Agenda from a naturalization ceremony in September 1993 where she led major roles. I honestly had a hard time writing this profile. Not because Ms. Imani-Frances Smith is uninteresting or because we didn't have the loveliest time chatting. It is because it is hard to capture her absolutely glowing essence in a mere few words. We see the houses and driveways throughout Beltsville and never really imagine who lives behind those front doors. I had the absolute pleasure of knoc

UpStage Artists, Beltsville’s resident community theater, is excited to announce that it will be performing Christopher Demos-Brown’s American Son  this June. The play is about an estranged biracial couple who must confront their feelings about race and bias after their son is detained by local police following a traffic stop. Their disparate histories and backgrounds inform their assumptions as they try to find out what has happened to their son. American Son  is a show that

Finn H wins 3 rd  in his Pack’s race This winter has been hard on the pack because if Beltsville Academy closes then we can’t meet and have our regular meetings. We decided that if we were cancelled to keep trying. It took us until March 9 th  to hold our annual Blue and Gold Dinner, but we finally held it! We are hoping that the Pinewood Derby doesn’t suffer the same fate but we think that staying away from Mondays might help. The Derby will be held on March 21 st  at the

The Beltsville West Park is getting a facelift! Beltsville West Park off Montgomery Road is getting a long overdue facelift! Hopefully, the work will be completed by the middle of April. They are running behind schedule because of the crazy March weather. KUDOS to police officers assigned to the District VI – Beltsville station, who arrested and charged a driver from Virginia who participated in an illegal car rally on March 13, 2026, in the unincorporated section of Laurel

Dear Editor, I am writing to express my strong concerns, as well as those of others in the community, regarding the recent granting of a special exception to build a crematorium to be attached to the existing Borgwardt's Funeral Home on Powder Mill Road in Beltsville, MD.  While we understand the importance of providing funeral services to our community, research supports that placing a crematorium in such close proximity to numerous schools and childcare facilities raises se

Balancing the State Budget   Balancing the state budget in a tough economy remains a significant challenge. The layoffs of federal employees and contractors, along with the closure of federal agencies, continue to impact Maryland’s families, businesses, and the state budget. At the same time, rising utility rates and gas prices are putting additional pressure on the state budget, just as they are on family budgets. As a result, the Governor and the legislature have had to mak

I attended a recent Greenbelt County Council meeting, where they discussed annexing parts of BARC (Beltsville Agriculture Research Center). I was the only representative (to my knowledge, all the speakers before and after me were from Greenbelt) from Beltsville who spoke. I expressed surprise and frustration that our community wasn’t included more in this conversation as Beltsville is literally the first word in BARC (a name-to be clear-has changed over the years from when it

Council Member Dernoga and District VI PGPD Major Saul Serpas at the March District 1 Community Conversation.   District 1 Community Conversation with CEX Aisha Braveboy Please join County Executive Aisha Braveboy and me for a Town Hall Meeting focused on the Proposed Budget and other issues. The Town Hall will be held on Thursday, April 9, at 6 PM at the BAPS Mandir, 4320 Ammendale Road, Beltsville, MD 20705. This is a great opportunity to learn about the County Executive’s

The community is invited to welcome the season at the Second Annual Spring Street Fair , a lively afternoon celebration filled with food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The event will take place on Sunday, May 17, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM  at 9217 51st Ave, College Park, MD 20740 . Designed for attendees of all ages, the Spring Street Fair brings together local vendors, artists, performers, and residents for a festive celebration of spring. Guests can enjoy a

District 22-C Club Officers Training at Emmanuel United Methodist Church Members of the Beltsville Lions Club are mourning the death of Lion Richard “Rick” Zerbe, who passed away on 5 March. He served in several capacities in the Lions Club, including Club President, and Board of Directors member. He was a Melvin Jones Fellow. Rick was always friendly and outgoing. His presence will be sorely missed. Rick retired from the U.S. Marine Corps as a Master Sergeant after decades

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

The Women’s Community Club of Beltsville is coordinating its annual 2025 Holiday Food and Gift Programs and raising funds for other important projects. We are asking our Beltsville community of businesses, schools, service organizations, social clubs, churches, and individuals to help us help our fellow neighbors by providing food and gifts to those in need. Throughout the year, we provide scholarship funds, work to beautify Beltsville through our Adopt-A-Road and Adopt-A-Cre

On Saturday, October 18, our Beltsville community came together for something truly special. For the first time, as far as anyone can recall, Beltsville hosted a public display of solidarity for No Kings Day , a global movement that has inspired peaceful demonstrations across all fifty states and around the world. The gathering took place along Route 1 in front of 10701 Baltimore Avenue, where roughly fifty community members assembled to make their voices heard. Considering t

Hello Calverton! Hello everyone! On behalf of the Calverton community, I sincerely thank each and every one of you for joining us for our Neighborhood Walk. This event was a true success because of teamwork, support, and participation from all sides. Calverton residents call home to both Prince Gorge’s and Montgomery counties. A special thank you to our local agencies, including law enforcement, fire, and emergency services—for being here with us. Your presence is not only ab

The Reverend Joseph M. Constant celebrated 10 years as the Rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Beltsville. On Sunday, October 19, 2025, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Beltsville, gathered in joyful celebration to honor the 10th anniversary of their beloved rector, The Reverend Joseph M. Constant. Installed on October 17, 2015, Reverend Constant has spent a decade guiding the historic church with wisdom, compassion, and a deep commitment to both spiritual growth and communi

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Fall has arrived, and the holidays are just around the corner! I know many Beltsville residents are thankful for The Beltsville News . Rick Bergman, our fearless editor, and Ted Ladd, our advertising manager, are the heart and soul of the paper. The Beltsville News is an all-volunteer publication. The advertising covers all of the expenses associated with printing the newspaper. The paper is also available online at www.beltsvillenewstoday.com . I realize

The Masons at St. Alban Birmingham Lodge #233 located at 10800 Edmonston Road, Beltsville, MD will provide Thanksgiving Dinner to those in need. Please email your order to sabl233tres@gmail.com . If you are an organization please stare your organization.

L-r: Camillo Dicamillo, Ervin Whitehead, Ann Ladd, Ted Ladd, Mae Whitehead Karen Coakley, Vicky Malengo, Mike Musachio, Paul Malengo, Diane Coleman Brown, President and CEO of Prince Georges Community Federal Credit Union. Attending but not in photo: Rick Zerbe On Saturday October 18, the Beltsville Lions held a White Cane drive at the Prince George's Community Federal Credit Union on Muirkirk Meadows Road, concurrently with a paper shredding event at that location. Drivers i

Cub Scouts cleaning up trash at Old Rec This month, Cub Pack 1031 had a busy schedule! On October 4, we cleaned up trash along Little Paint Branch Trail and at the Old Recreation Center as part of our adoption of the trail, while the Troop removed porcelain berry vines along the creek. On October 11, we hosted a table at the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department Open House with stomp rockets and spooky eye races. On October 18, we held an outdoor skills event at a leader’s hou

Prince George’s County, MD – October 14, 2025 – Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union (PGCFCU) has announced a series of financial relief programs to support members directly impacted by the federal government shutdown. These initiatives are designed to provide short-term stability and peace of mind, allowing members to focus on what matters most during this uncertain time. Programs will remain available until the federal government shutdown officially ends.   The Fo

Hello Beltsville! When we began producing shows back in 2019—pre-COVID, remember those days?—we weren’t sure what kind of reception to expect. Over the years, Beltsville had seen very little community theater right here in town. There was the Prince George’s Summer Teen Theater, which ran at High Point for over 50 years, and another effort with the Theater Project at Abiding Presence Church around 2013 that lasted a few years. But a long-standing community theater, open to al

(From left to right) Council Member Tom Dernoga, County Executive Aisha Braveboy, and Jacob Sosa at the High Point High School Back to School Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, September 27, 2025. Federal Government Shutdown: Resources & What to Expect Council Member Dernoga stands in solidarity with our dedicated federal workers in District 1 during the ongoing Federal Government Shutdown that began on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Our team has gathered a comprehensive list of resour

Senate College Scholarship Winners Each year, I am able to award college (and workforce) scholarships to high school graduates in Beltsville. I can do this every year, so please be sure your kids apply. Here are the names of this year’s recipients: Chigozie Umeh Akaylah Richardson Laura Chima Lance Nobles Karim Njoya Kevin Devarez Jacquelyn Letizia Naphtaly Barthelemy Kendal Anderson Cesia Turcios Tiffany Molina Michael Bielec Kahar Alassani Congratulations to all of the appl

Our October 16 meeting featured some familiar country songs, but we had fewer members attending. We’re not sure why. We call about the meetings ahead of time as a reminder and advertise in several local papers, so I hope we can “figure it out.” Our November 20 meeting will be our 69th anniversary potluck. Members are asked to bring any dish they’d like to share, and we’ll have an anniversary cake for dessert. We’ll also have a “Getting to Know You” segment, with members shari

Photos by Dr Charles Medani. Hui-O-Judo Beltsville and College Park Judo, in cooperation with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission, hosted the 2025 United States Judo Federation Eastern US Kata Championships at the Lakeland College Park Community Center on Saturday August 16 th . The event director was Diane Tamai Jackson. The event was sanctioned by the United States Judo Federation. Judo, which means “gentle way,” was founded in 1882 in Tokyo Japan by Dr J

King Kong, star of UpStage Artists Kong’s Night Out  was caught in this photo visiting Beltsville Academy. He hopes you will come see him this October! Beltsville—beware the sidewalks! On September 15, our very own King Kong—star of the upcoming UpStage Artists comedy Kong’s Night Out—broke free from rehearsal and embarked on an unsanctioned sightseeing tour of town. Citizens reported a “giant, furry menace” casually strolling past coffee shops, startling mail carriers, and a

Fall has arrived, and Halloween is just around the corner! The Prince George's County Police, Beltsville Division VI, will be hosting a Trunk or Treat  event — a safe and fun way to enjoy Halloween in our community. Mark your calendars: Monday, October 27, 6–8 p.m.4321 Sellman Road, Beltsville (on the soccer field). Bring the kids out for an evening of candy, costumes, and community spirit!   Halloween Safety Tips for Beltsville Drivers:  Please slow down and stay alert. Chil

One of the favorite activities at the Pack 1031 BTS table – “fishing’ in the bucket to discover what fish are in the lakes and streams in our area!! Cub Pack 1031 has been busy promoting the pack at Back to School Nights and Block Parties at Vansville, St. Joseph’s School and Beltsville Academy! We met lots of great kids who were interested in the fun activities combined with learning about fish and flight! We hope they will join us at Cub Pack 1031. Check out our new website

(From Left to Right) Ms. Lois Hamilton, President of the Beltsville Young at Heart Club, club attendees, and Chief of Staff Michelle García at the Beltsville Young at Heart Club’s recent Community Conversation to raise awareness about elder fraud and financial crimes targeting older adults. Pepco Customer Relief Fund Beginning July 18, 2025, Pepco and the Salvation Army launched a one-time relief fund that provides financial support for those challenged by high energy costs.

The First Baptist Church of Beltsville will be having a fall festival on Saturday, November 8 from 3:00 pm-5:00 pm. There will be games, candy, prizes and more. Join them for this fun event which is free and open to the public. The First Baptist Church of Beltsville is located at 4700 Odell Road, Beltsville, MD 20705.

From left to right: Senator Jim Rosapepe, Maryland-District 21; Dr. Miguel Chacón, Principal, High Point High School; Ayisha Braveboy, County Executive, Prince George's County County Executive Braveboy visits High Point High School in Beltsville At our request, Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy chose High Point High School as one of her first stops of the new school year, visiting the Beltsville campus on September 3, 2025. Braveboy met with students and staff a