Several outgoing council members and longtime residents were honored and offered farewell remarks during the December College Park council ceremony.

Former councilmember Kate Kennedy and community members praised outgoing District 2 representatives for leadership on restorative justice, neighborhood engagement and other local initiatives. Resident Bob Cowen offered a historical anecdote about prior lengthy ceremonies; Ruth Murphy and others thanked departing members for community responsiveness.

City leaders and staff used the meeting to highlight community events and resident resources. Councilmember Esters announced the Embry AME Church winter bazaar (Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.) and the City’s Winter Wonderland market and tree lighting at City Hall Plaza (Dec. 6, 2–8 p.m.). Councilmember Whitney promoted the Lakeland Civic Association tree lighting on Dec. 7 (5–7 p.m.). Mayor Pro Tem Mitchell flagged an emergency customer relief fund from WSSC offering one-time aid up to $750 and noted a job-center grand opening in Greenbelt to assist jobseekers with resumes and employment resources.

Student liaisons and the city manager described holiday programming including a Santa fly-in at the College Park Airport Museum, Berwyn Ballet Nutcracker performances on Dec. 13–14, and the Deck the City decorating contest (entries accepted Dec. 1–15). Councilmembers also reminded residents about public-safety measures during the holidays, reporting gang tagging and where to report smoking in city and regional parks.

Those attending the meeting included former officials and representatives; the evening concluded with a benediction from Pastor Robert Stevens and adjournment of the ceremonial business.

The meeting’s public-comment and farewell segments emphasized gratitude, continuity and an invitation to remain engaged in city boards, commissions and civic initiatives.