Hyattsville Aging in Place, Helping Hands University Park, Neighbors Helping Neighbors of College Park, and Explorations on Aging have joined together to launch a new, online informative series to entertain, engage, and educate attendees, especially our older residents residing along the Route 1 Corridor. These Corridor Conversations programs will be held monthly and attendees can join via telephone or Zoom. Presentations begin at 2 p.m., although attendees are encouraged to join at 1:30 for conversation to work out any technical glitches. When possible, programs will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. We will be expanding this list as new programs are ready.
Route 1 Commercial History
Saturday, April 26, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m.
Join Mike Franklin and Prince George’s County Planning Board Chair Peter A. Shapiro for a discussion of the commercial history and development of Route 1, starting with the old Hyattsville Hardware Store that is home to today’s Franklins general store, restaurant, and brewery, and the creation of the Gateway Arts District, which Shapiro spearheaded during his time on the County Council.
Made in Maryland
Saturday, May 24, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m.
It’s no secret that Maryland is home to hundreds of creatives who design, craft, roast, stitch, bake, weld, brew and build amazing products—and now there is a retail initiative dedicated to helping them grow. This modern-day incubator is a platform for creativity—enabling ideas, products, and people to converge and drive traffic to neighborhoods while creating low entry-to-market opportunities for Maryland-based makers and small retailers. Founded by Stacey Price of People Make Place and Michael Babin of Neighborhood Restaurant Group, Shop Made in Maryland is dedicated to showcasing the talents of MD-based designers, artists, and makers.
Recognize and Avoid Cyber Crime
Saturday, June 28, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m.
Join cybersecurity expert Heidi Weber to learn how to recognize and avoid the rising threat of electronic fraud in today’s digital age. Discover the common tactics used in phone calls, text messages, and emails to deceive unsuspecting individuals. Learn what red flags to watch for and the warning signs of a scam. Gain valuable strategies for safeguarding your personal information and finances, including what to do if you suspect you’ve been targeted. And find out about resources that can offer assistance and support in the fight against fraud.
It’s Summer! Time to Get Fit
Saturday, July 26, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m.
Join Wallace Merriman on your journey to a healthier lifestyle. His talk will help people who want better health walk through the nutritional maze and make it safely to the other side. Wallace is a health and fitness coach specializing in weight loss and wellness with You Be Fit. He has over 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and was a fitness trainer for agents in federal law enforcement as an Army instructor; he now works in Prince George’s County Parks and Planning and teaches at Prince George’s Community College. Wallace takes the confusion out of diet, exercise and nutrition and helps people make better choices that will last a lifetime instead of a moment in time.
Click Here to Register
Additional programs will be announced soon.
The Route 1 Corridor Conversations series has received support from Maryland Milestones, the City of Hyattsville, and the City of College Park.
Past Events
2021 • 2022 • 2023 • 2024
Pyramid Atlantic: Anchoring the Arts District
Saturday, March 22, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m. — Click Here to Watch This Presentation
Kate Taylor Davis, executive director of Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center in Hyattsville, discusses the vibrant arts scene supported by the Pyramid Atlantic, including its studios, letterpresses and other printmaking equipment, the history of its building, and more.
Columbia Air Center: Determined to fly
Saturday, February 22, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m. — Click Here to Watch This Presentation
Columbia Air Center, also known as Riverside Airfield, was the first licensed Black-owned and operated airport in the United States. Located in Croom, Prince George’s County, Maryland, it operated from 1940–1962. Columbia Air Center was more than an airfield, it was a home for the Black community, an expression of self-determination. Its history and legacy have been largely overlooked. Since 2022, College Park Aviation Museum has been honored to work with four Columbia Air Center’s descendant families and pilots to create the exhibition “Columbia Air Center – Determined to Fly.” This exhibit will be located in one of the museum’s three 800 sq ft. galleries and is scheduled to open to the public in the fall of 2025. Please join Museum Director Dr. Nadine Boksmati-Fattouh and Collections Curator and project lead Luke Perez as they talk about the curatorial approach and implementation of this groundbreaking interactive exhibition.
Healthy Movement Habits for the New Year
Saturday, January 18, 2025 — 2–3:30 p.m. — Click Here to Watch This Presentation
Join Jasmine Jackson, PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN, from Process Physical Therapy and Performance to learn about building healthy movement habits and practices for the New Year and beyond!
The Route 1 Corridor Conversations series has received support from Maryland Milestones, the City of Hyattsville, and the City of College Park.