As the coronavirus continues to spread, local businesses and other area institutions along the Route 1 corridor are quickly finding a number of creative ways to cope, serve their customers and help other residents weather the health crisis.
We’ve already noted how local restaurants and breweries are handling the pandemic by increasing their take-out and delivery services including Zeke’s in Woodridge, which has fresh-roasted coffee available for pick up only and Vigilante Coffee, which is continuing to roast and will deliver. (You can also order their coffee beans online.) Vigilante also set up an emergency fund for staffers facing hardships with rent and food during the health emergency and is posting tutorials on making coffee at home.
Parkway Liquors at 6017 Greenbelt Rd. in Berwyn Heights has a drive-thru window.
And South Mountain Creamery, though not based on the Route 1 corridor, delivers fresh milk to the area direct from their farm in Frederick, Md. and would be a great option if you run out of fresh milk but want to avoid going out.
Here’s a quick look at other businesses and local institutions and what they are offering online or as an critical service in person.
Starting March 17, students can pick up free sack lunches and a snack from Prince George’s County Public Schools from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily at the following schools on the Route 1 corridor: Nicholas Orem Middle School in Hyattsville, Templeton Elementary School in Riverdale Park, and Port Towns Elementary School in Bladensburg.
There will also be a Capital Area Food Bank Pop-Up at the Giant parking lot March 17, from 3-7 p.m., at 6000 Greenbelt Rd. in Greenbelt.
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System has put together a series of free temporary resources during health emergency and practicing social distancing. This includes Digital Suite, which offers instant access to eBooks, audiobooks, digital comics, video and music, and can be accessed for free with your library card.
Hyattsville children’s author Mary Amato is releasing audio of her own books on Soundcloud during the school closures for free, including “The Chicken of the Family Collection.”
The Old Greenbelt Theatre closed on Friday, but says it is working on virtual programming to go up soon. You can donate here or buy a gift card or merchandise.
Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier is sharing videos of its staff doing everything from Michael Jackson impersonations to talking about consciousness as part of a fundraiser. To give financial support, text JOES25 to 76278 or click here.
Distinctly Creative in Mount Rainier is offering online workshops on digital advertising and social media as an effective tool to grow your business. First workshop is March 28.
Art Works Now in Hyattsville is asking supporters to make a tax-deductible contribution of $100 so that it can sustain itself during a shutdown.
Numi Yoga in College Park streaming classes for $8/$10 on Zoom, a popular site among university professors during the school shutdown.
OpenBarre Studios is planning to offer one online class every other day. More info can be found on its Instagram page.
Local musician Teresa Jimenez is offering free music sessions for kids during the health emergency. More info can be found on her Instagram page.
Love Yoga Studio in Hyattsville has transitioned to only offering live online yoga classes at least until March 20.
My Dead Aunt’s Books in Hyattsville has an online catalog thru abebooks that can be accessed from its webpage www.mydeadauntsbooks.com. Its online store is still named Robert Harper Books. There are some 12000 books in stock and orders ship the next day.
Three Little Birds Sewing Co. is closed until further notice but is offering free local delivery (within 5 miles), free shipping within the DMV area (see previous post for details), as well as curbside pickup.
Posh Cycling and Fitness is working to offer online classes during the health emergency. Check their Instagram page for more updates.
Want to go on a scenic hike nearby and get away from it all while adhering to the social distancing rules?
The National Arboretum in D.C. just over the Maryland border is a sprawling 446 acres gem and makes a great destination for practicing social distancing. While the visitor’s center and museums are closed, the park and garden.
Also, be sure to check out our free forum (no need to sign up or subscribe) on the impact of the coronavirus on the Route 1 corridor for the community to discuss and share information about the effects of the pandemic in the area.
