July 2014 Hyattsville Life & Times by Hyattsville Life and Times

Hyattsville Included: The July 8, 2014 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Life&Times

Vol. 11 No. 7

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper July 2005

INCLUDED: The July 13, 2005 issue of The Hyattsville Reporter – See center section

Hyattsville Life & Times

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Vol. 2, Number 7

P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Editorial: hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com Advertising: hyattsvillelife@yahoo.com

By Michael Martucci By 7:30 in the morning Bill Brown is already cooking! His day starts early. For the last year or so he has put his volunteer energy into his position as cook for Meals On Wheels in the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church on Belcrest Road just across from the city firehouse. A former postal worker who retired well over a decade ago he has spent the last 11 years giving back to the community via the volunteer organization. He never viewed himself as a chef before picking up his duties 12 months ago. “I only learned by watching previous cooks here,” he exclaims. He doesn’t do it all alone but the core number of drivers and visitors in the program is dwindling. Deanna Lesche who has resided in the community for over 40 years says the program is really only at half staff on a regular

The clientele is virtually all over 60 years old too. Ms. Lesche, also a volunteer does all of the buying of food necessary for the non-profit organization. She does the ordering, the billing, and sending out invoices to clients. She also does the general running around necessary to make sure the quality food that Meals On Wheels offers is available for Mr. Brown and his helpers. The program is self-sustaining in that most all of the money comes from the fee charged to the customers in order to purchase food. The other cost is in monthly taxes the non-profit group must pay. Other than that it runs purely as a volunteer group. As director of the entire proBill Brown cooks for Meals on Wheels in the kitchen at First United gram Jean Hubbard has been Methodist Church. charged with holding the program basis these days. While having a trades turned into the cook,” she together. She is a lifelong resident dozen people to cover routes 5 says in a glowing statement about who retired from government days a week would be ideal, they the senior citizen. It is safe to say work in the late 1980’s, became a are a far cry from that right now. virtually all the volunteers are volunteer briefly, and then was asked to become Meals On “Mr. Brown is a jack of all older individuals.

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit #176 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Bill Brown and Friends keep Meals on Wheels alive

Wheels’ director. Obviously a very spiritual woman Ms. Hubbard says that this is a “mission outreach program.” All three are worried. While the 35 clients they currently serve are in good hands, the fear for the future is that the all-volunteer organization will run out of steam. Many people who assist are retired and have been with the group for at least 5 years. An infusion of new blood into the volunteer program is what will keep it alive for the future. “The need arose in this area,” Ms. Lesche says explaining how the local organization came to be founded in 1985. “We have to be very careful about the kind of people becoming volunteers,” Ms.

he list of candidates vying for the Ward 2 City Council post being vacated by Scott Wythe has grown to four with most ﬁling close to the deadline. The candidates include James Groves, Vincent J. Swanson, William F. Tierney II, and Nkosi Yearwood. Look for articles on the candidates in the July issue of Hyattsville Life and Times as well as statements by each of the candidates. The Ward 2 Special Election is scheduled for July 18th. The July issue of Hyattsville Life & Times will be distributed on July 12th.

By Michael Martucci

See Farmers, page 13

City employee Phyllis Bartalone came to Hyattsville from Tennessee in the time of John Kennedy and Camelot.

news of the County Council vote, the Hearing Examiner promptly announced to all hearing attendees that this new zoning would prohibit her from ruling in favor of the Gas Company’s request for a “special exception” amendment, needed to permit the LNG plant within O-S zones. An ofﬁcial denial is expected at the end of June. Midgett Parker, Attorney for Washington Gas, announced immediately that his client would be ﬁling various law suits to challenge the passage of the overlay zone, the denial of the amendment request and the basic jurisdiction of the County. However, community members expressed joy, but cautious optimism, that the legal challenges by Washington Gas would fail. Attendees in opposition included the Sierra Club, the Washington Gas Watch Alliance, and the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation.

LNG Continues on page 22

Is Art Going to the Dogs?

By Councilmember Krista Atteberry and David Levy

hen Senator Paul Sarbanes announced his retirement last year, we wondered who could possibly take the place of Maryland’s highly honored and respected public servant in the U.S. Senate. Congressman Ben Car-

din has surfaced as a candidate to watch. Cardin recently walked doorto-door on Jefferson Street, 40th Avenue, and Ingraham Street in Hyattsville. He talked with many neighbors and they in turn, got to question him about his record of ﬁghting for Social Security and

veritable who’s who of Hyattsville’s canine elites gathered together Saturday June 3rd braving a threatening sky to show off their best! Sponsored by the City of Hyattsville, the Prince George’s Arts Council and the Maryland National-Capital Park & Planning Commission, Dogs for the Arts is always fun for the whole family. Including actual puppy paw paintings, the dogs, and the owners they brought to the festivities at Magruder Park, all agreed that Dogs for the Arts was a worth while venture.

See Bartalone, page 14

Congressman Ben Cardin with ﬁre department personnel.

Medicare, federal immigration policy, and his support for the arts. He also shared his views relating to his service on the Helsinki Commission and his work in addressing antiSemitism and human rights abuses. In addition to the countless gracious residents who opened their doors, Mayor Gardiner and Councilmember Matulef joined along with many residents in welcoming Congressman Cardin to Hyattsville. Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department President Matt Davy also greeted Cardin (in Congress Ben has secured millions in federal homeland security dollars for local ﬁre and police departments). Congressman Cardin reminisced while talking with residents about how much Hyattsville reminded him of the neighborhood in which he grew up. After talking with him, Gloria Felix-Thompson shared, “Having grown up in a similar setting, Mr. Cardin’s displays a clear understanding of the needs of communities like Hyattsville. I am con-

fident that he has the compassion, sensitivity, and determination that it takes to represent a district as diverse as ours.” Cardin remembered campaigning for his first office by walking doorto-door and remarked several times how much he enjoyed this part of his campaign for U.S. Senate. It is refreshing to see a candidate for the U.S. Senate get out there and campaign in such a personal manner, and not just rely on TV ads and press conferences. Ward 2 City Council candidate Jim Groves agreed: “I appreciated the fact that he took the time to come to our city. It’s always good to meet a representative personally so that when the time comes to call for assistance, there is a personal connection. With the upcoming revitalization of the City of Hyattsville, the LNG situation, the need for smart growth and more, we will need to have a connection with

CARDIN Continues on page 22

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43

Included: The June 14, 2006 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter—See Center Section

June 2007

Last month Hyattsville celebrated its anniversary with the annual parade. The starting location from the Hyattsville Middle school as the cavalcade marched down 42nd Avenue and then onto Jefferson Street toward Magruder Park. Many parade watchers were satisfied with the many participants. As per tradition numerous dignitaries participated as did the city police and fire departments. Numerous schools and civic organizations marched and provided entertainment along the parade route. The parade is an annual May tradition as the city toots its own horn and displays their pride to Hyattsvillians and visitors alike. —Michael Martucci

Esteemed Educator Retires

Cardin’s Senate Campaign Comes to Hyattsville

New E-mail Address for HYLT Hyattsville Life & Times has established a new e-mail account to receive articles, letters and any other communications to the newspaper. Our new address is: hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com This box is bigger, so we should have fewer problems with photos and other large documents.

Hyattsville’s All-Volunteer Newspaper

City Displays Its Pride

By Christopher A Keplinger

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601

greens, green beans, peas, squash, cherries and raspberries. Avis Turner has been operating this produce farm for the past twenty years. Previously, the family has grown tobacco on the farm for many years. Most of the produce for

n May 23rd, the Prince George’s County Council voted favorably (6-1) to approve the new Transit District Overlay Zone to guide development around the West Hyattsville Metro Station. That was great news for Metro, its development partners and the City of Hyattsville, but it was dreadful news to the Washington Gas Company. The new zoning rules for this zone speciﬁcally prohibit the introduction of “fuel storage tanks” by utility companies. This effectively knocks out the Gas Company’s plans to construct a liqueﬁed gas processing and storage plant at their Chillum Road property. The Property is now within this overlay zone. On that same day, community residents in opposition to the proposed LNG plant were in the midst of presenting testimony for the seventh day before the Zoning Hearing Examiner. Upon receipt of

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601

The folks who bring their produce and goods for sale are a very interesting and friendly group of people. I had the opportunity to chat with them in between their waiting on a steady stream of customers. T.G.I.F (Thank God It’s Fresh) farm in Croom had a beautiful selection of spring

Washington Gas Company’s LNG Facility May Be Totally Knocked Out

June 2006

tudents, parents and faculty of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School in Hyattsville joined together on Friday to celebrate the career of longtime teacher Nora Facchiano, 69, who will retire in June after 44 years in education. According to St. Mark’s Principal Joan McCabe,“Friday was proclaimed ‘Nora Facchiano Day’ at our school, to properly honor Nora and to thank her for her tireless dedication and commitment to our children.” Facchiano’s special day also included a tree-planting ceremony in her honor, tributes from many of her students, a gift from parents, and other activities at the school. “It was just wonderful to be remembered like this,” Facchiano points out. “You hope that in all these years you’ve made a difference, but it was very moving to actually hear what everyone had to say. I am just so thrilled.” Part of the St. Mark’s faculty since 1977, Facchiano taught hundreds of children in ﬁrst and second grades at the school. “The last few years,” she adds, “I’ve actually been starting on a second generation, as my former students have enrolled their own children at St. Mark’s.” The educational community has also recognized Facchiano’s lifelong contributions. In 2006, she was chosen to receive the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

By Steve Clements Tuesday, June 21st was a bright and sunny day with a very pleasant breeze. It seemed like the perfect time to visit the Hyattsville Farmer’s Market at their new location in the parking lot behind the post office and stores along Hamilton Street. It is worth the detour.

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

A Visit to the Farmer’s Market

Many city workers dedicate their lives serving the people in the positions to which they are hired. City employees by and large work with a genuine drive toward civic duty in service to their community. In reality we know little about them. However their backgrounds are a deep cross section of the city. This series of articles seeks to discover how our tax dollars and city payroll is being effectively spent by highlighting city workers. We will seek to explore their careers, families, and aspirations not as merely employees but as members of the citizenry and the Hyattsville human family.

Concordia Lutheran School Hands-on Service Project See page 18

Hyattsville’s All-Volunteer Newspaper

■ LNG Hopes on the Ropes

See Meals, page 8

Beginning in the early 1960s as a resident of Top of the Park apartments she quickly fell in love with the city she has called home for the past 42 years. A product of the volunteer state, she has six sisters, three brothers not to mention a 93-year-old mother and other family who still reside there. Working for the Federal government for a brief time. she sought other avenues of work because she is so much a people person with a more spirited countenance than strict federal guidelines of association would allow at the time. She worked in Washington D.C for the telephone company and jumped at the chance when

Vol. 4 No. 6 Vol.3 No.6

By Imani Kazana

The Human Face of Code Enforcement: Phyllis Bartalone Peggy of Harris Orchard at Jug Bay at the Farmers’ Market.

Paddling The Great Outdoors (see pg. 4)

Four Vie for Ward 2 Council Seat

An all-volunteer newspaper chronicling the people and events of Hyattsville

July 2014

Award-winning teacher Nora Facchiano retires this month.

EDUCATOR ontinues on page 9

HES 90th Anniversary By Jeanne Washburn

n May 19, the gym of Hyattsville Elementary was ﬁlled with people celebrating the 90th birthday of the school on 43rd Avenue. The purpose, as stated by Principal Brian Baudoin in opening remarks to the approximately 250 seated guests, was not only to celebrate the long history of the school, but the dedication of the teachers and staff over the years and the continued support of the parents and the community. He also remarked on the academic success of the students who have met the guidelines of “No Child Left Behind” with Adequate Yearly Progress for past three years. The celebration began with a program in the gym followed by an international luncheon with foods representing the many countries of origin of the students’ families organized by Ms. Cecilia Penate, Hyattsville Elementary’s parent liaison. Birthday cakes were donated by Giant Food of East/West Highway, Safeway of Hamilton Street, and Hyattsville Elementary parent, Shary Wemple owner of

HES TURNS 90 ontinues on page 17

Included: The June 13, 2007 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter—See Center Section

10 YEARS

LATER...

INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE, HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

FromTheEditor

10 years, 120 issues and 1 new website by Susie Currie

Our 10th anniversary issue is packed with news you need to know. But the biggest news on our end is the launch of HyattsvilleLife.com. Years in the making (or at least, in the pipeline), this longtime goal has become a reality under a sterling team of volunteers led by the incomparable Rebecca Bennett. Check it out, share your photos and news tips, or comment on our web-exclusive content. You’re sure to learn something about this town that most readers call home.

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

On the print side, we are happy to welcome Caroline Selle, who hit the ground running last month as our new managing editor. Caroline, a third-generation Hyattsville resident, is a recent graduate of St. Mary’s College and a wonderful addition to the HL&T. She’ll be introducing herself next month, but for now, be sure to read her piece on the latest in the debate over whether drivethroughs belong near the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station. She is coming at a pivotal time in the paper’s history, as did I five years ago. When I accepted the managing-editor position, the paper was black-and-white and rarely seen outside of residents’ mailboxes. Now, we’ve gone full-color throughout, boosted our circulation by adding newsstands throughout the city and surrounding areas, and added a social media presence. We’re also

fielding requests for subscriptions from people outside the city, former residents and those in neighboring towns alike. Meanwhile, we’ve won awards in every national contest we’ve entered. At press time, we had just gotten word that Chris Currie’s “A Hyattsville Fish Story,” published in June 2013, earned an honorable mention in the crowded Best Feature category of the National Newspaper Awards. It has been an honor to help guide the Hyattsville Life & Times through the last half of its first decade of life. In the coming weeks, I’ll be transitioning out of the print edition and into the website, helping load 10 years of back issues into an easy-to-read, easy-to-search online archive. After all, as Hyattsville moves forward, it’s important to remember where we came from.

http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes

CHANGE

18,045

2013

2004

+26.4%

$45,355

CHANGE

$56,534

+139%

$675M

CHANGE

$1.6B

2013

HOUSE PRICESW 2004

2004

College Park

NO TR

GUMWOOD

CITY BUDGET

AN LV SY

M E

STANFORD ST

WELLS

RE AV CLAYMO

SQUARE MILES

LN ROSEMARY

2004

DE AN

TON CALVER

WELLS

Northwestern High School

$11.1M

RUN

AD EL

CHANGE

PH I RD PL

42ND AV

46TH PL

45TH AV

43RD ST

44TH AV

AV BALTIMORE

RHODE ISLAND

CHURCH PL

43RD AV

AV ND IS LA

OD E

44TH

38T

40TH

EM ER

ANAN

DPW 42ND

ARUNDEL PL

thea

Nor

Bra

N ST

RLIN GT ON

BUCH

BRAXTON

PL 36TH

H AV

PL 35 TH H PL 36T

H AV

H PL

37T

H AV 36T

42ND PL

R ST

2012 Hyattsville Election Wards

R ST

Feet

TU DECA

DECATU

43RD

4,000

PG County Police and Court House

N ST

41ST

2,000

Created For The City of Hyattsville, Department of Community & Economic Development

EMERSO

1,000

Ward 5

H PL

Ward 4

HA NA

N ST

Ward 3

ITTE

40T

41ST

Magruder Park

FARRAGUT ST

SO EMER

34.4 33.1 2000

2012

-3.8%

CHANGE

VIOLENT CRIME RATE

HAMIL TON ST

HAMILTON ST

GALLATIN STAdmin. King Building Park

42ND

BU C

Ward 2

Saint Jeromes School

GALLATIN ST

BALTIMORE

37TH AV

AV 35 TH PL 35TH

INGRAHAM ST

City

GA IN

Ward 1

Hyattsville Elementary School

JEFFERSON ST

HAMI LTON

GARFIELD ST

LUSTINE ST

ST 43RD PL

SO N ST

Brentwood

New Wards

LONGFELLOW

44TH AV

MACCAROY ST

LONGFELLOW ST

KENNEDY ST

DeMatha MADISON Catholic High School

MADISON ST

41ST PL

OLIVER ST

Hyattsville Middle School

40TH AV

FARR AG

Concordia Lutheran School

41ST AV

40TH AV

39TH

AV 39TH

38TH PL

MADISON

JEFF ER

GALLA TIN

42ND PL

Dietz Park

IDA PL

MA SO N

ra nch

39TH

WN TO

N EE

HOLS ON

LIVINGSTON ST

ES JAM

thw

U Q

NIC

36TH

ER LLIH KE

ONE

40TH PL

Y RD KIMBERL

OWN JAMEST

West Hyattsville Metro Station

Nor

EL AP

OLIVER

OGLE THOR

35 TH

29TH

30TH

ek Cre

LANC

N LA

L RD

36 TH

37 TH

OOD

36 TH

EM AL

34TH AV

31 ST

32 ND

33 RD

MANO RW

33 RD

QUEENSBURY RD

44TH AV

ISO N

Riverdale Park

43RD AV

31ST AV

MAD

LA NC

MEDIAN AGE

ROANOKE RD

QUINTANA ST OLIVER

35TH AV

EAST WEST

Concordia Lutheran School

42ND PL

PG Plaza Metro Station

MAR

EAST WEST HY

BELCREST CENTER

NIcholas Orem Middle School

New City Montessori School

University Park

6.15 4.79 2004

2013

-22.2%

CHANGE

Cottage City Anacostia River

EDITORS PARK

TOLEDO TE

Prince George's Community College

OLIVER PL

HeurichPark & Dog Park

AMERICA BL

43RD AV

The Mall At Prince Gerorge's

ADELPHI RD

BELCREST RD

TOLEDO RD

2014 SQUARE MILES

+96.4% $21.7M

2013

Prince George's Plaza Community Center

2.7

CHANGE

ADELPHI

LS EL W

2.1

R PU

$312,208

+34.3%

S RUTGER

NN PE

$232,428

2014

University of Maryland College Park

University Hills Duck Pond Park

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.

+8.4%

16,642

PROPERTY TAX BASE

o Slig

Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Susie Currie - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Valerie Russell, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Rosanna Landis Weaver - Ex Officio

2004

2013

Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses below.

Website Manager Rebecca Bennett Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Amanda Alley, Katy June-Friesen, Lauren Kelly, Gray O’Dwyer, Molly Parrish, Scarlett Salem, Fred Seitz

POPULATION

2000

http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife

Production Ashley Perks

If the paper has grown and changed over the years, so has the City of Hyattsville. Annexations of both commercial and residential areas, combined with new development, have increased the city boundaries by 0.6 miles and nearly doubled its tax base. Today’s residents are younger, more affluent and safer than they were a decade ago. There are also more of them. This growth has increased the cost of living here, from the cost of buying a home to the cost of municipal government. But it has also benefited citizens with improved infrastructure, amenities and services. In 2003, these terms would have prompted empty stares: University Town Center; Metropolitan Shops at Prince George’s Center; Mosaic at Metro; Post Park; Renaissance Square; Arts District Hyattsville; and the Hyattsville Life & Times. Today, they are part of the fabric of what makes our hometown special. Here’s to another decade of the life and times of Hyattsville!

MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME

http://HyattsvilleLife.com

Executive Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 Managing Editor Caroline Selle caroline@hyattsvillelife.com 475.529.0268

GROWING WITH HYATTSVILLE

DATA SOURCES: U.S. CENSUS; CITY OF HYATTSVILLE; MD. DEPT. OF ASSESSMENTS & TAXATION; FBI UNIFORM CRIME REPORT

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 3

In primary election, historically low turnout and a photo finish by Rebecca Bennett and Susie Currie

Less than a fifth of eligible voters in Prince George’s County turned out for the primary election, despite a week of early voting opportunities and a deluge of political mailers, commercials and phone calls. The primary is usually in September, but this year Maryland lawmakers pushed it back to June 24. It seems that not everyone got the memo: Across the state, about 23 percent of registered voters cast ballots, and in Prince George’s County, that figure was closer to 18 percent. At the state level, Senator Paul Pinsky (D-22) ran unopposed. His three district colleagues, delegates Tawanna Gaines, Anne Healey and Alonzo Washington, won their races, easily beating first-time candidate Rushern L. Baker IV. State Sen. Victor Ramirez (D-47) faced little opposition from Walter Lee James, Jr., winning 68 percent to 32 percent. Only one delegate, Michael Summers, ran for re-election; he lost

his seat, coming in a distant third (17 percent) to Mount Rainier Councilmember Jimmy Tarlau (27 percent) and Diana M. Fennell (24 percent) in her second bid for the seat. Each district gets three delegates, but because this one had just been split into 47A and 47B in the last redistricting, only the top two vote-getters in 47A won a seat. The third will go to Will Campos, who ran unopposed in the newly created 47B ward. The most dramatic results were in the race to replace Campos on the County Council. As of July 3, candidate Deni Taveras, Sen. Ramirez’ chief of staff, had 2,416 votes, or 50.1 percent of those cast. State Delegate Doyle Niemann had 2,406, or 49.9 percent. The count includes provisional ballots, which are given when there is some question as to a voter’s eligibility, such as if a voter moved without updating the mailing address. At press time, Taveras was ahead by 10 votes. But on June 25, unofficial figures from the Maryland State Board of Elections showed Niemann ahead by 6. The

first round of absentee ballots, which were received by June 26, increased his lead to 13 votes. Afterwards, he said he thought his odds had gone up substantially, because this was the largest chunk of extra ballots to be counted. The July 2 canvass of provisional ballots changed the tide, however, putting Taveras ahead by 10. At press time, there was no clear winner. With only 23 absentee ballots left to count, the Board of Canvassers is scheduled to do a final round on July 7. The count includes absentee ballots mailed on primary day. Daneen Banks, deputy elections administrator for Prince George’s County, said that both Niemann and Taveras have three days after the vote count is certified to request a recount. If that happens, the Board of Elections will tally the votes all over again. “They say every vote counts,” said Banks. “I think this would be a good example.” HyattsvilleLife.com will have the latest updates on the County Council race.

Doyle Niemann

Deni Taveras

T N E V E G N I N E P O D N GRA NEIGHBORS! WELCOME

WHO’S WHO

Celebrate Hyattsville’s full-service accounting firm, licensed in Maryland and Texas, with over 30 years of experience! They offer a broad range of services for business owners, executives, individuals, and independent professionals. They are affordable, experienced, and friendly. www.sizeandassociatescpa.com

Vigilante Coffee makes its first coffee bar & roastery home in Hyattsville, MD. Come celebrate this grand occasion with us on July 19th, 2014! Patrons can look forward to world class specialty coffee roasted on site and also available by the bean. We hope to see you there and look to forward to meeting you! www.vigilantecoffee.com

Celebrate the recent merger of Space 26 Designs and Riggio Design! Green Owl Design is Hyattsville’s full-service interior design firm specializing in projects ranging from residential to commercial and hospitality spaces. They will be unveiling their design studio and retail showroom, which boasts furnishings, accessories, clothing, local artwork, candles, jewelry and more! www.greenowldesigners.com

July 19, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. The Palmer Building 4237 Gallatin Street (across from Franklins)

There will be light refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, and a raffle at the event. Local artists’ works will be on exhibit. Also, several local businesses will be in attendance as they have graciously donated to the event!

Great event for networking opportunities! Parking available in designated city lots!

Congratulations, Hyattsville Life & Times, for Ten Great Years!

Page 4

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Ten years and going stronger than ever in Hyattsville. Inclusion of this newsletter as an insert in the proposed community newspaper would not increase the newspaper’s costs at all, but it would cut the the city’s postage and Clements printing bills . The city council accepted the proposal and entered into a one-year contract. The initial payment from the city was the seed money for the HL&T. With that, we were off and running. Nick started contacting potential writers, and I started contacting advertisers. Fortunately, we were able to gain acceptance by both groups. For the very first issue, we sold more ads than we had budgeted for the first 6 months, and some of those advertisers are still with the paper. When we had collected all of the submitted articles and the ads, we were ready to start putting it together. Nick had a program on his Mac that we thought could handle the production, so we got started. Unfortunately, the program proved to be inadequate. As a result, he struggled with issue #1 well into the small hours of the morning. Still, we got it to the printers on time.

by Stephen Clements with Nick Dunten

This month marks the 10th anniversary of the publication of this newspaper. It all started with a conversation with Chris Currie (the Hyattsville Life & Times’ current business manager). He was lamenting the fact that Hyattsville did not have a community newspaper. I was serving on the city’s Board of Election Supervisors at the time, running my own small business consulting service and also serving as a volunteer small business counselor for Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). I knew nothing at all about how to produce a newspaper, but I told Chris that if I could find someone with relevant experience to partner with me on this project, I would be glad to give it a try. I enlisted Nick Dunten to join me in the endeavor. Nick was an old newspaper man who had also worked as a writer/editor for several associations over the years and was active in number of volunteer groups. We contacted several other community papers for advice on costs, budgets, sources of supply, etc. Based on their input, we created an operating budget. We then approached the city council with a proposal to take over the production and printing of the existing four-page newsletter that was mailed twice a month to every home

After that first issue (and discovering the software we needed was costly), we used outside professional help to do the monthly layout. Our learning curve remained steep. Our printer labeled and delivered the first issue to the post office, but unfortunately the labels supplied by the city needed to be sorted and bundled differently than the ones for the smaller city newsletter. Thanks to an understanding clerk at the postal facility, we were able to make our deadline by re-sorting and bundling the mail on the loading dock! A few years into the newspaper business, Nick had health problems and had to reduce his involvement with the paper. Mike Martucci, who had written several stories for the paper, agreed to help with the editing. Eventually, Mike took over all of the editing functions while I continued the business managing, ad sales and contributing occasional pieces and pictures. During the initial three-year period, no one received any payment of any kind from the newspaper; it was all accomplished by volunteers. As a result of these dedicated efforts, a cash surplus from advertising was created. This surplus was used as seed money to set up and fund the Hyattsville Community Foundation, now run by Tom Slezak. One of our fun projects was the “good kid” program. We distributed tickets enti-

tling the bearer to free ice cream cones at Baskin-Robbins to teachers at Hyattsville Elementary and St. Jerome’s and members of the Hyattsville police department. Hundreds of these tickets were given out to students observed doing a good deed. Baskin-Robbins was paid monthly for the tickets used. Another project was a summer camp scholarship program which paid for children of all age groups to attend the summer camp of their choice. After three years, I decided that since the newspaper was up and running successfully, it was time to turn the paper over to someone with newspaper experience. Sarah Nemeth had a journalism degree and was working as a writer for the Prince George’s Gazette newspapers, a subsidiary of the Washington Post. She was hired to edit and manage the business operations of the HL&T and did so, overseen by a new board of directors, until August 2009. Those early years of setting up and running the paper took a lot of hard work by a number of volunteers, but it was a lot of fun, too, and we made many friends in the community. We’re proud of what we accomplished and happy to see the Hyattsville Life & Times still thriving. Stephen Clements and Nick Dunten were the first editor and advertising manager of the Hyattsville Life & Times.

The Dental Group & The Future Have Arrived!

> Painless, Anesthesia-Free Dentistry. Wouldn't it be nice to take the fear out of going to the dentist? Here at The Dental Group we can make that happen for you! The Solea Laser completely changes the meaning of going to the dentist. It has no vibration, practically no noise, rarely requires anesthesia, and is VIRTUALLY DRILL-FREE. It delivers a better patient experience from start to finish. The Solea Laser can be used for most dental procedures. So, if you've been putting off dental work due to fear, don't delay it any longer. We can make it easy and comfortable for you…we promise.

Call to schedule your appointment today!

(301) 864- 5200

Family Dentistr y

6200 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 200 Riverdale Park, MD 20737

www.thedentalgroup.com

w w w. th e d e nt a l g r o u p . c o m

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 5

BURSTING IN AIR

ARTS HAPPENING PUBLIC ART PARTY

SATURDAY, JULY 26 3PM TO 8PM FRANKLIN’S LOT ROUTE 1 OVERPASS

GATEWAY ARTS DISTRICT HYATTSVILLE RAIN DATE SAT, AUG 2

STARTS AT 3 PM PERFORMANCES 5 - 8 PM Live Public Art Lordants The Studio 33 Arthur Kwon Lee

Live Music + Dance 1814! The Rock Opera Blue Sky Puppet Theatre Arachne Aerial Artists

Plus Craft Beer by Franklin’s Citizen Paint Project Kids’ Activities

Caricatures + Portraits Giveaways Downtown Shops + Dining

Check out the Hyattsville Life & Times' 10th Anniversary booth for a free gift celebrating the launch of HyattsvilleLife.com

http://hycdc.org/bursting

Page 6

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Drive-through debate continues by Caroline Selle

The debate over whether to allow the proposed Chick-fil-A and McDonald’s drive-through restaurants near the Prince George’s Plaza metro station continues in and out of court. Current county zoning prohibits drive-throughs in transit districts, which are designed to reduce dependence on cars by promoting other forms of transportation. Both McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A are seeking an amendment to current uses. On June 24, the Prince George’s County Circuit Court sent the McDonald’s case back to the District Council (the name for the County Council when it rules on planning and zoning questions). In April, the Chick-fil-A case, appealed to the District Council, was sent back before the Prince George’s County Planning Board in order “to allow further testimony into the record.” Hyattsville residents will have an opportunity to weigh in at the planning board hearing on July

17. Based on citizen testimony, the planning board will issue a recommendation in the case in the upcoming months. However, the City of Hyattsville has already made its position clear: It’s against drive-throughs in transitoriented developments, as specified by zoning guidelines. “We’re not opposed to fastfood uses. We’re not opposed to any fast-food company,” said Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler. Rather, the City is objecting to the companies seeking to add drive-throughs as an acceptable use to the county Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Overlay Zone (TDOZ). The TDOZ, which was created alongside a Transit District Development Plan (TDDP) in 1998, aims “to enhance development opportunities in the vicinity of the Metro station and promote transit use,” according to the Prince George’s County Planning Department. “It’s just not consistent with the

intent of the zone, which is really to develop in a way that [enhances] pedestrian and bicycle traffic. A drive-through is inherently in opposition to that,” said Chandler. While the outcomes of the cases are determined and interpreted, City Councilmember Patrick Paschall is taking matters into his own hands. With the planning board scheduled to hear comments on Chick-fil-A on July 17, Paschall is re-circulating a petition calling for Chick-fil-A’s request for a drive-through to be denied. So far, the petition has more than 300 signatures. Zoning decisions are typically made by the Prince George’s County Planning Board and only called up to the District Council on appeal. Both the Chick-fil-A and the McDonald’s planning board decisions were appealed by the companies, which meant the case was automatically heard by the District Council. The City of Hyattsville sued the District Council over its McDon-

A High Five to the Life & Times for 10 years of Great Local Reporting! Experience makes you stronger and better! If you are thinking of selling your home, look for the Hyattsville Realtor with 30 years of success helping hundreds of people you know.

Rick Carroll 301-388-2600 X 2797 301-807-6741

ald’s decision, and the case was heard before the Prince George’s County Circuit Court. However, the Circuit Court’s decision to remand the McDonald’s decision back to the District Council appears to be based on a potential conflict between county code and state law. The Maryland Regional District Act (RDA) gives the county planning board the responsibility for “planning, subdivision, and zoning functions that are primarily local in scope.” Meanwhile, an amendment to county’s TDOZ code states, “A property owner may ask the District Council, but not the Planning Board, to change ... the list of allowed uses. ... The District Council may approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove any amendment requested by a property owner,” as long as it “meets applicable site plan requirements.” In other words, the RDA appears to require that the planning board be responsible for all zoning decisions in TDOZs, contrary to the Prince George’s County Code, which gives the District Council the ability to change the list of allowed uses in a TDOZ. If the two are in conflict, state law generally takes precedence over local law. In the past, “the planning board has made a recommendation and the District Council has made a decision,” said Steve Adams, urban design supervisor at the Prince George’s County Planning Board. According to Deborah Borden, associate general counsel at the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission, “We do have a couple of areas where our lo-

cal code seems to conflict with state law. I think that’s why we have these cases that are going to court.” The reasoning by which the Prince George’s County Circuit Court reached its decision appears to be similar to the case of County Council of Prince George County v. Zimmer Development Company, heard by the Maryland Court of Special Appeals and decided on May 28, 2014. “The District Council,” the court found, “... is only authorized to affirm, reverse, or modify the decision of the Planning Board, or to return the case to the Planning Board to take further testimony.” In the case of the McDonald’s, the District Council did not approve the planning board’s recommendation to allow the restaurant without the drive-through. Instead of following its own procedures, it granted approval for a text amendment to the county code (of which the TDOZ and TDDP are a part). It appears that the District Council violated its own authority. Regardless, say drive-through opponents, the District Council decision was contrary to public opinion and the stated goals of the TDOZ. Both McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A were contacted but had no comment at press time. Citizens of Hyattsville who would like to go on record regarding the Chick-fil-A drive through, “can write a letter stating their position,” said Chandler. “But certainly if people feel passionate about it, I recommend they attend the planning board hearing [on July 17].” The public hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. in the County Administration Building, located at 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive in Upper Marlboro.

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 7

Coffee shop, design studio open in former Model T dealership by Andrew Marder

Arlington entrepreneur Daniel Simon bought the old Palmer Ford building at 4327 Gallatin Street at the end of 2012. Since then, he has been working steadily to get it ready for new businesses. It’s now home to an accountant, an interior designer, a lawyer, and Vigilante Coffee, whose grand opening is scheduled for July 19. The building is a testament to Simon’s passion for renovation, as I discovered on a recent visit. His office, the large open space that doubles as Vigilante’s roastery, is dominated by an old church organ that he clad in copper. The whole space has a feeling of history and craftsmanship, a side effect of the old Model T dealership’s nearly 100-year history. It’s that passion for breathing new life into the old that gives Simon hope for the future of downtown Hyattsville. “There’s a lot of potential here,” he says. “It gives you an old-town feel and it’s right on the border of the District.” That, he believes, makes it a perfect spot for growth. On his journey to refurbish the building, Simon has worked closely with the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC) as well as with

andrew marder Daniel Simon is leasing space in his newly renovated building on Gallatin Street to the Vigilante Coffee Company, which is scheduled to open July 19.

the City. For instance, the city’s Commercial Façade Improvement program supported Simon’s renovation of the

exterior in keeping with the site’s rich history. Without that sort of help, Simon says,

many local businesses wouldn’t be able to get off the ground. “Businesses fail real quickly because [the owners] don’t know who to ask for help. They don’t necessarily know what they’re doing,” Simon says. “They just have this idea of starting a business and making some money. It’s not that simple.” That’s a sentiment that the CDC echoes, and one that it’s trying to do more to address. “We try to assist the prospective business owners to deal with a lot of elements they may not have taken into account,” CDC Executive Director Stuart Eisenberg says. “For instance, often in a business model, the business owner doesn’t [consider the cost] for paying themselves any salary.” One of the biggest challenges for a new business can be managing the balancing act between spending money now and looking out for the long-term health of the business. Simon points out that putting in the effort up front to renovate his building means that he’s more likely to get good tenants and attract visitors. On the other hand, it wasn’t cheap. He thinks that there can be more support for local entrepreneurs, especially at the county level. There, businesses often have to plow through weeks of inspections, stacks of paperwork and multiple levels of bureaucracy in order to open their doors. While large chains may have the manpower and experience simon continued on page 13

Congrats to the Hyattsville Life & Times for 10 years!

Great People. team Great Pool. •• Swim Live Music Adelphi. • Food trucks adelphipool.org 9442 Riggs Rd, Hyattsville

Open til 9:00 during the week Open til 9:30 on weekends SUMMER 2014 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE!

• Family Camp Outs • Crab Feast • Teen Nights • Movie Nights • Yoga • Weekly Raft Nights • 6 slushie ﬂavors!

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

New elementary school named for inf luential administrator by T. Carter Ross

The confusion about what to call the new Hyattsville-area elementary school at 6110 Editors Park Drive is over. On June 26, the Prince George’s County Board of Education voted unanimously to name the building after Edward M. Felegy, who served as Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) superintendent from 1991 to 1995. The school opens in August and will serve most of the West Hyattsville neighborhood between Ager Road and Queens Chapel Road, as well as some of the area north and west of The Mall at Prince George’s. Felegy spent 37 years working for PGCPS, starting in 1958 as a teacher at Seat Pleasant Elementary School in Cap-

t. carter ross The new elementary school is to be named after Edward M. Felegy.

itol Heights. He then moved into administration and rose through the ranks to principal and deputy school superintendent. The motion to name the new school after Felegy, who died in March at his Alexandria home, noted that he recruited more minority teachers, distributed budget cuts to avoid layoffs, and improved student

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.

performance in mathematics and science.

His namesake school is slated to have a creative and performing arts theme, which will give in-boundary students access to specialized arts education. Felegy had a long association with arts in the public schools, and the school system’s annual honors concert, the Edward M. Felegy Concert, is named after him. A community panel that helped select the new school’s name provided the school board with three names for consideration in order of pref-

erence: Nicholson Street Elementary School, Edward M. Felegy Elementary School and Dr. Maya Angelou Elementary School. Recent PGCPS school-naming trends have tended to favor national figures such as Barack Obama and Rosa L. Parks. However, other schools have been named for past school system officials, notably Nicholas Orem Middle School, which is next door to the new elementary school. The middle school was named for Nicholas Orem Sr., who served as PGCPS superintendent from 1921 to 1943. T. Carter Ross represented the City of Hyattsville on the community panel. A version of this piece originally appeared online at www.HyattsvilleLife.com.

Overpass on Route 1 to become public-art canvas by Marcel Warfield

On July 26, less than a month before the bicentennial of the Battle of Bladensburg, the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC) will put its own spin on the milestone with Bursting In Air, an outdoor festival combining public art, local food and beer, and live performances, including 1814! The War of 1812 Rock Opera. Starting at 3 p.m., community members and visitors will witness a live transformation of the Route 1 overpass and parking lot near Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store. “As one of the newest members of the City of Hyattsville, I am continually amazed at the creative and transformational programs and events that bring music, history, culture and the arts together,” said Hyattsville City Administrator Tracey Nicholson. Bursting in Air will combine all four. Local artists will paint murals depicting the history of the War of 1812. Meanwhile, entertainment from Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, Arachne Aerial Arts

and other local groups will begin at 5 p.m. In the metered lot beside Franklins at 5123 Baltimore Avenue will be booths with samples from local restaurants, activities for children, wares from area artists, raffles and giveaways, and more. But the murals are expected to be the event’s biggest draw. Three artists will paint 10 concrete panels from scissor lifts elevated 25 feet. The public can contribute to the project by filling in the lower levels of the murals. The murals will remain permanently displayed on the overpass, one of the main entrances into the city of Hyattsville. “Hyattsville is a destination,” said Stuart Eisenberg, Hyattsville CDC executive director. “A growing destination should have something representative.” The event will end at what organizers call “the twilight’s last gleaming,” 8 p.m. More information is available at www.hycdc.org/bursting. Editor’s note: The Hyattsville Life & Times is one of the sponsors of Bursting in Air.

Scrubnik Lawn Care, Inc. OUTRAGEOUS OFFERS! Yard Clean Up & Mulching $299* Lawn Mowing Service $29* *annual contract required & 5000 square foot lot or less.

Governmental, Commercial and Residential Accounts Clean-ups, Mulching, Hand weeding, Fertilization, Aeration, Seeding, Sodding, and Flat Flagstone Installation

Quality trees, plants and flowers delivered and installed. Professional landscape design.

301.864.6020

4621 42nd Place | scrubnik@verizon.net |www.scrubnik.com Scrubnik also delivers bulk red and brown shredded mulch. Free estimates. 10% discount for new customers with this ad!

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 9

Local poet’s bilingual press gears up for new project by Amanda Alley

Six years ago, when Jose Ballesteros and his wife, Tara, were looking for a place to raise their family, they started by reacquainting themselves with Hyattsville. As residents of Washington, D.C., they had previously thought of it only as “that place between D.C. and IKEA … with that cool brewery.” But when they saw other local, arts-based businesses popping up on Route 1, “it signaled to us that there was a cultural anchor here … it sealed the deal,” said Ballesteros. With the growing arts scene and the rich ethnic diversity of the area, they knew Hyattsville was the right place to plant their roots. They live in the Arts District with their two sons, Seamus, 6, and Camillo, 2. Now, Ballesteros is making his own contributions to the arts community as the founder of the area’s first bilingual press, Zozobra Publishing. He says that the company’s second book should be ready for publication by next summer. Ballesteros is no stranger to moving around in search of home. He was born in Quito, the bustling capital city of Ecuador, and moved several times between there and the United States during his childhood. In Quito, his parents and grandparents would take the family out to the country once in a while to escape city life. This back and forth between city and country (and countries) would become a great influence in his poetry — what he

photo courtesy of jose ballesteros Poets Jose Ballesteros (left) and Carlos Parada Ayala promote the area’s first bilingual publisher, Zozobra Press, at the 2013 Hyattsville Arts Fest. Ayala’s work was the first to be published by Zozobra, and a second collection of poems in English and Spanish is in the works.

calls “emotional biodiversity.” Eventually, he moved to the U.S. permanently. He studied at the University of Kansas, ultimately receiving a doctorate in early modern Spanish literature in 2005. In 2002, during his doctoral studies, he was offered a faculty position at St. Mary’s

College of Maryland in St. Mary’s City, so he and his wife made the move to the D.C. area. An associate professor of Spanish, he commutes there a few days a week so he can partake in city living and still enjoy country roads. After a few years surrounded by es-

teemed literary figures at St. Mary’s, such as the late Lucille Clifton, he wanted to focus on his poetry and create an identity for himself outside of academia. His first collection of poetry, Lovedust/Polvo Enamorado, was published in March under a family nickname from childhood: Cacayo Ballesteros. “I wanted space between Cacayo and Jose,” he said, to create distance between his professional, academic reputation as “Jose” and the free, poetic spirit of “Cacayo.” His poems are gritty and real, and create an emotional response no matter the language. “Mother’s Quilt se escribe con S de Switchblade,” published in Beltway Poetry Quarterly, moves between English and Spanish while still evoking the universal struggles inherent in coming of age. It’s clear that the writer struggles with dual identities: modern American man and traditional Hispanic man. This love of poetry and language is what propelled Ballesteros to take on his next project: creating a bilingual publishing press dedicated to experimental poetry. He felt that much of the bilingual poetry in publication described West Coast, Chicano-centered issues, which didn’t represent the wide range of Hispanics and Latinos with different cultural roots and social concerns. “I’m so happy to be a Latino in the U.S. where we can enjoy those perspectives poet continued on page 17

HYATTSVILLE

FARMERS

MARKET

Fresh local produce — the best from Southern Maryland farms!

Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. 3505 Hamilton Street (the former BB&T Building, across from Bestway)

Cookbook giveaway and exchange! We accept SNAP, WIC, & senior coupons A Community-Sponsored Enterprise Sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission

Hyattsville Reporter Page HR1

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

the

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

No. 290 • July 8, 2014

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Farmers’ Market returns for the 2014 season

National Night Out Returns August 5 Join us for the 2014 National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, August 5th, from 5 to 9 PM. The event takes place on Hamilton Street at 31st Avenue. The City’s celebration is one of more than 15,000 taking place throughout the US. The events connect neighbors and promote police-community partnerships. More than 37 million people came out in support of safe and welcoming communities last year - come and be counted in 2014! This year’s event opens at 5 PM. Free family fun all night, including: Moonbounces DJ music and dancing Free snow cones and cotton candy K-9 demonstrations Chances to meet police officers and law enforcement professionals from Hyattsville and around the region A performance by Mandy the Clown Fun craft projects Arrow Bike’s bike safety course for kids - please bring your own bike! The event concludes with a Take Back the Night walk through the neighborhood. Questions? Please contact the City of Hyattsville Department of Community Services by phone at 301985-5021 or email to ceverhart@ hyattsville.org.

The Hyattsville Farmer’s Market is back in business for the summer and fall of 2014! Join us at 3505 Hamilton Street every Tuesday through October 28, from 2 to 6 PM, for fresh local produce – the best in the area! The Market takes place behind the former

BB&T building, across from Bestway. Free parking available. The popular cookbook exchange and giveaways are back for the 2014 season. We accept SNAP, WIC, & senior coupons. The Market is a Community-Sponsored Enterprise, sponsored by the Southern

There will be a Public Hearing to discuss a petition for a traffic calming device in the 4500-4600 blocks of Burlington Road on Monday, July 21 at 7 PM. The hearing will be broadcast live on Comcast Cable Channel 71 and Verizon Cable Channel 11. The hearing is open to the public and public testimony is encouraged. It is anticipated that the City Council will take action on this request during the City Council Meeting of July 21, 2014 beginning at 8 PM.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE SUMMER JAM SERIES CONTINUES JULY 11

The Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam Series has become a traditional Friday night event throughout the summer months. Held from 6:30 to 8:30 PM on the second Friday of the month May through September, this event includes delicious food (burgers, chicken and hot dogs) provided and prepared by Outback Steakhouse of Hyattsville, a beer and wine garden, musical entertainment, the ever popular moon bounce and Mandy the Clown and her very talented face painters. The series is held at the Municipal Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. This is a rain or shine event! In the event of inclement weather, the Jam moves into the multi-purpose room. Attendance is free and open to everyone. There is a charge for food and beverages. 2014 Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam Schedule: Friday, July 11 - The Roustabouts Friday, August 8 - N2N Friday, September 12 - Just Us For more information on the Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam Series, please contact the Department of Community Services by phone at 301-985-5021 or by email to ceverhart@hyattsville.org If you’d like to volunteer at a Jam or for any other City event, please contact Colleen Aistis by phone at 301-985-5057 or by email to caistis@hyattsville.org.

SUMMER HOLIDAY TRASH COLLECTION CHANGES

If your household is serviced by the Department of Public Works for trash collection, please note that there will no Yard Waste collection, City-wide on Monday, September 1, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.

AGELESS GRACE CLASSES – SUMMER SEMESTER NOW UNDERWAY

Ageless Grace is a low impact exercise program for mind and body and consists of 21 simple exercises designed to improve healthy longevity. The exercises are designed to be performed in a chair and almost anyone can benefit from them, regardless of most physical conditions. And did we mention? It’s also great fun!

CALENDAR JULY 2014 Wednesday, July 9

Environmental Committee Meeting, 7 PM

Friday, July 11

Ageless Grace Seated Exercise Program, 10 - 11 AM Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam featuring The Roustabouts, 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Tuesday, July 15

Hyattsville Farmers Market, 2 - 6 PM 3505 Hamilton Street Planning Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

Wednesday, July 16

Code Compliance Advisory Committee Meeting, 7 PM

Maryland Agricultural Development Commission. Questions? Please contact Ellarose Preston by phone at 301-985-5000 or email epreston@hyattsville.org.

Friday, July 18

Ageless Grace Seated Exercise Program, 10 - 11:00 AM

Saturday, July 19

Volunteer Opportunity: Magruder Woods non-native invasive removal, 9 - 1 PM Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton Street

IN OTHER NEWS... PUBLIC HEARING FOR TRAFFIC CALMING DEVICE ON BURLINGTON ROAD

Page HR2

Monday, July 21 Classes meet on Fridays at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street and costs just $2 per class. Summer session continues through August. For more information, call 301/985-5000 or email Colleen Aistis, caistis@hyattsville.org.

SUNSET MOVIE SERIES RETURNS TO HEURICH PARK THIS FALL

Coming this Fall: Free, Family-Friendly Movies in Heurich Park Bring your blankets or chairs and enjoy a movie in the park! This year’s schedule follows: Friday, September 5th at 7:30 PM - The Lego Movie Friday, September 19th at 7:00 PM - Frozen Friday, October 3th at 7:00 PM - Despicable Me 2 More details to come. Questions? Call 301/985-5021 or email ceverhart@hyattsville.org.

BUILDING BRIDGES BOOK CLUB

The next meeting of the City’s Book Club will be on Thursday, July 10. We meet from 7:30 to 9 PM in the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. The Book Club was founded to build community by exploring cultural differences through literature and open conversation. The Club is continuing its discussion of Joe Bageant’s Deer Hunting with Jesus. All are welcome, regardless of literacy level, educational attainment, or any other characteristic. The event is free and open to the public. Questions? Please call Council Member Robert Croslin at 240/460-1827.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM

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. The City is also on Instagram at instagram.com/cityofhyattsville and on Twitter as @4310Gallatin.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS – WAYS TO WATCH

The community is always welcome to attend City Council meetings in person, at 4310 Gallatin Street. City residents can also watch the meetings from home on Comcast (Channel 71) or Verizon (Channel 12), either live or on rebroadcast. The rebroadcast schedule is as follows: 7 AM, 1 PM, and 8 PM seven days

a week, including weekends and holidays. We typically rebroadcast the most recent Council Meeting. Meetings can also be streamed live at www.hyattsville. org/meetings. Questions? Comments? Please talk to Jonathan Alexander, the City’s cable coordinator, at jalexander@hyattsville.org or 301/985-5028.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR MAGRUDER WOODS RESTORATION

Join us for non-native invasive removals in Magruder Woods on the third Saturday of every month, year-round, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Work is led by Dr. Marc Imlay, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning. Upcoming dates include Saturday, July 19 and August 16. Please dress for the elements – long-sleeves, long pants and sturdy boots or shoes. Questions? Contact Colleen Aistis, caistis@hyattsville. org or 301/985-5057. Participation helps to satisfy State of Maryland Student Service Learning requirements.

Public Hearing - Petition for Traffic Calming Device - 4500-4600 Burlington Road, 7 – 8 PM City Council Meeting, 8 - 10 PM

Tuesday, July 22

Hyattsville Farmers Market, 2 - 6 PM 3505 Hamilton Street

Friday, July 25

Ageless Grace Seated Exercise Program, 10 - 11 AM

Tuesday, July 29

Hyattsville Farmers Market, 2 - 6 PM 3505 Hamilton Street

UPDATES FROM WSSC – IS WORK PLANNED FOR YOUR STREET?

Looking for updates on WSSC projects in your neighborhood? Use their maps to see the status of current projects. Maps can be accessed on WSSC’s website: http://gisweb.wsscwater.com/ InYourNeighborhood/

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 at 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

CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS

Got kids? Then you’ve got car seats! Maryland law requires all children under the age of eight to ride in an appropriate safety seat. But the seat alone is not enough - proper installation is the key to keeping our littlest passengers safe. Despite our best efforts, estimates suggest that as many as seven out of ten kids are not buckled in properly. The City of Hyattsville’s Police Department can help. To schedule a safety seat

check, please contact Sergeant Christine Fekete at 301/985-5060 or via email to cfekete@hyattsville.org. She’ll be happy to help parents install a new seat or improve the fit of your current equipment. Car Seat Safety Checks aren’t just for new parents, either. Consider calling when your child transitions from an infant to a toddler seat, or when you buy a new vehicle and transfer your seats from your old car. Checks are free of charge for any City of Hyattsville resident.

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE Home of

THE CLEANERS CORNER Vacuum Cleaner Sales and Service

SecondhandNews

Janitorial Equipment and Supplies Carpet Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

5219 Baltimore Avenue • Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Tel: 301-277-3553 • Fax: 301-277-7054 e-mail: HyattsvilleVac@aol.com

BRICK WORK PLUS Specializing in maSonry & Small concrete conStruction FOr yOur cOnStructiOn neeDS, call uS at

301-864-8161 • Fax 301-864-0013

Office: 4318 Hamilton St. #106 • Hyattsville, MD 20781

George W. Reaves, Owner

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.

Christian Science Church 8300 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville • 301-422-1822

Sunday church services — 10:30 a.m. Sunday school (youth up to 20) — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday evening testimony meetings — 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome • Free literature available

Bible lesson sermon topics

AdirondAck Tree experTs Sunday Dec. 8 God the Only Cause & Creator Sunday Dec. 15 God the Preserver of Man Sunday Dec. 22 Christmas theme Sunday Dec. 29 Christian Science

Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996

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

LAUREN FLYNN KELLY Some Forklift customers have gotten creative with salvaged or unused lumber to build planter boxes out of shutter doors and a simple trellis.

Give your backyard a lift with repurposed goods by Lauren Flynn Kelly

In between bouts of summer rain and the occasional battle with a tiger mosquito, I love to get outside. My outdoor to-do list this summer includes finally putting some leftover patio pavers and an old shutter door to use as DIY planters. Luckily, a surplus, salvaged, and green building materials store, Community Forklift, is just around the corner in Edmonston. You can purchase a variety of secondhand materials to serve your home improvement needs. Director of Outreach and Education Ruthie Mundell recently gave me the grand tour and showed me a dizzying amount of materials that locals are buying for their outdoor projects. Read on for my top five within-reach DIY projects that can be accomplished using secondhand materials from Community Forklift or another salvage source. 1. Repurpose weathered bathtubs and sinks for outdoor use. While an antique cast iron sink can go for upwards of $200 when it’s in good condition, ones that are chipped that are worth only $5 or $10 can be used as outdoor potting sinks. “People will build a countertop, set the old sink into it and run their hose through it,” Mundell explained. Old tubs and sinks work well as planters, too — built-in drainage! There’s even a Art Lives Here project underway in Brent-

wood where artists are growing hops out of bathtubs. “The yield of these crops will go towards the beers brewed by Catalog Brewing,” artist Kenny George said. “In addition, we plan on sharing what we produce with local home-brewers who are interested in participating in this project.” 2. Give new life to old and/or discarded wood. Some Forklift customers have gotten creative using salvaged or unused lumber to build planter boxes. Lumber starts at 15 cents a foot. For longlasting, chemical-free raised beds, Mundell recommends untreated, “old-growth” wood. You can also buy palettes for just a couple bucks apiece to create a compost bin or fence in your veggie garden, like the kind seen at ECO City Farms in Bladensburg or Wangari Gardens in Washington, D.C. Or maybe you just have a shaky back porch that needs some new steps? Hyattsville resident Sharon Edwards said she replaced the back deck of her porch with random Trex boards for a fraction of the retail price and repurposed short columns as railings that she picked up at Community Forklift. 3. Go “mosaic.” Broken up chunks of granite, marble or other stone can be used to create a dazzling patio (smooth side down, to avoid slippage), while ceramic tiles (of which there are plenty) pressed into concrete would make for a beautiful table-

top. I purchased a perfect piece of white marble there for only $10 that I plan to use for an outdoor bar. And keep your eyes out for odds and ends of landscape pavers and edgers to fill in gaps in existing patios, walkways or other landscaping. 4. Dress up your porch. Lucky enough to have a porch with a ceiling? Not only can you pick up an antique ceiling fan, some customers are buying builders’ grade chandeliers for only $15 or $20, spray painting them bright colors and putting candles in them. Others are taking vintage window sashes and hanging them as a “little bit of a visual screen” to separate their porches from the neighbors’, Mundell said. 5. Get creative with seating and dining. Forklift carries an array of patio furniture, from gently used furniture from IKEA or Target to higher-priced vintage sets. (The newer stuff goes fast, Mundell advised, so if you’re in the market, keep up with incoming donations on Facebook or Twitter.) There are also plenty of doors and railings for slapping together a table, and one customer even repurposed an old security gate as a trellis and turned the air conditioner “bump out” into a padded seat. Want to see how the DIYers fared? Check out the gallery of customers’ latest projects at www.communityforklift.com/ creations/croutdoor.cfm.

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 11

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, We moved to Hyattsville for many good reasons, but we chose our home primarily for one reason — the magnificent cherry tree in the front yard. It was in full bloom when the realtor first brought us to see it, and the fluffy pink blooms were breathtaking. They are a deeper pink and have many, many more petals than the cherry trees at the Tidal Basin. We’ve been told it is a Kwanzan cherry. Although we don’t get fruit from it, the foliage is beautiful in summer and colorful in fall; it is just the right size, about 30 feet tall; its satiny gray bark and graceful habit make it attractive even in winter. It has been trouble-free for three years. The problem is this: There are growths on one of the branches that look and feel like flat stones jutting out horizontally. We wouldn’t worry too much, except that the branch has lost all its leaves. What is causing this? Will it spread? What should we do? Caught in a Kwanzan Quandary on Queensbury Dear Caught in a Kwanzan Quandary, Those growths are called bracket, or shelf, fungus. My Cousin Moribunda tells me

Kwanzan cherry trees have a short life span — 25 years at most.

they are not the branch’s cause of death but rather come opportunistically afterwards. Although any number of things could have killed the branch, the main problem is that your tree may be nearing the end of its expected life cycle. Moribunda tells me that Kwanzans are short-lived trees, living from 15 to 25 years at most. Yours must have been full-grown when you bought your home, and given the size is probably at least 10 years old. She suggests you plant another to serve

as a backup for the time when this one goes the way of all foliage. You might try the backyard, if it does not face a street. Kwanzans are not fussy trees and can even withstand some drought, but they hate pollution. Moribunda speculates that perhaps fumes from the traffic going by in front of your home have been harmful. She also wonders if there weren’t other symptoms you didn’t pay attention to, such as mottled leaves, powdery mildew, black knots or the sappy ooze indicating

the borers that plague cherry trees in our area. Here’s a little short-term hope. Remove the dead branch right away and look to the general health of your tree. It may need feeding, or perhaps there is a drainage problem. Inspect the rest of the tree for insect damage or other symptoms of disease that might spread. As early as possible next spring, you should spray the tree with water and horticultural oil (preferably plantbased rather than petroleum-based) to smother insect eggs, viruses and diseasecausing bacteria that have overwintered. Although there are “summer oils” that can be used after the dormancy period, the heat of our climate makes it inadvisable due to potential scalding of green growth. Given the size of your tree, spraying could be quite a job. You may not think it worth the effort if your tree is ending its normal lifespan. Although it may be small comfort indeed, I can’t resist adding this tidbit: Those stone-like fungi do have a use. Some craftspeople carve them into attractive jewelry. There will be no meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society in July, but please send any queries to floribundav@gmail.com.

presents

Summer

Jam 2013 The second Friday of every month, May through September, 6:30 to 8:30 PM City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street Rain or Shine!

Admission is free; delicious food for sale July 11 - The Roustabouts August 8 - N2N September 12 - Just Us

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, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Summer semester June 6 - August 15 City Municipal Building, First Floor Multi-Purpose Room, 4310 Gallatin Street

Only $2 per session! For more information or to register, please call 301/985-5000 or just stop by and try a class!

Page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

COMMUNITY CALENDAR July 15

Summer is half over. Are the kids bored yet? Bring them to todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board Game Extravaganza, for ages 4 to 12. Free. 2 to 4 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

July 16 and 30

Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some Jazz on the Lawn at Riversdale House Museum. Gina DeSimone & the Moaners perform on July 16, while The Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation Jambassadors are scheduled for July 30. Rain means the show moves indoors. Free. 7 to 8 p.m. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.

July 19

Facebook executive Sheryl Sandbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lean in: Women, Work and the Will to Lead caused quite a stir when it was published last year. See what

your neighbors thought of it at todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book discussion. Free. 3 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

July 26

Paint the town â&#x20AC;&#x201D; or at least, the bridge into town â&#x20AC;&#x201D; red at Bursting in Air, when the Route 1 overpass near Franklins becomes a canvas for public art. Teams of artists (and artists-for-a day) will create collaborative murals on the landmark structure, while festival-goers in the parking lot below take in the live entertainment, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, local artwork and food, and more. 3 to 8 p.m. 5123 Baltimore Avenue. www.hycdc. org/bursting. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of the Muster the Militia! Weekend, in which area historic sites mark the bicentennial of the Battle of Bladensburg. For a list of participating sites, visit www.dcwarof1812.org.

Income Tax Preparation â&#x20AC;&#x153;An excellent service at a fair price!â&#x20AC;?

GETS Financial Incorporated 6213 Balfour Drive Hyattsville, Maryland 20782-1506 By Appointment Only

Michelle A. Goetzinger, President Richard N. Goetzinger, General Manager Notary Public Service Available

301 559 6503 Same Location Since 1959

International Travel Vaccines 6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 (301) 403-8808

Yellow fever, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Polio, etc.

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Immunizations â&#x20AC;˘ Sport Physicals â&#x20AC;˘ Minor Emergency Care â&#x20AC;˘ Ear Piercing â&#x20AC;˘ Urgent/Sick Child Visit â&#x20AC;˘ CPR/First Aid Class

M-F 9 - 6 p.m. â&#x20AC;˘ Evening & Saturday hours by appointment Same day appointment available *Most Insurance Accepted*

August 5

The cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Night Out returns to West Hyattsville this year, bringing with it all the family-friendly fun you remember from years past and adding a Take Back the Night Walk through the neighborhood. Kids: Have a bike, but no helmet? Bring it to Arrow Bicycleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obstacle course that evening and you can get a free helmet, while supplies last. Free. 5 to 9 p.m. along Hamilton Street between Ager and Queens Chapel roads. 301.985.5000.

August 12 to 14

University Christian Church invites the whole family to Workshop of Wonders, a weeknight Vacation Bible School that starts with dinner at 6 p.m. For children and youth, there will be crafts, music and games; for adults, conversations about faith and spirituality. Free. University Christian Church, 6800 Adelphi Road. www.uccmd.org or 301.864.1520

ONGOING On some summer Saturday evenings, the front lawn of the Greenbelt Aquatic and Fitness Center becomes a theater. This monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free outdoor movies are The Wizard of Oz, ( July 12 at 9 p.m.); Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory ( July 19 at 9 p.m.); and Raiders of the Lost Ark, (August 2 at 8:30 p.m.). 101 Centerway, Greenbelt. 301.397.2200. Prefer indoor movies? On Monday evenings in July, Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movement Emporium hosts a

series of classic horror movies curated by local artist Vernon Sears, who will lead a short discussion after each film. July 14th: The Black Cat (1934), July 21st: The Body Snatcher (1945), July 28th: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941). BYOP (Bring your own Popcorn!) $5. All films start at 7:30 p.m. Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movement Emporium, Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier. www.joesmovement.org or 301.699.1819. Spend your Sunday evenings broadening your musical horizons at the Summer Concert Series: Arts on the Waterfront, which will feature different music styles weekly. Free. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371. The Hyattsville Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market has returned for the season to the parking lot of 3505 Hamilton Street, adjacent to Bestway and across from the Hyattsville Community Garden. Stop by to sample the bounty of Southern Maryland. Free. Tuesdays through October, 2 to 6 p.m. 301.985.5000. The Route 1 Farmers Market & Bazaar offers produce, live music, family activities, and works by regional crafters and artists on first Fridays, 4 to 7 p.m., and every Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through the fall. In the former B&J auto shop at 4100 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood. www.rt1farmersmarket.wordpress.com.

At the producers-only Riverdale Park Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, fruits and vegetables are only the beginning. Depending on the week, shoppers may find baked goods, wine, soap, herbs and more. Free. Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. Riverdale Park, 301.332.6258. Summer means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time again for the free Anacostia River Boat Tours, held Tuesdays through Fridays from noon to 12:45. All ages are welcome to join a park naturalist on a pontoon boat to search for birds and other wildlife. Evening rides will be held on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 5 p.m. Free; registration required for groups of 12 or more. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371. The Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County Audubon society and the Patuxent Bird Club team up to host an early-evening guided bird walk along the Luther Goldman Birding Trail at Lake Artemesia. Walks are held every first and third Thursday at 6 p.m. and start at the lake parking lot at Berwyn Road and Ballew Avenue. Free. 301.459.3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net. Community Calendar is 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, MD 20781. Deadline for August submissions is July 23.

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 .%

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 13

Hyattsville library moves forward with replacement plan More chances for residents to weigh in by HL&T staff

The county is moving forward with its plans to replace the Hyattsville Branch Library. Area Manager Catherine Hollerbach, who oversees the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s West Area, made the announcement during a Friends of the Hyattsville Library meeting on July 2. Not everyone is pleased with the decision. Local group Save Our Saucer has called for a study on the feasibility of renovating the facility. In an opinion piece on www. hyattsvillelife.com, founding member T. Carter Ross writes: “The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) has failed to conduct any of the standard evaluations that would provide justification for its decision to build a new library smaller than the one we have. ... It’s important that PGCMLS do its due diligence before destroying one of the most distinctive structures in the city of Hyattsville.” In June, the library was named to Preservation Maryland’s 2014 Endangered Maryland list as a threatened historic site. The public first learned of plans to demolish the 50-year-old library and build a new, $14.3 million state-of-the-art facility last

August, during a public meeting with library officials and the Calverton-based architecture firm Grimm + Parker. But after many residents questioned the decision to rebuild rather than renovate – and wondered, too, about the fate of the iconic saucer marking the library’s entrance – officials put those plans on hold and rescinded the architects’ contract. Now, though, Grimm + Parker is back. And, according to Hollerbach, although the building is

“What we really want is a building that will serve the community now and in the future.” — Kathleen Teaze PGCMLS Director slated for replacement, the firm is conducting a review of the existing facility to determine if its structure can support a renovation. The firm selected by the county, Grimm + Parker Architects, is beginning sketches of ideas for a new facility, and the library has seen three preliminary options. Library officials support starting from scratch. In answer to the question of why replace instead of renovate, Hollerbach said the

Church of God and Saints of Christ

4203 Farragut Street, Hyattsville, Maryland Pastor: Evangelist Samuel Wade Time of Services: Beginning of the Sabbath (Friday Night) 7:30pm - 9:30pm Sabbath Service (Saturday) 11:00am to Sunset

We invite you to come and worship with us and to be inspired by the preaching of the unadulterated word of the Lord. The house of God is the house of prayer for all people. All are Welcome!

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

branch has needs a renovation can’t accommodate. Quiet study rooms, a better teen area, a more child-friendly children’s area, and up-to-date equipment were a few examples of what she called a long list of needs. “What we really want is a building that will serve the community now and in the future,” said PGCMLS Director Kathleen Teaze after the first public meeting. “When you have a big open space, you can plan it better and make it more flexible.” Having the library on one level will allow streamlining of some library functions. The five service desks will be consolidated into one check-out desk and one information desk, said Hollerbach. In a response to a similar list of concerns from the library, Save Our Saucer noted that “all of the issues that a rebuild might address, a thoughtful and thorough renovation can.”

SIMON

Riggio an easy way to meet with new and existing customers. By having a high-profile — but not too large — location, the business can grow its awareness in the area without spending a fortune. Simon sees those sorts of businesses as keys to continued growth in Hyattsville. Already, development in the Route 1 corridor is starting to drive more foot traffic downtown. As additional restaurants and retailers move in, consumer demand should grow, bringing in even more business. It’s a virtuous cycle and it’s one that Simon, the CDC, and the city are all looking forward to. For now, Simon is happy to have a full building, good tenants and a strong relationship with the city. Growth will come, he believes, and with a strong foundation beneath him, he’ll be ready to make the most of any opportunity. He brought back the charm of the old Model T showroom, and in doing so, has given Hyattsville one model for renovating its once-idle downtown.

continued from page 7

to do it, small businesses may find it off-putting. Simon envisions a future where the steps are easier to follow and geared toward supporting local business. As a start, he suggests bundling services or requirements in a productive way, waiving some smaller annual fees for the first year, or just having a stronger line of communication in place. Once all the boxes are checked, Simon can’t think of a better place to set up shop. As the area fills with more residents and businesses, it will attract even more retailers and service providers. A good mix of the two, he thinks, will allow the area to thrive even if foot traffic is slow to grow. As an example, he points out the interior design firm housed in his building. Most of Riggio Design’s work happens outside of the office, so the company has no reliance on foot traffic. However, having a location downtown gives

Congrats on 10 years, Hyattsville Life & Times!

Life’s too

SHORT to do laundry!

Wash & Fold Service just $1/pound (drop off, 12 lbs min.)

AMERICAN MEGA LAUNDROMAT

301-559-0707 Custom Wash, Dry & Fold MegaLaundromat.com

• Free Pick up & Delivery • Dedicated Washers & Dryers for Each Client • Unlike Dry Cleaners, we will not mix your clothes with other clients’ dirty laundry • Across from West Hyattsville Metro Station, corner of Ager Road & Hamilton St.

Open 7 days a week, 6 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Monthly Laundry Service Plans. Senior Citizen Discounts

Happy 10th Anniversary Hyattsville Life and Times!

Train Printing 4547 Rhode Island Ave | Brentwood, MD 20722

Offset Printing ♦ Full Color Digital Printing Wide Format Printing ♦ Copy & Fax Services Design Services ♦ Wedding & Social Invitations ~ Rush Service Available ~

SUMMER HOURS: July and August Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

301-864-5552 Fax 301-864-0740 • Email: info@trainprinting.com www.TrainPrinting.com

Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

St. Jerome Jaguars finish baseball season undefeated by Chris McManes

This year, the 2014 St. Jerome Jaguars rookie baseball team accomplished something even I, their head coach, didn’t see coming: an undefeated season. After going 2-7-1 in 2013, I thought a winning season was a legitimate goal. Though I knew we’d improve, I didn’t even think about finishing 10-0. But by the time the season wrapped up on June 7, we had run away from our competition, outscoring them 130-25. St. Jerome competes in the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO), part of the Archdiocese of Washington. Our games are against parishes from Prince George’s and Montgomery counties. The Rookie League features machine pitching and has no playoffs. My team of 14 boys, all 10 and under, included 11 students from St. Jerome Academy, a homeschooler, and two players from St. Joseph in Beltsville, which didn’t field a team. The parental support was outstanding. We played our first two games at St. Bernadette in Silver Spring, and won handily, 16-2 and 19-7. Our third-base coach, Jeff Kaelin, made an astute observation after our first victory: “We’re not going to score that many runs each game,” he said, “but [if we lose a game] we’re not going to beat ourselves [by making fielding errors]. Our defense is too

photos courtesy of Frank and Macarena Cantelas St. Jerome Academy started a rookie baseball team last year. This year, the Jaguars finished the season undefeated.

good for that.” Strong defense was a hallmark of the Jaguars. Our principal infielders were George Currie (first base); Tyler McManes and Isaiah

Blattner (second); Evan Cantelas (third); Christopher Kaelin and Alex Tirador (shortstop); and Robert Matera and Rookie of the Year Liam Burgoyne (pitcher). Twice we didn’t allow a baserunner until the next-to-last inning. During our third victory against a host St. Bernadette squad, I overheard their head coach tell one of his assistants, “That’s the best fielding team I’ve seen all year.” We also showed how much depth we had in two wins without our Most Valuable Players, Christopher Kaelin and center fielder Tyler Pulik.

Our closest game of the year was a 1-0 victory over St. Jane de Chantal. Neither team was hitting well because the pitching machine was erratic. We won it with two outs on our last at-bat when Pulik beat a throw to second, allowing the winning run to score from third. Our most dominating performance came at St. Pius X on their field in Bowie. Three times we scored the maximum number of runs allowed per inning (six) en route to a 28-0 victory. Their coaches thanked assistant coach Kaelin after the game for holding

runners at third base. We headed into our final game with the chance to complete our dream season. We were only leading 1-0 in the top of the fourth when Pulik hit a two-run home run. We scored four more times in the sixth to win 7-1 and finish with a perfect record. I was truly blessed to coach such fine young men, whose play gave glory to God and brought smiles to a lot of people in Hyattsville. Chris McManes has coached youth sports in Hyattsville since 2005 and has lived here since 2002.

NOW OPEN Joe's Movement Emporium is a performing arts center in Mount Rainier, Maryland, that offers programs in education, production and artist services. Joe’s offers rehearsal space to artists, performances, event-rental and classes year-round for adults and children Visit us online: www.joesmovement.org

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 15

Bricks&Mortar

Progress equals prosperity by Gray OʼDwyer

For many years, the mantra of municipal leaders and town planners has been “progress equals prosperity,” with the reasoning that development and economic growth are the primary means of ensuring fiscal success. Unfortunately, progress has also often meant destruction of those sites and landscapes essential to the character of an area. The Hyattsville Library is the perfect example — few other buildings can boast a flying saucer! At the Friends of the Hyattsville Library meeting on July 2, Area Manager Catherine Hollerbach confirmed that the county plans to replace the building with a new, state-of-the art facility that, according to library system staff and county officials, will better serve our community [see story on p. 13]. The existing library is badly in need of renovations and does not meet modern code. Proponents of demolition say a new library is necessary and represents (you guessed it) “progress” as Hyattsville continues to grow. The library’s numerous and vocal supporters think differently, and were recently backed up by Preservation Maryland. Each year, the statewide organization releases a list of endangered sites chosen for their historical significance and value to the state’s local character. The 2014 list includes an 18th-century shipwright’s house in Somerset County, a former tannery in Frederick, Baltimore’s Mechanic Theater, and the Hyattsville Library, among others. These buildings

SUSIE CURRIE The Hyattsville Libraryʼs saucer is meant to communicate the “rocketing” of the area from a rural community into a vibrant Washington, D.C. suburb.

are unique to our communities; if they are lost, with them goes a chapter of Maryland history. Preservation Maryland works to preserve these buildings for the next generation, not for us. A crumbling tannery or old farmhouse may not look worth the cost and effort to save, but in most cases their value only increases with age. A community’s individual character, those special things that exist nowhere else, is what makes it attractive to residents, visitors, and business. The Hyattsville Library was of particular note to the historians, because it is both architecturally

rare and historically important. Its design was meant to communicate progress in its own way — “rocketing” the area from a rural community into a vibrant Washington, D.C. suburb. The “asymmetrical footprint, clean lines, and reduced ornamentation” of the exterior mark it as a Mid-Century Modern building designed at the height of the Space Race. At the time, buildings were sleek and compact like the machines that were taking astronauts into space. The building’s history reflects a very personal side of Hyattsville. It was dedicated to the memory

Q: What can a penny buy these days? A: Your ad, in full color, delivered by U.S. Mail to a Hyattsville-area household (and with change to spare!) Contact 301-531-5234 or advertising@hyattsvillelife.com

of John F. Kennedy in March 1964, specifically recognizing

the president’s achievements in advancing American technology and healing the country’s deep racial divide. Prince George’s County was for many years an area of extremely low literacy and notoriously poor school systems. The Hyattsville library, never segregated, was the first public library in the county and provided new opportunities for everyone to have access to quality educational materials. Preservation Maryland’s goal in publishing its list of endangered places is to raise awareness, supporting local voices advocating for the preservation of community landmarks. The most important question in the controversy surrounding the library is not what renovations will cost or what challenges the building presents. Instead, let’s ask whether this building makes our community unique. The Hyattsville Library is iconic. The preservation of the library is progress, demonstrating that our community wants to maintain its history and character going forward. Gray O’Dwyer is an architectural historian and West Hyattsville resident.

Food, Friends & Fun — It’s all in the BAG! 4650 Queensbury Rd. Look for paper Riverdale, MD bags with the RPFM logo on them Thursdays at your favorite 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. neighborhood www.rpfm.org businesses and redeem them at the SNAP, WIC market for a piece & Senior Coupons of FREE fresh fruit! accepted

Page 16

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Growing soccer organization needs new leader by Scarlett Salem

With the United States’ surprise advancement in the World Cup, everyone seems to be getting into the soccer spirit. Unfortunately, children who are inspired to play after seeing their favorite country compete may not have a local outlet next season. Longtime league organizer Marc Tartaro is stepping down, and there is no one in the queue to fill his shoes. Tartaro, mayor of Hyattsville since 2011, has over 15 years of experience coaching or running other soccer programs. He led the Small-Sided Soccer League (SSSL) in Hyattsville for the past five years, successfully expanding it in the process. The League has been sponsored by Prince George’s Soccer, Inc. for the past 17 seasons. Tartaro stepped down after the season’s last tournament on May 31. “I have been talking about leaving for several years, but no one believes [me]. But this is a business and the business needs to transition,” Tartaro said. “PGSI, in its current form, will close the doors [unless] … someone steps up.” Tartaro, Wes Catron and David Hiles founded the PGSI as an outlet for local kids to play soccer. While Prince George’s County youth have various av-

courtesy of marc tartaro Soccer players are a common sight on Saturday mornings at Magruder Park. But they may become rarer if Prince George’s Soccer, Inc. doesn’t have a new leader by next month.

enues for competitive sports, the PGSI is a recreational organization and has focused more on cultivating a fun environment. “The three of us started this with the idea that we could run a program in Hyattsville but also help people who wanted a place to play and their own program,”

Tartaro said. Though the PGSI is affiliated with the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association, it is an entirely volunteer-run organization, from the coaches to the program leadership. “I want to have a kid come out and play who is afraid of the ball.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HYATTSVILLE LIFE & TIMES ON 10 GREAT YEARS!

Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community

FOR SALE

COMING SOON

UNDER CONTRACT

Ann Barrett, Realtor

6005 43rd Street, Hyattsville Wonderful Cape Cod with 3 BRs/3 Baths. Open kitchen, wood ﬂoors, ﬁreplace & gracious deck. Listed for $316,000

UNDER CONTRACT

5600 36th Place, Hyattsville Classic Cape Cod on a beautiful corner lot. Gorgeous wood floors & trim, fireplace, side & rear porches, Master suite on second level and unfinished basement. Cute and clean! Listed for $299,000

5702 41st Avenue, Hyattsville Beautiful Brick Rambler with 3 BRs, 2 full baths. Gorgeous updated kitchen, new main level bath, family room addition and ﬁnished basement. Listed for $335,000 and received multiple offers for the sellers!

Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 9094 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

cell: 240-938-6060 ofﬁce: 301-441-9511 ext. 261

email: ann.barrett@ longandfoster.com web: ANNBARRETT.LNF.COM

3102 Windom Road, Mount Rainier Adorable, updated bungalow with 3 BRs, 1 1/2 baths, deep rear yard, classic & custom details throughout. Listed for $280,000 and received multiple offers for the seller!

4021 Longfellow St, Hyattsville Beautiful 5-level cape cod with 4 BRs, 2 1/2 baths. Side porch, fenced yard, lovely condition with classic details. Listed for $415,000

2601 Muskogee St, Adelphi 3 BR, 2 Bath Split level home. Gorgeous yard! Listed for $299,000.

Thinking of selling your Hyattsville home? Call Ann for professional guidance.

Honored As Top-Producing Individual Agent, Long & Foster College Park

2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013! The information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted.

And when they are in high school and out of the program, they can go to the beach with their friends and when someone says ‘Hey, let’s kick the ball around,’ they can do that [and] not feel awkward,” Tartaro said. “It’s been a wonderful journey learning about myself and learning about all the different kinds of kids and parents that are out there. I have gotten more out of it then I have put into it.” Scores and standings are not recorded, which is contrary to other more competitive travel or club leagues. Along similar lines, teams are accepted into the league on a first-come, firstserved basis. The league incentivizes youth to play soccer by learning to enjoy playing the sport in a local, easily accessible league — which isn’t always available in the modern world of competitive youth sports. The league does not adver-

tise and only relies on wordof-mouth for new participants. Players are not strictly confined to local areas, and those from DC and other counties in Maryland have been welcome to participate along with schools, churches and neighborhood groups. This season the PGSI had an impressive 54 teams participate in the SSSL, an increase from last year’s 42. Not only are the games consistently in the same location, Magruder or Melrose Park, but they are always on Saturday mornings at the same time for the respective divisions. Generally the first game starts at 9 a.m. and the last game starts at noon. For more information, rules of the game per division, and a schedule of the games, head to the league website at PGSISoccer.com. For questions about sustaining the league, contact Marc Tartaro at pgsisoccer@gmail.com.

Palacios Painting Hyattsville’s #1 Recommended Painter

FREE ESTIMATES Drywall • Carpentry Home Renovations LICENSED AND INSURED For excellent work at a great price, call Ferdy at

240-644-5391

or e-mail palaciospaint@yahoo.com

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

Page 17

NatureNearby

Hugh’sNews

A veteran’s tale Snake not in the grass

by Hugh Turley

The S & J Restaurant in Riverdale Park, a short walk from Hyattsville, is a step back in time. Drinks at the S & J are cheap compared to the popular Busboys and Poets, where young professionals gather. Customers at the neighborhood bar and restaurant are mostly working class and reminiscent of Hyattsville before it became hip. One recent Sunday evening, I visited the S & J for a beer before retiring. Instead of the usual crowd, it was nearly deserted, with only two other customers. I took a seat at one end of the bar near a heavily tattooed older man. We both faced a young man seated at a right angle down the bar. The older man asked the young man, “Are you a vet?” “No sir, but I worked with the military as a contractor in Iraq,” he said. “Well then I consider you a vet. I served in Vietnam,” said the old vet. “Army?” asked the young man. “Army Rangers,” said the vet. “Very cool, Army Rangers are the best,” said the young man. “I was in the Airborne,” said the vet. “I jumped out of airplanes at night.” “Behind the enemy lines!” said the young man with enthusiasm. “I was scared to death,” said the vet. The young man was apparently

POET

continued from page 9

and rich history,” he said, “but I wanted to propose an alternative to what was already out there.” With these aspirations, he assembled a team of artists and translators and ultimately cofounded Zozobra Press in 2013. The name has several meanings. In Spanish, “zozobra” means “anxiety.” The verb “zozobrar” means “to drift on the water.” And in the Central American dialect, “zozobra” phonetically translates into “you are art.” Zozobra’s first publication, La Luz de la Tormenta/The Light of the Storm, is a 2013 collection of poems by Washington, D.C. poet Carlos Parada Ayala. The next project, said Ballesteros, will be a bilingual edition of an anthology of D.C. area Latino/Latina poets. Titled Al Pie De La Casa Blanca (Poetas Hispanos de Washington,

filled with the patriotic spirit exhibited during the seventh inning of major league baseball games where veterans of wars are saluted while crowds sing God Bless America. The older vet felt differently. “I have demons. I killed children, women and children. I was ordered to kill them, and I killed them,” he said. “Well, war is hell,” said the young man. “I shot a 5-year-old child,” said the vet. “Sorry to hear that, man,” said the young man. “My wife and daughter have died. Now I am old and alone with the memory of what I have done,” he told the younger man. The veteran’s admission that he had killed children was upsetting to hear. It was like some poisonous bile that he had to expel before it could do any more damage. I finished my beer and headed home. A Stony Brook University study found 78 percent of the Afghan War deaths were working-class Americans and 70 percent had no more than a high-school diploma. It’s no surprise: the working class always bears the burden when our country goes to war. As Hyattsville becomes more gentrified, with fewer working-class veterans, there may be fewer conversations about the reality of America’s wars.

DC), the anthology was originally published in Spanish. Ballesteros plans to have the book’s translation ready for publication by next summer. Zozobra’s mission extends beyond publishing edgy poetry, aiming to become a meaningful part of the Hyattsville community. “The goal of the press within the community is to support reading and writing,” said Ballesteros. He wants to target young Hispanics, who may already be translating oral and written English for their parents. He’s brainstormed with city officials about taking various ways of doing this, such as creating workshops in schools, and hopes that with their continued support, Zozobra can achieve its goal of engaging the youth in unconventional poetry and bilingualism. “Imagine how empowering that will be for [children] and our community,” he said.

by Fred Seitz

One fine May afternoon, I saw the mailman on my front sidewalk waving his hands at me somewhat frantically. I thought maybe my dogs, who were doing their “drive the mailman away” routine, might have spooked him more than usual. I opened the front door as the mailman said, “I don’t think he’ll bother me, but he looks kind of creepy.” “He” turned out to be a 4-foot snake stretched out on the top step. I looked at the snake, who seemed much calmer than the mailman, then stepped over him once to retrieve my mail and again to take it inside — and grab a camera. The snake remained calm, tasting the air with his tongue, and I stepped over him once more to get a closer view from the lower steps. When I leaned forward for the close-up, he retracted his body into a semi-coiled position. I suppose he’d read about the paparazzi’s wayward ways and opted to recoil like most celebrities. His white underside showed brightly and I tried to recall if this was a Northern black racer or an Eastern rat snake. Hoping he would calm down, I went inside again. After less than two minutes, I returned to find my serpentine visitor gone. I looked on both sides of the steps, but there was neither a “snake in the grass” nor signs of his movement. The rapid departure made me strongly suspect that I had encountered one of Maryland’s fastest snakes, the Northern black racer. But when I showed a reptile expert the photo, he pronounced my visitor an Eastern black snake, otherwise known as the Eastern rat snake. One of the area’s most common snakes, they may lay up to 40 eggs in late spring to midsummer. They are often seen along the Northwest

FRED SEITZ This Eastern black snake, which appeared on the authorʼs porch steps, spooked the mailman but does not pose a threat to humans.

Branch bike trail. Sometimes, they are mistaken for venomous copperheads and killed. This is unfortunate, because the non-venomous snake helps control the local rodent population. A major consumer of rats, mice and the occasional squirrel, the Eastern rat snake is a powerful constrictor, which aids him both in devouring prey and “hanging out” in trees. In winter, the rat snakes will sometimes co-occupy chipmunk burrows or groundhog dens. This could result in misfortune for the chipmunks, but they typically awaken before snakes in spring. The snakes may also take up winter residence in basements or garages, and they are little risk to humans. While they can bite if disturbed, the wound to humans is devoid of venom. (If bitten, however, people should visit a doctor as a precaution, after cleaning the wound and stopping the bleeding.) Like other reptiles, snakes are exothermic, or cold-blooded. The term refers not to their ethics but to their body temperature, which roughly matches their environment. That’s why they prefer chipmunk holes and basements in winter, but seek shaded areas in warmer weather.

Did you know we’re on Twitter and Facebook? Follow us for updates on Hyattsville news! @HvilleTimes

facebook.com/ HyattsvilleLife

...and you can share our online edition with your friends! HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM

Another anecdote: A year ago, when I was wandering around outside looking for glimpses of nature, my wife photographed a visitor to our dining room: a young rat snake, by the looks of him, who either came in to enjoy my wife’s fine cooking or to seek a bit of relief from the outside heat. My wife (who is from Alabama) calmly secured our two rowdy dogs, swept the young serpent into a trashcan, and unceremoniously dumped him into Magruder Park. This approach to reptilian visitors is preferred over execution as they provide an important function in our environment. While I cannot know for sure, it may be that the recent visitor to my front steps was my wife’s friend returning for another round of Southern cooking. After a diet of mice and frogs, can you blame him?

Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance

est. 1962

Dance classes for all ages

Register for Register For classes now! Summer 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

Page 18

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2014

IT’S A BLAST WHEN

LARRY PERRIN sells your Hyattsville home 301-983-0601 LARRY’S LATEST LISTINGS:

FOR SALE WITH LARRY 4008 Ingraham St $339,000 4200 31st Street $314,995 19028 Stedwick $314,900 202 Desellum Ave $699,000 4204 31st Street $324,000 20214 HarborTree $219,995 8971 Centerway $275,000

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE HYATTSVILLE LIFE & TIMES ON 10 GREAT YEARS!

LISTED & SOLD BY LARRY 4605 Russell Avenue $265,000 7814 Hanover Pwy $129,995 5000 Stewart Ct $299,995

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.

EVERYTHING I TOUCH TURNS TO SOLD!