November 2014 Hyattsville Life & Times by Hyattsville Life and Times

GOLD MEDAL WIN

LANGUAGE PROGRAM

GREEN OWL DESIGN

Hyattsville resident Desiree Holland brought home the gold at this year’s national Special Olympics games. Her family and coach give a glimpse into her training process. PAGE 3

The first magnet classes have begun at César Chavéz Elementary. Meet the kindergarteners and teachers in the Spanish and English dual immersion program. PAGE 8

Owners and designers Erica Riggio and Angela Justice give a preview of their talents and plans for the Gallatin Street space in this month’s Secondhand News. PAGE 6

Art Works Now will be able to move forward by Rebecca Bennett and Caroline Selle

On October 20, after more than a year of debate about the Marché Florist building, the Prince George’s County Council voted 8-1 to overturn the site’s historic designation. While Art Works Now Executive Director Barbara Johnson, one of the owners of the building, is no longer mandated to uphold the building’s existing structure, the muchanticipated Art Works Now and Pizzeria Paradiso project will be able to move forward. When Johnson appeared before the District Council to argue in support of declassifying the building, approximately 50 Art Works Now supporters, many of them wearing the nonprofit’s t-shirts, were present in the audience. Johnson said that the historic site designation would prevent renovations needed at 4800 Rhode Island Ave. in Hyattsville to make room for commercial partner Pizzeria Paradiso. Though several Council members expressed their support for maintaining the historical integrity of the structure, they agreed that the current owners intended to preserve it.

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ART WORKS continued on page 13

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 11 No. 11

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

the ART of LEARNING

Pilot Arts integration program implemented at four Hyattsville schools by Scarlett Salem

There have long been avenues for the youth of the Arts District to participate in fun arts activities, but they have primarily come outside of school hours or only during arts class. This year marks the launch of the Prince George’s County Public School System arts integration pilot program, which will bring the arts into all parts of the curriculum. Out of 15 schools in the Prince George’s County Public School System (PGCPS), four are located in Hyattsville: Edward M. Felegy Elementary

School, Hyattsville Middle School, Nicholas Orem Middle School, and Northwestern High School. Part of the process for choosing schools included experience with the arts, “but the big factor was that they had a willingness to be involved in the pilot,” said John Ceschini, the newly hired PGCPS arts integration officer. “[In Hyattsville there is already] arts integration from elementary to high school, so there is a feeder pattern there, which is great.” Arts integration is a “research-based program that has shown success,” Ceschini said. It extends beyond traditional art class and involves looping in different forms of art into other academic areas ART continued on page 13

November 2014

School board race too close to call

Voters uphold term limits by Caroline Selle

Although most of the 2014 gubernatorial election results for Prince Georges County were determined in the primaries, with many candidates running in the general election unopposed, one race remains too close to call. The race between Dinora A. Hernandez and Amber Waller, both running for the seat on the School Board in Prince George’s County District 3, will not be decided until all absentee and provisional ballots are in and counted. As of Friday, November 7, Hernandez led with 50.4 percent of the votes to Waller’s 49.3, which represents a difference of only 114 votes. Waller is the current District 3 school board member, and her biography on the Prince George’s County website details her focus on business partnerships, bilingual programs, and English-language classes for parents. Hernandez’s campaign page advocates for universal pre-Kindergarten, quality teacher recruitment, and incentives for teachers who stay in the county. Hernandez was on the sample Democratic ballot and was endorsed by the Washington Post as well as current county executive Rushern L. Baker III, who was elected to a second term on November 4. Hernandez came out ahead in ballots cast at the Hyattsville Municipal Building and the Hyattsville Library, two of the City’s four voting precincts, while Waller received a majority in the other two precincts. “Amber’s success … [in] the two largest voting precincts in the City of Hyattsville shows that overwhelmingly the City does support her,” said City Councilmember Joseph Solomon (Ward 5). Although Prince George’s county voters overELECTION continued on page 12

Included: The November 11, 2014 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

FromTheEditor

It’s never too early for voters to engage by Caroline Selle

In the aftermath of the gubernatorial election, I’m taking stock of what it really means to be part of a community. It’s a question I struggle with on a near-daily basis and especially when I head to the polls. Too often it seems like there is no real choice at the ballot box. Especially during the mid-term elections in Prince George’s County, swaths of candidates run unopposed. It’s not necessarily a bad thing: it’s hard enough to keep up with the contested elections! But, it makes me think

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 http://HyattsvilleLife.com http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes 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. Managing Editor Caroline Selle caroline@hyattsvillelife.com 410.991.9209 Production Ashley Perks Editor and Web Manager Rebecca Bennett Digital Archives Manager Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 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, Julia Gaspar-Bates Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Caroline Selle - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Rebecca Bennett - Ex Officio 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.

about where the real change happens, where real access into the political process begins. For me, at least, it started at home. When I was a child, my mother brought me along to the polls. I wanted to pull all the levers (this was before the rise of the electronic voting booth) and know who she was voting for and why. Voting became something to look forward to, a grown-up privilege much like driving a car or using a credit card. In other words, something that mandated responsibility. In high school, my friends and I eagerly anticipated our eighteenth birthdays and the upcoming presidential election. While we were probably a little more feverishly political than most teenagers, the fervor was evident in the school halls. We were about to be adults! Responsible! Able to change the world! Of course, real life (adult life) is a little more complicated. None

of the candidates matched exactly with my political views, and change seemed slow and unwieldy if not nonexistent. It was a tough lesson, but a necessary one. The adult world was much more confusing than I knew. My next foray was into activism, where I campaigned for various causes and generally drove my family and friends up the wall. If the politicians weren’t going to change things, I was just going to have to do it myself. But bit by bit, I learned how to navigate a complicated sphere in which money far too often counted more than people. There’s no one right way to be politically involved, but the voting process is a fast track into becoming engaged with one’s community. When citizens become frustrated with the candidates on the ballot, they might realize that they could run. Or, they could work on the campaign of a candidate who represents their views. There are larger and smaller ways

CAROLINE SELLE Residents went to the polls on Nov. 4.

to be active that are no less significant, like calling and emailing representatives or attending city council meetings. Or even public forums. At the Nov. 3 City Council meeting, most councilmembers argued in favor of giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote in City elections. Many suggested it

would increase young people’s civic engagement and increase overall voter turnout. In past city elections, voter turnout has been abysmal, but it’s certainly not just us. According to the Pew Research Center, only about 60 percent of eligible voters turned out for the most recent presidential elections. The number for midterm elections is much lower, hovering around 40 percent. Part of growing up and moving into adulthood is realizing that “adult” is just a word. After all, just last year our Congress shut down the government. Delineations by age are somewhat abstract and arbitrary. Community doesn’t begin and end in the voting booth, but trusting young people with the responsibility of determining their elected officials implies that we think they are no longer children, that they are ready to begin making more difficult and complicated decisions, and that those decisions matter.

BRIEFS THREE SHOT AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER On Saturday, October 25, three victims were shot at University Town Center. According to Lt. Chris Purvis of the Hyattsville City Police Department, police answered a call reporting a shooting in the 6400 block of America Blvd. at approximately 8:30 p.m. Purvis said the suspect and a group of teens and young adults “were involved in a confrontation” inside the Qdoba Mexican Grill. The suspect went to his car and returned with a gun before opening fire, according to police. All three victims were released from the hospital in the following days, but the shooter is still at large. Police described the suspect as a black male in his 20’s with dreadlocks past his shoulders, wearing a red plaid shirt and blue jeans. He is about 6 feet tall and 190 pounds, authorities say. The car is described as a red 4-door Toyota. Anyone with information should call Hyattsville Police at 301.985.5060. COUNCIL CONSIDERS 16, 17-YEAR-OLD VOTE At the November 3 Hyattsville

City Council meeting, members discussed the possibility of allowing 16 and 17-year-old residents to vote in City elections. The proposal, put forth by Ward 2 Councilmember Patrick Paschall, is intended to increase voter engagement. Early access to the polls “creates habits around civic participation,” he said. DISTRICT COUNCIL HEARS ORAL ARGUMENTS ON CHICK-FIL-A DRIVE-THROUGH On October 20, the Prince George’s District Council heard oral arguments about Chick-filA’s request to put a drive-through in the Prince George’s Plaza transit district. After the District Council approved a McDonald’s drive-through request, the City of Hyattsville successfully sued to have the decision overturned. The Council decided to take the matter under legal advisement and has yet to make a final decision. COUNCIL DISCUSSES PROPOSED UMD SHUTTLE AGE RESTRICTION On October 6, the Hyattsville City Council discussed an agree-

ment that would allow residents to use the University of Maryland shuttle. However, university officials expressed desire to place an age restriction on Hyattsville residents using the shuttle. This out of concern College Park Academy middle schoolers would take it to class. The cities of College Park and Greenbelt do not have an age restriction, but the university says CPA is the only school on the shuttle route without a bus service. The Council discussed the matter with a UMD official on November 3 and said they are working on a resolution. COUNCIL APPROVES UPDATED COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ORDINANCE On October 6, the Hyattsville City Council approved revisions to a commercial vehicle ordinance, which include addressing vehicle size and weight and redefining the process for permitting and contesting vehicles which don’t meet the new standards. The ordinance is set to take effect 60 days after after approval from the Prince George’s County Council, but

the City Council does not plan to enforce the amended ordinance until six months after approval. CITY DISCUSSES MOVING POLICE DEPARTMENT, REDEVELOPING ADMINISTRATION BUILDING In 2011 the City of Hyattsville commissioned a facility assessment. Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler said the report came back that the City’s facilities are in poor to moderate condition with short and long term improvements estimated to cost Hyattsville $9,820,893 over the next 20 years. The current proposal is to move the Hyattsville Police Department to the former BB&T building at 3505 Hamilton St., as well as to reuse or redevelop the current City Administration Building at 4310 Gallatin St., and Arcade Building at 4318 Gallatin St. Chandler proposed a community meeting be scheduled for January 2015. Read more about these stories online at www.HyattsvilleLife.com

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

Page 3

marleenvandenneste.com Desiree Holland brought home a gold medal for 10k Cycling Time Trials in the USA Special Olympics this past June.

Hyattsville resident brings home the gold by Andrew Marder

Over lunch and conversation at Busboys & Poets in Hyattsville, Desiree Holland, 43, is reserved, letting her mother speak for her. Candy Holland is happy to recount the feats of the award winning Special Olympics athlete. Competing in the Special Olympics since she was just 8 years old, the Hyattsville resident continues to rack up successes. This June, Holland won gold in the 10k Cycling Time

Trials at the USA Special Olympics held in Princeton, N.J. In over a decade of cycling, Holland achieved almost everything a competitor could hope for, including a silver medal in the world games in 2007. Her journey to gold was neither simple nor straightforward. Holland trained five days a week leading up to the competition, riding, working out in the weight room, and spending hours on stationary bikes. Her coach, Arrow Bicycle co-owner Chris Mi-

litello, says that Holland embodies the Special Olympics Oath — Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. In 2007, Holland travelled to the World Special Olympic Games in China, bringing home a silver medal. In support of Special Olympics, Holland, the daughter of Hyattsville’s Chief of Police Douglas Holland, jumped

into the freezing cold waters of the Chesapeake Bay not once, but 24 times over the course of a single day. She also made her annual trip to Capitol Hill to lobby legislators for their support as part of the Special Olympics’ Hill Day. According to her coaches, all of her experience and determination has helped Holland become the competitor she is today. Her ability to face down adversity was on show at this year’s games in Princeton. Holland was preemptively directed off the course and unintentionally disqualified in one of her earlier races and suffered a crash in a preliminary event. That crash left her knee almost locked the day of her 10k, making it difficult for Holland to even get her foot onto her pedal. True to form, though, it didn’t stop her. Militello says, “I leaned down grabbed her ankle, and put it on [the pedal], and she pedaled away.” For Holland, the gold medal is one of her crowning achievements, but it’s certainly not the end of the line. Throughout the summer and early fall, Holland competed in races around the county. All the while, she’s also gearing up for the winter Special Olympics where she plays a support role alongside her mother. Then, it’s time to jump in the bay again and start preparations for the next year of competition. Special Olympics activities and competitions run all year

long. Special Olympics Maryland works with thousands of athletes across the state, coaching and supporting them through the year in preparation for a variety of levels of competition. Holland and others worked their way up the competitive ladder with the hopes of attending national or international games as representatives of the state. At this summer’s games, about 160 athletes from Maryland traveled to Princeton, N.J. where they joined more than 3,000 other competitors from around the country. Holland will continue to support her fellow athletes as she readies herself for the next round of competitions. Raising funds through programs like the Plunge is key to the future of the Special Olympics. Last year, Maryland’s Winter Water Series, which includes the Plunge, raised $2.25 million in support of the organization. Meanwhile in Hyattsville, the police department’s annual Cops on Rooftops program and Arrow Bicycle’s Cyclocross race in Magruder Park help support local and state initiatives. The whole process of training, competing, and supporting has given Holland the confidence to take on new challenges and her dedication has changed the lives of her coaches and family. “What she does is amazing,” Militello says. “I wish more people could see what goes into all this — it’s pretty uplifting.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

rebecca bennett On Oct. 14, planners presented an updated concept plan for the area around Prince George’s Plaza, which included tree-lined streets and a central plaza.

Plan envisions green downtown by Caroline Selle

The new downtown envisioned by planners from the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) includes walkable and bikeable tree-lined streets, a highway transformed into a boulevard, and more residential development connected by pedestrian pathways in the area around the Mall at Prince Georges. The concept, first introduced

to Hyattsville residents during the three-day September design charrette, is a part of “Plan Prince George’s 2035.” On October 14, planners presented their updated concept for the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Development Plan, which was based on feedback from charrette participants, and asked for additional input from the community. The event, held at the Prince George’s Plaza Community Center, drew a number of residents from Hy-

attsville and surrounding communities, business owners, and a representative from the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA). During the charrette, planners found that “there’s a desire to establish places at Prince George’s Plaza, places for people to gather, to meet, to stroll on the sidewalk, to enjoy meeting their neighbors … that’s really lacking in the area now,” according to Cheryl O’Neill of Silver Spring-based architects

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Torti Gallas and Partners. Initial feedback helped planners create three keystones for moving forward. The updated concept plan includes a central plaza between a proposed second (western) entrance to the Prince George’s Plaza metro station and the Mall at Prince Georges, recasting East West Highway as a walkable, safe and green boulevard, and sustainable development and stormwater management. The metro and the mall will continue to exist as the “primary engines,” of the downtown area, said O’Neill. Other features of the plan include residential infill development, underground parking, in-line retail (where shop entrances face and are in-line with the street), and improved metro station access. Ideally, the area will be filled-in with mixed use development. There will be denser land use around the metro, said O’Neill, with potentially eight to 16 story buildings, which would transition “down to smaller stores” the further west, east, and north people go. After the presentations, repre-

sentatives from the M-NCPPC facilitated discussions with attendees, who were broken into groups by table. Feedback included concerns about the methods used to slow traffic on East West Highway and whether or not the lack of stores in University Town Center would bode negatively for increased development around Prince George’s Plaza, appreciation for the increased green space and stormwater management initiatives in the area, and a discussion about how to make the space unique to Hyattsville. Early actions may include formalizing pedestrian traffic by installing new crosswalks, completing gaps in the sidewalk along East West Highway and Belcrest Road, and restriping East West Highway in order to alter the flow of traffic. Plans for a second metro entrance presented as near-term goals at the charrette have been set aside, according to consultants, because they realized it was too expensive after meeting with metro authorities. The updated concept plan included a pedestrian ramp from the other side of the metro station that leads into existing entrance. Though the plan is intended to be fulfilled in the next 20 to 30 years, the designers said some action could take place as early as 2015-16, which is when the final concept plan is expected to be approved by the District Council. First, though, the Hyattsville Planning Committee will be submitting comments and recommendations to the Mayor and City Council. Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler is the City’s liaison on the committee. “We’ve been participating since the inception of the update,” he said. “The plan that’s ultimately adopted, we’re going to have to live with those results ... [We’re] considering the built environment that’s going to be in Hyattsville for the foreseeable future.” For more information about the Transit District Development Plan update and to see planning presentations, visit www.HyattsvilleLife.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

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New lighting project comes with higher cost, puts a spotlight on dark streets now responsible for paying $191,226 to increase lighting on Queens Chapel Road. City officials said they approved the expenditure because Hyattsville would likely have been responsible for the full $343,000 in the future, as the need for lighting improvements would remain. The only council member to vote against the measure was Council Vice President Paula Perry (Ward 4), who highlighted the need for more street lights in West Hyattsville. Perry, who has been a councilmember for 15 years, wanted to delay council action in order to review Queens Chapel Road crime statistics. “People don’t care whether [street lights] look pretty,” Perry said. “They want to feel safe.” Councilmember Patrick Paschall (Ward 3) said, “We need to seriously prioritize putting lights in West Hyattsville.” But, Paschall indicated he didn’t want to lose an opportunity to improve lighting on highway streets, as the Council only had days to make a final decision. “This is an opportunity for partnership and collaboration, by no means are we saying this is the highest priority for the city,” City Administrator Tracy Nicholson

by Grant Whittington and Rebecca Bennett

On October 6, The Hyattsville City Council voted to pay for increased lighting along Queens Chapel Road (MD 500). The decision ended weeks of dialogue in the Council regarding sticker-shock after the costs of the City’s agreement with the Maryland State Highway Administration (MDSHA) increased by 300 percent. The current plan envisioned the construction of 35 pedestrian lights approximately 60 feet apart running from Hamilton Street to East West Highway, according to a document provided by the Council. When the City signed its original contract with MDSHA, the Administration agreed Hyattsville was responsible for only 50 percent of the lighting costs. At the time, that meant the City’s financial obligation was approximately $60,000. However, new documents show that the County significantly underestimated the cost, and the updated obligation imposed on the City is now approximately $191,226. The original number was based on an estimate by engineers looking at 10 percent of the project cost. The City is

The Hyattsville City Council voted to approve lighting additions to Queens Chapel Road, which will cost the City three times the original estimate.

said at the council meeting. Mayor Marc Tartaro said he wanted to know how much the maintenance of these lights would cost the City so that the City Council could include those figures in upcoming budgets. Residents say they are concerned about the lighting in other areas of the City as well. In September, Seyid Abediyeh, owner of

the American Mega Laundromat, pled his case with City officials. Prince George’s County recently installed upgraded LED street lights near the laundromat, and officials informed Abediyeh that the current number of street lights in that corridor meets county standards. However, the business owner said more lights are needed for pedestrians walking along Jamestown Road trying to reach the West Hyattsville Metro Station, which is near his business. On Belcrest Road, City officials have been working with Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation staff to resolve ongoing lighting issues. Street lights between Queens Chapel Road and Adelphi Road have reportedly been unreliable. After discussing the issue with county officials, Councilmember Tim Hunt (Ward 1), said he was told by county officials the lights were working. On November 6, the Hyattsville Life & Times inspected the lights on the east side of Belcrest Road from the Mall at Prince Georges to Adelphi Road and discovered they were still not working. Hunt said he would follow up with county staff.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

SecondhandNews

Green Owl Design is changing the face of Hyattsville … one storefront at a time by Lauren Flynn Kelly

If you enter Hyattsville on Route 1 from the south, you’d be crazy not to notice the magenta-striped “castle” that is Shortcake Bakery. Driving towards Hyattsville from the north, you can’t miss Riverdale’s new unisex salon, Ivy Lounge, with its naturalistic exterior and a massive vintage chandelier in the window. Did you know? Both of the striking facades (and their interiors) were masterminded by Hyattsvillebased design studio and local retail space, Green Owl Design. Designers Erica Riggio and Angela Justice, who have been working together for years through their respective design enterprises, Riggio Design and Space 26 Designs, recently merged to create Green Owl Design. Located at 4327-C Gallatin St., the boutique itself officially opened its doors in July, and features a beautiful display of vintage (mostly mid-century modern at the moment) furniture, housewares and clothing. In addition, Green Owl showcases top-notch local art, ranging from canvases and postcards to throw pillows and homemade candles. The boutique’s furniture selection — did I mention it’s vintage? — is very fairly priced. For exam-

ple, you can snag a mid-century modern bar cart for $220 and a pair of vintage acrylic tulip-based chairs for $400. A set of locally re-upholstered Drexel Heritage dining chairs are priced at $150 apiece, and would go for much, much more on popular secondhand sites like www.1stdibs.com. The selection also features a few custom pieces, like an ornate ’70s headboard painted a romantic dusty rose that sells for about $200. Original art prices, meanwhile, range from $10 for small limited edition postcard-size prints to upwards of $1,000. “Our passion is design, but we like to refinish furniture and build things and find beauty in things that wind up discarded,” said Riggio. “We definitely believe in upcycling … It’s always going to be something you might not have seen and is sort of one of a kind. I think this area needs a retail shop like this.” The store itself is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the first Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can also shop by appointment. Green Owl also plans to hold exhibits every quarter as well as a holiday gift show with an opening reception, in order to showcase some of the smaller,

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planning, color consulting and project management. As partners, they’ve completed projects all over the Washington, D.C. area and on a wide range of budgets. Local residents may have visited a few, including the Society Restaurant & Lounge in Silver Spring and Bishop Boutique in Alexandria. Riggio said she loves to dig in to local projects like Shortcake and Ivy and hopes to see more streetlevel development on Route 1. While Shortcake’s eye-popping exterior was modeled after the many European bakeries Riggio saw in her research, the interior features handmade touches such as tables made from doors purchased at Community Forklift and a repainted jumbo spider chandelier that gave owner and baker Cheryl Harrington the “rustic, Parisian concept” she’d envisioned for the inside. Riggio, a Hyattsville resident and former D.C. bartender who earned her masters of fine arts in interior design from George Washington University, said she’s also color consulted a few of her neighbors’ exteriors and would love to get her hands on one of Hyattsville’s famed Victorian homes. “For us, we do a little bit of everything. And it’s challenging. But I couldn’t really see it any other way. Otherwise, I’d get bored,” she said.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

Page 7

NatureNearby

Our noisy neighbors by Fred Seitz

The abundant gatherings of one of our most common and vocal “songbirds,” the common crow, will either amuse or annoy locals walking or driving in fall and early winter. This season is when we often witness some of the most gregarious behavior of the large (about 18 inches long), glossy black birds with squared off tails. Roosts may contain hundreds of crows, and both morning departures for food and evening “pre-roostings” may have large numbers of birds in flight with their accompanying familiar cawing. These morning and evening flights may cover a distance of 50 miles or more. The cawing familiar to everyone is one of over 20 calls the birds produce but is most commonly heard in fall. One of the crow’s alternative vocalizations, the comb call (which sounds like a loud version of flipping the teeth of a comb) is also heard occasionally. However, it is more common during mating season in the spring

when crows are somewhat less gregarious and also more secretive and more territorial. Crows do not reach sexual maturity until aged 3-5 years. In the wild, crows typically live up to 30 years, but in captivity, they have reached ages over 50. Our “common crow” (also called American crow) is one of 40 species of crows worldwide, including the “stately raven,” blue jay and jackdaw. Crows are believed to have evolved originally in Asia and spread and developed into various species in different countries. Australia alone has six species. Maryland inhabitants include our common crow, the fish crow and our famous raven. Fish crows are a bit smaller and with a more nasal caw than the common crow and as their name implies are more

inclined to waterfront living. They are frequently found near the Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac River. Ravens are a bit larger, about 24 inches long, with thick feathers at the throat and a wedge-shaped tail. Ravens are mostly found in more westerly parts of Maryland in more mountainous regions. While often maligned for their raids on crops (notably corn), crows are consumers of mice, insects and most helpfully roadkill. The birds’ abundance and damage to crops

has spawned a variety of methods to reduce or control our corvid friends, ranging from the classic scarecrow to poisons, which are now prohibited due to their threat to other animals. Crows have also been hunted for food. While less eloquently poeticized than his famous cousin, the raven, the crow has shared in many ominous, but also sometimes beneficial, spiritual stories and folktales. In some cultures, crows have been characterized as harbingers of death, evil and ghostly spirits, whereas others have characterized crows and ravens as tricksters who brought fire to humans or beings that brought knowledge to mankind. Indeed, science has offered some evidence of crows’ intelligence, observing some crow species modifying sticks to use as a “tool” to extract food from narrow areas. Otheres are able to recognize and differentiate human faces. So despite their noise and possible bad omens, consider that our feathered friends are watching us and contemplating our place in the scheme of things.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

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the

Hyattsville Reporter Reportero de Hyattsville No. 298 • November 11, 2014

City Real Estate

The Hyattsville mayor and council are currently considering how to best utilize the buildings the city owns. There are five of them, including the current City Administration Building, the recreation center at Magruder Park, and the Department of Public Works facility. The two other buildings are at 3505 Hamilton, where BB&T used to be, and 4318 Gallatin, the Arcade. Neither is currently in use. In all, the five buildings are worth about $10 million. At a public worksession last month, the mayor and council discussed the possibility of moving the police department, and maybe other departments, to 3505 Hamilton. The police have outgrown their space at the City Administration Building, and the building is in need of major repairs. But no decision has been made yet. The mayor and council asked for

more information, which they will discuss at the City Council meeting on Monday. The meeting will begin at 8 p.m. and comments from the public are encouraged. It will take place at 4310 Gallatin Street, on the third floor, where council chambers are, for now…

Winter Break Camp Magruder

Camp Magruder, the city’s popular summer camp, will again host youngsters this holiday season. To align with the winter break of Prince George’s County Public Schools, camp will run Dec. 2223 and 29-31. Activities will include arts, sports, and freeplay for kids ages 5-10. The cost is $30 per day, with the option of aftercare for an additional $5. Space is limited, so interested parents should register on the city’s web site soon, or contact Tony Martinez at 301-985-5065 or tmartinez@hyattsville.org.

Bienes Raíces de la Ciudad

Staff Spotlight: Laura Reams Job: City Clerk Joined City Staff: 2012 In her spare time: “I don’t have any spare time – I have two kids.” City Clerk Laura Reams has one of Hyattsville’s more dynamic jobs. On a daily basis, she is likely to work with every city department, the city administrator and city attorney, and the mayor and members of the city council. She helps plan the council agenda, records and provides access to the city’s official records, and she supports the work of the board of the city’s ethics commission and supervisors of elections. She says she likes it all, but that the elections work is especially important to her. “One of my favorite things about my job is elections,” she says. “I’m passionate about seeing the community get engaged and finding ways to increase outreach. At the local level you can see small actions make a real difference.” The mayor and council have recently been considering numerous elections ordinances, including one that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to vote. If it passes, Hyattsville will be the second city in the country giving voting rights to people age 16. “I feel fortunate to live in a city where people want to be engaged,” Reams says. Those people are part of why she applied for the City Clerk position in the first place. After moving to Hyattsville in 2011 – her husband grew up here – she said she was excited to meet many people who cared deeply about the community. As Clerk she now gets to work on community issues in her job. And she says she feels lucky to have that opportunity.

Every Tuesday and Thursday through November 25 10 AM - 12 PM Magruder Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. More information: Tony Martinez, 240-299-8395, tmartinez@hyattsville.org

Ageless Grace Exercise Classes

Every Wednesday and Friday through November 26 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Colleen Aistis, 301.985.5057, caistis@hyattsville.org

Invasive Plant Removal

Saturday, November 15, 9 AM - 1 PM Magruder Woods, 3911 Hamilton Street More information: 301-985-5057

Hyattsville Police Open House and City Facilities Update

Monday, November 17, 6 - 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Hyattsville City Council Meeting

Monday, November 17, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

El alcalde y el consejo municipal de Hyattsville están reflexionando la major manera para utilizar los edificios de la ciudad. Hay cinco, incluyendo el edificio municipal, el centro de recreación en Magruder Park, y la instalación de Obras Publicas. Los dos mas están en 3505 Hamilton, donde estuvó el banco BB&T, y 4318 Gallatin, el Arcade. Ni de los dos está en uso actualmente. En total, los cinco edificios valen aproximadamente $10 millón. En una reunion de trabajo public el mes pasado, el alcalde y el consejo discutieron la posibilidad de trasladar el departmento de la policía, y tal vez otros departmentos, a 3505 Hamilton. La policía ha superado su espacio en el edificio municipal, y el edificio necesita muchas reparaciones. Pero todavia no hay una decisión. El alcalde y el consejo pidieron más información, que discutirán en la reunión del consejo municipal el lunes. La reunión empezará a las 8 p.m., y comentarios del publico están invitados. Estará en 4310 Gallatin Street, en el

tercer piso, donde están la camara del consejo, por ahora…

Campamento Magruder en el Invierno

El Campamento Magruder, el estimado campamento del verano de la ciudad, otra vez va a ofrecerse para jovenes esta temporada de fiestas. Para alinear con las vacaciones del invierno del Prince George’s County Public Schools, el camapamento será diciembre 22-23 y 29-31. Actividades incluirán artes, deportes, y juego-libre para niños de edades 5-10. Cuesta $30 cada día, con la opción de horas extras por $5 más. Espacios son limitados, y padres interesados deben inscribir pronto en el sitio de web de la ciudad, o contacten a Tony Martínez en 301-985-5065 o tmartinez@hyattsville.org.

Empleada Excelente: Laura Reams

Titulo: Secretaria de la Ciudad Empezó con la Ciudad: 2012 En su tiempo libre: “No tengo tiempo libre – tengo dos hijos.” La Secretaria de la Ciudad, Laura Reams, tiene uno de los trabajos de Hyattsville más dinamico. Diariamente, es probable que trabajará con todos los departmentos de la ciudad, la administradora de la ciudad y el abogado de la ciudad, y el alcalde y miembros del consejo municipal. Ayuda en planear la agenda del consejo, graba y provee acceso a los archivos oficiales de la ciudad, y apoya el trabajo de la comisión de ética, y los directores de elecciones. Dice que le gusta todo, pero el trabajo con elecciones es muy importante a ella. “Uno de mis partes de mi trabajo favorito es elecciones,” dice. “Me apasiona ver la comunidad participa y encontrar maneras a aumentar conección a la comunidad. En el nivel local puede ver que acciones pequeños hacen impactos reales.” Recientemente, el alcalde y consejo municipal han reflexionado muchas leyes de elecciones, incluyendo uno que daría el derecho de votar a jovenes de 16 y 17. Si pasará, Hyattsville será la segunda ciudad en el país que da el derecho de votar a las personas de 16 años. “Siento afortunada vivir en una ciudad donde la gente quiere participar,” dice Reams. Gente asi son parte de la razón que solicitó el trabajo de secretaria. Depués de moverse a Hyattsville – su esposo creció aqui – dijo que le emocionó conocer muchas personas a quien les importaba mucho la comunidad. Como secretaria ya puede ayudar en asuntos de la comunidad en su trabajo. Y dice que tiene de tener esta oportunidad.

Mentes Creativas Programa de Papás e Hijos Comité de Planeación de Hyattsville

Hyattsville Planning Committee

Tuesday, November 18, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Chandler, 3012-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org

Hyattsville Code Compliance Advisory Committee

Wednesday, November 19, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org

Clause Applause Holiday Decorating Contest Nominations Open

Monday, November 24, 12 PM More information: see advertisement in this newspaper or at www.hyattsville.org. No phone nominations.

Hyattsville City Council Meeting

Monday, December 1, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Hyattsville Board of Supervisors of Elections Meeting Tuesday, December 2, 4 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

CALENDARIO

CALENDAR Creative Minds Parent & Child Program

No. 298 • 11 de noviembre, 2014

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Holiday Tree Lighting

Friday, December 5, 7 PM, Magruder Park More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Breakfast and Lunch with Santa

Saturday, December 6, 9 - 10:30 AM & 12 - 1:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Hyattsville City Council Public Hearing on Budget Priorities

Monday, December 15, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Hyattsville City Council Meeting

Monday, December 15, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Cada martes y jueves hasta el 25 de noviembre 10 AM - 12 PM, 3911 Hamilton Street. El Centro Recreativo de Magruder Más información: Tony Martinez, 240-299-8395 o tmartinez@hyattsville.org

Gracia sin Edad Clases de Ejercicio

Cada miércoles y viernes hasta el 26 de noviembre 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Colleen Aistis, 301.985.5057 o caistis@hyattsville.org

Eliminación de Plantas Invasivas

Sábado, 15 de noviembre, 9 AM - 1 PM Bosque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street Más información: 301-985-5057

Casa Abierta de la Policía de Hyattsville y Reunión de Actualización de Instalaciones de la Ciudad

Lunes, 17 de noviembre, 6 - 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Reunión del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Lunes, 17 de noviembre, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Martes, 18 de noviembre, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Chandler, 3012-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org

Comité de Cumplimiento de Codigos de Hyattsville

Miércoles, 19 de noviembre, 7 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org

Aplauso de Claus Concurso de Decoraciones de Las Fiestas - Abre Nominaciones

Lunes, 24 de noviembre, 12 PM Más información: ve aviso en este periodico o en www. hyattsville.org. Nominaciones por telefono no serán aceptada.

Reunión del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Lunes, 1 de diciembre, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Mesa Directiva de Las Elecciones de Hyattsville

Martes, 2 de diciembre, 4 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin

Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Iluminación del Arbol de las Fiestas

Viernes, 5 de diciembre, 7 PM, Margruder Park Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Desayuno y Almuerzo con Santa

Sabado, 6 de diciembre, 9 - 10:30 AM y 12 - 1:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Audiencia Publica de Prioridades del Presupuesto con el Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Lunes, 15 de diciembre, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Reunión del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Lunes, 15 de diciembre, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

SchoolNews

Hyattsville kindergarteners attend new Spanish dual language magnet program by Kit Slack

“Are you Precious? . . . Or Miracle?” asks a teacher, looking down at one of two twin 5-year-olds in matching clothes, ponytails, and princess backpacks. It is 7:20 a.m., and the girl has broken out of a line where she was waiting to go into class; she needs to go to the bathroom. The teacher can be forgiven for not having the girls’ names straight yet. Thanks to a new dual language magnet program at César Chávez Elementary School, there are many more kindergarteners than students at any other grade level. The line of 5-year-olds stretches out of the entryway where the other classes wait, past the front door, towards another wing of the school. César Chávez Elementary, on Riggs Road just west of Sligo Creek, has been a small neighborhood school providing bilingual education in various forms since 2000. Last year, 35 percent of students were learning English as a second language. Enrollment at the school, as a function of neighborhood demographics, has been roughly half Black and half Latino since its founding. The new magnet program ensures all pupils receive language immersion in both English and Spanish. Each of four kindergarten classes of 25 students alternates between two classrooms; one in which an instructor teaches English and Science, in English, and one in which an instructor teaches Spanish and Math, in Spanish. César Chávez is the only school in the Prince George’s County School District (PGCPS) using this dual language model. Magnet program participants will receive

KIT SLACK Students demonstrate the traditions of Mexico for teachers and parents.

instruction 50 percent in Spanish for all of elementary school. Entrance to the magnet program was for kindergarteners only this year and was conducted by lottery. The District capped enrollment by native Spanish speakers at 50 percent. Dr. Kevin Maxwell, the chief executive officer of PGCPS, made clear when he took on his current role in August 2013 that he hoped to expand Spanish immersion and other specialty programs to make the district more competitive and attract middle class parents. César Chávez Principal Jose Taboada served as part of Dr. Maxwell’s transition team. In 2006, the year Taboada became principal, enrollment at César Chávez was on

a downward slope that became steeper as Rosa L. Parks Elementary opened nearby, dropping from a peak of 450 in 2002 down to 233 in 2010 before stabilizing. Principal Taboada said that when he took his post at the school, he scrapped an unpopular system whereby classes were separated based on levels of Spanish proficiency, inadvertently concentrating Black students in some classes and Latino students in others. He also made efforts in parent orientations to communicate the value of bilingual education. He hoped from the beginning to develop a magnet program at the school. For a time, the school had high teacherto-student ratios because of the drop in

enrollment. Test scores, which given the school’s small size vary widely, spiked for the next few years — for third grade reading, for example, proficiency levels went up from 35 percent in 2008 to 97 percent in 2010. Principal Taboada said that the bad economy and budget cuts made it hard to keep the 2010 proficiency levels up. Third grade reading proficiency in 2013 and 2014 was 79 percent and 65 percent respectively. Though César Chávez Elementary is no longer technically a neighborhood school because admission is now based on lottery, the school continues to provide resources to the community. Teachers provide language help for parents in both English and Spanish one evening a month. The school promotes a cancer awareness program, maintains a large vegetable garden, and organizes men’s and women’s mentoring programs that foster multicultural community around the school. So far, the new kindergarteners seem to be thriving. One kindergarten class has been studying the traditions of Mexico for Hispanic Heritage month. On an evening in late October, the boys put on black mustaches and sombreros, and the girls put on traditional white blouses and wide skirts. Shaking maracas and dancing a traditional dance, they sang for their teachers and parents a popular song dating from the Mexican Revolution: “La cucaracha, la cucaracha, ya no puede caminar, porque no tiene, porque le falta, una pata de atras.” “The cockroach, the cockroach, can no longer walk, because he doesn’t have, because he’s missing, a hind leg.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

Page 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR November 15

Make fun things out of recycled materials during Trash to Treasure: America Recycles Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All ages. Bring your family, friends, group. Free. RSVP to info@cpae.org and bring a lunch. Davis Hall, 9217 51st Avenue, College Park. 301.927.3013

November 17

Closing out the fall Independent Film Series at the Hyattsville Library is Black Indians, an American Story, where family memories and historical highlights reveal the indelible mark of this unique ancestry through generations. Free. Doors open at 6:45 for screening followed by a discussion. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

November 28

Don’t want to mob-shop on Black Friday? Opening today is the 28th Annual Winter Festival of Lights, the popular holiday display featuring over a million twinkling lights. Please bring a canned good to donate. Admission per car or van is $5 for a single visit or $10 for a threevisit pass. Open daily from 5 to 9:30 p.m. until January 1. Watkins Regional Park. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456.

November 29

Come learn How to Build a Give and Save Bank at a handson workshop for kids at Home Depot. Designed for ages 5 to 12. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a workshop apron and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Free. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 3301 East West Hwy. Register online at www.homedepot.com.

December 3

Connect the Dots Dance Company presents a family-friendly holiday classic ballet, The Nutcracker, to the Hyattsville Library. Free. 6 p.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

December 5 and 6

The city marks the season with two annual events this weekend. The Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Magruder Park. Then, on Saturday, the Municipal Building hosts two seatings of Dining with Santa: a continental breakfast from 9 to 10:30 a.m., and lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. The tree-lighting is free. Both Saturday events have an admission charge and require registration. 301.985.5021 or www.hyattsville.org.

December 6

A history-themed gathering with the Christmas icon hap-

pens the same morning at Breakfast With Sint Niklaas, children ages 3 to 10 will meet the Flemish forerunner of Santa Claus and hear about the origin of traditions like hanging stockings by the fireplace. A Belgianinspired menu will be presented at two seatings, 9 and 11 a.m. and reservations are required as walk-ins will be turned away. Adults, $7; children, $10. Riversdale House Museum. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420. Browse jewelry, purses, toys, fragrant soaps, holiday ornaments and more from dozens of local artists at the 20th Anniversary Mount Rainier Craft Fair. Free, but vendors accept cash or checks only. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier. 301.655.5274. Reindeer are old school; nowadays, the man in red uses more advanced transportation. During today’s Santa Fly-In, children can watch him land via helicopter at the historic College Park Airport and take a picture with him. Crafts and other children’s activities round out the afternoon. Noon to 4 p.m. Free with regular museum admission of $4, with discounts for children and seniors. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

December 7

A longtime neighborhood tradition continues today with the St. Jerome Academy Craft Fair and White Elephant Sale. Looking for great deals on books, toys, household items and more? Head to the cafeteria for the White Elephant sale. Then head to the Gold Room to browse handmade crafts, fiber art and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5205 43rd Avenue. 301.277.4568.

December 9

The Prince George’s County Audubon Society hosts a holiday social and movie night with The Central Park Effect, which reveals the extraordinary array of wild birds that grace Manhattan’s celebrated patch of green and the equally colorful, full-of-attitude New Yorkers who schedule their lives around the rhythms of migration. 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. to mingle and enjoy holiday refreshments. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

thousands of care packages to wounded soldiers over the years and still deliver regularly to the local veteran’s hospital. They welcome donations of new items,including disposable cameras, toiletries, puzzle books, playing cards, DVDs, and, especially, new towels and washcloths. Call 301.559.0864 to donate or volunteer. The Hyattsville library offers a variety of storytimes. Space is limited; free tickets available at the children’s desk. Ages 9-23 months: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. Ages 2-3: Mondays, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-6: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. English-Spanish Storytime for ages 3-6: Saturdays, 11 a.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

Ongoing

Rise + Rhyme kicks off the week for the 5-and-under set with storytelling, performances and more. Admission $5. Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys & Poets, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. 301.779.2787.

Local couple Milton and Linda McGehee have distributed

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 tips@ hyattsvillelife.com. Deadline for December submissions is November 23.

At the producers-only Riverdale Park Farmer’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

Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community

The Salvation Army Prince Georges County is taking applications for

Bell-Ringer position

under Seasonal Employment.

SOLD

Recent Activity & Sales: 6101 44th Place, Riverdale Listed for $250,000

4017 36th St, Mount Rainier Charming & pristine 2 bedroom, 1 bath bungalow with a studio out back! Lovely landscaped yard! Sold for $267,000

UNDER CONTRACT

You can have more information by calling 301-277-6103 or visit 4825 Edmonston Rd. Hyattsville, MD 20781 during our office hours.

SOLD

4116 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville Absolutely charming 5 bedroom, 2 bath bungalow. Sellers received multiple offers and it sold for $373,000.

UNDER CONTRACT

4010 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville Sold for $317,000 5600 36th Place, Hyattsville Sold for $300,000 2601 Muskogee St., Adelphi Sold for $292,000

5705 41st Ave, Hyattsville Classic 1924 Bungalow - lovingly renovated. Vaulted ceilings & skylights! Gourmet kitchen & lots of clever storage! Ofﬁce w/ 3 sides of windows! Rear deck & private yard ~ hot tub! Zen-loft! Just Charming! $330,000

4209 Kennedy Street, Hyattsville Lovely Bungalow - 4 bedrooms, 2 baths + a den! Spacious kitchen with a wall of windows! Listed for $325,000

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

6123 41st Ave, Hyattsville Sold for $140,000 5805 30th Ave, Hyattsville Sold for $240,000

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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

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.

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

PHOTOS COURTESY HYATTSVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT Building construction moved the Hyattsville fire departmentʼs annual fire safety day to the Mall at Prince Georges. Inside the mall, children could navigate an adventure safety course while adults had the opportunity to get their blood pressure checked. At the “selfie station,” the whole family could take photos in front of a Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department backdrop. Read the full story by Jenna Milliner-Waddell at www.HyattsvilleLife.com

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

Page 11

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, It is autumn and the nurseries, supermarkets, and roadside stands are taunting me with flowering chrysanthemum plants in absolutely thrilling colors. I don’t buy them any longer because they never make it through the winter. You once wrote that chrysanthemums should be planted in the spring, but that’s not when I see them on sale. You also have offered alternatives in the past and I have planted some of them but it’s not the same to me. The asters have gotten too leggy for my taste and the dahlias have to be dug up before hard frost, which is more work than I really want to do. There is a slope on the western side of my house that I would love to cover with chrysanthemums, envisioning something like a patchwork quilt or a tapestry. My family, who knows my sorry track record, has told me my vision is just a hallucination. Is it really an impossible dream? Dreamer on Decatur Street Dear Dreamer, Your dream isn’t really impossible, but you need a lot of practical information to make it a reality. As infatuated with mums as you are, you might consider joining a club of

The Chinese traditionally prized chrysanthemums as symbols of “fortitude in adversity.

kindred chrysanthemum lovers, such as the Chesapeake Chrysanthemum Society or the Potomac Chrysanthemum Society. You could obtain young chrysanthemum plants through the joint orders these clubs send to wholesalers in the spring. And of course you would learn all the do’s and don’ts of chrysanthemum culture from other club members. I asked our own chrysanthemum expert in the Hyattsville Horticultural Society, Capability Green, for her advice. She also falls under the spell of autumn displays on sale every October, and she goes right ahead and buys whatever she likes. Some of the mums are seasonal novelties to be enjoyed temporarily and are not meant to

be planted outside as perennials. Others can overwinter inside and be planted in the spring after the danger of frost is past. In fact, once their root systems are well established, many varieties are quite cold hardy. The Chinese traditionally prized mums as symbols of “fortitude in adversity.” The key is to find a good nook for the plants indoors and to keep an eye on them, watering neither too much nor too little. Some people put them in a cool dark spot in a root cellar or basement after one good watering and let them go dormant till spring. Capability keeps her mums where they get sunlight but are neither over-heated or frost-bitten (a south-facing

attic window is good) and continues with moderate watering but no feeding all winter. She also advises you to mulch them well in the autumn after you plant them, to cut them back the following May, and to divide them every three to five years. She likes your tapestry/patchwork idea and wants you to know that mums root easily from softwood cuttings in summer and once they mature in pots, you can fill in the bare spots in your patchwork with them when older plants die. Dare I say that I think you are a bit unfair to asters? They too can be cut back, but if you don’t want to bother with that, you can obtain dwarf varieties that don’t get above two feet high. Because they are just about the best source of autumn nectar for butterflies, I hope you won’t discard those you have, even if you don’t wish to include them in the floral tapestry you plan on your western slope. I must agree that their twilit color spectrum is less flamboyantly autumnal than that of chrysanthemums, whose colors you describe as “absolutely thrilling.” Your dream sounds glorious, so follow it! The next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society will take place Saturday, November 22 at 10 a.m. The venue is the Hyattsville Municipal Building at 4310 Gallatin St.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

election

continued from page 1

whelmingly voted for gubernatorial candidate Anthony Brown (D), the final Maryland tally put Larry Hogan (R) in the lead. Hogan will be the first Republican governor in Maryland in eight years. Meanwhile, the proposal to extend Prince George’s County Council term limits from two to three was closely overturned, with 51 percent voting against the measure. Term limits were instituted in Prince George’s County in 1992. A charter amendment was presented on the ballot in 2000, but voters upheld the two-term limit. Baker, who ran unopposed in the general election, was previously an outspoken advocate for the measure. In a campaign email to supporters, he noted that, “We are the only jurisdiction in the region that limits the terms of its elected officials ... Many of the differences we see between our County and other jurisdic-

tions … are tied to the fact that the leaders of other jurisdictions have spent years building influence in the region,” according to the Washington Post. Hyattsville City Councilmember Patrick Paschall (Ward 2) said he could see both sides of the issue. “I think it’s important for us to make sure … that we don’t create dynasties of individuals who just keep getting re-elected without serious thought,” he said. “Ensuring that our representation is dynamic and changing is the only way to make sure we’re getting what we want. However, at the same time, I know it takes awhile to really learn the ropes … were we to extend [tenure] to three terms, that might make it possible to make the council members more effective at their work.” Prince George’s County voted “yes” for all other charter amendments on the ballot, which included an anti-discrimination statute that will “include disability and sexual orientation as additional bases of prohibited discrimination in the County personnel system.”

Election Results The results of the November 4 election (rounded to the nearest percentage) were as follows: MD Governor: 51% for Larry Hogan (R) MD Comptroller: 63% for Peter Franchot (D) MD Attorney General: 56% for Brian Frosh (D) MD U.S. House District 4: 70% for Donna Edwards (D) MD State House District 22 (three seats): 32% for Tawanna Gaines (D); 31% for Alonzo Washington (D), and 30% for Anne Healy (D). MD PG County Executive: 99% for Rushern Baker (D) MD PG County Councilmanic District 2: 99 for Deni Taveras (D) MD Question 1 - Transportation Trust Funds: 82% for MD Question 2 - Special Election: 81% for MD PG County Question A - Public Safety Facilities Bonds: 84% for MD PG County Question B - Library Facilities Bonds: 84% for MD PG County Question C - Community College Facilities Bonds: 84% for MD PG County Question D - County Buildings Bonds: 74% for MD PG County Question E - Public Works and Transportation Facilities Bonds: 86% for MD PG County Question F - Proposed Charter Amendment to clarify that general obligation bonds shall be in serial and/or term form: 87% for

MD PG County Question G - Proposed Charter Amendment to provide that immediately upon a vacancy in the Office of the County Executive, the Chief Administrative Officer shall become the Acting County Executive until a County Executive is chosen by the methods established in this Section of the Charter: 88% for MD PG County Question H - Proposed Charter Amendment to change the number of designated newspapers of record from three to one or more; and to designate two or more primary sources of County maintained electronic media available to the public for publication and transmission of official County notices: 74% for MD PG County Question I - Proposed Charter Amendment to include disability and sexual orientation as additional bases of prohibited discrimination in the County personnel system: 82% for MD PG County Question J - Term Limits: 51% Against

Board of Elections: Board of Education District 3: To Be Determined 50.3% for Dinora Hernandez, 49.3% for Amber Waller, check www.HyattsvilleLife.com for latest results.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

Page 13

art works

ARTS

Hungry Caterpillarâ&#x20AC;? to students and then have the students â&#x20AC;&#x153;identify the beginning, middle and end through dance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Teachers can combine those dance elements while they are learning about literary elements,â&#x20AC;? Ceschini said, and the combination of approaches will help students who have different learning styles. Curriculum mapping will require training teachers, but Ceschini said he is optimistic.

continued from page 1

In 2004, the building was added as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;contributing resourceâ&#x20AC;? in the Hyattsville national register historic district, indicating that it may be significant in local history, architecture, archaeology, or culture. In 2010, Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County added the MarchĂŠ Florist building as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;historic resourceâ&#x20AC;? to its list of Approved Historic Sites and Districts Plan. In theory, these low-level listings do not impact the propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seller or buyer because there are no legal obligations. White Angelica, LLC, a partnership formed by Johnson on behalf of Art Works, purchased the building in 2012. They â&#x20AC;&#x153;did due diligence research to locate any liens or restrictions on the property,â&#x20AC;? and had the property surveyed, said Johnson. She said it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t until the partnership filed for a work permit and was referred to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) that there was any indication the building was considered historic and that there might be restrictions in place. During the October 20 hearing, Council members asked why the no one seemed aware of its historical nature before the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purchase. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why is it that this all went through without any comment â&#x20AC;Ś why does it seem that no one was aware of this or no one cared about it one way or another? That seems kind of irresponsible,â&#x20AC;? said Council member Mary Lehman (District 1). According to Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal council and the City of Hyattsville, the building was in foreclosure during the time it was added to the Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic master plan as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;historic resource.â&#x20AC;? Jim Chandler, assistant administrator to the City of Hyattsville, told the District Council, that when build-

to increase knowledge retention by â&#x20AC;&#x153;connecting [students] to the curriculum.â&#x20AC;? Arts, he said, have a positive impact on learning. Though Ceschini has only served as the arts integration officer for three months, he brings plenty of experience to his new role and a new role for the County school system. Ceschini previously served as the executive director of the Arts Education in â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a core group of Maryland Schools Alli- teachers in every school who ance for four years and are excited about this because has also served as a principal at various schools it lets them use their creativity. in Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s They can implement things that County, many at which bring fun back into learning.â&#x20AC;? he implemented arts inâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; John Ceschini tegration. Qualitative side ef- Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County School System Arts fects of arts integration Integration Officer that Ceschini says he has observed through his personal experience include in- â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a core group of teachcreased attendance and decreased ers in every school who are excited student discipline referrals. Quan- about this because it lets them use titatively, standardized test perfor- their creativity. They can implemance scores improved. ment things that bring fun back Ceschini has set realistic goals into learning,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It gives for the pilot year. the students activities that involve â&#x20AC;&#x153;The goal this year is to raise more creativity and collaboration. awareness,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;to define [Teachers are] not just teaching to what arts integration is to these a test,â&#x20AC;? Ceschini said. schools and how can the teach- Area arts organizations, such as ers get involved in the process.â&#x20AC;? Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movement Emporium and During the first year a process the Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County Arts called curriculum mapping will and Humanities Council, have be used. In curriculum mapping, given in-kind support such as proteachers â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;look at the existing arts viding locations for meetings and curriculum and the common bringing artists to visit the schools core standards and when there in the pilot program. is a natural connection between Long-term, said Ceschini, the the two then build the [arts] into goal is to expand arts integration the lesson planning.â&#x20AC;? to the other schools in the county. Ceschini hopes the process will â&#x20AC;&#x153;[We] donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want the impetus [for help incorporate arts into other implementation] to come from the subject areas without forcing it. arts integration office, we want it to For example, when teachers are come from the schools. We want explaining the parts of a story, teachers to tell their colleagues this they could read a book like â&#x20AC;&#x153;The is a powerful learning tool.â&#x20AC;?

juliana molina Art Works executive director Barbara Johnson and Pizzeria Paradiso owner Ruth Gresser (center) celebrated with supporters who gathered in the Prince Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County Council chambers during the October 20 District Council hearing.

ings are in foreclosure, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are certain issues with respective notifications of property owners including this property owner.â&#x20AC;? Johnson and her lawyer indicated that the â&#x20AC;&#x153;historical siteâ&#x20AC;? designation imposed additional costs and processes that prevented the non-profit from being able to afford necessary renovations. According to the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal advisor, â&#x20AC;&#x153;[Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not known] beforehand what renovations the HPC will approve or disapprove once its designated a historic site.â&#x20AC;? He also said that there was no right or wrong answer in this case, and that it was purely a judgement call on the part of the Council. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Even if the building has historic merit,â&#x20AC;? said Stuart Eisenberg of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, â&#x20AC;&#x153;it has to be in perspective to other things. The HPC is doing their job zealously. The District Council has to look at the big picture; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their job.â&#x20AC;? Council Vice Chair Will Cam-

pos (District 2) asked, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What good is a historic building that cannot contribute to our present other than by physical existence alone? We find ourselves with an investor to our community who wants to contribute to the revitalization of Route 1 to a very crucial segment of that corridor.â&#x20AC;? On the vote to overturn the MarchĂŠ Florist buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic designation, Lehman was the only Council member to vote â&#x20AC;&#x153;no.â&#x20AC;? Following District Council the decision, an Art Works board member said the mood was celebratory. The next step, according to Johnson, is to meet with the nonprofitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architects to begin the final permit drawings, which she said have been on hold. After the final drawings, Johnson said, the next step is â&#x20AC;&#x153;permitting and sending out drawings for bids.â&#x20AC;? Johnson said she hopes Art Workâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s summer camps can be held at the MarchĂŠ Florist building in the summer of 2015.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2014

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