five to 10 years, [city events] completely changed,” Greenspan, who graduated from the University of Maryland in 2008, said. “It’s done a really good job connecting the university with the surrounding community.”
Santa Claus appeared at the event around 4:45 p.m. At 6 p.m., the tree lit up.
Quiñones said this year’s Winter Wonderland was a good way to raise spirits following the government shutdown.
“We want to help try to bring some of the cheer into our community,” Quiñones said. “I know that it has been a very tough and challenging season for a lot of families and a lot of the individuals here in College Park and in the greater DMV region, so if we can bring a little bit of brightness to them, we are thrilled.”
Hundreds of residents and visitors attend College Park’s annual tree lighting and holiday festival. JALEN WADE