RELIGIOUS SYMBOL OR MEMORIAL? Peace Cross in Bladensburg center of dispute. PAGE 6
Street fixes on agenda — again by Susie Currie
Three infrastructure improvements that have been languishing for years, if not decades, were back on the agenda at the Hyattsville City Council’s November 5 meeting. Mayor Marc Tartaro presented a detailed spreadsheet of timelines for them, showing how each could be completed by either December 2013 or May 2014. The projects, all in the southern end of the city, address problems ranging from stormwater management to handicapped accessibility to crumbling roads and broken sidewalks. One area, the notoriously flood-prone “Soggy Bottom” neighborhood, needs all of these fixes. It’s a cul-de-square bordered by 40th Avenue and Crittenden, Banner and Buchanan streets. Many homes overlook the Northwest Branch bike trail or the woods by Magruder Park. Drainage problems began in 1993, when the city’s Department of Public Works raised sidewalks to accommodate tree roots. But the new sidewalks were higher than residents’ yards, trapping rainwater that should have flowed onto the street – and trapping some residents who couldn’t open their front gates.
DeMatha Soccer, led by Coach Dafydd Evans, won 62 games in a row. PAGE 7
Police and firefighters face off in 2nd annual Hyattsville Heroes’ Bowl. PAGE 3
Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 9 No. 11
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
November 2012
Burglary arrests ease fears by Gabrielle Kratsas
Police recently arrested four men trying to sell stolen televisions in West Hyattsville, and detectives are trying to determine if these suspects are linked to the recent rash of area thefts. On Oct. 31, officers were responding to yet another residential burglary of TVs, electronics and jewelry when they received a tip that
some men were attempting to sell televisions to a barbershop in the 3000 block of Hamilton Street. Officers and investigators went to the scene and arrested Clarence Jord Kirksey-Walcott of Lanham, Md. and Markeet Tyrone Johnson Jr. of Washington, D.C. for first-degree burglary, while Willie Randolph III of Washington, D.C. and Jerome Anton Jones of Hyattsville were arrested for felony theft.
It was welcome news for residents on edge after the city saw 22 burglaries and one attempted burglary between September 2 and October 20. In Ward 5, residential burglaries are up 33 percent this year, and Ward 4 has seen an increase of 21 percent. Nearby towns have seen an increase in property crimes, as well. In University Park, police
DEMOCRACY ILLUSTRATED
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601
MELROSE continued on page 12
STAG SOCCER
BRAVEST VS. FINEST
SUSIE CURRIE Hyattsville citizens braved long lines — such as this one at Nicholas Orem Middle School -— to vote in the 2012 election. Hyattsville precincts voted overwhelmingly to re-elect President Obama and other incumbents.
BURGLARIES continued on page 13
City council plows through snow removal suggestions by Susie Currie and Paula Minaert
Even before Hurricane Sandy was a gleam in a meteorologist’s eye, some Hyattsville residents were worried about the coming of this winter’s snowy weather. In September, the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee and the Aging in Place group met together to talk about the city’s policy on snow removal, and the difficulties it presented in Snowmageddon, the February 2010 blizzard that ultimately dropped more than 54 inches of snow on the D.C. area. This month, the city council has taken up the issue, which is of particular concern for seniors. Many of them have a problem with the city’s custom of plowing the streets curb-to-curb whenever possible. That meant, in 2010, that cars parked on the street were often encased in snow, while sidewalks cleared by residents were refilled with snow SNOW continued on page 10
Included: The November 12, 2012 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
For one local pastor, FromTheEditor same-sex marriage is At the intersection of opposing things a matter of hospitality by Lizzy McLellan
by Paula Minaert
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Interested reporters should send their e-mail addresses to the editor to be reminded of deadlines and receive internal news. Articles and news submitted may be edited. The deadline is the last week of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor and opinions are encouraged. For all e-mail correspondence with HL&T: news, features, tips, advertising and business write to hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail. com. To submit articles, letters to the editor, etc., e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com.
One theme leaps out at me in the stories in this issue: the intersection of faith and civil life, of individual rights and communal responsibility. Lines at the polling place, like the one on our cover, is just the most obvious example. For instance, in the cover story about burglaries, it was a tip — someone acting as a good citizen — that led to the arrests. And Councilmember Paula Perry reminds us that we, the residents, need to work together with the police in preventing crime. In the snow story, we see the city government trying to juggle different, and sometimes seemingly opposing, things. It must keep the streets clear for vehicles. But on the other hand, it must be sensitive to the needs of people sometimes forced to do extra shovelling when the streets are plowed. In other articles, the theme emerges even more strongly. The controversy over the Peace Cross reminds us that, as a people, we hold very different beliefs and attitudes. What do we do when those beliefs collide in a public place? The story on this page relates how the Mennonite congregation in Hyattsville is trying to balance one strongly held virtue, hospitality, with another, reconciliation. There’s much food for thought.
Earlier this month, Maryland became one of the first three states to legalize same-sex marriage by popular vote. This momentous decision will have particular meaning to one Hyattsville church. Hyattsville Mennonite Church, with 250 members, took a stand on the issue of gay marriage long ago, in 1986, when they welcomed their first openly gay member. More joined over the years and the church accepted them, believing it was practicing the Mennonite value of hospitality. Its pastor, the Rev. Cynthia Lapp, estimates there are about a dozen homosexual members. Lapp says she sometimes has a hard time explaining the nature of her congregation. “There is a certain stereotype of Mennonites being just like the Amish and that’s not quite right,” she says of the church. It’s located on East-West Highway but is currently meeting at the nearby University Park Church of the Brethren while its main building undergoes renovations. The Mennonites are descended from Swiss Anabaptists (believers in adult, not infant baptism) who sprang up during the 16thcentury Protestant Reformation. Mennonites are opposed to violence of any kind, are anti-war
Executive Editor Paula Minaert paula@hyattsvillelife.com 301.335.2519 Managing Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209
Want to be a part of our award-winning team? Here’s your chance.
Production Ashley Perks Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Hille, Bill Jenne, Valerie Russell, Kimberly Schmidt, Fred Seitz, Hugh Turley
Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. Mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city. Total circulation is 9,300. HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association.
Mennonite Church USA. Forced to choose between accepting same-sex couples and maintaining rights within the denomination, the church chose the former. “The idea of hospitality took on a whole new meaning,” says Lapp. The Mennonites’ belief in peacemaking keeps them from arguing over ideology in cases such as this, so dissenting congregations eventually just split from the larger church. However, no split has officially taken place yet with the Hyattsville congregation. In early 2009, the Hyattsville church applied for membership in the Atlantic Coast Conference. But national membership guidelines require a congregation to be reconciled to its original conference before it can transfer to a new conference. “ACC said they would like to have Allegheny Mennonite Conference and Hyattsville resolve their differences first before considering ACC membership,” Lapp told The Mennonite magazine that December. “We were disappointed; I don’t know that we were surprised.” In March 2012, AMC leaders announced that they would like to “explore reconciliation,” and talks have been ongoing since then.
The Hyattsville Life & Times is hiring.
Editorial Intern Scarlett Salem
Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Paula Minaert - Secretary Peggy Dee, Bart Lawrence, Karen J. Riley, Valerie Russell Susie Currie - Ex Officio
and emphasize peace, justice and simple living. They are distant cousins of the Amish, also descended from Swiss Anabaptists. Lapp herself does not fit the typical modest and unassuming Mennonite clergy stereotype. With her spiked hair, colorful scarves and cowboy-style boots, she is known locally as the minister who began performing samesex marriages in 2010, when it became legal in the District. Her first one was for two men who had been together for 27 years. She said that she was unsure if she wanted to take this leap, but in the end was “honored” to be a part of it. Lapp says she will not turn away non-Mennonite homosexual couples who want to marry in her church. They would, however, have to take part in the same pre-wedding worship experiences she requires of Mennonite couples. In 2005, the Allegheny Conference of the Mennonite Church USA, which encompasses Mennonite churches in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia, disciplined Hyattsville for its recognition of same-sex couples. The church lost its eligibility to vote within the conference and for its members to be elected to office in the conference or in the
! R A E Y T X E N U O Y E
B D L U O THIS C
On behalf of the Hyattsville Life & Times, Managing Editor Susie Currie accepts one of two first-place journalism awards at the 2012 National Newspaper Association convention, held in October in Charleston, S.C.
The Hyattsville Life & Times is an independent community newspaper, started by and for residents in 2004. We’re hiring editorial staff now who can help expand our reach in print and online. If you live here, know your neighbors, care about what happens in the city and have a flexible schedule, read on. Our future coworker(s) will have journalism and/or web and social-media experience, and be able to generate story ideas and produce top-notch work on deadline. They will be reliable, with a schedule flexible enough to cover some weekend and evening events. Positions are part-time contract ones, and the pay is … about what you’d expect for a community newspaper.
Does that sound like you? Tell us why in an e-mail to susie@hyattsvillelife.com. Attached should be your resume and up to 3 writing or editing samples.
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Page 3
International Travel Vaccines
NEWS BRIEFS
6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 (301) 403-8808
By Paula Minaert
Hyattsville has a bookstore in town again! It is a rarity these days, an independent bookstore. Housed in Busboys & Poets, it’s part of the successful retail StreetSense development. Manager Rodrigo Rioja describes it as a progressive bookstore, carrying books on topics such as cultural studies, the arts, literature and history. At press time, Rioja was still setting up shop in the space originally planned for a graffitiarts store; the bookstore will carry some of those products. In a two-hour auction held in Greenbelt October 28, Hyattsville’s University Town Center sold 33 units in two of its buildings, Plaza Lofts 22 and One Independence Plaza. While most people were keeping an eye on Hurricane Sandy, others were able to acquire condominiums for rock-bottom prices. The company has been struggling financially. In the end, the lowest price a unit went for was $111,000; the highest was $256,000. Will there be more parking coming to Route 1? The city council has decided to apply for two grants, totaling $1 million. The grants, said Mayor Marc Tartaro, will be used to acquire land on Hamilton Street on the east side of Route 1 and for demolition and other services preparatory to building a parking lot there. Then, depending on de-
Yellow fever, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Polio, etc.
AdirondAck Tree experTs Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996 PAULA MINAERT The police take on the fire department in a rematch of last yearʼs Hyattsvilleʼs Heroesʼ Bowl. The firefighters won, 36-18. The Bravest (in yellow) are S. Copley, M. Westerbeck and J. Murphy. The Finest (in blue) are L. Checca, Z. Nemser and B. Hur.
mand and funding, the city will look at the possibility of building a parking garage on that site. A man has pleaded guilty to two of the six attacks on women that took place earlier this year, mostly on and near the Northeast Branch Trail. Edwin Rivas of Hyattsville will be sentenced November 24 for a January 28 rape in Mount Rainier and a February 23 sexual assault in Hyattsville. You’ll soon be seeing giant paint tubes on TheBus: Route 17, starting later this year. Jennifer
Axner won the competition, sponsored by the Route 1 Ride Collaborative competition, for the design on the bus that goes up and down Route 1 from College Park to Mt. Rainier. Blue vs. yellow, the Finest vs. the Bravest, the officers vs. the firefighters: The second annual Hyattsville Heroes’ Bowl happened November 10 at Magruder Park. The final score was 3618, with the firefighters winning. Proceeds raised went to benefit the Sonny Frazier Toy Drive for needy area children.
Recipient of Checkbook Magazine’s “Check of Quality”
REMOVAL • PRUNING TRIMMING
Free Estimates!
301-595-2827 On-Line Coupons
www.adirondacktreeexperts.com FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts • Visa and Mastercard Accepted
BRICK WORK PLUS Specializing in maSonry & Small concrete conStruction FOr yOur cOnStructiOn neeDS, call uS at
301-864-8161 • Fax 301-864-0013
AuntieDiluviana
Office: 4318 Hamilton St. #106 • Hyattsville, MD 20781
George W. Reaves, Owner
by Molly Parrish
To those readers who have asked about the status of Hyattsville Aging in Place: I’m glad to report that on November 3, the organization officially launched its volunteer program with an orientation session for some 30 potential volunteers. “This is the culmination of what we have been working on for the last two years,” Lisa Walker, chair of the HAP board of directors, told the crowd assembled at city hall. Hyattsville Aging in Place was founded to help older residents of the city with activities that may enable them to live in their homes longer than they would otherwise. These activities may include transportation to doctor appointments or grocery stores; errands such as picking up items at the pharmacy or taking mail to the
post office; light housekeeping; pet care or minor home repairs. Led by Sally Middlebrooks, attendees discussed why they wanted to volunteer and told of past experiences with helping older adults. Three older Hyattsville residents shared information about their lives and current challenges. In the past two years, HAP has established itself as a source of information on aging issues and as a tax-exempt nonprofit corporation. Once background checks for the volunteers have been completed, the organization will be ready to start taking applications from older residents of Hyattsville who want services. The Washington area has several “villages,” as aging in place systems are called, and HAP has been in contact with them as it has built its organization. Unlike
many of them, HAP is not charging fees for service. However, it asks volunteers and the neighbors they assist to contribute a $20 annual membership fee, which will go to pay for insurance and background checks (the necessary operating expenses of the organization). The group hopes to supplement the budget with grants and tax-exempt donations. HAP also sponsors a series of informational programs for older residents and their caregivers. These have included programs on health, nutrition and elder abuse. The next one, “Caring for Caregivers,” is scheduled for Thursday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the city building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Anyone interested in volunteering for Hyattsville Aging in Place or seeking services can call HAP at 301.887.3101.
Taunya L. Jenkins, DDS, LLC
General Dentist 6525 Belcrest Rd Suite 201 Hyattsville, MD 20785 • RCT • Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Bleaching • White Fillings Emergencies Welcome Most Insurances Accepted
Tel 301-779-0522 Fax 301-927-1815 M-Thu 9-5 Sat by Appt.
HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE Home of
THE CLEANERS CORNER Vacuum Cleaner Sales and Service Sewing Machine Repair Janitorial Equipment and Supplies Carpet Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
5219 Baltimore Avenue • Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Tel: 301-277-3553 • Fax: 301-277-7142 e-mail: HyattsvilleVac@aol.com
Page 4
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, It’s fall and chrysanthemums seem to be the only flowers seen in gardens, other than lingering annuals. They look pretty but I hate their odor so don’t want to bring them into my house. Are there any scentless fall-blooming flowers that will look nice and perky at this time of year? My annuals are bedraggled now and although there are shrubs with nice foliage and berries, what I really want are some non-noxious nosegays to put in vases. What do you recommend? Odor-Averse on Oglethorpe Street Dear Odor-Averse, While I love the poignantly pungent fragrance of chrysanthemums, I know that the oldest recorded saying in the world is that you can’t argue about taste. (Reportedly this was found on cuneiform tablets.) There are
others who agree with you, so they too will welcome knowing of alternative fall flowers. Personally, I am partial to dahlias. They come in a dazzling array of colors, shapes and textures, with sizes ranging from miniature to the giant dinner-plate variety. However, dahlias must be dug up after frost, which is considerable work, and then carefully stored for the winter. In addition, they multiply so madly that you find yourself in the position of people with friendshipbread starter mix. It becomes difficult to find anyone you haven’t already persuaded to take some of your bounty. I consulted Lady Aster, the person I know with the loveliest fall garden. She has no chrysanthemums at all, but her garden is full of color. Her chokeberries (Aronia arbutifolia) and heartsa-bursting (Euonymus americanus) are spectacular with ruby and magenta fruit, as well as their bronze and scarlet leaves.
Lawson’s Pharmacy PICK-UP & DELIVERY OF PRESCRIPTIONS Ostomy Supplies, Sr. Citizen’s Discounts Convalescent Aids Sales & Rentals Richard Sabatelli, R. Ph.
301-864-4043
3415 Hamilton St., Hyattsville, MD 20782
Dahlias are an alternative for fall flowers, though they must be dug up after frost.
Also, many varieties of aster and fall-blooming alyssum extend the spectrum of color into a range of rose, diaphanous pink, white, mauve, violet and twilight blue. Although she harbors some of the more frequently planted New England Asters (symphyotrichum novae-angliae), she favors the New York Asters (symphyotrichum novi-belgii) — otherwise known as Michaelmas daisies. The contrast of their golden eyes makes their colors pop out dramatically. Their blooming season is longer than that of the New England Asters, beginning in late August and continuing till frost. If cut back (and if you use them continuously for indoor
bouquets you will do that) they will be more shapely and luxuriant than the New England Asters, which can get rangy. Compact clouds of the New York Asters’ luminous bloom drift gracefully through Lady Aster’s garden. The only bulbs she plants are those of the hardy cyclamen, which add jewel-like tones to shaded areas, and autumn crocus for sunnier areas. Neither needs to be dug up and replanted every year. To these she adds the toad lily (tricyrtis), which looks like an orchid rather than a toad, and “sneezeweed” (helenium), whose flowers lend tonalities of autumnal gold, mahogany, and auburn to the garden palette.
The daunting name of the latter came from the fact that its dried leaves were once used to make snuff. The fresh leaves and flowers will not make you sneeze. Nor will the mustard-yellow plumes of goldenrod. It once was blamed for the ravages of ragweed, but has been exonerated and elevated from weed to that of wildflower. Lady Aster permits it in her garden. To discuss and this and other gardening matters, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, November 17, at 10 a.m. The meeting will take place at the home of Bob and Sarah Harper, 4103 Gallatin Street.
Helping Sell Hyattsville
And our Neighboring Community
Ann Barrett, Realtor® Salesperson, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
UNDER CONTRACT UNDER CONTRACT 3914 Jefferson Street $315,000, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 finished levels! Nicely updated.
1614 East West Highway Listed for $99,000 in need of love and attention! Received 28 offers for my sellers review!
9094 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740
cell: 240-938-6060 office: 301-441-9511 ext. 261
email: annbarrett@ longandfoster.com web: ANNBARRETT.LNF.COM
UNDER CONTRACT $314,900 9004 Acredale Court, College Park
UNDER CONTRACT $315,000 4026 Hamilton Street
Hyattsville is enjoying a strong sellers market which I believe will continue through the winter months. Please call me if you are thinking of making a move!
Honored As: Top Producing Agent Long & Foster College Park 2009, 2010 and 2011!
Honored as Long & Foster’s Top Sales Agent for Southern Maryland/Prince George’s County Region for 2011!
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Page 5
now open at hyattsville! GENRES:
World History & Politics. Young Adults. Arts & Culture. Poetry. Latin American & Caribbean History. Mind, Body & Spirit. Peace Studies. Food-Health & Environment. Memoirs & Biographies. Children's. Education. Theatre & Drama.
AND MORE!
Busboys and Poets 5331 Baltimore Ave. Hyattsville, MD 20781
www.busboysandpoets.com
Page 6
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Peace Cross battle arouses strong emotions by Scarlett Salem and Paula Minaert
The latest salvo in the battle over Bladensburg’s Peace Cross came November 4, when county officials denied the American Humanist Association’s contention that having the 40-foot-tall memorial on public property is unconstitutional.
The move came in response to the AHA’s August 22 letter on behalf of its former communications director, Fred Edwords. According to the Washington Post, driving by the 1925 monument “made him uncomfortable.” The AHA argued that it is unconstitutional for what it calls a “sectarian religious symbol” to be displayed on public land,
OLD DOMINION B
and want it removed. The cross honors the 49 residents of Prince George’s County who died during World War I. It sits on a patch of grass near the Anacostia, on land owned by the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission. “It’s not a lawsuit yet,”said AHA attorney William Burgess. “It’s a potential lawsuit.”
REWHOUSE
& RESTAURANT
Karaoke every Wednesday night!
University Town Center • Next to PG Plaza 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD
15% OFF
Entire Dinner Check (Min. $20)
Daily Happy Hour Specials Mon. - Sat. 4-7 pm Appetizers as low as $2.00 Come enjoy all the games on our 25 HDTVs!
301-887-1818
all you can eat
china buffet
Valid only at Old Dominion Brewhouse. Discount does not apply to daily specials or happy hour. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/2012
15% OFF
Entire Dinner Check (Min. $15)
Coupon valid only at Tokyo Sushi and China Buffet. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/2012
Shrimp • Snow Crab Legs • Sushi Salmon • Mussels • Fish • Salad Fruit Salad • Seafood • Soup • General Tso’s Chicken • Seafood Delight • Ice Cream • Cake • And MUCH MORE!
University Town Center, across from Royal 14 Theaters 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD 301-887-1991
The M-NCPPC outlined its position in a November 4 letter. It rejects the AHA’s contention that the cross is solely a sectarian symbol, pointing out that crosses have historically been used in war memorials. It is not unconstitutional, it wrote, and declined to destroy or move it, though it added it was open to further discussion. Attorneys for the two groups met shortly after that letter was sent, according to Burgess, and discussed possible solutions, including moving the cross to private property. In between this exchange of letters, a group of about 200 people made their opinions known October 13 at an on-site demonstration. They held up signs that read, among other things, “Save the Peace Cross,” “Honor the Troops,” “Honor our heroes” and “This monument shall not be removed.” They chanted, “USA!” “Save the Peace Cross” and “Stop your cars!” They were asking passing cars to honk their horns to show their support. Montgomery County resident Kathy Davis, whose father served in World War II, organized the “Save the Peace Cross” demonstration. “Certain individuals believe this is a Christian cross. But this right here is a war memorial. It has 49 names of WWI vets that … died for us,” she said. “It’s been here since as long as I can remember, and I’m 53. All of a sudden somebody’s offended?” Her son, Jesse Davis, was there as well. “I’m actually an atheist, and I believe it’s a memorial to soldiers. To tear it down because it resembles a religious sign is wrong.” American Legion members from all over the state were at the
demonstration. One of them was Mark Beard, American Legion, Post 217 in College Park. “I’m here because it’s a slap in the face to veterans from WWI. It’s important that we defend our WWI brothers who can’t speak. When we see the cross, they are thought of, they are honored.” Other Legion members also expressed strong feelings about the situation. “I’m asking all the vets in the area to rally. If they fought for us then we need to fight for them,” said one. “We can’t let them take down this cross,” said
“It’s been here since as long as I can remember, and I’m 53. All of a sudden somebody’s offended?” — Kathy Davis organizer of the Save the Peace Cross demonstration another. A third commented, “If I have to stand alone, I will. we can’t let this happen.” Veterans also turned up. Brad Hubbard, a Desert Storm veteran from American Legion Post 109 in Arbutus, said, “These atheists want to make it about them and not the people it was dedicated to. It’s like taking an issue with a gravestone: How dare you?” But Burgess says, “This is not about whether there should be a memorial to these soldiers but what form it should take. It should be a secular memorial if it’s to be on public property. It’s not about destroying or degrading the cross in any way. It could also stand on private land without any legal concerns.”
Fleisher’s Jewelers After 63 years of service to the Hyattsville area, we regret to announce that we will be closing our store this year.
It has been an honor and pleasure to serve your jewelry related needs, and we hope to see you before we close our doors for the last time. We will be running a storewide liquidation sale, so please come in early for the best selection. 3108 Queens Chapel Road Hours: Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 M-F: 9:30 - 6:00 301-699-5552 Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Page 7
A winning season for DeMatha Soccer by Scarlett Salem
When DeMatha’s varsity soccer team took to the field November 4 to defend their title as conference champions — the final game of the 2012 season — it hadn’t lost a game for the past three seasons. It was a 62-game unbeaten streak, and it was ranked number 2 in the country. But that day they fell to rival Gonzaga High School in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Championship. The game went into overtime and ended in a 1-1 tie before the teams headed into penalty kicks. Gonzaga won the championship by scoring five penalty kicks to DeMatha’s four. Regardless of the outcome, the game was the last that the senior members of the team would play together. Many of them had been on the team for three years, forging a strong bond. “They are now lifelong friends and they will forever be there for each other,” said James O’Connor, an assistant varsity coach who has been with the program for seven seasons. “After the game they were so emotional about everything. It’s hard
to tell 17-year old boys how proud we were of the way they played and how they did everything we asked them to and in the grand scheme of things, this [outcome] doesn’t mean much.” said O’Connor. There are 70 players in the program. Leading the varsity team for the past 11 seasons is head coach Dafydd Evans, who comes from Wales. Assistant varsity coaches are James O’Connor and Tommy Park, junior varsity coaches are Daryl Ferguson and Mike Mastrantuono, and the freshman team coach is John McConnell. Evans’ European background has influenced the program, O’Connor says. Like in Europe, all the coaches work together and interact with all the players, rather than separating the different teams. “There’s a reason why we have been as successful as we have been under Dafydd’s leadership; we have learned a ton about the game under him. And Dafyyd does an incredible job of balancing coaching soccer and dealing with the psychology of high school students. He knows how to motivate and how to uplift spirits when they are down.”
The program’s success can be seen in the fact that college coaches attend many of DeMatha’s games to recruit players. This season is no exception – three players have already committed to play for nationally ranked Division 1 collegiate programs next year. Wes Suggs has signed with the University of Virginia, Chris Ogoi-Atsem has signed with the University of Maryland, and Sean Cowdrey has signed with Indiana University, which is also O’Connor’s alma mater. Many of the players play soccer year-round on club teams such as Olney Rangers and Nike Rush. Most are also heavily involved in other activities at DeMatha, such as the nationally ranked music program, student government, and AP courses.”‘That’s one thing we pride ourselves on, we don’t have to worry about these kids being eligible. They take great classes at a great school and get good grades,” commented O’Conner. As with collegiate athletic programs, high schools have GPA eligibility requirements, meaning that athletes need to maintain a set GPA in order to participate in their sport. “[This program] is a testament to what one of the seniors said last year. He said, ‘I don’t know if I want to play in college because I don’t know if it’ll get any better than DeMatha,’” O’Connor said.
Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD
6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20783 Tel: 301-403-8808 Fax: 301-403-1341
School Physicals • Immunizations • Sport Physicals • Minor Emergency Care • Ear Piercing • Urgent/Sick Child Visit • CPR/First Aid Class
M-F 9 - 6 p.m. • Evening & Saturday hours by appointment Same day appointment available *Most Insurance Accepted*
HomoConstruction, Habilis LLC* REMODELING
2 million years of experience wrapped up in one small company!
Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Additions, Handyman, Repairs…
Peter J. O’Day
3811 Nicholson Street Hyattsville, MD 20782
240-441-2792 oday.homohabilis @gmail.com
*Ho-mo hab-i-lis, n. (Handy Man, Skillful-Man) A species of humans considered to be an ancestor of modern humans and the earliest hominid to make tools. This species existed between 1.5 and 2.0 million years ago.
HAPPY HYATTSVILLE
HOLIDAYS Magruder Park Tree Lighting
Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. 3911 Hamilton Street
Free!
Carolers, hot chocolate & a visit from Santa
Breakfast with Santa
Saturday, December 8 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street $5 per person (kids 2 & under free) Photos $3
Lunch with Santa
Saturday, December 8 from 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m. City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street $5 per person (kids 2 & under free) Photos $3
Reservations required for Breakfast and Lunch! Visit: www.hyattsville.org/december or call 301-985-5021. Reservations open Monday, November 5 at 9 a.m.
Hyattsville Reporter Page HR1
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
the
No. 252 • November 13, 2012
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trash schedule changes for fall and winter 2012 If your household is served by the Department of Public Works, there are several important schedule changes to note for the next few weeks. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032. This information is also available online at www.hyattsville.org, on the City’s cable channel (71 Comcast, 12 Verizon), and in the Hyattsville Reporter.
THANKSGIVING
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, November 19. If your trash is normally collected on Thursday, it will be collected three days earlier on Monday, November 19. If your trash is normally collected on Friday, it will be collected two days earlier on Wednesday, November 21. Tuesday and Wednesday trash collection remain unchanged.
CHRISTMAS
Holiday events set for December 2012 The City’s annual holiday celebrations take place beginning on Friday, December 7. Hope to see you there!
Happy Hyattsville Holidays 2012 Magruder Park Tree Lighting Ring in the official start to the holiday season with our annual tree lighting in Magruder Park, in the Garden Circle. Sing along with our seasonal carolers, enjoy some hot chocolate and cookies. Kids will have a chance to check in with the man in red! Friday, December 7 at 7 p.m. 3911 Hamilton Street Free! Carolers, hot chocolate & a visit from Santa Breakfast with Santa Join us for a continental breakfast and a sweet treat of a craft! Visits with Santa throughout the morning – take your own picture, or purchase a City snapshot for
just $3. Reservations required: online at http://www.hyattsville.org Saturday, December 8 9 - 10:30 a.m. City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street $5 per person (kids 2 & under free) Photos $3
Lunch with Santa Prefer to sleep in on Saturday? Join us for a light lunch instead. Kids can take part in a sweet treat of a craft. Parents can take your own picture, or purchase a City snapshot for just $3. Reservations required for Breakfast and Lunch! Saturday, December 8 12 Noon - 1:30 p.m. City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street $5 per person (kids 2 & under free) Photos $3 Claus Applause Holiday Decorating Contest Nominate your home, a neighbor’s home,
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, December 24. If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday, it will be collected on Monday, December 24.
IN OTHER NEWS...
NEW YEAR
SHADE TREE BOARD SEEKS MEMBERS
No yard waste will be collected on Monday, December 31. If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday, it will be collected on Monday, December 31. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.
Small Town Energy Program Working in Hyattsville Almost 50 of your Hyattsville neighbors are already preparing to keep their homes warm and their energy bills low this winter through the Small Town Energy Program (STEP). Let STEP do the same for your home! STEP covers $300 of the $400 cost of your home energy evaluation report. If you decide to make any of the report’s recommended improvements, STEP then helps you get up to 60% of the costs back through rebates. STEP Energy Coach Suzanne Parmet helps you every step of the way, making the whole process easy. To learn more about STEP or to attend a STEP house party at the home of a Hyattsville neighbor, contact Suzanne at energycoach@smalltownenergy.org, call 240-695-3991, or visit the STEP web site at http://www. smalltownenergy.org.
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
The City of Hyattsville’s Charter and Code calls for the establishment of a nine-member Shade Tree Board. The Board is a very active group, reviewing applications for non-emergency removal of trees, working with the City arborist on plans to plant new trees, and is an important part of the City’s planning to enhance the City’s urban tree canopy. There are currently several vacancies. No specific skills or training are required. If you are interested in serving, please contact Acting City Administrator Elaine Stookey at 301/985-5000 or estookey@hyattsville.org.
AGES EDUCATION SERIES CONTINUES WITH CARING FOR CAREGIVERS
The Office of Senior Services will offer a series of workshops and seminars on topics of interest to seniors and their families. The next session is on Thursday, November 15 at 5:30 PM in the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, First Floor Multi-Purpose Room. The topic is Caring for Caregivers. If you are currently taking care of a loved one, this workshop is for you. Presented by the Prince George’s County Department of Social Services. This workshop is free and open to the public. Light refreshments provided. Questions? Please contact Emily Stowers, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 301/985-5058 or email estowers@hyattsville.org.
AGELESS GRACE EXERCISE PROGRAM COMES TO MAGRUDER PARK
Announcing Senior Fitness Fridays! Ageless Grace is a fitness and wellness program that consists of 21 simple exercises designed to improve healthy longevity. The exercises are designed to be performed in a seated chair and almost anyone can do them, regardless of most physical conditions. Class meets Fridays, 9:00 AM -10:00 AM from January 11 through March 22 at the Magruder Park Recreation Building, 3911 Hamilton Street. The cost is only $2.00 per session! Please register by January 7, 2013, by contacting Emily Stowers, Senior
or that great house a few blocks over for the 2012 Claus Applause Awards. Nominations open at 12:00 Noon, Monday, November 26. There’s also a green decorating category - tell us why your decor is not just seasonal and lovely, but also environmentally sensitive. Judging will take place the evening of Wednesday, December 12, 2012. To nominate your home or your neighbor’s, please complete the online nomination form or print and mail the paper nomination form to the Department of Community Services. Nominations will close at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 7. Sorry, telephone nominations will not be accepted. Questions? Please contact the Cheri Everhart, Recreation Events Coordinator for the Department of Community Services by email to ceverhart@hyattsville.org or phone at 301-985-5021.
LEAF VACCUUMING
Leaf collection in the City of Hyattsville started on Monday, November 5 and is scheduled to continue mid-January 2013. We will not collect leaves on Monday, November 12 (Veterans Day). We also do not collect leaves during the weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Not sure which day we’re coming to your street? Visit www.hyattsville. org/leaves or call 301/985-5032. The information was also in the last edition of the green version of the Hyattsville Reporter.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY RECYCLING UPDATES
Prince George’s County does not collect recycling on the Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day. Recycling collection will resume on the next regularly scheduled collection day. They do collect recycling on New Year’s Day. Questions? Visit http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ or call 301/952-7630.
MISSED MONDAY’S MEETING? CATCH THE REBROADCAST
The City’s cable station is now rebroadcasting City Council Meetings at a variety of times. Tune in on Monday at 10 AM; Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 AM, 3 PM, and 10 PM; Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 AM and 9 PM; or Saturdays and Sundays at 12 NOON. We will broadcast the most recent Council Meeting. The City’s channel is 71 on Comcast and 12 on Verizon. Questions? Comments? Please talk to Jonathan Alexander, the City’s cable coordinator, at jalexander@ hyattsville.org or 301/985-5028.
CHRISTMAS TREE COLLECTION
The holidays are just around the corner! Remember that Christmas trees are collected as Yard Waste by the Department of Public Works during
CALENDAR OCTOBER 2012 November 1-30
American Indian Heritage Month
Thursday, November 15
AGES Workshop: Caring for Caregivers, 5:30 PM
Monday, November 19 City Council Meeting, 8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 20
Planning Committee, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday, November 21
Environmental Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM
Monday, December 3 City Council Meeting, 8:00 PM
Friday, December 7
Holiday Tree Lighting, 7:00 PM, Magruder Park
Saturday, December 8
Breakfast with Santa, 9:00 to 10:30 AM Lunch with Santa, 12:00 to 1:30 PM
Monday, December 10 City Council Meeting
Wednesday, December 12
Claus Applause Holiday Decorating Contest Judging, 6:30 PM City-wide
Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street.
www.hyattsville.org/december
Services Coordinator at 301/985-5058 or estowers@hyattsville.org
Page HR2
any Monday pick-up. There is no pick-up on Monday, December 31 or Monday, January 21. Simply de-trim your tree and place it curbside. No bag or trimming is required. Trees are processed by Prince George’s County and re-used as mulch.
THINKING SPRING
The 127th City of Hyattsville Anniversary Parade will take place on Saturday, April 13. It’s not too soon to think about marching! We welcome community groups of all types, from neighborhood watches to school clubs and beyond. A little bit of creative and some decent walking shoes are all that is required! Watch for more information after January 1st, or contact Cheri Everhart at 301/985-5021 or ceverhart@hyattsville.org.
MORE SAVE THE DATES
The Parent & Child Dance is scheduled for Saturday, February 23. It’s a fun night out for parents and little ones! Dancing, light refreshments and more. From princess costumes to play clothes, all are welcome. The theme will be revealed in the January edition of the newsletter! The Great Magruder Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast returns on Saturday, March 23. Uncle Pete will be back to entertain the crowds, and the high school art programs at Northwestern and DeMatha are already working on the 2013 souvenir eggs.
REDISTRICTING PLAN ADOPTED; FIND DETAILS ONLINE
The City adopted a redistricting plan earlier this month. Find details here: www.hyattsville.org/redistricting. Not sure about your Ward? The City’s interactive map widget is located at http://www.hyattsville.org/ map.
VETERAN SERVICES
Looking for counseling, assistance with veterans’ benefits, or other in-
formation? The Prince George’s County Vet Center services County residents who have served their country. Services are provided at no charge to the veteran. For more information, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov, or call the Prince George’s County Vet Center, located at 7905 Malcolm Rd., Suite 101, Clinton, MD 21735, at 301/856-7173.
LET IT SNOW
City Council is currently discussing changes to the City’s snow removal ordinance. Check next month’s newsletter for updates, or visit the City’s Archive Center for current Council agendas. Go to www.hyattsville.org and scroll down to Agendas on the left hand side.
SENIOR SERVICES
Families, caregivers and seniors: Do you have any age-related questions or concerns? Please call Hyattsville’s Senior Services Coordinator, Emily Stowers at 301/985-5058, or email estowers@hyattsville.org.
NIXLE
The City is now using Nixle to send public safety alerts and information via both email and text message. This system replaces the SafeCity website previously in use. Many of our neighboring jurisdictions also use Nixle to send out information. Please note that Nixle won’t report on every incident – typically alerts are sent when the HCPD needs to alert the public to a potentially dangerous situation, or when we are asking for your help solving a crime. In other cases, Nixle messages relate to road closures, power outages, etc. If you have a nixle.com account, there is no need to create a new one. Simply log in and add the City of Hyattsville to your wire. New to Nixle? Register at www.nixle.com or enroll using the widget online at http://www. hyattsville.org/stayinformed.
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
Are you on Facebook? You can now keep up with City events and happenings at www.facebook.com/cityofhyattsville. When you see Vainglorious, the silver metal bird sculpture at Centennial Park, you’ll know you’re in the right place. He is kind enough to serve as the City’s wall photo.
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Frigid temps thwart first Handmade on Hamilton fest by Lauren Flynn Kelly
Handmade on Hamilton: An International Celebration of Craft, Music and Food made its debut across from the West Hyattsville metro station on Saturday, November 3. It replaced the longstanding International Festival, usually held every September. Handcrafted items displayed by 40 vendors included feathered fascinators, hemp-string and glass-beaded jewelry, tie-dyed and screen-printed T-shirts, African-print handbags and knit scarves and hats. Local exhibitors included textile artist Rebecca Williams, knitter Kathleen Hellington, local yarn shop A Tangled Skein and members of the Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance. But with temperatures dipping to the mid-40s and the sun nowhere to be seen, the festival drew a modest 500 attendees. “We were hoping for about twice that,” said Acting Director of Community Services Abby Sandel. “But it was the
first year, and new events sometimes take a little time to get off the ground.” As the title promised, the event featured a full lineup of musicians, including the Unity Reggae Band and the all-female percussion band Batala DC. “It’s cold but at least I get to listen to cool music,” said Baltimore artist Kent Ichikawa, who was selling screen-printed T’s and other wearable art. Customer Cynthia Mitchell agreed. “Batala was fantastic,” raved the Hyattsville resident as she selected one of Ichikawa’s designs for a friend’s 50th birthday. Comparisons to the International Festival were inevitable, as the food options this year consisted of two barbecue vendors. “I liked the International Festival because it was basically just food,” grumbled West Hyattsville resident Matt Humbard. “I was impressed by the variety of vendors [at the International Festival],” added his wife Krissi. “I hope the
susie currie Riverdale Park glass artist Tina Van Pelt sold her artwork at the first Handmade on Hamilton fest.
event attracts more craft vendors and definitely more food vendors next year.” “The barbecue food just didn’t seem to mesh with the rest of the environment,” said Hyattsville resident Sarah Weber, who felt one “major missing element” was
Train Printing
4547 Rhode Island Ave | Brentwood, MD 20722
Offset Printing Full Color Digital Printing Wide Format Printing Copy & Fax Services Wedding & Social Invitations ~ Rush Service Available ~
Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
301-864-5552 Established - 1980
fax: 301-864-0740 • e-mail: info@trainprinting.com
www.trainprinting.com
Shagga Coffee & Restaurant
Fine Ethiopian Cuisine
in the Arts District of Hyattsville 6040 Baltimore Ave. Hyattsville MD 20781 240-296-3030
Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm Sunday 11am-9pm
“Thankfully, Kelem Lemu opened Shagga three years ago and has been offering her vibrant native dishes ever since.” — Washington Post, April 3, 2012
Eat In and Take Out Ask about our catering!
www.shaggarestaurant.com
a booth to purchase coffee and other warm beverages. Ward 5 councilmember Nicole Hinds Mofor had initially opposed changing the festival’s theme and date, though she said, “Once a vote is taken and a decision is confirmed, we should all do our best to support each other and make sure every event is a success.” But she also said this time of year is just too cold to stage an outdoor event. Pointing out that many city events are held on the other side of Hyattsville, Mofor added: “This was a unique event held on the west side and designed for the demographic that actually lives on that side of town. I thought it was unfair to change the event without input from the community and without much about the new event that ties it to the old one.” Sandel explained that the International Festival, while popular, had become one of many in the area and that there appears to be more demand for showcasing crafters and artisans in 2012. “There is such a wealth of talent
PawZen
Self-Service Pet Spa Watch your pet receive a spa treatment while you lounge with wi-fi and cable.
Bathing, Flea & Tick treatments, nail clipping, tooth brushing, de-shedding, ear cleaning, and more! Mon., Thurs., Fri. - 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sat. - 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m Sun. - 9 am - 5 pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday 4812 Rhode Island Ave Hyattsville MD 20781
301-779-7297 pawzen@yahoo.com www.pawzenpetspa.com
in our region and it is very easy to find outstanding artisans and crafters to come out to a festival,” she said. “People are excited to showcase in Hyattsville and that’s a great thing.” Still, more than 3,500 visitors had flocked to the Fifth Annual Hyattsville Arts Festival on a much sunnier day in September. While some residents wondered why there were two arts festivals so close together, Sandel said that there was very little overlap: the Arts Fest featured a host of housewares; Handmade on Hamilton drew many accessories designers. Acknowledging that the weather may have negatively affected attendance, she said that the recreation committee might consider moving the event to September or October next year, but it depends on the city’s busy calendar of events. Rounding out the day was a performance by Cirque Oya, with a laser light show and aerialists. “They were just spectacular,” said Sandel, who had to move the finale up to 6:30 because of the dropping temperature.
Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance
est. 1962
Dance classes for all ages
Register For Fall Classes Now! Preschool Dance • Tap • Ballet • HipHop • Modern • Ballroom Small class sizes Ages 3 & up
www.eleanorperniadance.com
301-937-4230
10434 Baltimore Ave • Beltsville, MD 20705
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR November 17
All are welcome to join the discussion of Mark Haddon’s book, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, which is told from the point of view of an autistic boy. 3 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
November 18
At this month’s drop-in art program, for ages 3 to 8, the theme is Wacky Robots. Free. 2 to 4 p.m. Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park. 301.927.3013.
November 19
As part of its “Journey Stories” series, the Hyattsville Library hosts a screening of Trail of Tears: a Cherokee Legacy. The documentary centers on the events surrounding President Andrew Jackson’s Indian Removal Act of 1830. Free. Film starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion facilitated by local filmmaker Andrew Millington. Refreshments will be provided. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
November 23
Don’t want to mob-shop on Black Friday? Opening today is the 26th Annual Win-
December 1
During two seatings of Breakfast With Sint Niklaas, children ages 3 to 10 will meet the Flemish forerunner of Santa Claus and hear about the origin of traditions like hanging stockings by the fireplace. A Belgian-inspired menu will be presented at 9 and 11 a.m., and reservations are required as walk-ins will be turned away. Adults, $7; children, $10. 10 a.m. Riversdale House Museum. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420. A longtime neighborhood tradition continues today with the St. Jerome Academy Craft Fair and White Elephant Sale. Books, toys, household items and more will be sold to benefit the school, ter Festival of Lights, the popular holiday display featuring over a million twinkling lights. Please bring a canned good to donate. Admission per car or van is $5 for a single visit or $10 for a three-visit pass. Daily, from 5 to 9:30 p.m. until January 2. Watkins Regional Park. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456.
November 30
Today is the deadline to apply for the
and this year there’s a new section for handmade local art. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5205 43rd Avenue. 301.277.4568. Browse jewelry, purses, toys, fragrant soaps, holiday ornaments and more from dozens of local artists at the Mt. Rainier Community Craft Fair. Free, but vendors accept cash or checks only. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier. 301.655.5274.
December 7 and 8
The city marks the season with two annual events this weekend. The Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Magruder Park. Then, on Saturday, the Municipal Building hosts two seatings of Dining with Santa: a continental breakfast from 9 to 10:30, and lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. The treelighting is free. Both Saturday events have an admission charge and require registration. 301.985.5021 or www.hyattsville.org.
The bricks come out for LEGO® Time, a program for children ages 3 to 13 and their families. (Parents must accompany children 8 and younger.) Free. 2 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
December 8
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Department of Parks and Recreation 2013 Teen Cotillion.Only 40 teens (ages 14 to 17) are accepted for the 16-week program, which includes workshops on career development and social skills. The series begins in January and culminates in a formal dinner dance in May. Contact 301.446.3400 or www.pgxtremeteens.com.
Ongoing Through December 28
The Colonial Music Institute presents Music of the War of 1812, from a time when political songs and ballads were sung around family pianos. Free. 3 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
Find out Where Aviation Meets Art at an exhibit of astrophotography artwork at the College Park Aviation Museum. During a month-long series of workshops at the museum, local artists learned how to control an online calendar continued on page 10
Established 1912 & Restored 2012 Near Transportation to Metro Sequestered from the Crowds in the Arts District
9 Condos from the $300s 1, 2 & 3 BR Options 592 to 2006 Sq Ft
FHA Approved! Lender & Developer Closing Cost Credits!
Contact Christine McGuinness for Sales Ofc Hours & Open House Dates
Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed
An RCY Development 2 Units Already Sold!
301.404.3145 C 202.326.1300 O cmcguinness100@aol.com GRI LICENSED VA DC MD
Page 10
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
snow
continued from page 1
COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR
continued from page 9
robotic telescope and take their own astronomy images of the universe. The resulting images, captions and poems are on display during regular museum hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $4, with discounts for children and seniors. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029. Local couple Milton and Linda McGehee have distributed thousands of care packages to wounded soldiers over the years and still deliver regularly to the local veterans’ hospital. They welcome donations of new items, including disposable cameras, toiletries, puzzle books, playing cards, DVDs, and, especially, new towels and washcloths. Call 301.559.0864 to donate or volunteer. Through March, naturalists will lead a guided hike around Lake Artemesia and the Luther Goldman Birding Trail on the first and
third Thursdays of the month. Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, Berwyn Heights. Free. 3 to 4:30 p.m. 301.627.7755. This isn’t your toddler’s Sit & Spin. At A Tangled Skein yarn shop, the name refers to fourthFriday gatherings where dropspindle and spinning-wheel users can work on individual projects, guided by spinning expert Anne O’Connor. Free. 7 to 9 p.m. And if you need more chances to unwind, come to the twice weekly Sit & Stitch sessions: Wednesdays, 7 to 9 p.m., and Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m. They’re open to knitters and crocheters of any experience level. Free. 5200 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 101. 301.779.3399. Community Calendar is compiled by Susie Currie. It’s a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the 15th of the issue month to the 15th of the following month. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@ hyattsvillelife.com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville,
plowed from the streets. That made it difficult to comply with the city’s requirement that sidewalks be cleared within 24 hours after a snowstorm. Pat Yinkey, who is head of the Snow Committee for Hyattsville Aging in Place, lives in a corner house on 42nd Avenue. He estimates that during the last of the 2010 snows, which was 33 inches, he was being told by the city to shovel 127 inches of snow. “At 72, I’m being asked to remove that from 235 linear feet of sidewalk,” he said. Another resident, Cate Devereaux, lives at a T-intersection that was, in 2010, essentially double-plowed … right into her front yard. “I had to miss a day of work, because I couldn’t get out,” she said. It was the first time that had happened in her 40 years in Hyattsville. Lisa Walker, head of Hyattsville Aging in Place, said the Department of Public Works did a good job in the last storm but, “They made it a problem for people who are older and for all of us by shoveling snow to the sidewalks. I come from upstate New York. There, you just assume there will be pedestrians on the streets and
everything would slow down. Now we have an attitude about plowing that it’s about automobiles. I think it should be about people too.” Jim Chandler, Director of Community and Economic Development, pointed out in a later interview that making sure emergency vehicles have access to homes is at the heart of the city’s snow removal efforts. “Everything else is a convenience.” At its November 5 meeting, the city council explored two new measures involving snow removal. The first would revise the city’s snow ordinance. The current code mandates that residents and businesses whose land borders a public paved sidewalk clear the sidewalk within 24 hours of the snow ending. The revision, crafted by City Attorney Richard Colaresi, would lengthen that time, at the discretion of the relevant city department heads. It also sets out a policy of “voluntary compliance … when feasible.”
Senior Code Inspector Chris Giunta said it would take more than not meeting the 24-hour deadline to get to a fine. “If it’s not plowed, [the resident is] issued a warning. The time to comply is not specified but as a practice we give them 24 hours. If the property is still noncompliant and we’re forced to issue a fine, it’s $100 [a day].” A second measure proposed establishing a snow-removal assistance fund for residents 60 and older whose household income is 200 percent below the federal poverty level. One suggestion was that the fund could be administered by a nonprofit. Shani Warner, Ward 2 Councilmember, had doubts about this idea. “I’d love to see this work,” she said, but as a lawyer, she was concerned about city liability. Tim Hunt (Ward 3) favored an approach that would steer residents to reputable contractors that would charge reasonable rates. The residents, though, would pay for the services.
Q: What can a penny buy these days? Contact 301-531-5234 or advertising@hyattsvillelife.com A: Your ad, in full color, delivered by U.S. Mail to a Hyattsville-area household (and with change to spare!)
TRASH CHANGES Public Works Trash Collection Changes Fall & Winter Schedule for 2012 If your household is served by the Department of Public Works, there are several important schedule changes to note for the next few weeks. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.
Senior Fitness Fridays Ageless Grace Exercise Class
Ageless Grace is a fitness and wellness program that consists of 21 simple exercises designed to improve healthy longevity. The exercises are designed to be performed in a seated chair and almost anyone can do them, regardless of most physical conditions.
Fridays, 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Jan. 11 - March 22 Magruder Park Recreation Building 3911 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville Only $2 per session! Please register by January 7, 2013, by contacting Emily Stowers, Senior Services Coordinator at 301/985-5058 or estowers@hyattsville.org
THANKSGIVING
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, November 19. If your trash is normally collected on Thursday, it will be collected three days earlier on Monday, November 19. If your trash is normally collected on Friday, it will be collected two days earlier on Wednesday, November 21. Tuesday and Wednesday trash collection remain unchanged.
CHRISTMAS
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, December 24. If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday, it will be collected on Monday, December 24.
NEW YEAR
No yard waste will be collected on Monday, December 31. If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday, it will be collected on Monday, December 31.
Questions? Please call the Department of Public Works at 301/985-5032.
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
Page 11
NatureNearby
What lies beneath relatively tolerant of poor water quality and do us the service of consuming, at the larval stage, many mosquito larvae. When they emerge as adults, they grace the air with their strong flight and colorful appearance and continue to munch on adult mosquitoes and other insects. The delicate ebony jewelwing damselfly displays its green metallic body and spotted wings as it perches on the jewelweed plants. Its dragonfly cousins, the white tail skimmer and slaty skimmer, are abundant in the morning and afternoon on warm, low wind days. All three are aggressive predators. Far smaller than the larvae of these dragons and damsels are tiny shrimp-like amphipods, which also inhabit the degraded streams in the swamp. Scuds or side swimmers feed on some of the frogs and salamanders that cohabitate in the wetter areas in Magruder Park. Our local frogs (green frogs, bullfrogs and cricket frogs) are more tolerant of poor water quality than most amphibians, but are also threatened by roadway pollutants and fertilizers. The frogs also consume mosquitoes and flies. Pulses of polluted or sedimentloaded stormwater can seriously threaten even our more tolerant stream denizens, by introducing more pollutants and washing out stream substrates where the beasties live, feed and lay their eggs. The sedimentation also obscures sunlight needed by the aquatic vegetation that shelters and feeds some of the water dwellers. Surveys of the Anacostia watershed have consistently shown that the river and its tributaries have been degraded for many years and show far poorer water quality than many other rivers and streams in Maryland.
By Fred Seitz
The Northwest Branch of the Anacostia and the nearby tributaries in Magruder Park and Hyattsville suffer from the urban insults of runoff, trash, toxic pollutants and excessive sedimentation. Despite these abuses, there is an interesting display of life in both Branch and tributaries, as well as terrestrial and bird residents who depend on this life. Even a casual stroll through the park and along the Branch bike path provides exposure to the denizens of the not-so-deep watery realms nearby. The two streams running through Magruder Park flow directly into the Northwest Branch through concrete channels coated with brown algae. This most obvious occupant generally indicates excess runoff, which may include lawn fertilizers and petroleum products that negatively impact the stream. The water around the algae reveals the presence of tiny minnows and a few flies and midges. These “inhabitants” are fairly tolerant of poor water quality. Early evening walks provide unwelcome visits from the most noxious of the waterborne emergents, mosquitoes. They are very tolerant of poor water quality and are close kin to the flies and midges there. All of these prefer slow-moving, degraded water and some species have a breeding cycle as short as 4 or 5 days. While the larvae provide food for some fish, and adult mosquitoes feed many birds and bats in the watershed, they are also responsible for many diseases in animals and humans living nearby. Other stream inhabitants are the larvae of some of our more attractive local predators, dragonflies and damselflies. They are also
LISTING SPECIALIST
Brentwood Arts Exchange Unique Artistic Affordable Holiday Gifts • Hand-made glass, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and more by local artists. • 75% of proceeds go directly to the artists.
in the Gateway Arts Center 3901 Rhode Island Ave Brentwood, MD 20722 301-277-2863 arts.pgparks.com
Give Art Buy Local
Part of the degradation of the watershed extends back to colonial times, when tobacco farming silted the harbors. Subsequent development and sprawl have further exacerbated it. While the Anacostia is still a popular spot for boating and fishing, many of the fish taken by anglers also show the scars (or tumors) related to the poor water quality. While the majority of critters
discussed here are small-scale beasties, they represent an important part of the “web of life” in the watery realm, which, of course, impacts terrestrial life. Studying the small water dwellers is not only interesting but it can impress upon us the impact of our own actions and the importance of managing storm water, runoff and other insults to our waterways. Many of the
Pressed for time?
stream insects are important indicators of water quality and should remind us of our connectedness and dependence upon our local waterways, for drinking water, edible fish and recreational uses, such as swimming, fishing and boating. Forgetting these connections and what the small stream monsters tell us can jeopardize our health and enjoyment of our local water world.
Wash & Fold Drop Off Full Service • Same Day Laundry Service Free Pick Up & Delivery or do it yourself at
American Mega Laundromat 301-559-0707
MegaLaundromat.com Across West Hyattsville Metro Station Corner of Ager Road & Hamilton St. Open 7 Days a Week 6 am to 11:30 pm
Weekly & Monthly Laundry Service Plans Available
DYLAN HANNA
YOUR HYATTSVILLE NEIGHBOR
RECENT SALES
2302 Chapman Rd - SOLD 5702 38th Ave - SOLD 4909 42nd Ave - SOLD 4015 Quintana St - SOLD 4008 Hamilton St - SOLD 4815 Fox St - SOLD 4530 32nd St - SOLD 3902 Madison St - SOLD 6003 39th Pl - SOLD 3814 Nicholson St - SOLD
6017 Jamestown Rd - SOLD 4113 Shepherd St - CONTRACT 3700 Nicholson St - CONTRACT 3921 Longfellow St - CONTRACT 2205 Ohio Ave - CONTRACT 8501 58th Ave - CONTRACT 6901 Calverton Dr - CONTRACT
202-438-9070 THINKING OF SELLING? dylan@mris.com dylanhanna.com
CALL TODAY!
Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
susie currie A long-neglected sidewalk in the Melrose neighborhood, near the Northwest Branch and Magruder Park.
h&RANKLINS IS AWESOME v
n0UBCRAWLER COM
7JTJU )ZBUUTWJMMF T NPTU VOVTVBM SFTUBVSBOU BOE FOKPZ PVS PXO NJDSPCSFXT PO UBQ ĂąOF XJOF BOE HPPE GPPE
&RANKLINS
#BMUJNPSF "WF )ZBUUTWJMMF .%
CLASSIC CARDIOLOGY We fix broken hearts! SERVICES WE OFFER: CARDIOVASCULAR EVALUATIONS INTERNAL MEDICINE EVALUATIONS HYPERTENSION DIABETES MELLITUS PRE-OP CONSULTATIONS NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING ECHOCARDIOGRAMS VENOUS SONOGRAMS CAROTID DOPPLERS ARTERIAL DOPPLERS BLOOD SCREENINGS
PACEMAKER ANALYSIS HOLTER MONITORING CHOLESTEROL SCREENING BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS CARDIAC CATHERIZATIONS HEMO DYNAMIC MONITORING PULSE OXIMETRY YEARLY PHYSICAL EXAMS PATIENT HEALTH EDUCATION CLASSES SPIROMETRY
melrose
continued from page 1
When water has nowhere to go, it may affect roads and sidewalks as well as front yards. “Water can do a lot of damage to pavement. When you see cracks or potholes, that means water hasn’t been draining,� said acting DPW director Julia McTague after the most recent community meeting about the situation, back in January. (Another is tentatively scheduled for November 19; check the city website for details.) The deterioration is evident in Soggy Bottom, where growing potholes and crumbling sidewalks pose hazards to walkers and drivers alike. “Our neighborhood is certainly the ‘historic district.’ Anyone traveling our streets would think they were on cobblestones,� quipped resident Sharon Payne. “Although, in all truthfulness, cobblestones have to be better.� Some residents there are taking the new timeline with a shaker of salt. “At this rate, we will be having this same discussion 20 years from now, with the same result,� said resident Scott Matirne. Over the years, “we have been placated, over-promised and repeatedly given what seems like arbitrary completion dates numerous times, only to be told that there is ‘just one more thing’ that needs to be done before we can move
on to the next phase. How many more phases, revised timelines, taxpayer dollars and unfulfilled promises are we going to have to endure before something is actually done?� Still, plans for that area are more concrete than they were a year ago, despite the city being without a full-time DPW director for most of that time. The fiveyear Capital Improvement Plan approved in April allotted $1.6 million for the upgrades in fiscal year 2013. And on October 8, the council authorized $25,411 for additional engineering services. The mayor’s spreadsheet included specifics on two other projects that are part of the Melrose Neighborhood Streets Improvement Plan. Both were delayed by, among other things, last year’s disastrous sevenmonth storm drain replacement under Crittenden Street by Prince George’s County contractors. The Melrose Access Trail, at least 10 years in the making, would revamp the neighborhood’s only link to the Northwest Branch Trail, now a steep, patched little stretch of road off Crittenden Street. County planners — who also designed the nearby Melrose Skate Park and improvements to the adjoining soccer field — have finished the drawings. The city is to build it, but at this writing, plans were not online. Final permits are expected in January, and the project is budgeted for fiscal year 2014, which begins in July. “The expectation is that we’ll finish by the end of 2013,� said Tartaro. That’s also when the third piece of the plan is scheduled to finish. That one would upgrade the Crittenden Street/40th Place stretch from Rhode Island Avenue to Magruder Park by improving drainage, realigning the roadway and adding sidewalks. Tartaro said that the latest in a series of delays is due to extensive new state stormwater management requirements and design work on a retaining wall near the Emerson Street intersection.
RAYMON K. NELSON, M.D. ABIM BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE 6525 BELCREST ROAD, SUITE 220 HYATTSVILLE, MD 20782 (across from PG PLAZA)
OFFICE : 301-779-7525 FAX: 301-779-4997 MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED
www.classiccardiology.com PROVERBS 4:23– ABOVE ALL ELSE, GUARD YOUR HEART, FOR IT IS THE WELLSPRING OF LIFE.
Fall into yarn! (Soft landing guaranteed) Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11–7, Saturday 11–6, Sunday 1–5 Closed on Monday
301-779-3399 5200 Baltimore Ave. (Rte. 1), Hyattsville, MD 20781 Across from Franklin’s, entrance on Gallatin Street www.atangledskein.com
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
BURGLARIES
continued from page 1
arrested two men September 12 after causing an extensive police chase, which included about 20 officers from four jurisdictions, a K-9 and a helicopter. Since then, the daily property crimes there have ended, said Lt. Wayne McCully of the University Park Police Department. The Hyattsville arrests came “as a result of a positive working relationship between the residents, the community and the police department,” said Sgt. Chris Purvis, public information officer for the Hyattsville police.
Page 13
“We have an amazing police department and they are great at protecting the community, but they can’t do it on their own.” — Paula Perry Ward 4 Councilmember Ward 4 Councilmember Paula Perry stressed community involvement as well. “We have an amazing police department and they are great at protecting the community, but they can’t do it on their own.”
PIANO LESSONS Children, Teenagers, Adults • Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
In response to the crime surge, both police and residents have become active in raising awareness and communal protection. When the police held a community meeting on October 9 to discuss the burglaries, about 50 neighbors attended. On Halloween night, residents set up tables along the sidewalks in the area to keep watch over trick-ortreaters. They handed out items promoting safety, such as stickers and rulers, and collected signatures for the area’s online listserv (see below). Purvis stressed that the one thing residents do have control over is not giving the suspect an opportunity to commit a crime. “Lock your windows and doors, keep lights on when it’s dark, trim the bushes and shrubs around your house to increase visibility and strengthen the relationship with your neighbors,” he said. And, said Perry, “If you see anything, call the police. The more information we give them, the less that can happen.” One source of online community listservs is www.groups.yahoo.com. Visit the site and search “H.O.P.E.”
(Hyattsville Organization for a Positive Environment); “WestHyattsville” (for Wards 4 and 5);
or “UHCA” (the University Hills Area Civic Association, in Ward 3) to join.
Average annual savings of
$426* I’M THERE
™
One call could bring down your car insurance rates—big time. With average annual savings of $369*, $426* no wonder over 4,000 drivers a day shift to State Farm.® Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CaLL MY OFFICE FOr a quOtE 24/7. M McGibbon Ins and Fin Svc Inc Mark W McGibbon CLU ChFC CASL, Agent Bus: 301-927-5030 Fax: 301-927-6573 www.markmcgibbon.com mark.mcgibbon.nysc@statefarm.com
*Average annual per household savings based on a national 2008 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. P080086 05/08
State Farm Mutual automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL
Jeanne Olexy, BM, MM
3916 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 E-mail: pianoteacher@verizon.net Phone: 301-277-9529
“Life is SHORT — have a cupCAKE”
Dr. Mark H. Sugar
and the Belcrest Surgery Center
practicing podiatry in Hyattsville since 1975 Are you experiencing heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, fungus toenails or any conditions associated with arthritis, tendonitis, nerve or circulation disorders or sport-exercise injuries? We treat any and all foot problems both conservatively and surgically. Our hours are flexible and we accept most insurance plans. Feel free to contact us for any questions or information. The Belcrest Surgery Center is fully accredited and certified and offers convenient and comfortable treatment for out-patient foot surgery.
6505 Belcrest Road, Suite One Hyattsville, 301-699-5900
Stop by Shortcake Bakery today and enjoy our one of a kind cupcakes that will leave you craving for more. Pastries, breads and savory items baked fresh daily. Call us for more information about catering your next special occasion.
10% off when you mention this ad!
4700 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville www.shortcakebakery.com 301-779-2836
Tuesday-Friday 6:30 am - 6 pm Saturday: 8:30 am - 4 pm Closed Sunday and Monday
keep the chill away and…
Stay Warm Coats and Sweaters for all your furry friends! Hurry in for best selection.
Arts District HyAttsville
Mon-Sat 10-9 & Sun 10-6 5501 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20781
301-403-8957
Scan for in-store specials
OlD tAkOmA
M-F 10-8 & Sat–Sun 10-6 117 Carroll St. NW, DC
202-291-2404
www.theBigBadWoof.com
Own your Own Big Bad Woof! call 202-747-3434
Page 14
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2012
YOU’LL BE THANKFUL YOU CALLED LARRY! LARRY’S LISTINGS:
FOR SALE: 3735 Wells Ave $99,995 - SOLD 11380 Cherry Hill Rd $79,995 - SOLD 9309 Jarret Ct $199,995 20222 Maple Leaf $267,250 18089 Royal Bonnet $274,995 - SOLD 8850 Welbeck $169,995 - SOLD 19016 Harkness $425,000 - SOLD 3627 Farragut Street $279,995 4111 29th Street $299,995 3105 Webster Street $299,000 3720 Jackson $260,000 3817 Newark Street $139,995 - SOLD
Call Larry Perrin, Realtor to sell your home!
®
301-983-0601
Hunting Ridge Condominium 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $125,000 Greenbriar Condominium 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Family Room $108,995
Call
LARRY PERRIN
LARRY PERRIN PROPERTIES ®
Realtor ®
“THE” Hyattsville Realtor since 1977
301.983.0601 • 301.220.2229 Selling Your Home? Free Home Value Estimate! If your home is currently listed by another Realtor ®®, please disregard this offer. It is not my intention to solicit the offerings of other brokers.