Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What Maryland’s new athletics CFO means for College Park’s Terps

Be sure to catch ASO presents: Holiday Pops with Bowie State University Concert Choir on the College Park Patch calendar

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Good morning College Park! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What Maryland’s new athletics CFO means for College Park’s Terps
  • How to claim your free late-night Lyft rides from College Park
  • How a UMD College Park alum became both PA and NFL cheerleader

Also on today's calendar: ASO presents: Holiday Pops with Bowie State University Concert Choir and 8 more events.

Find out what's happening in College Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around College Park? Post it to College Park photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in College Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 38 and low of 25 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 48, low: 28.
  • Thursday: An afternoon shower in spots, with a high of 51 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Maryland Alum Matthew Smale Named Deputy Athletic Director/Chief Financial Officer for Maryland Athletics (umterps.com) — Maryland Athletics in College Park has named alum Matthew Smale as its new Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer, overseeing the Terrapins’ business operations and budget. Smale returns from the University of Miami with extensive experience in athletic finance and will start his new role on January 2, 2026, as he and his wife relocate back to the DMV.
   

2. Free Lyft rides available in Alexandria beginning Friday through New Year's Day (alxnow.com) — College Park residents can get up to $15 off late-night Lyft rides through New Year’s thanks to the SoberRide program, which operates across Prince George’s County. The free rides run nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., with promo codes released online on Dec. 19 and Dec. 31 to help reduce drunk driving during the holidays.
   

3. Cheerleader Spotlight: Vonai (patriots.com) — A former University of Maryland student who studied kinesiology at College Park shares how her path from the Spirit Squad led to a demanding but rewarding career as a physician assistant and NFL cheerleader. She describes overcoming academic setbacks, a program losing accreditation, and discrimination before ultimately graduating as valedictorian and finding a telemedicine role that fits her life.
   

4. Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola plans to enter transfer portal (rapidcityjournal.com) — A high-profile Nebraska quarterback planning to enter the transfer portal once played a tight 34-31 win over Maryland at SECU Stadium in College Park. The photo-heavy piece tracks his recent seasons, including that College Park matchup, injuries, big wins, and fan interactions across the country.
   

📸 Around College Park

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Good morning,
    There were 4 crimes in my area of responsibility for the week December 8 thru December 15, 2025.   Northern College Park Community Area: (3 Crimes)… (Nextdoor )
  • They have fresh soursop, soursop juice, and seamoss gel, too!
    Call - 2402326577 288 Valley Ave SE (call first they ask) www.melonnation.earth pick up and deliver, order online (Nextdoor Campus Dr)
  • Taco Bell posted a job opening for Team Member TB39072-COLLEGE PARK in College Park. Apply here.
  • Sweetgreen, Inc. posted a job opening for College Park - Service Team Member in College Park. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near College Park here.

Ok College Park! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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