Erica Johns | Article Author |

19 Dec 2024

Employee Concerns Arise at Grocery Store Board Meeting

by Erica Johns

The member comment portion of the Greenbelt Co-op’s December 11 board meeting raised concerns about employee working conditions, which also had been raised by several employees at the August board meeting. Board Vice Chair Steven Bernheisel led the meeting. Concerns … Read More

11 Dec 2024

What Is the JEDI Action Team? A Look at Its Origins and Work

by Erica Johns

The memorandum requesting action on City Councilmember Rodney Roberts’ August 2024 remarks about the Public Works Department was written by the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Action Team, which consists of city staff. The team was created in response … Read More

26 Nov 2024

Greenbelters Celebrate Thanksgiving With Both Old and New, Near and Far

by Erica Johns

In search of how Greenbelters celebrate Thanksgiving, the News Review visited Schrom Hills Park, the Greenway Center Safeway, the Co-op Supermarket, the Greenbelt Farmers Market and Greenbelt Station on Saturday and Sunday, November 23 and 24. Malik Myles and Derrick … Read More

13 Nov 2024

Panel Reviews Reparations Status, History and Future

by Erica Johns

On November 9 over 70 people attended a reparations discussion at Greenbelt Library, hosted by the Greenbelt Black History and Culture Committee. Panelists shared historical context, continuing efforts and the outlook for reparative justice for Indigenous and Black communities. Attendees … Read More

16 Oct 2024

A Story about Story Hour: Fun at Springhill Lake Rec

by Erica Johns

Books and songs and activities about mariachi music, plants, shapes, colors and numbers filled the monthly pre-K bilingual story hour at Springhill Lake Recreation Center on Friday, October 11. Children’s voices filled the room with singing, responses to questions (“A star!”) … Read More

26 Sep 2024

On the Ballot: Maryland Constitutional Amendment on Reproductive Freedom

by Erica Johns

In the November 5 general election, Maryland voters will decide on a proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution about reproductive freedom. If passed, the amendment will secure a state constitutional right to reproductive rights already enacted in Maryland legislation. The … Read More

18 Sep 2024

Latest County Fire Department Meeting Brings No Reassurance

by Erica Johns

At a September 12 town hall officials and residents hoped for an update and more information from Prince George’s County Fire Department (PGFD) about the June 30 “temporary” removal of career firefighter and EMS staff from Greenbelt, Berwyn Heights, Bunker … Read More

4 Sep 2024

News Review’s Cathie Meetre Is Outstanding Citizen for 2024

by Erica Johns

Cathie Meetre is Greenbelt’s 2024 Outstanding Citizen, as announced at the Labor Day Festival’s Opening Ceremonies on Friday, August 30, selected for her contributions toward preserving three iconic Greenbelt institutions. She applied her superb organizational skills, keen intellect, passion for … Read More

7 Aug 2024

J.Ivey, M.Riker Win At-Large P.G. County Council Primary

by Erica Johns

This article has been corrected from the print version, to add the comment from Michael Riker. Democrat Jolene Ivey and Republican Michael Riker are expected to win the August 6 Prince George’s County Council special primary election for the at-large … Read More

1 Aug 2024

New Trail to Connect Greenbelt Station to the Metro Will Proceed

by Erica Johns

The City of Greenbelt is proceeding toward final approval and construction of the long-delayed pedestrian/bicycle trail from the Greenbelt Station community to the Greenbelt Metro station. This follows recent agreement between the city, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA, Metro) … Read More