july2026_collegepark_web_REDO

City joins prestigious sustainability group, P.2

Michelle Garcia wins District 1 county council race, P.3

College Park paramedics to stay—for now, P.12

Lake Artemesia offers outdoor activities for summer

By CAIT HEIDERMAN

Tucked behind a thick plot of forest, just about a mile from bustling Baltimore Avenue, the waters of Lake Artemesia fill with kayakers and anglers during the summer as cyclists and hikers exercise on the trails surrounding it.

“It's really peaceful and quiet here,” Lor Saenz, a Lanham resident who frequents the trails, said.

For most locals, Lake Artemesia Natural Area at Lakeland, located in both College Park and Berwyn Heights, is the perfect spot to unwind and spend time in nature year-round, but especially during warm-weather months.

“I come here to kind of like blank out and just be,” Xyla McDowell, a Silver Spring resident who visits Lake Artemesia monthly, said.

A paved, ADA-accessible, 1.35-mile hiker-biker trail loops around the lake and connects to surrounding trails, drawing runners, walkers, cyclists and birders. Fishing is open year-round, making it one of the most popular pastimes at Lake Artemesia, which the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stocks with rainbow and golden trout every spring. Anglers can cast lines from the shore, from the park’s piers or from a metal dock that extends into the middle of the lake.

“It's a great activity for children,” Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Park Ranger Ben Sweet said. “It's a great activity for fami-

Owner of Piano Man building seeks new use for landmark

By JALEN WADE and SHARON O’MALLEY

A real estate adviser for the owner of the long-vacant Piano Man Superstore building has asked the College Park City Council to suggest a new use for the Route 1 landmark.

"We don't actually have anything in mind at the moment," Ben Wilson, a senior managing director

at Bethesda-based commercial real estate firm Greysteel, told the council on April 21. "That's why we are here, because we do want to get some ideas or some guidance from the city."

The 38,259-square-foot building at 9520 Baltimore Ave.—the one with seven pastel and striped grand pianos in the third-story display window—has sat largely vacant since the Piano Man Su-

perstore closed in late 2024.

Wilson described the site as a well-known landmark. "When I say Piano Man, people know the building," he said.

Built in 1957, the property was once the flagship location for Jordan Kitt’s Music, which opened in College Park in 1974 and sold the building to United Investment of VA in 2012 for $2.4 million, according to the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation. That year, Piano Man owner Nick Margaritas, who did not own the building, bought Jordan Kitt’s

Scouts walk 208 miles to summer camp

By ANETTE PEREZ

As most of College Park slept in on Sunday, June 14, scouts of BSA Troop 740 prepared to depart for a walk from the city’s Berwyn neighborhood to Goshen, Virginia, a staggering journey of 208 miles.

About half of the troop’s 30 scouts, ranging in age from 12 to 17, gathered in the parking lot of

Holy Redeemer Church on Berwyn Road at 6:30 a.m. to organize supplies, check gear and say their farewells to family members.

“Troop 740 does a lot of adventurous out-of-the-box things,” Tom Kovarik, parent of scout Lazarus Kovarik, 15, said. “This actually just kind of goes with the territory, and I love that they are attempting big things.”

City joins elite sustainability cohort

By SHARON O’MALLEY

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The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has selected College Park as one of 17 local governments across the country to join a highly competitive sustainability initiative called the 2026 LEED for Cities Certification Cohort.

The designation is a major step toward earning LEED for Cities status, which is based on an audit of how sustainable the city is when it comes to energy and water efficiency, emissions, transportation, waste and quality of life.

Approximately 120 local jurisdictions nationwide have earned LEED for Cities status, including six in Maryland, according to USGBC.

"The City of College Park, if we're successful, will be the first one in Prince George's County to be designated as a LEED city, which is big news," Deputy City Manager Michelle Bailey Hedgepeth said at a June 2 College Park City Council meeting.

LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the world’s most widely used green rating system, known for scoring individual commercial and residential buildings on their energy efficiency, water use and environmental footprint.

College Park is home to multiple buildings with LEED designations, including City Hall and The Hotel at the University of Maryland. The University of Maryland (UMD) campus also has a concentration of LEED-certified buildings, largely because of a 2008 state law requiring all new major university buildings to meet green standards.

The LEED for Cities program is different. Instead of rating the environmental

virtues of buildings, it considers the sustainability of an entire jurisdiction.

Local governments that carry the label can leverage it by branding their cities as green or sustainable, which could attract businesses and visitors, according to USGBC.

According to USGBC, the program is designed to help local leaders "set goals, collect data and validate performance against sustainability and quality-of-life metrics using the LEED for Cities rating system."

College Park senior planner Carlos Nunes said the municipality’s application to become a LEED-certified city is an effort “to recognize our commitment to safeguarding the environment.”

As part of the 2026 cohort, College Park qualifies for technical support and discounts on fees and becomes part of a network of like-minded city officials across the country.

"Local governments are a driving force behind creating more sustainable, healthier communities for all residents," Peter Templeton, president and CEO of USGBC, said in a statement.

"These forward-thinking municipalities are setting ambitious goals, measuring their progress and demonstrating leadership in improving community health, efficiency, resilience and livability," Templeton added. "The 2026 cohort represents a diverse set of cities united in their commitment to creating a better future."

College Park is initially targeting a silver-level certification; levels range from bronze to platinum. Nunes noted the target is ambitious but achievable, adding that the city could eventually "up the ante up to gold."

energy-efficient

earned a gold LEED designation when it opened in 2021. Now,

is working toward a jurisdiction-wide rating that measures sustainability of energy, water and even quality of life.

The project, which is in the data-collection phase and could take up to two years, involves city staff with expertise in planning, engineering and public works, along with UMD sustainability staff, Nunes said.

Council members expressed pride in the achievement, noting that local discussions about pushing for LEED standards date back more than a decade.

"We've been talking about this since 2013 and this is truly tonight [a] reason to celebrate," Councilmember Denise Mitchell (District 4) said.

City Manager Kenny Young said the data gathered during the LEED application process will help the council as it begins work on a five-year strategic plan.

"Those are some of the things that we're going to be looking at, and how can we align those with the different committees that we have, the initiatives that we have," Young said.

Seniors discuss fall prevention strategies

By DYLAN SCHMIDT

One in four senior citizens—those 65 and older—fall every year, often in their own homes, a trauma prevention expert told a group of approximately 20 College Park residents on June 3.

But J.J. Current, a trauma prevention and outreach coordinator at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, said seniors can be proactive about preventing falls and the injuries they cause.

“The big issue that we worry about is head injury,” Current said. “When you have a fall, broken bones are not such a big deal. But with trauma-related deaths with falls, 65% of the time it's involving a head injury.”

The College Park Senior Advisory Committee hosted the gathering at the College Park Woods Community Center to kick off its fall prevention campaign, which included four events in June. The group distributed a fall prevention kit with double-sided rug tape, non-slip bathtub treads, motion sensor night lights and a pamphlet from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on how to guard against falls.

Residents can pick up kits at College Park Youth & Family Services, located at 4912 Nantucket Road.

The advisory committee is also promoting a city program that offers seniors a $150 rebate for the purchase or installation of grab bars at home.

Heidi Weber, a member of the advisory committee that organized the June 3 event, said the committee hosted four get-togethers in June and has others planned for the future.

Current said poor nutrition, medication side effects, and vision or hearing problems are some of the leading causes of falls.

“You need good muscle strength, good nutrition to help you reduce your risk for falls,” Current said. “If you don't have good fuel, that increases your risk for other things like diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Those all contribute to the possibility of you having a fall.”

Home safety is important for people of all ages, said Current, who noted that common household items, such as area rugs, loose wires and clutter are tripping hazards.

“That's really a big thing for all of us; don't keep things on the stairs,” Current said. “People like to pile things along the steps. … You [can] slide down on roller skates [if someone leaves them on the stairs] all the way down to the bottom. When you have

those [extension] cords, you don't want to have [them] across the room.”

Even routine activities like showering can lead to falls, said Current, who advised the use of grab bars in the bathroom and railings on both sides of staircases.

“My mom actually had a fall that broke her neck, and I just knew from their friend group how many times people fall at their homes,” Weber said after Current’s presentation. “What are actually very simple falls, the damage is much greater the older you get.”

To prevent falls, seniors can add safety devices to their homes, like good lighting in hallways, double-sided tape under area rugs, non-slip bathtub treads, motion-sensor lighting and nightlights, Current said.

But adding safety devices around the house isn’t the only way to prevent falls, Current said.

Current recommended that seniors do approximately 150 minutes of flexibility and strength exercises a week, which increase a body’s range of motion.

Weber agreed.

“There's a lot more ways out there to help people prevent falls than there were before,” Weber said.

García wins Democratic primary for District 1 county council seat

By SHARON O’MALLEY

Beltsville resident Michelle García on June 23 won the Democratic primary election for Prince George’s County Council District 1, which represents the northern third of College Park. Because no Republican candidates ran in the primary, García will have no opposition during the November general election unless an Independent or writein candidate runs against her. García is expected to replace outgoing Councilmember Tom Dernoga, who did not run for re-election, in December.

Dernoga was unable to run because councilmembers are limited to two consecutive fouryear terms at a time. He served from 2002 to 2010, sat out for eight years, and was elected again in 2018 and 2022.

García defeated former Laurel City Councilmember Martin Mitchell and political newcomer Darwin Romero. García amassed 67.28% of the votes, a total of 5,479 ballots, according to an updated tally on June 27 by the Maryland State Board of Elections. Mitchell finished the race with 29.76% of the votes, or 2,423, and Romero gained 2.96%, or 241.

“I plan to be a voice on the council for those who sometimes may feel voiceless,” García, the daughter of an immigrant father, said during her Election Night party. “And I say that first and foremost because I will be carrying that with me every day I will be sitting on the dais.”

District 1 covers Adelphi, Beltsville, Calverton, North College Park, Laurel, Montpelier, South Laurel, Vansville and West Laurel. The rest of College Park is in District 3 and is represented by County Council Vice Chair Eric Olson, who ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. No Republicans ran in the primary.

García has worked as Dernoga’s chief of staff since 2018, overseeing the day-to-day activities of his office and coordinating legislative initiatives and constituent services. Before that, she served as chief of staff to Joseline Peña-Melnyk before the District 21 delegate became speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates in December 2025.

García campaigned for Attorney General Anthony Brown when he ran for governor and for U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin when he sought re-election. She also

served as a community liaison for state Sen. Jim Rosapepe (District 21) and was the first executive director of the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. In addition, García was elected twice to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee and served from 2018 to 2025.

García is enrolled in the county’s public campaign financing program and has vowed to accept no money from lobbyists or special interests.

“This is a publicly funded campaign,” García said during her victory speech. “We have a

lot to be proud of. We are trailblazing here.”

Other apparent county winners are returning Councilmembers Jolene Ivey of Chever

ly and Sydney Harrison of Upper Marlboro, who finished in first and second place among eight candidates to fill two at-large seats on the council.

No Republican candidates ran for the at-large seats.

County Executive Aisha Braveboy won a landslide victory over four Democratic opponents. Although no Republicans ran for county executive in the primary, The Banner has reported that attorney Tonya Sweat has said she will run against Braveboy as an Independent in November. Independent candidates are not included in the primaries and have until July 6 to register their intention to run. Financial disclosures and other official paperwork are due on Aug. 3.

WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN BECAUSE SOMEONE DRINKS TOO MUCH

COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY CALENDAR JULY

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 July 1-31. 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 Aug. 1-31 to jalen@streetcarsuburbs.news by July 20.

JULY 1

ARTiculate Narratives. An exhibition featuring 18 artists based throughout Kenya. Free. Adele H Stamp Student Union (3972 Campus Dr.).

Seniors Committee Virtual Meeting. 7-9 pm. Held on Zoom at https://zoom. us/j/98633484511.

JULY 2

Homeschoolers Paper Mache Workshops. In this self-paced art workshop, students will design and build their own custom paper mache using an open studio approach. $50. 10 a.m.-noon. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.).

United in Harmony: 250 Years of Independence Concert. Experience an unforgettable night with diverse artists creating a symphony that celebrates our shared journey and strength. Free. 7:30-10 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.).

YFS Seniors Events. Join fellow seniors for socializing, light refreshments and community games. Free. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. College Park Woods Clubhouse (3545 Marlbrough Way). To RSVP, call 240-487-3614. Senior events repeat every Thursday.

JULY 8

College Park Community Library Book Club. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month, 7-8:30 p.m., at the Church of the Nazarene (9704 Rhode Island Ave.). Church of the Nazarene, lower level. July 8: “The Measure: A Novel” by Nikki Erlick. Aug. 12: “Station Eleven: A Novel” by Emily St. John Mandel.

JULY 10

Friday Night Live! College Park’s summer music series. Free parking at the downtown College Park parking garage. This Friday's band is Thunderball.

6:30-8:30 p.m. City Hall Plaza (7401 Baltimore Ave.).

Teen Summer Shakespeare Intensive: Much Ado About

Nothing. The program runs with the support of the College Park Arts Exchange and is intended as a learning-through-experience opportunity for teenage actors and technicians who will work to put together a fully staged production. Free. 2 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.).

JULY 11

Tuskegee Airmen Take to the Skies: Living History Tour. Led by a military historian clad in World War II period attire, discover the stories of the 992 Tuskegee Airmen who earned their “silver wings.” $5 for children and $10 for adults. 11-11:45 a.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.).

2026 Miss Collegiate USA

Pageant. An unforgettable afternoon as outstanding young women from across the nation compete for the prestigious titles of Miss High School USA, Miss Collegiate USA, Ms. Collegiate USA and Mrs. Collegiate USA. $30. 12 p.m. The Clarice Performing Arts Center (8270 Alumni Dr.). For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2kbfpwe8.

JULY 13-17

Soarin’ Into Summer. In this summer camp, campers will dive into a new aviation theme each day through hands-on STEM

activities, outdoor adventures and exciting experiments. $125 for residents, $141 for nonresidents. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.). For more information visit https:// tinyurl.com/2atfbuf2.

JULY 18

Elderberry Syrup 101. Learn all about the benefits and process of making elderberry syrup. $33. Noon-1 p.m. Smile Herb Shop (4908 Berwyn Rd.).

JULY 21

Book Club on Zoom. Book club with a focus on female writers. This month’s book is “Valiant Women: The extraordinary American servicewomen who helped win World War II,” by Lena Andrews. Free. 7-8 p.m. College Park Community Library (9704 Rhode Island Ave.).

Bilingual Cub Corner. Come for a bilingual (English and Spanish) reading of “Going on a Plane” by Anna Civardi, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright. 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.).

JULY 23

Neighborhood Game Night. Join your neighbors for lawn games, music, crafts, challenges,

prizes and more. Free. 6-8 p.m. Hollywood Neighborhood Park (9723 53rd Ave.).

JULY 24

Creative Writing Workshop. Learn practical strategies to enhance creative writing. $10. 6:30-8 p.m. Old Parish House (4711 Knox Rd.).

JULY 25

College Park Aviation Museum: Runway Rhythms. Pack a picnic, spread out on a blanket or lawn chair, and enjoy great tunes and snappy beats. $2 to $5. Free for children 2 and under. Noon to 1 p.m. (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.).

STEAM Hour. This interactive program allows visitors to design and build their own creations. Free. 10:30-11:30 a.m. College Park Aviation Museum (1985 Corporal Frank Scott Dr.).

UMD Summer Chorus Concert

The UMD Summer Chorus returns with a program entitled "America 250: The Promise of Living" highlighting works by prominent American composers. Free. 8 p.m. The Clarice Performing Arts Center (8270 Alumni Dr.).

JULY 27

Age Friendly Workgroup Meeting. Meeting for group to assist College Park seniors. 1-3 p.m. Meetings held virtually at https://zoom.us/j/94380667412.

JULY 28

Restorative Justice Commission Virtual Meeting. 6-8 p.m. Held virtually at https://zoom. us/j/95208594693.

2 College Park restaurants close back-to-back

By JALEN WADE

Fourteen months after it opened in the Cambria Hotel, PrimeTime College Park, a steakhouse, closed on May 31 in what one official called “a monster loss” for the city. PrimeTime was the second restaurant to close in May, after Szechuan-style eatery Peter Chang Kitchen & Bar shut down on May 18, nine months after it opened. The restaurants were located two blocks apart on Baltimore Avenue.

Michael Williams, the city's economic development director, said PrimeTime wasn’t generating enough income to stay open. A representative of the restaurant chain declined to comment for this article.

A sign posted on the front door of the now-vacant Peter Chang location explained its closing: “Unfortunately, due to increasingly rising high cost of this lo-

cation, combined with other factors, we have no choice but to close down this location.”

“It's a big piece of hospitality,” Williams said. “But at the same time it's hard to kind of want to see someone carry on the struggle, because you got your workers, and you see them start cutting back the hours of employees, and they're affected that way. So [I] just hate to see them leave.”

Williams said neither restaurant notified the city before clos-

Attick Towers gets $3M federal grant

By JALEN WADE

Three U.S. lawmakers presented the Housing Authority of the City of College Park with $3.15 million on June 8 to help renovate Attick Towers, a 54-year-old federally subsidized apartment building for low-income seniors and tenants with disabilities.

The renovations, which began in 2023, are expected to cost approximately $16 million.

During her introduction of the visiting lawmakers, Housing Authority CEO Michelle Johnson grew emotional, at times stifling tears.

“It warms my heart,” Johnson said. “We work every day and we see our residents every single day here, and we see what they deserve, and what the building deserves, and the future people that live in it. We understand what they deserve, and under my watch, I want to make it happen.”

The 108-unit public housing building, located across the street from the Branchville Volunteer Fire Department, is slated for a new roof, boiler and fencing, and upgrades to building generators.

In addition, resident rooms and common areas are being updated to comply with federal accessibility standards for seniors and disabled tenants.

Johnson said the repairs have been needed for years.

“This money is going to assist us with repairs that, if this money wasn't given to us, we wouldn't be able to do,” Johnson said.

The Housing Authority previ-

ously received $750,000 in funding from the pandemic-era American Rescue Plan Act through the City of College Park.

Previous renovations included replacing more than 170 heating and air conditioning units and modernizing the elevators and piping.

The June 8 allocation is part of a $7.26 million congressionally directed fund acquired by U.S. Sens.

ing, noting he had heard rumblings that PrimeTime was not doing well. Williams estimated the owner of PrimeTime, the George Martin Group, had spent approximately $1 million to renovate the space before moving in.

Williams said some businesses in the northern part of the city, where the two restaurants were located, face challenges with parking and a lack of foot traffic.

“I wouldn't call it a bad area,” Williams said, noting that park-

Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. Glenn Ivey (Md.-District 4) for youth programs, housing projects and nonprofits countywide.

Ivey and Alsobrooks live in Prince George’s County.

Other stops on their day-long tour included the Latin American Youth Center in Riverdale, which got $1.5 million; The Ivy Community Charities of Prince George’s County in Suitland, which received $2 million; and William Beanes Elementary School, also in Suitland,

ing was not the primary reason why the restaurants closed.

“We're in a real serious downturn in our regional economy,” he said. “I mean, College Park is going to survive, but even we've had some people being laid off in the federal government. … I just think that the discretionary spending amongst our university employees, amongst our students, and most of all amongst our residents, has tightened.”

Williams said the economy is a challenge for all restaurants and requires sit-down, white-tablecloth eateries to “be exceptional, from … pulling up, the parking accessibility, the menu, the service and the overall experience now has got to be … five-star level to maintain a customer base and to create a repeat customer.”

Still, Williams noted that College Park is “a great place to do business. We'll make it as easy as possible to build and then to help

which accepted $610,000.

Van Hollen, who lives in Kensington, called Attick Towers a “worthwhile project.”

“We have hundreds of seniors here who we need to ensure live in dignity,” Van Hollen told College Park Here & Now after the event.

“We have an affordable housing crisis in Maryland and the country, and that means everybody, but especially people on fixed incomes, have a real challenge in making sure they have a place to call home, and so we want to

the businesses get started, and then it's got to be just an all-out first-class experience.”

He said the rate of restaurant closures in nearby Washington is far higher than in College Park. In fact, the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington has estimated that the District lost an average of seven to eight restaurants a month in 2025.

PrimeTime, part of a five-restaurant chain including Grillfire and Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar, both in Hanover, Maryland, served American cuisine, including steaks and burgers, seafood, salads and more.

Award-winning chef Peter Chang owns 18 restaurants across the East Coast, including one in Baltimore, and closed and later reopened his Charlottesville restaurant.

The College Park location filled a vacancy left by MeatUP Korean Barbecue & Bar.

make sure that we renovate this facility.”

Alsobrooks said it was a “joy” to be in College Park to invest in the city's affordable housing.

College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir, City Councilmember Kelly Jordan (District 2), Maryland Sen. Jim Rosapepe (District 21) and Prince George’s County Councilmember Eric Olson (District 3) also attended the event.

Jordan said the grant will help Attick Towers “in tremendous ways.”

Paint Branch Chinese immersion to continue

By SHARON O’MALLEY

In a reversal of an earlier decision, the Prince George’s County school superintendent announced on June 4 that the Chinese immersion programs at Paint Branch Elementary School in College Park, Greenbelt Middle School and Largo High School will continue with full funding for another year.

Earlier this year, the county proposed to close the all-student immersion program at Paint Branch, which costs approximately $1.2 million a year to operate with 12 to 15 bilingual teachers and a dedicated dean. In addition, county officials said they intended to phase out the smaller programs at Greenbelt Middle and Largo High by denying admission to new sixth- and ninth-graders but allowing students already enrolled to continue in immersion until they graduated.

“I’m celebrating today,” Paint Branch PTA member Alexandra “Sasha” Tyukavina said. “There was so much concern. … This year, we’re taking the win because it’s been such a long and uncertain process.”

The turnabout took Paint

Branch’s principal, faculty and parents by surprise after they had orchestrated a way to keep half of the school’s students on a schedule in which they learned Mandarin, math and science from a teacher who conducted the classes in Chinese, and English, social studies and health in English.

Paint Branch Principal Emmett Hendershot said he did not expect the about-face from the county, but noted, “At this point, nothing really surprises me. Throughout the whole process, anything could happen and I was prepared to make it kind of happen with whatever decision was made.”

In fact, Hendershot and his staff, believing the county had canceled the school’s immersion curriculum, had devised a strategy to make immersion—now required for all students from kindergarten through fifth grade—optional and would lower enrollment in the program to approximately half of the school’s 500 pupils.

Under that plan, which Hendershot announced in April, parents could opt into the program through a lottery until the designated seats were filled.

Parents who chose to opt out

of immersion for their children would have been able to do so.

Then, in a message to parents and school administrators on June 4—three days after County Executive Aisha Braveboy announced the appointment of Shawn Joseph as permanent superintendent, Joseph said administrators had found a way to pay for the immersion tracks by “strategically realigning funds across our planned AI, professional development and innovation work,” according to a statement released by Prince George’s County Public Schools.

“We have found a way to bridge the gap,” the statement continued. “Thanks to system-wide efficiency efforts already underway, the district will still move forward with key technology and innovation priorities while fully preserving language immersion programs.”

Board of Education member Jonathan Briggs, whose district includes College Park, said he was unaware of Joseph’s decision until he received the June 4 statement.

“This is great news,” he said. “This is exactly what everybody wants to hear, but it’s also surprising because we didn’t have

the money at one point, and now we do have the money but it’s not coming from additional funding from the [Prince George’s] County Council.”

The council approved a $2.97 billion budget for public schools that did not include an additional $50 million requested by the superintendent and board. That extra allocation would have partially funded immersion programs.

Hendershot credited Paint Branch parents and community members who aggressively advocated for the continuation of the school’s immersion program.

“It certainly brought attention to the issue and it certainly made our parents’ voices be heard,” Hendershot said, adding that many city, county and state offi-

cials supported the program. Those advocates also pressed for the Greenbelt Middle School and Largo High School programs to continue. Paint Branch graduates may choose to transfer to Greenbelt Middle’s Chinese immersion program, and Greenbelt graduates may transfer to Largo High’s track.

Tyukavina said parents and other advocates are prepared to start a campaign for permanent funding.

“The programs are at least preserved for the next year,” Tyukavina said, noting, “I hope it’s not a fire drill next year. [We’re going to] reach out to the school board proactively. … We’re happy to be involved in any further conversations.”

Lake has layered history

By CAIT HEIDERMAN

Lake Artemesia has a storied history. Like all lakes in Maryland, this one is man-made.

It all started in the mid-1800s, when a deep pit was left behind by workers digging for stone while constructing tracks for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad’s Washington Branch. The unsightly quarry caught the attention of Edwin A. Newman, a Washington-based real estate developer who saw the surrounding land as an opportunity.

Newman set out to turn the area into an exclusive resort-style suburban community called Lakeland. He turned the extraction pit into a seven-acre lake, which he named after his wife, Clara Artemesia Newman. The lake, stocked with pleasure boats and black bass, aimed to attract Washingtonians to Lakeland, which Newman marketed as a comfortable neighborhood near convenient transportation.

Newman’s resort dream did not pan out the way he had hoped, but part of the original lake found a second life as a goldfish farm.

In the early 1900s, Henry Bishop’s Baltimore Gold Fish Co. leased the space and began breeding goldfish and some rare species in nearby ponds and in Lake Artemesia. The location of the railroad made it easy to ship fish all across the country, helping Bishop grow his company and earning him the nickname “Gold Fish King.”

“The original land was comprised of a few ponds,” Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Park Ranger Ben Sweet said.

In 1914, the federal Bureau of Fisheries leased Bishop’s ponds to raise bass and other freshwater sport fish, according to The Washington Post. The operation had become so successful that the federal government considered purchasing the land to expand its fish-breeding venture, with Herbert Hoover, then U.S. secretary of commerce, inspecting the operation in person. That transaction never took place.

Today, College Park locals can see that era memorialized on the mural “The Last Goldfish” on Baltimore Avenue on the side of the strip where Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is located.

By the early 1900s, Lakeland had evolved into a thriving community of Black families. However, the community was undermined when a federal urban renewal plan demolished family homes in the 1960s and ’70s, displacing 104 of 150 households and replacing the neighborhood’s unique character with a mix of subsidized townhouses, student apartments and senior

housing.

The modern Lake Artemesia began as an effort between Newman’s daughter and the M-NCPPC.

“It was land that Artemesia N. Drefs had inherited from her father,” Sweet said.

In 1972, Drefs donated six acres of her family land to the M-NCPPC for a recreational area for the surrounding community.

“It was designed to create a connection between the different communities,” Sweet said.

In the late 1980s, when the Metro line was being constructed, builders excavated sand and gravel from Lake Artemesia to build the rail bed for the College ParkUniversity of Maryland and Greenbelt stations. In return for the construction materials, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority constructed a 38-acre lake and 87-plus-acre natural site just east of the original Lake Artemesia.

In 2025, M-NCPPC changed the park’s name to Lake Artemesia Natural Area at Lakeland, which Lakeland residents proposed and the College Park City Council supported.

Beyond its beauty and complicated history, the area has drawn unwanted attention five times since 2017, when bodies were discovered in the wooded areas around the bike and walking trails.

Most recently, a 2025 investigation led to the discovery of the remains of a missing 14-year-old from the District in November. Police described the death as gang related.

ARTEMESIA

FROM PAGE 1

lies and individuals that want to come out and spend some time at the lake.”

Anglers 16 and older must purchase a nontidal/freshwater fishing license through DNR and may take up to five trout home each day. Younger children do not need a license.

“The park rangers are really big into education, so we're always going around talking to people about the environment and why it's important,” Sweet said.

The lake is a habitat for wildlife, including osprey and wood ducks. Prince George’s Audubon Society and Patuxent Bird Club organize bird walks at the lake twice a month.

“It's just a beautiful sight to see new habitat and new life at Lake Artemesia,” Sweet said.

Two major rules apply: Swimming and private boats are not allowed in the lake.

“A lot of people are not aware that Lake Artemesia has some very deep areas … that could be up to 30 [feet] or deeper,” Sweet said. “We have to make sure that we do not allow anyone to go on the lake, especially when the lake has ice on it.”

Visitors can rent kayaks at the lake by downloading an app called Rent.Fun and using it to unlock a locker containing a hard plastic kayak, paddles and life jacket. Two-hour rentals, costing $25, are available during summer from sunup to sundown for visitors age 13 and up.

“It's nice to have a place like this accessible near campus,” University of Maryland student Nicholas Dunford said. “It's just a great place to walk through the woods, get some sun, get some exercise, and you get to see a beautiful lake.”

SCOUTS

The walk finished at the Goshen Scout Reservation, where the group is attending Camp Olmsted for a week, earning merit badges for skills like welding, nuclear science and sewing, and participating in educational programs.

The scouts’ parents will arrange transportation back home after the camp concludes on July 4. A few will leave early to participate in the 250th anniversary parade in the District.

“One of the things that we try to do with Boy Scouts is to get kids out and make them understand what they can do, what's possible,” Assistant Scoutmaster Chris Gordon said. “And so this is just one of those things where they'll be able to brag to their friends, ‘Yeah, I walked 200 miles to camp this year,’ and it's not so much the bragging rights, but it’s the internal knowing that you can do these things.”

The trek took approximately two weeks, with scouts covering roughly 15 miles each day. On the

PIANO MAN

inventory and moved in under the name Piano Man Superstore.

In 2016, Margaritas announced he wanted to close the location because demand for expensive pianos had dried up, at least in College Park. Margaritas later told

first day of the interstate hike, the troop made its way to downtown Washington, where a boat picked them up for a ride across the Potomac River.

One day of the journey exceeded 20 miles, allowing participants to satisfy a requirement for the Hiking Merit Badge.

Another day was shorter, about 10 miles, because it involved a steep crossing of the Appalachian Mountains. Throughout the journey, the group hiked primarily along sidewalks and lightly traveled roads.

“We’re heading west,” Gordon said as the troop took off from College Park. “The first night is in Alexandria, the second night is

The Diamondback that he couldn’t move to a smaller showroom until he sold most of his inventory.

The store finally shuttered in late 2024. A church called Iglesia Mahanaim currently leases part of the building’s second floor, Wilson confirmed.

Piano Man Superstore maintains another, smaller shop in Ca-

in Lorton, and it goes to Catlett, Remington, Culpeper, Pratts and then we start getting into little teeny areas out in the middle of nowhere.”

Along the route, troop members spent some nights camping and others sleeping at churches that offered shelter and access to restrooms. Gordon noted that support has been unwavering; even a local Crab Shack offered housing for a night.

The scouts, who voluntarily signed up for the adventure, were accompanied by at least two adults at all times, including the troop’s Scoutmaster Loren LaVoy and Gordon. Parents also were present some days and replen-

tonsville.

In October, United Investment of VA put the building, which the state has assessed at $3.7 million, up for sale for $6 million. In February, the company transferred ownership to one of its officers, Abdul Raouf Rahimi, who, in turn, transferred it to a limited liability company called 9520 Balt Ave LLC, where Rahimi is the sole member, according to Prince George’s County Circuit Court records.

Wilson said he has had some inquiries from potential tenants, but none “that ownership felt took full advantage of the unique characteristics of the property.”

He told College Park Here & Now that the owner has shifted his focus from a possible sale to finding a long-term tenant.

The building sits within a federal Opportunity Zone, a designation created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to encourage private investment in economically dis-

ished food, water and gear.

The idea for the long walk began during a troop meeting when Gordon casually suggested walking to summer camp. While some scouts immediately embraced the challenge and others questioned the idea, the concept quickly gained momentum and evolved into a major troop undertaking, Gordon said.

“My first reaction was, ‘That sounds awesome,’ and then I started to think about the logistics, but the whole time I was excited to go and very intrigued by this opportunity,” said Nathanael Jordon, 16, the troop’s senior patrol leader.

As the first trip of its kind for the troop, which was chartered in 1955, preparation for this trip began months in advance. The scouts trained through camping, multi-day backpacking adventures and a five-day kayaking trip on the Patuxent River.

“I’ve been in scouting for a while, so I know what I need to do,” scout Liam Prikockis said about preparing for the trip. “But I also watched tons of things on hiking, and there's a lot of good videos on

tressed communities. Investors who invest in property within an Opportunity Zone and hold that investment for at least 10 years pay no federal capital gains taxes on any appreciation from the investment.

The property also sits directly in the path of the next two planned phases of Route 1 reconstruction.

The state has approved the design phase of a project that would extend improvements along Baltimore Avenue from MD 193 in College Park north to Sunnyside Avenue in Beltsville—the exact stretch where the building stands.

A previous phase of Route 1 reconstruction, which ran from College Avenue north to MD 193, was completed in November 2024 at a cost of $56.9 million.

City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) said those factors make coordinated development planning important. He said the council is looking to work with private owners, intergovernmen-

backpacking, so I kind of followed that. And I did a lot of walking.” To pay for the outing, the troop raised $4,500 through the fundraising site Zeffy, leaving the group just $500 shy of their goal. The donations went toward food, campground fees and other trip expenses, allowing families to avoid out-of-pocket costs.

With the support of adults, the scouts were prepared to respond to medical emergencies, according to Kovarik, who noted that all scouts are trained in first aid. Gordon said the troop also carried a rickshaw-style cart capable of transporting injured participants.

The parents of scouts said they are proud of their children and expressed confidence in the troop, its leaders and the scouts themselves. But they pointed to medical emergencies and walking close to traffic as concerns.

“This is one of those experiences you have when you’re little that you’ll remember long into your life,” Sarah Michailof, parent of scout Lucas Michailof, 17, said. “And it will be a source of strength and pride.”

tal partners and the University of Maryland, given the site's proximity to the school.

The council’s reaction to Wilson’s April 21 announcement was immediate. Councilmember Denise Mitchell (District 4) said she had waited years for this moment.

"As long as I've been on council … we've been trying to find someone," Mitchell said. "We would love to partner with you."

Mitchell said she hopes future proposals include sit-down restaurants and neighborhood amenities.

"The opportunities for us to do something different than the norm is fantastic," she said. "And hopefully they will bring some proposals that have some whitecloth dining, or some casual dining and some other amenities, like a bookstore. Many residents are always looking for a bookstore or a coffee store … they can go to [that] has easy access coming in and off of Route 1."

Mitchell said she would like to see a citywide survey to gauge what residents want at the site.

"I think this is where you do get a groundswell of engagement by doing that," she said.

Hernandez, whose district includes the property, said a community meeting with the building’s owner is planned.

"Our goal here is to make sure that whatever it's used for helps benefit residents and surrounding neighbors," Hernandez said. Wilson said the owner is “very open and looking forward to a collaborative solution."

COLLEGE PARK POST

Duvall Field Phase II Nears Completion

The City’s largest recreational space prepares to welcome the community

After fifteen months of construction, Duvall Field Phase II, the City of College Park’s largest recreational space, is nearing completion. Spearheaded by the City’s Planning and Community Development Department, the project has reached several significant milestones and is entering its final stages.

Residents got their first glimpse of the park coming to life on June 10, when the bandshell and amphitheater plaza lighting was illuminated for the first time since groundbreaking. The project has also expanded pedestrian access

with new perimeter sidewalks, several of which are already open to the public. Along 50th Place, a new five-foot-wide sidewalk has been completed, while Blackfoot Place now features a four-footwide permeable pathway.

The City’s commitment to environmental stewardship has remained a priority throughout construction. In late May, mature trees surrounding the park received BioPak soil injections to support root health and aid recovery from constructionrelated impacts. Between March and June, more than 100 new trees

and shrubs were also planted throughout the site, adding to the park’s natural landscape and longterm sustainability.

Construction activities are now focused on quality control, cleanup, and completion of the remaining work, including the amphitheater, fencing, and final utility connections. The bandshell structure is complete, with interior systems currently being installed. Audio-visual equipment and CCTV infrastructure are scheduled for installation in the coming weeks. Landscaping operations will continue over the

next several months in tandem with final inspections and punch list activities as construction concludes. Substantial completion is anticipated in late June, with final site cleanup extending through July.

The City is planning a public ribbon-cutting ceremony for the evening of Friday, July 31, to celebrate this significant milestone and welcome residents to the newly transformed community space. For additional event details, updates, and announcements, visit collegeparkmd.gov/duvallfield.

Celebrate a Safe and Fun Fourth of July

Safe and fun ways to celebrate the holiday

The Fourth of July is a time for gathering with family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate with food, activities, and summer traditions. Whether you are enjoying a backyard barbecue, attending a community event, or spending time outdoors, taking simple steps to celebrate safely can help make the holiday enjoyable and memorable for everyone.

While fireworks are a familiar part of many Fourth of July celebrations, it is important to remember that personal fireworks can pose serious safety risks, including burns, injuries, fires, and poor air quality caused by smoke and harmful particles. Fireworks can also be especially stressful for pets and wildlife, causing fear, anxiety, and disorientation that may affect animals long after the celebrations have ended

During dry weather conditions, fireworks may increase the risk of accidental fires in neighborhoods, parks, and natural areas. Smoke from fireworks can also impact air quality, which may create challenges for individuals with asthma, COPD, or other respiratory conditions. Being aware of these impacts can help residents make informed choices when planning their holiday celebrations.

FY27 BUDGET IN BRIEF

The FY27 budget funds the essential city services and programs residents rely on every day.

The CIP funds capital projects that benefit residents like parks, sidewalks, roads and more.

The City has the lowest property tax rates in the County and has not increased them for the past three years.

Exceeds the City's 25% Charter reserve requirement, supporting fiscal stability and a strong bond rating.

The Fiscal Year 2027 Budget serves as the City’s financial plan for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, funding the services, programs, and investments that support the College Park community.

Fortunately, there are many exciting and creative ways to enjoy Independence Day without using personal fireworks. Families can host a patriotic picnic or barbecue, organize a neighborhood bike decorating activity or parade, enjoy outdoor games, listen to music, watch a movie under the stars, or create red, white, and blue arts and crafts together. These activities provide opportunities to create meaningful memories while bringing neighbors, friends, and families together.

The FY27 Budget reflects our commitment to fiscal stability, essential services, and making College Park a thriving place to work, learn and play.

other creative games can be a fun option for children and families.

To learn more about these programs and services, view the full adopted budget at collegeparkmd.gov/budget.

This Fourth of July, choose activities that bring people together while helping protect the health and safety of your family, pets, neighbors, and the environment. By celebrating thoughtfully and considering the well-being of the entire community, residents can enjoy a memorable holiday while helping keep College Park safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.

Taste of College Park

Explore local restaurants and discover new favorites

As the evening begins, glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark games, lightup toys, and other illuminated activities can bring the same festive excitement without the dangers of sparklers, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A glowthemed activity station with glow sticks, glow-in-the-dark chalk, or

Brought to you by the City of College Park Department of Public Works. Firework safety information is adapted from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For more information, visit cpsc.gov/ fireworks or contact Public Works at 240-487-3590 or publicworks@ collegeparkmd.gov.

Taste of College Park returns July 17–26, inviting residents and visitors to support local restaurants throughout the City. Participating businesses will offer featured menu items and special promotions during this citywide event. Whether you’re trying a new restaurant or revisiting a favorite, Taste of College Park is a great way to enjoy local dining while supporting College Park businesses.

For participating restaurants and special offers, visit www. collegepark.life.

SUPPORTING RESIDENTS

• Increased funding for the New Neighbors Homeownership Grant Program.

• Emergency assistance grants for eligible residents facing financial hardship.

• Expanded Spanish-language City communications to reach more residents.

Funding for community groups that support neighborhood initiatives and projects.

PUBLIC SAFETY

• Increased funding for contract police services.

• Public safety study to identify future needs and priorities.

Expansion of the City’s CCTV camera network.

• Parking study to evaluate parking needs and challenges.

New Trail clearing and snow removal equipment.

• Funding to support local fire departments.

NEIGHBORHOOD IMPROVEMENTS

• Increased pedestrian mobility through sidewalk and ADA accessibility improvements.

• Investments in parks and public spaces throughout the City.

• Additional bike racks throughout the City.

• Expanded sustainability initiatives through participation in LEED for Cities program.

• Streetscape and neighborhood beautification projects.

Housing Project Manager Recreation Coordinator Emergency Support Specialist

Advances housing policies and programs.

Manages recreation programs at City facilities.

Connects residents with emergency assistance.

SUPPORTING BUSINESSES

• Funding to support business retention, expansion, and attraction efforts.

• Grants to help businesses improve storefront facades and commercial properties.

• Continued investment in the City’s vibrant commercial districts. Biannual restaurant week, "Taste of College Park".

Engineer Technician / GIS Analyst

Supports infrastructure and engineering projects for the city.

Part-Time Bus Driver Expands transportation services for College Park Seniors.

The FY27 budget invests in additional staff to meet increasing service demands, expand programs, and support community priorities. These positions will help the City meet the needs of a growing community, improve infrastructure, support residents experiencing hardship, and enhance quality of life.

their homes and have them collected through a weekly curbside service every Tuesday. Compostable bags are provided, and there is no additional fee to participate. The program is voluntary and available to City residents who currently receive curbside trash and recycling services.

By participating in the Food Scrap Collection Program, residents can help reduce the amount of food waste sent to landfills and give food scraps a second life through composting. The program offers an easy way for households to make use of everyday food scraps while supporting cleaner and greener practices in the community.

Residents interested in joining the program can apply online at collegeparkmd.gov/foodscraps. Take advantage of this limitedtime opportunity and enroll in July to receive your free collection container.

College Park Pollinator Gardens

NORTH COLLEGE PARK COMMUNITY CENTER M

Working with M-NCPPC to create a vibrant community space,

STREET IMPROVEMENTS

Safer, more connected streets with sidewalk and ADA improvements.

Enroll in the Food Scrap Collection Program

Sign up in July and receive a free collection container

The City of College Park is encouraging residents to enroll in the Curbside Food Scrap Collection Program this July. As a special promotion, residents who sign up during the month of July will receive a free food scrap collection container while supplies last.

The program allows residents to recycle food scraps from

Discover the City’s Bee City USA gardens and habitats

The City of College Park supports local pollinator populations by planting and maintaining pollinator-friendly gardens and bee hotels throughout the community. These spaces provide habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that help support healthy ecosystems.

Residents can enjoy pollinator gardens in parks, community spaces, and neighborhoods across the City, including the Old Town Community Garden, Cherokee Pollinator Garden, College Park Permaculture Garden, and others. New spaces, including the Kenesaw Food Forest and Duvall Field Pollinator Garden, continue to support the City’s environmental efforts. An interactive map with locations and photos of pollinator gardens is available online.

Brought to you by the City of College Park Bee City USA Committee. For more information about Bee City USA and local pollinator efforts, visit collegeparkmd.gov.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY MEETING

Monday, July 6, 2026 | Hybrid

The City of College Park invites residents to attend the upcoming Public Safety Community Meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026. The meeting provides an opportunity to learn about public safety programs, hear updates on current initiatives, and discuss issues affecting neighborhoods throughout the community.

Representatives from the City and public safety agencies will be available to share information, answer questions, and listen to resident feedback. Meeting details, including time and participation options, will be available on the City’s website.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CLOSURE NOTICE

All City of College Park offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, 2026, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly for any City services or business that may be affected by the closure.

Special collections for brush and bulky items will only be scheduled during the holiday week by appointment. Residents must schedule a pickup before placing items at the curb. Call 240487-3590 or email publicworks@ collegeparkmd.gov for more information.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! ENCORE

Friday, July 10, 2026 | 6:00–8:30 PM | City Hall (7401 Baltimore Avenue)

Friday Night LIVE! continues its ENCORE season on July 10 with a performance by Thunderball. Bring your friends, family, and neighbors to City Hall for an evening of live music, summer fun, and community connection. Food and beverages will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Activities for all ages will be available, including games and crafts for children, along with free popcorn and slushies. Free parking is available at the Downtown Parking Garage at the corner of Yale Avenue and Knox Road.

City Announcements

More information: www.collegeparkmd.gov

BERWYN COMMUNITY

SITE EXPLORATION WALK

Come explore one of College Park’s unique open spaces and help shape ideas for its future. The City is inviting residents and community members to participate in the Berwyn Community Space Exploration Walk and Survey at 8807 and 8811 Rhode Island Avenue, behind the Trolley Trail Permaculture Garden in College Park.

Scan QR code on-site or visit: www.collegeparkmd.gov/ berwynwalksurvey. Participants begin the survey and fill out the questionnaire as they walk the site.

Deadline to submit feedback is July 10, 2026.

JACK PERRY AWARD NOMINATIONS

The Jack Perry Award was established by the College Park City Council in February 2013 to honor the legacy of Councilman John Edward “Jack” Perry, who served the city for 26 years and was dedicated to community service until his death in 2012. This award recognizes a College Park resident who significantly contributes to civic life by improving public spaces, fostering community, and demonstrating leadership.

Eligible nominees must be at least 18 years old and a registered voter or legal resident of College Park. Nominations are accepted from May 15 to July 15 each year and can be submitted by any resident, neighborhood association, or organization. Nominations should be submitted in writing to the City Clerk for the City of College Park, 7401 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 201, College Park, MD, 20740, or by e-mail to cityclerkoffice@ collegeparkmd.gov.

FREE SUMMER PARKING RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN COLLEGE PARK!

Now through August 22, enjoy: Free parking in the downtown garage after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays Free all-day Saturday parking in the downtown garage

Free parking at downtown meters every Sunday (as always!) The Downtown Garage is located

at the intersection of Yale Ave & Knox Road

DUVALL

FIELD DAY AND RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY

The City of College Park will celebrate the completion of major improvements to Duvall Field with a community Ribbon Cutting and Field Day Celebration on Friday, July 31, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will officially unveil the park’s new amenities, including the bandstand, pickleball courts, bocce court, cornhole area, exercise equipment, basketball court, soccer field, and baseball field. Following a formal ribbon cutting ceremony featuring remarks from elected officials, project partners, and community leaders, residents will be invited to explore the park through a Park Passport Challenge.

To help get our residents excited, we have launched “Share your Duvall Field Story” to collect memories, stories, anecdotes, photos, and more from our residents to then share with our community.

Details for the event and how to share your story are available at www.collegeparkmd.gov/ duvallfield.

NEIGHBORHOOD GAME NIGHT

Thursday, July 23, 2026 | Hollywood Playground (4815 Hollywood Road)

The City of College Park invites residents of all ages to Neighborhood Game Night on Thursday, July 23, at Hollywood Playground. Bring your family and friends for an evening of games, music, crafts, and community fun.

The event will feature lawn games, Minute-to-Win-It challenges, and other family-friendly activities. It’s a great opportunity to meet neighbors and connect with the community. Admission is free, and activities will take place from 6:00–8:00 PM, weather permitting. Residents are encouraged to bring friends and enjoy the evening together.

News You Can Use College Park Seniors

July 2026

SUMMER HEALTH TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS

Summer months are upon us, and many older adults look forward to walks, gardening and outdoor community events. Warm weather can be enjoyable, but it can also bring health risks, especially for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institute on Aging say that people age 65 and older have a higher risk of heat-related illness because the body may not adjust to heat as quickly as it once did. Some longterm health conditions, and certain medications, can also make it harder to stay cool and hydrated. The good news is that a few simple habits can help you enjoy the season more safely.

One of the most important summer health tips is to drink fluids regularly. Do not wait until you feel thirsty. Water is usually the best choice. If your doctor has told you to limit fluids, or if you take water pills, ask how much you should drink during hot weather. When temperatures are very high, stay in airconditioned places as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider spending part of the day at the library, a senior center, a community center, or another cooled public building. Health experts also warn that fans alone may not be enough during extreme heat.

Plan your outdoor activities with temperatures in mind.

Try to go outside in the early morning or later in the evening, when the sun is not as strong. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can add extra protection. For skin safety, use a broadspectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, and reapply it if you stay outside for a long time or if you sweat. If possible, rest often in the shade. Avoid heavy yard work, long walks, or other strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Pay close attention to the warning labels on your medications: some medicines can affect sweating, hydration, or how the body handles heat. If you are unsure, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any of your medicines increase sensitivity to heat or sun.

Learn the warning signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration, such as dizziness, weakness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, confusion, dry mouth, or heavy sweating. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. If someone becomes confused, faints, has a very high body temperature, or stops sweating in extreme heat, call 911 right away. Carry your cell phone with you when you are outdoors in case an emergency arises.

Small daily habits can make a big difference. Keep cool water nearby. Eat light meals when the weather is very hot. Take a cool shower or bath if

you feel overheated. Close curtains or blinds during the hottest hours to help keep your home cooler. If you live alone, ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to check in on you during hot spells, and do the same for others when you can.

Summer can be a season for outdoor fun, fresh air, and community activities. With a little planning, older residents can enjoy cookouts, walks, family visits, and neighborhood events while protecting their health. By taking simple steps and looking out for one another, you can have fun and stay safe during the warmer weather.

SOURCES:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Heat and Older Adults (Aged 65+)”

• National Institute on Aging (NIA), “Hot Weather Safety for Older Adults”

• CDC, “Sun Safety Facts”

• Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Dehydration and Heat Stroke”

• Mayo Clinic, “Heat exhaustion - Symptoms and causes”

UPCOMING AGE FRIENDLY EVENTS

Twice a month the College Park Senior Advisory Committee hosts events for older adults at various locations in the City. Our events are free and no registration is required.

• Wednesday, July 15, 2026 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

College Park Woods Clubhouse - Game Day

• July 15 | 1–3 PM –College Park Woods Clubhouse Game Day

• August 5 | 1–3 PM – College Park Woods Clubvhouse Community Connects: Artificial Intelligence

• August 19 | 1–3 PM – Lakeland College Park Community Center BINGO!

• September 2 | 1–3 PM –Lakeland College Park Community Center Community Connect: Digital Device Help (WISEConnect)

• September 16 | 1–3 PM – College Park Woods Clubhouse Game Day

• October 7 | 1–3 PM – Old Parish House Community Connect: Drum Circle

We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events. If you have any questions, please contact agefriendlycommunity@ collegeparkmd.gov or call 240-487-3550.

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 Services and the City’s Senior Advisory Committee. For more information or to volunteer, please contact agefriendlycommunity@ collegeparkmd.gov.

State planners unveil Route 1 redesign for North College Park

By SHARON O’MALLEY

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) on June 24 unveiled early designs for a major overhaul of the 1.9-mile stretch of Route 1 from University Boulevard in College Park to Sunnyside Avenue in Beltsville.

Key to the design, which state planners said is approximately 5% complete, are curb-high bike lanes and pedestrian walkways on both sides of the highway, separated into two paths in some places, and a center-of-the-road bicycle and pedestrian pathway, protected by Jersey wall-type

concrete barriers, as the street approaches the on- and offramps from the Beltway.

SHA officials said the configuration would be a first for Maryland.

“We’re calling it the protected Terrapin Track,” said Erich Florence, deputy district engineer for SHA’s District 3 office, noting the University of Maryland connection.

Justin Leary, vice president of the North College Park Community Association, said he was encouraged by what he saw at the workshop, held at Beltsville Academy.

“I’m pretty happy to see a con-

tinuous bike lane all across Route 1 here,” Leary said. “I think that’s really important for this community—it allows a certain amount of connectivity that isn’t otherwise possible.”

SHA has estimated that the design stage, for which state funding is approved, could take until 2031 to complete. Construction will begin sometime after that.

About 80 residents, mostly from College Park and Beltsville, attended the unveiling to view photos and giant maps of the initial design, spread out on three long tables. Visitors stuck Post-it notes with suggestions and feedback all over the maps.

The project encompasses the second and third phases of a three-part renovation of stateowned Route 1, which College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir calls “College Park’s Main Street” and City Councilmember Jacob Hernandez (District 1) has dubbed “the gateway to the university.”

The state completed Phase 1 last year, adding bright green bike lanes, new sidewalks, updated landscaping, and other safety and aesthetic improvements along the stretch from College Avenue to University Boulevard.

Jeff Davis, deputy director of SHA’s Office of Highway Development, said the Phase 2 and 3 design reflects how the field has evolved since Phase 1 was conceived.

“A lot of best practices in the bi-

cycle and pedestrian design world have come out over the years since the original design was developed for College Park,” Davis said. “Even though it was constructed in 2024, those designs had their origins in 2015 and 2016.”

The new design also takes a different approach to utility poles, which caused significant delays during Phase 1 when they had to be relocated. This time, the team designed around them.

“Designing around them versus disturbing them avoids additional cost to the project, and when you have to relocate utility poles, it extends the project schedule,” Florence said. “Designing around is always going to be a much more effective way.”

State Sen. Jim Rosapepe (District 21) agreed.

“It’s kind of a new idea to design sidewalks around utility poles in-

stead of beside utility poles,” Rosapepe said. “Which strikes me like, why did it take so long?”

The proposed design would also add medians along some sections of the corridor, which currently runs as a five-lane undivided road with a center turn lane. SHA officials acknowledged the change will affect how local drivers access nearby businesses and neighborhoods.

Davis said that is one of the most important things the community can weigh in on right now.

“When you put a median in versus having a continuous twoway center turn lane, that is going to change the way people get around locally,” Davis said. “We want to hear if there’s a certain movement that should be preserved—where we need a left turn there, or we need an additional pedestrian crossing.”

He added that the timing makes community input especially valuable.

“We’re out here early,” Davis said. “It’s very easy to make those changes” at this stage of design.

Prince George’s County Councilmember Eric Olson (District 3) said the project addresses a problem years in the making.

“We don’t want people to be hit and die like they were 10 years ago,” Olson said. “We have to make sure we’re accommodating every mode of transportation.”

“A safer road makes it better for commerce, makes it better for residents, makes it better for traffic flow,” he added.

Rosapepe said getting the project this far required a deliberate political push. He said the 21st District legislative delegation tied funding for the project to a broader transportation package that passed the state Legislature. Davis said he was heartened by the positive feedback he got at the workshop.

“If a project isn’t well received, those are usually the projects that don’t move forward,” he said. “If we get a lot of community support and the elected officials are behind it, those are the projects that move forward.”

Residents voice concerns about planned apartment building

By JALEN WADE

Residents who attended a community meeting about a multifamily apartment building proposed for the corner of Route 1 and Cherokee Street said on June 25 the project will bring too little retail and too much traffic to the area.

More than 40 residents, city officials and community leaders attended the meeting at Davis Hall in North College Park, mostly to object to plans

for The Boulevard at 9091, a 243-unit apartment complex 20 years in the making on a long-vacant lot facing Route 1.

“To put it in the crassest way possible, it's just packing in more bodies,” said Brian Roan, who lives in the College Park neighborhood of Daniels Park.

“But if we're about to lose a giant chunk of frontage on a major state highway, it would be nice to have something that makes us look a little more appealing, like nice retail.”

Prince George’s County initially approved a site plan for the property, which has changed owners three times in two decades, in 2006. In that plan, the developer had proposed to include 41,540 square feet of street-level retail and commercial space, which some recall might have included plans for a fitness center.

The current owner, Metropolitan Development Group, bought the tract in 2013 and is proposing to build retail space totaling 3,739 square feet on the building’s first floor.

College Park City Councilmember Alan Hew (District 1) aggressively opposed the project during two council meetings this spring, criticizing its lack of ground-floor retail space. He argued that North College Park lacks walkable retail options.

“There's no community benefit here,” Hew argued at the June 25 community meeting.

“They want to be full-on professional housing, $2,000 a month per unit, and you come out of that building and you look around, what is there to do?”

The lack of retail within walking distance of the new building, Hew said, will cause tenants to get in their cars and “go through the Beltway and go elsewhere to spend their dollars.”

Hew said he plans to circulate a petition among College Park residents to send to the county planning department requesting that planners reevaluate the site plan.

“We already negotiated once before, and affordable housing wasn't even a term back then,” Hew told College Park Here & Now after the meeting. “Now it is. Now it's an issue. Twenty years can do that. So they either need to build what the original [detailed site plan] was agreed to, or they need to come back to redesign.”

Residents who attended the community meeting said they are concerned about pedestrian safety. Tim McDonald,

senior construction and development consultant for Metropolitan, said the developer plans to build a roundabout on Cherokee Street to help alleviate traffic.

The city council in May agreed to support Metropolitan’s request to the county for a massive tax break through a program called Payment in Lieu of Taxes, or PILOT. The council ultimately agreed to send the letter, with a laundry list of conditions, including a set-aside for affordable apartments, reserved parking spaces and stormwater runoff control.

Construction on the site is tentatively scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.

Seeking Public Policy Volunteers

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Recovery Doesn’t Happen in Isolation.

It Happens in Community.

For years, 12-Step clubs have provided a safe, welcoming space for local individuals seeking a new way of life. Now, a brand-new hub is coming to our area.

The Laurel “Don’t Rest on Your Laurels” Club, Inc. will be a dedicated space for 12-step meetings, fellowship, and social activities. But to open our doors, we need our community’s help. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your tax-deductible contribution goes directly toward securing our location, paying utilities, and covering essential operating expenses.

County hits pause on removing local paramedics

By SHARON O’MALLEY

The Prince George’s County fire chief froze a plan on June 24 to cut the number of shifts staffed by paid paramedics working at the College Park Volunteer Fire Department while officials resolve a union grievance they received in May.

Chief Thelmetria Michaelides announced on June 5 that Medic 812 in College Park, which has staffed an advanced life support (ALS) ambulance around the clock, seven days a week, would no longer be available on weekdays after 3 p.m. or on weekends, starting June 28.

“It leaves a giant gulf in the middle of Route 1,” said former College Park City Councilmember John Rigg, who volunteers as a paramedic and administrator with an ambulance service in Calvert County. He noted that the College Park-based unit is “the only [paid] paramedic unit from the D.C. line to Beltsville.”

Several area fire departments have volunteer paramedics, including those in Berwyn Heights, Branchville (College Park) and Hyattsville. But Grant Walker, president of IAFF Local 1619 of

the Prince George’s County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics Association, said volunteer shifts are rarely reliably staffed 24/7.

“It’s not the same” as having paid staff on the clock all day and night, Walker said.

Walker said the closest paid paramedics to College Park are at the Greenbelt Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad.

“The impact is that advanced life support resources will have to come from farther away in a system that’s already strained,” Walker said. “We don’t want to see any of our resources reduced. We want to see them bolstered.”

Walker added: “It’s simple: Common sense pervades that a

unit directly across from the entrance to the University of Maryland is more likely to run the call on the university better than one that’s in Chillum or one that’s down the road in Beltsville or anywhere else, quite frankly.”

This isn’t the first time county officials have reduced paid positions at area fire stations.

Under former Chief Tiffany Green, the county removed 24 career firefighters and emergency medical personnel from Greenbelt and six from Berwyn Heights in July 2024.

At that time, the cities of College Park, Greenbelt and Berwyn Heights filed a request for a temporary injunction against the

plan, saying it would endanger “countless lives … as response times to fire and medical emergencies will be lengthened.”

The Prince George’s County Circuit Court denied the request.

Michaelides’ about-face on reducing Medic 812’s three daily ALS shifts, staffed by two paramedics each, into a single, two-person shift came after Rigg asked the city council to send a letter to the fire chief objecting to the change.

College Park Mayor Fazlul Kabir noted in his blog, Kabir Cares, that “the reduction in local paramedic coverage could lead to longer response times for critically ill or injured patients and place additional strain on emergency response resources throughout the region.”

He added, “Access to rapid advanced life support is a critical component of public safety and community health.”

One former volunteer fire official had a stronger reaction.

“In a career of astonishment,” the official, who asked not to be named, said, “this one’s nearly at the top of the list. It is utterly senseless to take that resource and literally put it completely out of service two-thirds of every day.”

Paramedics respond to 911 calls and provide emergency medical care to patients as they are transported to the hospital. Unlike firefighters and emergency medical technicians, paramedics may administer medicine, insert breathing tubes, shock a heart back into rhythm and perform other life-saving procedures.

In a memo to “all sworn and volunteer personnel,” Michaelides said no changes to the schedules of paramedics assigned to Medic 812 will be made until the union’s grievance “has been formally heard and fully adjudicated.”

A preliminary hearing was held on June 26.

In the grievance, the union asks the county to uphold a four-yearold contract that requires county-staffed fire departments to have six personnel on the floor at all times. Each shift, the contract stipulates, should include four firefighters, one supervisor and two emergency medical service employees, including EMTs or paramedics, according to Walker. College Park is one of three fire stations in the county that do not comply with the contract, Walker said. “Before [Michaelides] had even decided to change those hours … we were advocating that College Park be staffed the same way as others.”

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García gana las primarias demócratas para el escaño del Concejo del Condado del Distrito 1

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

La residente de Beltsville Michelle García ganó el martes las elecciones primarias demócratas para el Distrito 1 del Concejo del Condado de Prince George, que representa el tercio norte de College Park. Debido a que ningún candidato republicano participó en las primarias del martes, García no tendrá oposición en las elecciones generales de noviembre, a menos que un candidato independiente o por escrito se postule en su contra. Se espera que García reemplace en diciembre al actual concejal Tom Dernoga, quien no buscó la reelección. Dernoga no pudo postularse porque los concejales están limitados a dos mandatos consecutivos de cuatro años. Sirvió de 2002 a 2010, permaneció fuera del cargo durante ocho años y fue elegido nuevamente en 2018 y 2022.

cejo del Condado, Eric Olson, quien se postuló sin oposición en las primarias demócratas. Ningún republicano participó en esas primarias.

García ha trabajado como jefa de gabinete de Dernoga desde 2018, supervisando las actividades diarias de su oficina y coordinando iniciativas legislativas y servicios para los constituyentes. Antes de eso, fue jefa de gabinete de Joseline Peña-Melnyk cuando esta era delegada estatal del Distrito 21. Peña-Melnyk se convirtió en presidenta de la Cámara de Delegados de Maryland en diciembre de 2025.

García derrotó al exconcejal de la ciudad de Laurel, Martin Mitchell, y al recién llegado a la política, Darwin Romero. García obtuvo el 67.28% de los votos, con un total de 5,479 sufragios, según un conteo actualizado del 27 de junio realizado por la Junta Estatal de Elecciones de Maryland. Mitchell terminó la contienda con el 29.76% de los votos, equivalente a 2,423, mientras que Romero obtuvo el 2.96%, con 241 votos.

“Planeo ser una voz en el concejo para quienes a veces

pueden sentirse sin voz”, dijo García, hija de un padre inmigrante, durante su fiesta de la noche electoral. “Y digo eso, ante todo, porque llevaré ese compromiso conmigo cada día que esté sentada en el estrado.”

El Distrito 1 abarca Adelphi, Beltsville, Calverton, North College Park, Laurel, Montpelier, South Laurel, Vansville y West Laurel. El resto de College Park se encuentra en el Distrito 3 y está representado por el vicepresidente del Con-

García hizo campaña para el fiscal general Anthony Brown cuando este se postuló para gobernador y para el senador federal Ben Cardin cuando buscó la reelección. También se desempeñó como enlace comunitario para el senador estatal Jim Rosapepe (Distrito 21) y fue la primera directora ejecutiva del Caucus Legislativo Latino de Maryland. Además, García fue elegida dos veces para el Comité Central Demócrata del Condado de Prince George y sirvió de 2018 a 2025.

García participa en el pro-

LAS PRIMARIAS / 15 

El condado pone en pausa la eliminación de paramédicos locales

Por SHARON O’MALLEY

La jefa de bomberos del condado de Prince George suspendió el 24 de junio un plan para reducir el número de turnos cubiertos por paramédicos remunerados que trabajan en el Departamento de Bomberos Voluntarios de College Park mientras los funcionarios resuelven una queja sindical recibida en mayo.

La jefa Thelmetria Michaelides anunció el 5 de junio que la unidad Medic 812 en College Park, que ha mantenido una ambulancia de soporte vital avanzado (ALS, por sus siglas en inglés) operativa las 24

Varios departamentos de bomberos de la zona cuentan con paramédicos voluntarios, incluidos los de Berwyn Heights, Branchville (College Park) e Hyattsville.

horas del día, los siete días de la semana, dejaría de estar disponible los días laborables después de las 3 p.m. y los fines de semana a partir del 28 de junio.

“Deja un enorme vacío en medio de la Ruta 1”, dijo el exconcejal de College Park John Rigg, quien trabaja como voluntario como paramédico y administrador de un servicio de ambulancias en el condado de Calvert. Señaló que la unidad con base en College Park es “la única unidad de paramédicos desde la línea de D.C. hasta Beltsville”.

Varios departamentos de bomberos de la zona cuentan con paramédicos volun-

tarios, incluidos los de Berwyn Heights, Branchville (College Park) e Hyattsville. Pero Grant Walker, presidente de IAFF Local 1619 de la Asociación de Bomberos y Paramédicos Profesionales del Condado de Prince George, dijo que los turnos de voluntarios rara vez cuentan con personal de manera confiable las 24 horas del día, los siete días de la semana.

“No es lo mismo” que tener personal remunerado de guardia todo el día y toda la noche, dijo Walker. Walker indicó que los paramédicos remunerados más cercanos a College Park

PARAMÉDICOS / 14 

están en el Departamento de Bomberos Voluntarios y Escuadrón de Rescate de Greenbelt.

“El impacto es que los recursos de soporte vital avanzado tendrán que venir desde más lejos en un sistema que ya está bajo presión”, dijo Walker. “No queremos ver que se reduzca ninguno de nuestros recursos. Queremos verlos fortalecidos”.

Walker agregó: “Es simple: el sentido común dicta que una unidad ubicada justo frente a la entrada de la Universidad de Maryland tiene más probabilidades de responder a una llamada en la universidad que una que esté en Chillum o una que esté más adelante en Beltsville o en cualquier otro lugar, francamente”. No es la primera vez que funcionarios del condado reducen puestos remunerados en estaciones de bomberos de la zona.

Bajo la dirección de la exjefa Tiffany Green, el condado eliminó 24 puestos de bomberos profesionales y personal de servicios médicos de emergencia en Greenbelt y seis en Berwyn Heights en julio de 2024.

En ese momento, las ciudades de College Park, Greenbelt y Berwyn Heights presentaron una solicitud de medida cautelar temporal contra el plan, argumentando que pondría en peligro “innumerables vidas… ya que los tiempos de respuesta a emergencias médicas y de incendios se prolongarán”. El Tribunal de Circuito del Condado de Prince George rechazó la solicitud. La decisión de Michaelides de revertir la reducción de los tres turnos diarios de ALS de Medic 812, atendidos por dos paramédicos cada uno, a un solo turno de dos personas se produjo después de que Rigg pidiera al concejo municipal que enviara una carta a la jefa de bomb-

eros expresando su oposición al cambio. El alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir, señaló en su blog, Kabir Cares, que “la reducción de la cobertura local de paramédicos podría provocar tiempos de respuesta más largos para pacientes gravemente enfermos o lesionados y ejercer presión adicional sobre los recursos de respuesta a emergencias en toda la región”.

Añadió: “El acceso rápido al soporte vital avanzado es un componente crítico de la seguridad pública y la salud comunitaria”.

Un exfuncionario de bomberos voluntarios tuvo una reacción aún más fuerte.

“En una carrera llena de asombros”, dijo el funcionario, que pidió no ser identificado, “este caso está casi al principio de la lista. Es absolutamente absurdo tomar ese recurso y literalmente dejarlo

¡Ayúdanos

completamente fuera de servicio durante dos tercios de cada día”.

Los paramédicos responden a llamadas al 911 y brindan atención médica de emergencia a los pacientes mientras son transportados al hospital. A diferencia de los bomberos y los técnicos en emergencias médicas, los paramédicos pueden administrar medicamentos, insertar tubos de respiración, aplicar descargas eléctricas para restablecer el ritmo cardíaco y realizar otros procedimientos que salvan vidas. En un memorando dirigido a “todo el personal juramentado y voluntario”, Michaelides dijo que no se harán cambios en los horarios de los paramédicos asignados a Medic 812 hasta que la queja del sindicato “haya sido escuchada formalmente y completamente resuelta”.

Una audiencia preliminar se celebró el

26 de junio. En la queja, el sindicato solicita al condado que respete un contrato de cuatro años de antigüedad que exige que los departamentos de bomberos atendidos por personal del condado tengan seis empleados de servicio en todo momento. Cada turno, estipula el contrato, debe incluir cuatro bomberos, un supervisor y dos empleados de servicios médicos de emergencia, incluidos técnicos en emergencias médicas o paramédicos, según Walker.

College Park es una de las tres estaciones de bomberos del condado que no cumplen con el contrato, dijo Walker. “Incluso antes de que [Michaelides] decidiera cambiar esos horarios… ya estábamos defendiendo que College Park tuviera la misma dotación de personal que las demás”.

a que sigan llegando noticias en español a Hyattsville/College Park!

Buscamos voluntarios emprendedores para formar parte de nuestra junta directiva, que hablen español con fluidez y estén dispuestos a ayudarnos a generar ingresos para apoyar las noticias en español en nuestra ciudad. También buscamos escritores voluntarios y esperamos poder contratar pronto a un organizador comunitario. Si está interesado en alguno de estos puestos, póngase en contacto con nosotros: kit@streetcarsuburbs.news.

Los scouts recorren 208 millas hasta el campamento de verano

Por ANETTE PEREZ

Mientras la mayor parte de College Park dormía hasta tarde el domingo 14 de junio, los scouts de la Tropa 740 de la BSA se preparaban para emprender una caminata desde el vecindario de Berwyn hasta Goshen, Virginia, una impresionante travesía de 208 millas.

Aproximadamente la mitad de los 30 scouts de la tropa, cuyas edades oscilan entre los 12 y los 17 años, se reunieron en el estacionamiento de la iglesia Holy Redeemer, en Berwyn Road, a las 6:30 a. m. para organizar los suministros, revisar el equipo y despedirse de sus familiares.

“La tropa 740 hace muchas actividades de aventura y fuera de lo común”, explicó Tom Kovarik, padre del explorador Lazarus Kovarik, de 15 años. “Esto es algo habitual en su estilo, y me encanta que se propongan grandes retos”.

La caminata finalizará en la Reserva Scout de Goshen, donde el grupo asistirá al Campamento Olmsted por una semana; allí obtendrán insignias de mérito por habilidades como soldadura, ciencia nuclear y costura, además de participar en programas educativos.

Los padres de los scouts organizarán el transporte de regreso una vez que el campamento concluya el 4 de julio. Algunos partirán antes para participar en el desfile del 250.º aniversario en el Distrito de Columbia.

“Una de las cosas que intentamos hacer con los Boy Scouts es que los niños salgan y comprendan de lo que son capaces, lo que es posible”, afirmó el subdirector de tropa Chris Gordon, “y esta es una de esas cosas en las que podrán presumir ante sus amigos: ‘Sí, caminé 200 millas para ir al campamento’. No se trata solo de presumir, sino de la satisfacción personal de saber que uno puede lograr estas cosas”. Se espera que la travesía dure aproximadamente dos semanas, con los scouts recorriendo aproximadamente 15

LAS PRIMARIAS

millas cada día. El primer día de la caminata interestatal, la tropa se dirigió al centro de Washington, donde un barco los recogió para cruzar el río Potomac.

Un día del recorrido superará las 20 millas, permitiendo a los participantes cumplir un requisito para obtener la Insignia de Mérito de Senderismo.

Otro día será más corto, unas 10 millas, debido al exigente cruce de las Appalachian Mountains. A lo largo del trayecto, el grupo se desplazará principalmente por aceras y caminos poco transitados. “Nos dirigimos al oeste”, dijo Gordon. “La primera noche es en Alexandria, la segunda en Lorton y luego pasaremos por Catlett, Remington, Culpeper y Pratts, hasta llegar a pequeñas zonas prácticamente aisladas”.

A lo largo de la ruta, los miembros de la tropa pasarán algunas noches acampando y otras durmiendo en iglesias que ofrecen refugio y acceso a baños. Gordon señaló que el

grama de financiamiento público de campañas del condado y ha prometido no aceptar dinero de cabilderos ni de intereses especiales.

“Esta es una campaña financiada con fondos públicos”, dijo García durante su discurso de victoria. “Tenemos mucho

apoyo ha sido constante; incluso un restaurante local llamado Crab Shack ofreció alojamiento por una noche.

Los scouts, que se inscribieron voluntariamente a la aventura, estarán acompañados en todo momento por al menos dos adultos, incluyendo al jefe scout de tropa, Loren Lavoy, y a Gordon. Los padres también estarán presentes algunos días para reabastecer comida, agua y equipo.

La idea de la caminata surgió durante una reunión de la tropa, cuando Gordon sugirió casualmente ir caminando al campamento de verano. Aunque algunos de los scouts aceptaron el reto de inmediato, otros cuestionaron la idea. Sin embargo, el concepto cobró fuerza rápidamente y se convirtió en una importante iniciativa del grupo, mencionó Gordon.

“Mi primera reacción fue: ‘Eso suena increíble’”, comentó Nathanael Jordon, de 16 años, jefe de patrulla de la tro-

de qué sentirnos orgullosos. Estamos abriendo camino aquí.”

Otras aparentes ganadoras del condado son las concejalas en funciones

Jolene Ivey, de Cheverly, y Sydney Harrison, de Upper Marlboro, quienes ocuparon el primer y segundo lugar entre ocho candidatos que competían por dos escaños generales en el concejo.

pa, “y luego empecé a pensar en la logística, pero durante todo el tiempo estaba emocionado y muy intrigado por esta oportunidad”.

Como era el primer viaje de este tipo para la tropa, fundada en 1955, la preparación de este viaje comenzó con meses de antelación. Los scouts entrenaron mediante campamentos, excursiones de varios días con mochila y una travesía de cinco días en kayak por el río Patuxent.

“He estado en los scouts durante bastante tiempo, así que sé lo que tengo que hacer”, dijo el scout Liam Prikockis sobre la preparación para el viaje.

“Pero también vi un montón de cosas sobre senderismo y videos sobre mochileros, así que me basé en eso. También caminé bastante”.

Para financiar la excursión, la tropa recaudó 4,500 dólares a través de la plataforma Zeffy, y les faltó solo $500 para alcanzar su meta. Las donaciones se destinan a la comida, tarifas

Ningún candidato republicano se postuló para esos escaños generales.

La ejecutiva del condado Aisha Braveboy obtuvo una victoria aplastante sobre cuatro oponentes demócratas.

Aunque ningún republicano se postuló para ejecutiva del condado en las primarias, The Banner informó que la abogada Tonya Sweat ha dicho que compe-

de campamento y otros gastos del viaje, lo que permite a las familias evitar gastos inesperados.

Con el apoyo de los adultos, los scouts están preparados para responder a emergencias médicas, según Kovarik, quien señaló que todos los scouts están entrenados en primeros auxilios. Gordon dijo que la tropa también lleva un carro tipo rickshaw, capaz de transportar a los heridos.

Los padres de los scouts expresaron estar orgullosos de sus hijos y manifestaron su confianza en la tropa, sus líderes y los propios jóvenes, aunque señalaron preocupaciones relacionadas con emergencias médicas y el tránsito vehicular.

“Esta es una de esas experiencias que tienes de niño y que recordarás durante toda tu vida”, mencionó Sarah Michailof, madre del scout Lucas Michailof, de 17 años. “Será una fuente de fortaleza y orgullo”.

tirá contra Braveboy como candidata independiente en noviembre. Los candidatos independientes no participan en las primarias y tienen hasta el 6 de julio para registrar su intención de postularse. Las declaraciones financieras y otros documentos oficiales deben presentarse antes del 3 de agosto.

Attick Towers recibe una subvención federal de 3 millones de

Por JALEN WADE

El 8 de junio, tres legisladores estadounidenses entregaron a la Autoridad de Vivienda de la ciudad de College Park una subvención de 3,15 millones de dólares para ayudar a renovar Attick Towers, un edificio de apartamentos con subsidio federal de 54 años de antigüedad destinado a adultos mayores de bajos ingresos y residentes con discapacidad.

Se prevé que las renovaciones, iniciadas en 2023, tendrán un costo aproximado de 16 millones de dólares.

Durante la presentación de los legisladores visitantes, la directora ejecutiva de la Autoridad de Vivienda de College Park, Michelle Johnson, se mostró conmovida y, por momentos, contuvo las lágrimas.

"Me llena el corazón", dijo Johnson. "Trabajamos todos los días y vemos a nuestros residentes todos los días aquí. Vemos lo que ellos merecen, lo que el edificio merece y lo que merecen las personas que habitarán aquí. Entendemos lo que necesitan, y bajo mi gestión, quiero hacerlo realidad."

El edificio de vivienda pública cuenta con 108 unidades y está

Funcionarios federales, estatales, del condado y de la ciudad asistieron a un evento el 8 de junio en Attick Towers, donde presentaron un cheque de 3,15 millones de dólares para las reformas del edificio de apartamentos de viviendas públicas, de 54 años de antigüedad. En la imagen, de izquierda a derecha: la presidenta de la Autoridad de la Cámara de College Park, Arelis Pérez; el vicepresidente Bob Catlin; el concejal del condado de Prince George’s, Eric Olson (Distrito 3); la senadora estadounidense Angela Alsobrooks; el representante federal Glenn Ivey (Distrito 4); Michelle Crittenden-Johnson, directora ejecutiva de la Autoridad de Vivienda; el senador estatal Jim Rosapepe (Distrito 21); el senador estadounidense Chris Van Hollen; la concejal de la ciudad de College Park Kelly Jordan (Distrito 2); y por último, el alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir. JONATHAN PETER BELLING

ubicado frente al Departamento de Bomberos Voluntarios de Branchville, tiene programada la instalación de un nuevo techo, caldera y cercado, así como mejoras en los generadores del edificio. Además, las habitaciones y áreas comunes para residentes están siendo renovadas y así cumplir

con las normas federales de accesibilidad para adultos mayores y personas con discapacidad. Johnson mencionó que estas reparaciones eran necesarias desde hace años.

"Este dinero nos ayudará a realizar estas reparaciones que, si no lo hubiéramos recibido, no

podríamos hacer estas reformas", afirmó Johnson. Anteriormente, la Autoridad de Vivienda recibió 750,000 dólares en financiación provenientes del American Rescue Plan Act (aprobada durante la pandemia), a través de la ciudad de College Park.

Las renovaciones anteriores incluyeron la sustitución de más de 170 unidades de calefacción y aire acondicionado, así como la modernización de los ascensores y las tuberías.

La asignación del 8 de junio forma parte de un fondo de 7,26 millones de dólares, gestionado por el Congreso, conseguido por los senadores de Maryland Chris Van Hollen y Angela Alsobrooks, junto con el representante del Distrito 4, Glenn Ivey, para programas juveniles, proyectos de vivienda y organizaciones sin fines de lucro en todo el condado Ivey y Alsobrooks residen en el condado de Prince George. Otras paradas de su recorrido, que duró todo el día, incluyeron el Latin American Youth Center en Riverdale, que recibió 1,5 millones de dólares; Ivy Community Charities del condado de Prince George en Suitland, que recibió 2 millones

de dólares; y la escuela primaria William Beanes, también en Suitland, que aceptó 610,000 dólares. Van Hollen, que vive en Kensington, calificó Attick Towers como un "proyecto que merece la pena". “Aquí tenemos a cientos de personas mayores y debemos garantizar que vivan con dignidad», declaró Van Hollen a *College Park Here & Now* después del evento. “Tenemos una crisis de vivienda asequible tanto en Maryland como en el resto del país; esto afecta a todos, pero especialmente a las personas con ingresos fijos, que enfrentan verdaderos desafíos a la hora de asegurar un lugar al que puedan llamar hogar. Por eso queremos garantizar la renovación de estas instalaciones”.

Alsobrooks afirmó que era una alegría estar en College Park para invertir en vivienda asequible de la ciudad.

Al evento también asistieron, el alcalde de College Park, Fazlul Kabir, la concejal Kelly Jordan (Distrito 2), el senador de Maryland Jim Rosapepe (Distrito 21) y el concejal del condado de Prince George, Eric Olson (Distrito 3). Jordan mencionó que la subvención ayudará a Attick Towers "de manera extraordinaria."