Erica Johns | Article Author |

16 Nov 2023

FBI HQ Comes to Greenbelt, Finally

by Erica Johns

Greenbelt’s City Council Room was full of jubilation and pride on the rainy morning of Friday November 10, when Maryland Governor Wes Moore led an extraordinary press conference to celebrate Greenbelt’s selection as the location of the Federal Bureau of … Read More

19 Jul 2023

Mengel Takes on a Life-long Goal: Owning a Restaurant

by Erica Johns

In this final part of a three-part series, Erica Johns introduces readers to Aaron Mengel, the new owner of Generous Joe’s. Aaron Mengel began his love of cooking as a child living in Baltimore. He would often accompany his mother … Read More

13 Jul 2023

Joe Jr. Flips Burgers at Age 12, Makes Partner by his Mid-20s

by Erica Johns

This is the second part of a three-part series about the historic diner. The News Review reported last week that Generous Joe’s was sold to its manager, Greenbelt resident Aaron Mengel by the Natoli family who opened the diner in … Read More

5 Jul 2023

Natolis Sell Generous Joe’s; Remembering Golden Start

by Erica Johns

This is part one of a three-part series. The orange booths in Generous Joe’s Deli were busy with families, couples, teens and kids at lunchtime on a recent Tuesday, eating pizza, sandwiches and Italian hoagies. The air was filled with … Read More

4 May 2023

Greenbelt Museum Wins Grant, Prepares to Join Recreation Dept.

by Erica Johns

The Maryland General Assembly has granted $100,000 to the Greenbelt Museum for its expansion project, achieving $360,000 of the $550,000 estimate needed. This timing coincides with the July merger of the Museum with the Recreation Department, which will increase staffing … Read More

22 Mar 2023

Strong Women Are the Backbone Of the Greenbelt News Review

by Erica Johns

Spotlight on Women Part II of a Three-Part Story Following in the footsteps of many “grand dames,” strong women continue to lead and nurture the News Review today. Cathie Meetre (2011-Present) News Review Board President Cathie Meetre led a 2022 … Read More

15 Mar 2023

Strong Women Are the Backbone Of the Greenbelt News Review

by Erica Johns

Part I of a Two-Part Story The history of the News Review is a story of strong women’s impact on Greenbelt, its cooperative institutions, its culture and community. It is a story of women’s accomplishments, especially since 1962, when 12 … Read More

16 Feb 2023

Exhibit Celebrates Greenbelt Lake with Beautiful Photos

by Erica Johns

The photography exhibit on display this month at the Patuxent Wildlife Visitor Center tells many stories about Greenbelt Lake, its wildlife, those who love and care for the lake’s treasures, and the photographers who capture their beauty. The stories include … Read More

9 Feb 2023

City Offers Grants for Greenbelt Students, Homebuyers, Patients

by Erica Johns

The City of Greenbelt has launched three services to offer financial support to Greenbelt residents who are either first-time homebuyers; college, university or vocational students; or uninsured and underinsured persons needing health care. These are all grants, not loans, with … Read More

22 Dec 2022

Man-made Greenbelt Lake Has Natural Freshwater Life Cycle

by Erica Johns

Recently increased vegetation in Greenbelt Lake may appear worrisome, but it is a sign of a natural ecosystem, of nature independently creating and sustaining the 23-acre lake’s rich plant and animal life. If the growth continues, it would indicate the … Read More