Marcellous B. Taylor, Sr., "The Professor” - Once a Marine, Always a Marine Almost 10 years ago, to the exact day of the January 2026 ice storm, long before any county trucks arrived, and while the neighbors in Vansville, Maryland were caught inside their homes due to the Blizzard of 2016, the familiar whir of the blue tractor owned by neighbor Marcellous B. Taylor, Sr. could be heard navigating its way up and down the streets of Old Baltimore Pike, Cordwall Drive, and parts

A Laurel homeowner’s quick response and the power of community connections helped reunite a 74-year-old man suffering from dementia with his family after he was found wandering alone in freezing temperatures on February 12. On February 12th, during freezing temperatures, a West Laurel homeowner opened his door to find an elderly man standing alone in his driveway. The man appeared confused and unable to speak. He was wearing only one shoe and had no socks, gloves, or identifi

Members of Scout Troop 1033 celebrating Scout Sunday on February 8 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Photo By Cale Fuller. February 8, 1910, marked a landmark moment in American history with the founding of the Boy Scouts of America. For 116 years, Scouting has served as a lifeline for young people and families in communities across the country. For 63 of those years, Troop 1033 has been an active presence in the Beltsville community and a valued community partner of Emman

The photo is from the January 17 vigil on Route 1, which reflected on local and national incidents, honored those impacted, and stood in solidarity with families and individuals harmed by these actions. (Photo credit: Oscar Gregory) Beltsville residents will once again gather in peaceful solidarity on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 11AM to 1PM, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement. The local demonstration will take place at Beltsville Drive and Powder Mill Road, ne

We are moving forward toward a new High Point High School!! High Point High is the oldest high school in the county that has never been replaced. Over the years, there have been additions and some renovations. High Point opened in 1954 and was named for its location as the highest point in Prince George’s County. High Point will be replaced with a new, state-of-the-art 423,000-square-foot facility on the current site. Designed to accommodate 2,600 students, the new school wil

Major issues on 2026 legislative session Holding down utility rates   Electric and gas rates are too high and rising too fast. Last year, the legislature provided rebates on residential bills and directed the state Public Service Commission to crack down on PEPCO and Washington Gas rates and accelerate the expansion of cost-effective clean energy. But it’s not enough. That’s why this year Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, and I are working to make sure

Local scouts and families celebrating Scout Sunday At two churches here in Beltsville, Scouting America scouts celebrated Scout Sunday. On February 8, the Scouts BSA celebrated at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. On February 15, the Scouting America Scouts participated in Scout Sunday at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church here in Beltsville. Three scouts from Pack 740 received their Religious Medals. Congratulations to them! Those attending from Pack 1031 were Dave Georges P. an

The District 1 team thanks and congratulates Daniel Douglas as he embarks on his next life chapter. While on our team, he served as a Constituent Services Specialist. He is now off to Belgium to continue his studies. He is pictured here with J.D. Perkins, President of the Vansville Heights Citizens Association (VHCA). Legislative Updates As we move into March, things are picking up in Largo and in Annapolis. Last month, I wrote about the Governor's Housing bill (HB 239/SB 36)

By the time you read this, I hope all the snow and ice we’ve had will be just a memory. We have many new things to add to our meetings this year that I think you’ll enjoy. We are offering three new trips (please bring a check to reserve your place), including a five-day excursion to Cape Cod. We will also have a “New to You” table with many gift items for you or a friend, and a hearty game of Bingo where you can win money. We will continue to offer light refreshments, a 50/50

Organizers invite families from throughout the community to attend and celebrate the Easter season together. Children are encouraged to bring a basket for collecting eggs. Church leaders note that the event is designed to provide a fun, family-friendly opportunity while also highlighting the meaning of Easter. For additional information, community members may contact the church office at 301-937-7771.

Beltsville’s own Emma Claye has launched a fundraiser to support new music and creative projects for 2026. Emma was raised in Beltsville and attended local public schools as well as University of Maryland College Park. Now an actress, singer, and songwriter based in New York City, she has toured with Hamilton, released 10+ singles, and studied at Oxford University. She’s returning to her hometown community with hope and gratitude, asking for support as she enters the next ch

Beltsville Santa Tour 2025 Santa Claus has confirmed his route with the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department! Santa’s route will be different then years past, but our plan is to still cover as much as we can. Below you will see dates and times for the event. - If you meet Santa at the intersections listed below on the schedule, he will be able to meet more children and see more of Beltsville. - Always use caution when visiting Santa. Please pay attention to the fire apparatus

Come out and enjoy some pizza with Santa on December 13 at the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department! Looking for a holly-jolly way to kick off the holiday season? Grab your appetite and your festive spirit—because Santa is making a special stop in Beltsville, and he’s hungry for pizza! On December 13 , from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. , the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department  (4911 Prince George’s Avenue) is hosting its annual Pizza with Santa  event, and you’re invited to join the f

Members of Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Beltsville work to feed those in need. The Bible teaches that feeding your neighbors is a profound act of love—an expression of generosity that honors God. Scripture reminds us that when we provide food and care to those in need, we are serving God Himself, who promises to bless those who show compassion to the poor. Isaiah 58 calls us to “share your food with the hungry,” and this November, Emmanuel faithfully lived out that cal

This photo captures the very first idea  discussed for the area near the Bank of America. It emerged from our kickoff meeting, where the overarching theme was safety . The key needs identified were: slowing down cars, adding bike lanes, and creating more space for pedestrians. I, along with a few other Beltsville residents, was invited to join a Community Walk to talk through the length of Rhode Island Avenue—from the corner of Sellman Road (by the post office) to the open sp

Scouts sorting cans of goods at St. Josephs for the food pantries at St Joseph’s and Emmanuel United Methodist churches. Donations are always welcome at the pantries. Beltsville was fantastic in helping the Pack and Troop 1033 collect food for the food pantries at St. Joseph Catholic church and Emmanuel UMC church. The Pack collected over 500 lbs. of food and the troop collected 2000 lbs. The pack will collect toys for Toys for Tots in December in the pack. A Scout is Helpful

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! MERRY CHRISTMAS!! The holidays are here! The Beltsville community is blessed with wonderful nonprofits that help those in need all year long—and every one of them can use support. The most obvious way to help is through financial donations, but giving your time is just as valuable. Youth groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Boys & Girls Club, our community churches, the Lions Club, and the Women’s Club all provide a variety of services that make Beltsvi

Let me know if you need help. With the recent federal government shutdown, rising prices, and continued attacks on federal workers and immigrants, many families in Beltsville are suffering. Delegates Joseline Pena-Melnyk, Ben Barnes, Mary Lehman, I, and our staffs are ready to be of assistance. We can’t solve every problem but will try to find you help you need. Just contact me at the email or phone number at the bottom of this column.   Maryland health insurance exchange ope

Hard to believe the year is almost over. I pray that 2026 is better for everyone. Our November potluck was wonderful, with plenty of food and fellowship as we got to know each other better. December will feature Santa Bingo, with prizes for the winners. We’ll still have light refreshments, a 50/50 drawing, and information about our 2026 trips. Dues of $15.00 will be collected for next year (please make checks out to BYAH). Johnny Seaton will be singing for us in January 2026,

Photo by John Cholod I think it comes as no surprise to anyone when I say that we live in divided times. Too often, we judge our neighbors before we truly get to know them. We’re all guilty of it to some degree. Earlier this October, someone from another community posted a meme on our Facebook page that said “F-ICE.” I understand that some of our readers agree with that sentiment, while others do not. Our page administrators removed the post and banned the user—not solely bec