ULTIMATE FRISBEE
CALI CONNECTION
MAYAPPLES IN BLOOM
Colin Riggs has been holding Ultimate Frisbee games for over ten years, joined by an enthusiastic group in Magruder Park most Saturday mornings. PAGE 3
From the East Coast to the West Coast, arts districts are revitalizing downtowns. Hyattsville might have more in common with Venice, California than we think. PAGE 5
Also known as the witches’ umbrella, the American mandrake, and the hog apple, mayapples boast beautiful flowers and edible fruits in the spring. PAGE 8
36th Annual Hyattsville House Tour to include University Hills by Caroline Selle
Before Mary Kay and Joe Giunta agreed to let their Farragut Street home be part of the first Historic Hyattsville House Tour (HHHT) in 1980, Mary Kay said she told the organizers, “You have to call us a ‘before’ house.” This year will be the tour’s 36th anniversary and the Giuntas’ sixth time participating in the self-guided event presented by the Hyattsville Preservation Association (HPA). The 2015 tour visits ten structures. When the Giuntas purchased their 19th century home in 1977, “it was a wreck,” Mary Kay said. Water damage had disfigured walls and ceilings; the kitchen was all in shades of green; and the second floor bathroom was a garish purple and red. “We called it Casper,” she said, because the outside was as white as the friendly ghost. Joe did much of the remodeling work himself. An architect, he also designed the first logo for the tour. There was no year
Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 12 No. 5
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
May 2015
ELECTION RESULTS
Ward and Warner win; city celebrates high voter turnout by Rebecca Bennett
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
TOUR continued on page 12
ANDREW MARDER Kevin Ward shakes hands after winning the Ward 1 election.
When all was said and done on Tuesday, May 5, 2015, more than a thousand registered voters in the City of Hyattsville came out to the polls or otherwise cast their vote for their next mayor and city councilmembers. It was a short—yet intense— campaign season for many candidates, particularly those in Ward 1. Seven residents put their hat in the ring to take the seat vacated by Mayor-elect Candace Hollingsworth. The new councilmember for Ward 1 will be Kevin Ward. “I am excited to get to work for the people of Hyattsville,” he said. Even though it was a seemingly incontestable victory with Ward’s 232 votes after the unofficial count, there was no clear victor in the days leading up to the election. Ward, who picked up endorsements from both Hollingsworth and Councilmember Bart Lawrence (Ward 1), had ELECTIONS continued on page 13
Bike to work day rolls through Hyattsville Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
by Scarlett Salem
Ever consider biking to work when you are sitting in the DMV’s notorious traffic? On Friday, May 15, the League of American Bicyclists will incentivize your urban commute when Bike to Work Day (BTWD) hits Hyattsville. Organized regionally by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicy-
clist Association (WABA) this 20th annual BTWD has garnered local support. The City of Hyattsville offers a pit stop in Magruder Park for the morning commute, from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. It is one of nearly 80 registered BTWD pit stops in the District, Maryland and Virginia. Resources at each pit stop vary, offering raffles, music, food, drinks, bike maintenance assistance, a chance to meet up and travel with other riders and
more. Most pit stops take place during the morning commute and a few open on the commute home. Cheri Everhart, recreation event coordinator for the City of Hyattsville, will arrive early on May 15 – around 5 a.m. – for set up and will not leave until the event is over. The city, which has been offering BIKE continued on page 10
Included: The May 13, 2015 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
InMemoriam Hyattsville city employee will be missed by many The City of Hyattsville recently lost a great employee, Tony Brown. At the request of his family and in his memory, the city and the Hyattsville Life & Times share here his obituary. Tony Lee-Edward Brown Jr., the eldest child of Tony Lee-Brown Sr., and Ronia Delphina CollinsBrown was born May 24, 1988. Tony received his Maryland High School Diploma at Bowie High School. He continued his education at TESST College
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781
where he received his Electrical Technician Certification. He was employed by the Department of Public Works in the city of Hyattsville Maryland, where he received his Commercial Driver License (CDL). Tony was baptized as one of Jehovah Witnesses on March 6, 2010. His love for Jehovah was evidence in the way he treated others. Tony always strived to do as much as he could in his service to Jehovah. Family was very important to Tony, and he was very protective of them. Everyone who came in contact with him knew that his life centered around the love he
had for his family and the special bond he shared with each and every one of them. Tony also dearly loved his friends. His larger than life personality drew so many people to him. His passion, genuine spirit, beautiful smile, and contagious laughter were his trademarks. Tony was known for brightening any room he stepped foot in, and bringing joy to all those around him. Tony made everyone around him feel good; he was always there to help and encourage. That’s the Tony we all know and will remember. Tony was the helper, the giver, and the enjoyer of an occasional “Ice Cold Brew.”
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.
Editor and Web Manager Rebecca Bennett rebecca@hyattsvillelife.com Editor Mark Goodson Production Ashley Perks Digital Archives Manager Susie Currie Copy Editor Sean Bennett Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Ryan Carbo, Diane Contreras, Julia Gaspar-Bates, Lauren Kelly, Andrew Marder, Gray O’Dwyer, Kit Slack,Scarlett Salem, Fred Seitz 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.
Tony was preceded in death by one of his best friends, his grandfather Phillip Collins Jr., and an aunt
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Managing Editor Caroline Selle caroline@hyattsvillelife.com 410.991.9209
COURTESY OF THE FAMILY OF TONY BROWN
he loved dearly, Carolyn Neal. Tony fell asleep in death on April 6, 2015. He is survived and fondly remembered by his devoted parents Tony Lee-Edward Sr. and Ronia Collins-Brown; one brother, Taylor Brown (Randi); one aunt, Tershia Collins-Paniagua ( Jose-Luis); one uncle, Marcus Collins; two grandmothers, Constance Collins and Shirley Brown; one grandfather, Tyrone Holland; two great grandmothers, Dorothy Nick and Ruth Collins; one great grandfather, Robert Randall Sr., (Sue); and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
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HYATTSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL PERFORMANCE AT NATIONALS PARK The Hyattsville Middle School CPA Choir is scheduled to perform the Star Spangled Banner at the July 6 Washington Nationals game. According to the school, it must sell 200 tickets through the link below to participate in the performance opportunity. Discounted tickets are available in three different sections. Anyone wishing to see the performance, which is scheduled for 6:45 p.m., must buy tickets using the link www.nationals.com/hyattsville. METRO TO SWITCH FROM ZIPCAR TO ENTERPRISE CARSHARE Metro announced that Enterprise CarShare will be coming to both Prince George’s Plaza and West Hyattsville Metro stations effective June 1. A new partnership between the two will expand car sharing service to 125 Metro-owned parking spaces at a total of 45 Metrorail stations. “The partnership with Enterprise extends the reach of Metrorail and Metrobus by giving riders who may not own a personal vehicle flexibility and easy access to vehicles conveniently located at or near rail stations,” a Metro press release said. Metro advises that ZipCar users at Metrorail stations should register with Enterprise to ensure uninterrupted service after the June 1 change. Users pay an annual fee along with hourly
and daily rates, according to Metro, but Enterprise’s $65 annual fee is being waived until July 31, 2015. For more information, visit www.enterprisecarshare.com/DCMetro.
The city said it hopes the police department will relocate to the building no later than Oct. 2018.
FISCAL YEAR 2016 BUDGET
At the April 6 Hyattsville City Council Meeting, Lesley Riddle, director of public works, presented updates on the Ager Road Green Streets Project. “What [the county is] looking for is a complete, green street design,” she said. “That’s slowing down the traffic a little, pinching the lanes in … adding a bike lane, and considering all of the low impact design they can do and stormwater management on the road that’s possible.” The project includes connections to facilities including the Northwest Branch Trail and the Hyattsville Metro Station. The section of Jamestown Road running from Ager Road to the Prince George’s Plaza Metro Station will be included in the project. The design plan is expected to be finalized by the end of May and the project is expected to begin in spring 2016. Roadwork on Queens Chapel (MD 500) is expected to be nearly finished before Ager Road project starts.
At the April 29 Hyattsville City Council Meeting, councilmembers unanimously approved the first reading of Hyattsville Ordinance 2015-02, Fiscal Year 2016 Budget. The second reading and adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for May 13, 2015. “I would just like to thank the city staff and all my colleagues … the process this year has been much improved,” said cCouncilmember Clay Williams (Ward 5). PYRAMID ATLANTIC SIGNS 25 YEAR LEASE ON ARCADE BUILDING The Hyattsville City Council voted on May 4 to approve a 25 year lease between the Pyramid Arts Center and the city that would move the organization into the now-vacant Arcade Building at 4318 Gallatin Street. “Founded in 1981, Pyramid Atlantic is a contemporary arts center that builds communities that give life to papermaking, printmaking and artist books. Pyramid Atlantic provides studio space for artists, arts education programs for youth and adults and community engagement programs for people of all ages and abilities,” a city press release said. The council also approved the renovation of 3505 Hamilton Street — the former BB&T Building — in preparation for homing the Hyattsville City Police Department. At a community meeting near the site earlier this year, nearby community members expressed support of the move. A city memo said there will be opportunities for a public meeting space, an emergency operations center, and short term uses, which include auxiliary administrative offices and services.
AGER ROAD GREEN STREETS PROJECT
SPECIAL OLYMPICS UNIFIED RELAY BRINGS OLYMPIC TORCH THROUGH HYATTSVILLE On Tuesday, May 26, the torch for the 2015 Special Olympics National Games will pass through Hyattsville on its way to the competition in Los Angeles, Calif. as part of the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America. The relay will take place over 46 days over three simultaneous routes in all fifty states beginning in Washington, D.C., Augusta, Maine, and Miami, Fla. The Mount Rainier to College Park segment, which runs directly up Route 1 through Hyattsville, will begin at approximately 12 p.m. Fundraisers and athletes will run, walk, or bike segments of the path before handing the torch off to the next group.
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
Page 3
Frisbee fellowship by Mark Goodson
On April 18, as the sounds of Hyattsville’s annual parade echoed through Magruder Park, it was ‘game-on’ for Colin Riggs and his group of enthusiastic ultimate frisbee players. Though Riggs ran in the Azalea Classic that morning, he showed no lag in energy. The eight who joined him, of varying age and skill level, matched his enthusiasm. Once a player in the WAFC (Washingtion Area Frisbee Association) Riggs’ life changed gears in 2004, when he and his wife were expecting their first child. Settling in Hyattsville, Riggs sought to maintain his passion for the sport while shedding the travel time and cost of league play. “I publicized the idea on various listservs at the time and started showing up on Saturday mornings with cones and discs,” Riggs said. Now, ten years later, a core group of avid disc-flingers congregate at Magruder religiously. In the shadow of the parkturned fair ground and beside the workmen setting up that evening’s fireworks, two twentyyard end zones were established, and the game began. Riggs first started playing Ultimate at retreats in high school.
At Guilford College, he played more seriously for a team that practiced three days a week and played games on the weekends. It was “the camaraderie of being part of a team [that] really cemented my commitment to Ultimate as a sport,” said Riggs. That camaraderie is evident on Saturday mornings from 10:30 a.m. until noon. While competitive, the group is fun-loving. It is the low-key nature of the game that attracts players from all walks of life. Anyone can join. “It comes out of a cooperative pastime. It attracts people who are interested in athletics but not especially passionate about the other major sports,” Riggs said. “There is a cultural association with a relaxed ‘hippie’ counterculture, and the way the game is designed with players calling their own fouls and a commitment to the ‘spirit’ of the game all lead to a fun-seeking style of play.” It’s how John Feffer, a seven year regular, gets his exercise. “I hate jogging and exercise machines,” he said, adding, “I guess I’m like a dog — I love chasing after the disk.” Brian Young treks from Reston, Va. to make the Saturday game. “We have a great core group who are not overly competitive or
MARK GOODSON Colin Riggs, organizer of the group, receives a pass from Brian Young
critical, but who make the game fun. I make the trip from Reston because of the people I play with here in Hyattsville,” Young said. Fellowship is what has made this informal group a tradition for over a decade. What Riggs has found most valuable in his time as organizer is “the relationships with the many wonderful people who have come to play over the years.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
SchoolNews
Chelsea School offers an alternative by Kit Slack
At a recent event for community leaders, teacher Susie Rinaldi’s voice broke as she explained why her parents transferred her from public school to the Chelsea School, a school for children grades 5-12 with language-based learning disabilities. “In public school, the other kids called me Ree Ree Rinaldi. Ree
Ree for retarded.” At Chelsea, she said, she went from “having a chip on my shoulder about teachers,” to having teachers who “believed me when I said I had studied, and taught me how to do it better.” Ms. Rinaldi says she is especially grateful for the impact the school had on her family life. The first year at Chelsea, “my parents became allies. I didn’t feel like I had let
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them down,” she said. She recalled her mother’s kiss on her head after her first parent teacher conference; for the first time in a long while, it wasn’t intended to console her; it was just to say she loved her. A panel of current students told stories of similar transitions. In public school, they had been silent or aggressive to cover for falling far behind in reading. They arrived at the Chelsea School skeptical, and were taken aback by the warmth of the welcome from peers and teachers, and the rapid progress of their ability to understand written language, guided by one-on-one tutoring and forged with new tools to compliment their learning differences. Classes at the Chelsea School have no more than eight students. Reading tutorials are as small as three students. This dedicated reading work is in addition to literature and writing classes, in which, for instance, the juniors are reading Shakespeare’s Macbeth this spring, and rewriting it in their own voices. On a tour following Ms. Rinaldi’s speech, student after student spoke
confidently when teachers asked them to explain their work. One was eager to explain the plot of a film he had watched in Spanish; another explained a reading comprehension exercise based on a passage from The Mixed Up Files of Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler; another demonstrated vocabulary building software; one showed off a short video she had shot. In the Chelsea School’s technology program, an experienced professional producer teaches video production. An advanced technology program has a game-design track and a cybersecurity and forensics track, in which students can achieve a variety of professional certifications through independent study. The Chelsea School moved in the fall of 2013 from Silver Spring into a new campus on the top floor of the Belcrest Center at PG Plaza, above LA Fitness and was recently ranked 17th on a list of the best private special needs schools in the country. Still, the school’s enrollment has dropped since the mid-90s, which Ms. Fedeleman attributes to a push
to mainstream students with special needs. Ms. Fedelman said that fewer students are now referred to Chelsea from public schools, and that parents have a heavy burden to demonstrate that their children will be best served in private school. Ms. Fedelman said she worries that the trend of including learningdisabled students in public school classrooms too often leads to their effective exclusion. Public schools in the area have a 40 percent dropout rate, she said, while the Chelsea School has a perfect graduation rate and most Chelsea students go on to college. Ms. Rinaldi went to college and then some. As Ms. Rinaldi gained confidence and ability in reading, conversation with her parents at the dinner table turned to literature and current events, instead of the latest crisis at school. Today, she has a Masters in Special Education. Kit Slack is a local resident and the stay at home mother of three preschool age children. Each of her columns features a different local elementary school.
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
Page 5
TheCaliCorner
It’s a coast-to-coast mindset
by Diane Contreras
In Venice, Calif., there’s a boulevard named Abbott Kinney. Famous for its bohemian flair and art-driven development, it runs a half mile long and ends a block from the Pacific Ocean. The city’s development provides a glimpse of our own possible future here in Hyattsville. On Abbott Kinney, you can bounce from your favorite patio-café, to the best coffee in town, to a local event for sharing gardening tips over wine and soothing music under lantern light. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. None of this involves the beach, none of it requires you to know any famous business person in Los Angeles — all Abbott Kinney did was use its people and its resources, and its people as its resources. It’s just like in Hyattsville, where the locals are the vendors, the artisans, the musicians, and thus, the flavor of the city. From coast-to-coast, our national culture is bolstered by these small, intimate Arts Districts. What unites these districts is their shared mission of open mindedness and community involvement.
Venice, like Hyattsville, is a smaller city just outside of a large, influential one. Situated in the Los Angeles area and quite the hub for constant creative flow, Venice is what it is today because of the local, communal events it provides. To the rest of the nation, Venice has a glamorous reputation for providing television and film shooting locations on its streets and beaches, but to Californians, the city was not long ago considered a rundown area, almost last on your list to visit. Today, it is one of the top three tourist spots in the greater Los Angeles area and is known for being the authentic hub of the city, a place where pretentious souls are weeded out or transformed simply by the way of life that Venice offers. Equally, it is a place where celebrities don’t need to hide behind their big sunglasses and scarves, but can walk around like real people, as the locals could care less about some big star making an entrance. There’s a place for all to live equally without the labels of social status. With a healthy balance of welcoming local entrepreneurs and staying true to its roots, the community has become safer,
DIANE CONTRERAS Palm trees and sand indicate Venice, but the art says Hyattsville.
nesses and the events they offer, such as First Fridays on Abbott Kinney and the Venice Art Crawl. Hyattsville presents a similar recipe for its future, if not an exact parallel. Our Arts District of Hyattsville is already embracing the local artists, writers, vendors, artisans, breweries, and now, baristas. Events like our very own Annual Festival at The Shoppes at Arts District Hyattsville come to mind and the recent 129th Anniversary Parade, Carnival, and Fireworks Show prove further how Hyattsville is evolving in a similar direction while staying true to its early beginnings. Being so close to D.C., we have the same advantages as Venice did to grow in an authentic way, to grow in the way we crave as a community. A neighborhood is the product of the people who live there, and in Venice it all started with a few festivals. Soon it came to be one of the most entertaining, lively and true-to-its-origin type places in California. It is a testament to what happens when a community agrees to become more of itself.
the public schools are performing better, and the local businesses are giving to the community. Furthermore, the community has opportunities to come together through the exploration of the new busi-
Diane Contreras is a native of California and resident of Hyattsville. She is a 5th Grade teacher in Northeast D.C., blogger, and barista at her most recent love, Vigilante Coffee Company.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
CulturalConnections Slovak resident calls Hyattsville community home by Julia Gaspar-Bates
JULIA GASPAR-BATES Dušan Turčan hails from the village of Hlozany in Serbia.
Hyattsville resident Dušan Turčan hails from the village of Hlozany in the fertile plains of northern Serbia. The son of a rose farmer, Turčan was raised in a culturally rich and close-knit community, which is something he did not immediately find as an exchange student in America. At first, “I felt lonely and couldn’t relate to anybody,” he said. “You had to have a car to do anything. In my village, you could walk everywhere. In the U.S., everything was bigger.” His village was inhabited by Slovaks who immigrated to the area in the 18th century. “There is a diversity of ethnic groups and religions in northern Serbia,” he said, including
Slovaks, Serbians, Hungarians, Russians, and Roma.” The diversity strengthened Turčan’s ties to his Slovak heritage. Growing up, “kids were part of Slovak folk groups and a big part of my social life was playing music, songs, and dance. In the summer there were regional festivals and lots of competitions. Weddings take three days and there are lots of old traditions and old Slovak songs woven into them.” Turčan grew up in a united Yugoslavia and did not directly feel the dissolution of the nation after Milošević came into power, following the death of the dictator Tito in the 1980’s. “There was a wonderful ‘Yugoslavian brotherhood’ and it was great. After Tito died, as soon as some sparks started to
fly, the sentiments went back to the 40s during the Nazi invasion and the tensions started to escalate. The fluffy brotherhood of nations broke up and the ethnic tensions went back to WWII period,” he said. Turčan first came to the U.S. in the early 90s as a high school exchange student in Washington state. “My dad was enamored with the U.S. because it was the land of opportunity. At the time he had money, so [he] encouraged me to come to study for a semester in the U.S. at a high school.” After returning to Serbia to complete high school, tensions between the many ethnic groups started to intensify and war was imminent, so Turčan decided to apply to American colleges and relocate permanently to the U.S. “My family encouraged me to leave Serbia to study so I wouldn’t get drafted into the army,” he said. “For me the war was foreign— I was Slovak and had nothing to do with Serbians. A lot of my friends went to Slovakia to study.” When Turčan finished college in Minnesota, a post-war Serbia was suffering from eco-
nomic chaos and hyperinflation. Since there didn’t seem to be many opportunities back home, Turčan found a job at a software company in New Hampshire. He later moved to Maryland to start a PhD program in physics at the University of Maryland. Since moving to Hyattsville with his wife Elizabeth, at the recommendation of a church friend, Turčan has found an American answer to the flourishing community he knew as a child. “Being from a village I really appreciated that you could walk everywhere. We’ve formed good friendships. I really love family life and being a dad. ... Being here, in Hyattsville, I feel that there are many other people like that here. This was not the case in other places I lived. And it’s not just our community at St. Jerome Church, but the neighborhood in general.” Julia Gaspar-Bates is a crosscultural trainer and consultant. “Cultural Connections” is devoted to bringing forth the voices of immigrants and other foreigners who have settled in Hyattsville.
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
Page 7
ANDREW MARDER
REBECCA BENNETT From April 16 to 19, the 129th Anniversary Hyattsville Parade, Carnival and Fireworks took place in the city. Visit www.HyattsvilleLife.com to see more photos of the festivities.
A
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Hyattsville Reporter Reportero de Hyattsville No. 310 • May 13, 2015
Farmers Market is Moving!
Come see the new and improved Hyattsville Farmers Market at its new location, 3799 East-West Highway, at the corner with Queens Chapel Road, in the parking lot of Redeemer Lutheran Church. This season the market will be open Tuesdays, 3-7 p.m., June through September. Free rides from your home and back will be available on the City’s Call-A-Bus. Ride reservations must be made by 2 p.m. the day before by calling 301-9855020. Join us on opening day, June 2, for a strawberry soiree!
Pooch Painters
Let’s face it – dog-owners that love the arts have dogs that love the arts. So bring your furry one for paw painting and other fun at this year’s Dogs for the Arts, June 6, at Heurich Park – the corner of Nicholson Street and Ager Road. The free event is 9:30-11:00 a.m. and will include contests for paw painting, owner-dog look alike, dress up, and tricks.
Book Carnival!
In addition to free books, Rosa Parks Elementary’s Book Carnival will also offer games, cotton candy, snow cones, a moonbounce, face painting and health informa-
tion. The event is Friday, June 5, from 2-4 p.m. at 6111 Ager Road. For more information call Karen Matthews: 301-445-8090.
Students and Seniors
Some of the Junior Honor Society students at Hyattsville Middle recently visited a nearby senior home. The students played bingo and scrabble with some seniors, and also talked and colored with a bed-bound resident. When it was time to go, teacher Danielle Luckett said the energy in the room had changed, and that the experience had impacted both her and the students. They plan to return before the school year ends.
Middle Schoolers Writing Books
Eight Hyattsville Middle School students won awards in Prince George’s County Public Schools Write-A-Book Contest. The winners are: Graphic Fiction -- Kenny Yim Graphic Fiction -- Jonathan Waller Illustrated Fiction -- Isabella Baker Illustrated Fiction -- Marrie Mengistu Short Story -- Anthony Pagharion Short Story -- Ololade Ilori Short Story -- Gisell Campos-Ramirez Poetry -- Olu Ayokukassim
CALENDAR Ageless Grace Exercise Classes
Every Wednesday and Friday through August 21 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Colleen Aistis, 301.985.5057, caistis@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville City Council Special Meeting – City Budget
Wednesday, May 13, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Bike to Work Day
Friday, May 15, 6-9 AM Magruder Park Pit Stop More information: www.biketoworkmetrodc.org
Call-A-Bus Trip to Dutch Market and Wegmans Woodmore Friday, May 15, $5 Round Trip Information and reservations: 301-985-5020
Historic Homes Tour
Sunday, May 17, 1-5 PM City Administrative Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Hyattsville Preservation Association, www.preservehyattsville.org, 301-699-5440
Hyattsville City Council Meeting: Seating of Mayor and Council
Monday, May 18, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Reception in Honor of City’s Elected Officials
Monday, May 18, 9 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Planning Committee
Friday, May 15, 5 PM
Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org
Vertigo Challenge Hamburger Eating Contest
Hyattsville Code Compliance Advisory Committee
Deadline for Removal of Campaign Signs
Saturday, May 16, 12-2 PM Elevation Burger, 5501 Baltimore Ave.
Wednesday, May 20, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org
No. 310 • 13 de mayo, 2015
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
Hyattsville Education Advisory Committee
¡El Mercado Campesino en Nuevo Lugar!
Venga y vea el nuevo y mejorado Mercado Campesino de Hyattsville en su nuevo ubicacion, 3799 East-West Highway, en la esquina con Queens Chapel Road, en el estacionamiento de la Iglesia Redeemer Lutheran. Esta temporada el Mercado sera abierto los martes, 3-7 p.m., junio hasta septiembre. El Llame-Un-Bus de la Ciudad estará disponible para llevarse de su casa y volverse despues, totalmente gratuita. Hay que hacer reservas de bus antes de 2 p.m. el dia anterior, por llamar 301-985-5020. ¡Venga el primer dia del Mercado, el 2 de junio, para una fiesta de fresas!
Perros Pintores
No hay duda - los que aman las artes y tienen perros tambien tienen perros que aman las artes. Lleva su amigo peludo para pintar con sus patas y otras diversiones en Perros Para Las Artes, 6 de junio, en Parque Heurich – en la esquina de Nicholson Street y Ager Road. El evento es gratis, 9:30-11:00 a.m. y incluirá concursos de pintura con pata, dueños-perros parecidos, vestido de perro, y trucos.
¡Carnaval de Libros!
Además de libros gratuitas, el Carnaval de Libros de Rosa Parks Elementary ofrecerá juegos, algodon de azúcar, conos de nieve, una brinca
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
brinca, pintura de caras, e información de salud. El evento es viernes, 5 de junio, 2-4 p.m. en 6111 Ager Road. Para más información llame a Karen Matthews: 301-445-8090.
Alumnos y Mayores
Algunos de los alumnos del Junior Honor Society en Hyattsville Middle visitaron recentamente una casa de mayores. Los alumnos jugaron bingo y scrabble con algunos mayores, y tambien hablaron y dibujaron con una residente que no puede salir de la cama. Cuando salian, maestra Danielle Luckett dijo que la energia en el cuarto habia cambiado, y que la experiencia habia impactado a ella y a los alumnos. Planean en volver antes del fin del año escolar.
Alumnos de Secundaria Escribiendo Libros
Ocho alumnos de Hyattsville Middle School ganaron premios en el concurso Escriba-Un-Libro del Prince George’s County Public Schools. Los ganadores son: Ficción Gráfica -- Kenny Yim Ficción Gráfica -- Jonathan Waller Ficción Ilustrado -- Isabella Baker Ficción Ilustrado -- Marrie Mengistu Cuento Corto -- Anthony Pagharion Cuento Corto -- Ololade Ilori Cuento Corto -- Gisell Campos-Ramirez Poesía -- Olu Ayokukassim
CALENDARIO Gracia sin Edad Clases de Ejercicio
Tour de Casas Historicas
Comité de Educación de Hyattsville
Reunion Especial del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville – Presupuesto de la Ciudad
Reunion Especial del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville – Juramento de Recén Elegidos
Reunión de la Comunidad Sobre Parque Deitz
Monday, June 1, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Día de Bici al Trabajo
Recepción para los Elegidos de Hyattsville
Reunion del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville
Book Carnival
Llame-Un-Bus Viaje al Mercado Holandés y Wegmans Woodmore
Thursday, May 28, 6:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org
Deitz Park Community Meeting
Saturday, May 30, 10 AM - 12:30 PM Deitz Park – On Oliver Street, between 41st and 42nd Avenues. More information: Dawn Taft, 240-487-0290, dtaft@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville City Council Meeting
Friday, June 5, 2-4 PM Rosa Parks Elementary School, 6111 Ager Road More information: Karen Matthews, 301-445-8090
Summer Jam
Friday, June 12, 6:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org
Cada Miércoles y Viernes hasta el 21 de Agosto 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Tony Martinez, 240-299-8395, tmartinez@hyattsville.org
Miércoles, 13 de Mayo, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Viernes, 15 de Mayo, 6-9 AM Parada de Parque Magruder Más información: www.biketoworkmetrodc.org
Viernes, 15 de Mayo, $5 ir y volver Información y reservas: 301-985-5020
Día Final Para Remover Anuncios de Campaña Viernes, 15 de Mayo, 5 PM
Carrera de Comer Hamburguesas Sabado, 16 de Mayo, 12-2 PM Elevation Burger, 5501 Baltimore Ave.
Domingo, 17 de Mayo, 1-5 PM Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street Más Información: Hyattsville Preservation Association, www.preservehyattsville.org, 301-699-5440
Lunes, 18 de Mayo, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org Lunes, 18 de Mayo, 9 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Comité de Planeación de Hyattsville
Jueves, 28 de Mayo, 6:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org
Sabado, 30 de Mayo, 10 AM - 12:30 PM Parque Deitz – Oliver Street entre avenidas 41st y 42nd Más Información: Dawn Taft, 240-487-0290, dtaft@hyattsville.org
Lunes, 1 de Junio, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Martes, 19 de Mayo, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org
Carnaval de Libros
Comité de Cumplimiento de Codigos de Hyattsville
Fiesta del Verano
Miércoles, 20 de Mayo, 7 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org
Viernes, 5 de junio, 2-4 PM Rosa Parks Elementary School, 6111 Ager Road Más información: Karen Matthews, 301-445-8090 Viernes, 12 de Junio, 6:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
NatureNearby
Spring rains open the witches’ umbrellas by Fred Seitz
The recent mini-deluges have helped “spring up� one of the woodland’s familiar leafy faces, the mayapple, which is also known as the witches’ umbrella, the American mandrake, or the hog apple. The plant has umbrella like leaves and may grow up to two feet tall. It favors moist soil and grows in patches due to the common rhizome, or horizontal underground stem, it shares with other mayapple plants. This native plant of the eastern United States and Canada will produce a single white or yellow flower slightly below the umbrella of leaves. In late summer, a small yellow fruit appears, but the plant’s ‘apple’ is too appetizing to last long. The fruit can be eaten by humans
in small quantities (large amounts may produce digestive discomfort). The odds of finding more than one or two fruits are quite low, as rodents, raccoons and other critters will undoubtedly get there first. All other parts of the plant can be toxic to humans with effects ranging from severe digestive catharsis to fatality. However, Native Americans and herbalists have used the plant as medicine and to treat warts. Allegedly, the plant is used in modern witchcraft for spell casting. The American mandrake is in the barberry family, but the European and Asian mandrake is in the nightshade family. Much of the lore associated with the foreign plant has been ascribed to the American mandrake, including the belief that digging up the root yields a
scream which drives the digging person insane. While the uses and effects of the plant are quite diverse, it is being studied by the University of Mississippi for its possible use as an anticancer drug. Indeed, the foreign relative of the mayapple has been harvested nearly to extinction in Russia and Europe for just that purpose. Regardless of your taste for and beliefs about the plant, its spring beauty can be enjoyed by even the most casual walker in our nearby woods. Hopefully, our American mayapple is spared the extinction threat of its European cousin. Just look under this tiny umbrella to see the lovely flower and its fruit emerge, and beware of any sorcerer harvesting its dark power.
Mayapples are abundant in this region in early spring.
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Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR May 15
won’t want to miss the Hyattsville Preservation Association’s 36th Annual House Tour, which will showcase homes and gardens throughout the city. $10 in advance (at Franklins or the municipal building) or $12 on tour day; $2 for children. 1 to 5 p.m. On tour day, pick up a detailed brochure guide at the municipal building, 4310 Gallatin Street. 301.699.5440 or www. preservehyattsville.org.
list. Please bring boxes to carry away what you buy. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, contact hyattsvilleESPTA@gmail.com or 301.312.9170. 5311 43rd Avenue.
Rain or shine, it’s Bike to Work Day. Stop by the City-sponsored pit stop en route, or find one of 78 other area stops at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Magruder Park Pavilion, 4000 Hamilton Street.
Like bikes? You’ll want to see the motorcyclists gather for the Chariots of Fire Biker Blessing, a family-friendly festival that also includes giveaways, a moon bounce, ping pong, and something called a “wheelie machine.” Free. 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Crossover Church, 5340 Baltimore Avenue. 301.927.5620. www.CrossoverChurch.tv.
May 16
The Friends of the Hyattsville Library is holding a Used Book Sale and Grand Opening of the Recycled Reads Bookstore to raise money for programs at the library. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690. www.hyattsvillelibraryfriends.org.
The Riversdale Chamber Music Society performs Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring. Musicians from the woodwind quartet will go on stage a 2:30 p.m. Free, all ages. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road. 301-864-0420.
Today’s A-May-Zing Animal Fest features birds of prey, exotic reptiles, farm animals, a puppet show, food vendors, arts and crafts, and more. Free. Noon to 4 p.m. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371.
The 6th Annual Native Plant Sale at Hyattsville Elementary School will include more than 50 varieties, including edible natives like persimmons and blackberries. Visit www.hyattsvillees-pta. org/native-plant-sale/ for the full
May 18
The Hyattsville Branch Library’s independent film series continues with a Local Filmmaker’s Showcase featuring Chris H. Lynn, whose work has been
May 17
If you love historic houses, you
HI CARL!
HI CARL!
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Love Yoga presents Kids Cooking Class at 12 p.m. Attendees will prefer fruit sushi, aka “frushi” and dine on their creations. Fresh fruits provided. This is a veganfriendly and nut-free snack workshop. Ages 3-8. $7. Pre-payment required. 5111 Baltimore Ave. Watch a recounting of events leading up to The Battle of Bladensburg, and learn about its participants and its outcome. 1-2 p.m. Free, all ages welcome. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road. 301.779.0371.
May 30
Arts specialists Aaron Springer and Ann Potter lead drop-in workshops for children. Join them from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the College Park Community Center for Paper Bag Puppet Theater! 5051 Pierce Ave. Joe’s Movement Emporium presents Dream Island, a performance that is part carnival, part laborato-
Parking, Parking, Parking
1
Based on your feedback, I am evenItmore convinced a permanent band this shellhome! or stage in is Friends andthat Neighbors who make Magruder Park can be a great gathering place and venue for regular community events for all ages and activities. Whether you are interested in sharing your thoughts in being part of a band By Authority of Friends of Carl Nielsen, KenorCarter, Treasurer shell/stage working group, please send me an email at CNDane214@gmail.com or a call at 301-927-0069. From there, we can have some informal meetings and discussions to make a band shell/stage a reality.
ry, and part archeological trip. The Japanese theme park-inspired performance begins at 8 p.m.. Tickets required. 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. For more information visit www.joesmovement.com.
June 7
The Riverdale House Museum hosts Tasting the Past: “The Virginia Housewife.” Foodways historian Leni Sorensen will share her research on Mary Randolph, author of a landmark 19th century cookbook, and her enslaved cooks in antebellum Richmond. This lecture and tasting is a joint program with the Culinary Historians of Washington, DC. Registration required by Monday, June 1, $10 for residents and $12 for non-residents. Ages 16 & up. 4811 Riverdale Road. 301.864.0402.
June 11
During A Soldier’s Life: The War of 1812, attendees will hear a recounting of soldiers’ days during that time period, including their roles and responsibilities, uniforms, and weapons. Free, all ages welcome. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371.
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focused on willingness to Thanks to all the Ward 1 15-year residents resident and businesses for your share bits of your day-to-day Hyattsville life with me during the recent Growing the arts campaign. City finances Carl” City-owned You do not have to say “Bye though!buildings I will continue working on several platform issues – establishing more opportunities for community gatherings and developing a more cohesive business Let’s start with the first! CARL R.community. NIELSEN for COUNCIL - Ward
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Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
bike
continued from page 1
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and staffing the Magruder Park BTWD pit stop since 2007, will be providing fruit, granola bars, and water for cyclists, and has coordinated efforts with the local cycling shop, Arrow Bicycle, to promote the event through the city’s monthly publications, website and social media. “Personally it’s a great event. … It’s a lot fun,” said Everhart. “You meet a lot of people. It isn’t just our residents that stop here, it’s people from Greenbelt and beyond that are commuting into D.C.” One highlight of the Hyattsville stop is the two Arrow Bicycle employees who have served commuters as mechanics since 2007 — even before the shop opened its doors. Arrow also lends two other mechanics to the Greenbelt pit stop. “We bring tool boxes, tools, and stands,” said Chris Militello, Hyattsville resident and Arrow co-owner. “If you have a flat and are not prepared, we will also have tubes. … The last thing we want is someone to lose their job on Bike to Work Day because they are a novice,” he joked. Participants are encouraged to register through the BTWD website because the information is used by WABA and other organizations to advocate for proper bike infrastructure. “Even if on that day, the stars do not line up and it doesn’t work out for you, but you are thinking about it, go and sign up,” said Militello. “It shows the city there is a need to expand bike and pedestrian infrastructure.” The recent city council discussions regarding expansion of the capital bike share pro-
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gram show there is an interest to expand bike commuting in and around Hyattsville. “Over the last few years the city has tried to engage the cycling community.” Everhart said. “[It] has been trying very hard to make this a city that has alternative forms of transportation so people aren’t driving everywhere. This is something our residents want.” “BTWD is an important event to introduce newcomers to the pleasure of bike commuting,” said Hyattsville resident and regular bike commuter, Benjamin Toll. “Hyattsville is ideally situated as [a] bike commuting community with easy connections to D.C., College Park, Silver Spring, and even Bethesda. When buying our house, the ability to bike commute was a major factor in us choosing Hyattsville, and I’ve even gotten to know a number of neighbors from commuting together. I work in Foggy Bottom, and during rush-hour, bike commuting is quicker for me than both driving and metro/bus.” Toll also said, “The pit stops offer a wealth of information on services and programs to assist those who commute by bicycle, as well as information on advocacy, and it provides the opportunity to get to know some of the strange and friendly folks of your local bike shop.” The event is held rain or shine and the BTWD website offers resources for first time riders, including tips on bicycling in the rain. It’s also an avenue for finding riding buddies for May 15. To register for BTWD and for more information and other resources, head to www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. Also check out Arrow Bicycle’s Facebook page for BTWD updates and other information: www.facebook.com/ arrowbicycle.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
Page 11
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda,
Dear Defeat of Clay,
I’ve lived and gardened in Hyattsville nearly three years now, and I feel like such a loser. My yard wasn’t landscaped by the previous owners and I think it is because nothing but wire grass survives more than a month or so. I blame the clay soil in this area. Sometimes it feels as if I might as well soak the roots of plants in concrete and throw them into the Anacostia River. Neighbors who do have nice gardens tell me to just dig out the clay and mix compost with it or build raised beds. They lecture me about hard work and patience. I just don’t have the time or energy for that kind of effort at my age, and I can’t afford to hire others to do my gardening for me. My forlorn hope is that you might recommend some decent-looking plants that wouldn’t require herculean effort to grow. Also, may I ask what brought such a gardener’s curse to this area? I’ve lived in many different states and learned to work around winters and summers just as bad or worse as any in Hyattsville, but this kind of “soil” is a new challenge. I hope you can help me win.
Please don’t see this as a win/lose situation. Our soil can be worked with by planting shrubs and wildflowers that thrive in it because this is their natural habitat. It will encourage you to know that the Hyattsville Elementary School PTA’s 6th Annual Native Plant sale is going to take place on Saturday, May 16 from 8 a.m.to 2 p.m. The address is 5311 43rd Avenue. There, you can choose from a wide variety of beautiful native plants that will tolerate our soil, will need no poisons, and will attract wonderful butterflies and birds to your garden. You in turn will be doing our ecosystem a favor by providing food and shelter for endangered species. Do come early because this is a very popular event and plants sell out quickly. For more detailed information check http://hyattsvillees-pta.org]. Now let me explain something about our clay soil. It is not the result of a curse. I spoke with Prof. Harriet Hardpan, a distinguished geologist at the University of Maryland, and learned that it is the result of the erosion of mountains so ancient that they have been ground down to the minute particles that compose clay. Red clay is what is known as an ultisol, re-
Defeat of Clay on Crittenden Street
sulting from the weathering of stone in a warm, humid climate. This obviously had to have happened quite a while back and indeed, the soil in our area of Prince George’s County dates back to the semitropical cretaceous period, which ended 63 million years ago. Those of us who are older than dirt recall that alligator fossils were found when the Capital Beltway was under development! Speaking of being older than dirt, the clay in this area really is. It’s hard to pinpoint a parent stone, but a good guess is granite plus silicate minerals. Clay is created through a cyclical and multi-generational process that goes on over vast stretches of time: clay will be created from sedimentary rock such as quartz-rich shale but then be part of a process that in turn creates quartz. Our clay gets its red color from iron oxide trapped in this insoluble soil. Also, being an ultisol, it lacks calcareous material, which may be why our soil is rather acidic. In defense of Hyattsville clay, it is preferable to clays in other parts of the country that are on the other side of the pH scale; their alkalinity is deadly. The pH of our soil is ideal for our native plants as well as other cultivars as azaleas, camellias, and conifers. It deserves credit
for conferring a ravishingly lovely shade of blue on our hydrangeas, and its acidity can be easily corrected for plants that can’t tolerate it with a sprinkling of bonemeal and/or chelated lime. It is unfortunate that the previous owners of your home did nothing to improve the tilth of the soil, which is a serious problem with clay. (Tilth refers to the friability, or crumbliness, of the soil.) There are many minerals in our clay important for plant health and it retains water better during summer heat than do most other soils. Once improved, tilth makes them accessible. Do start a compost pile with your vegetable kitchen waste, and when planting try adding some gypsum to the soil. Perhaps you can get your neighbors to help with more than lectures. One would hope they could share some compost and help with the digging. If you acquire some blueberries, elderberries or persimmons from the May 16 plant sale maybe you can share the crop! There will be no meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society the third Saturday in May because members will be making flower arrangements for the House Tour the next day, Sunday, May 17. You won’t want to miss one of Hyattsville’s favorite annual activities.
Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
bits,” Jeff said. Marsha’s maiden name was Bunting, and “Bunny” her nickname. In addition to rabbits, the home is decorated with the Moulton’s original artwork, pieces by their friends, and other art from Marsha’s travels, particularly throughout Africa and the Middle East. But neither the front of the home nor the studio hint at the surprise awaiting visitors who walk out onto the home’s back porch. Water from the studio’s downspouts is channelled into a natural pond, filled with fish and surrounded by native plants. The water garden is one of several gardens dispersed through the Moultons’ backyard. The houses on this year’s tour caroline selle may be old, but they’re all differThe first Hyattsville Historic House Tour logo was designed by Joe Giunta. Today, the Giuntas have accumulated several more. ent. “It’s not so much that the houstour’s newest addition, the his- County Designated Historic 1912. “It’s supposed to be Victo- es are grand,” Jeff said. “Some of tour rian, but it’s more of a blue collar my favorite houses on the tours toric Ash Hill dwelling, via a des- Sites,” said Felix-Thompson. continued from page 1 ignated bus. When owner Jeff Moulton first Victorian,” Jeff said. “We think are the smaller ones where you on it, Mary Kay said, “because “Ash Hill has been known to saw the stand-alone structure to that the porch was added on.” can really see the personalities we weren’t sure there would be us for years,” said Gloria Felix- the left of the home, “I said look It’s been challenging to own a and people’s lifestyles.” another.” Thompson, the president of the at this space; this is great,” he historic structure: the new shinThey’ve been participating ever HPA Board of Directors. “We’ve said. Moulton transformed that gles on the front of the house The 36th Annual Historic Hyattsville since. always wanted to have Ash Hill space from a garage and doctor’s “had to be hand milled in Brit- House Tour will take place on SunToday, the home looks nothing on the tour, but first we had to office into an artist’s studio. To- ish Columbia and then trucked day, May 17 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets like the ‘before’ photos. Door- figure out logistics.” The two- day, exposed beams line the roof, here,” Jeff said. are $10 in advance and $15 at the ways that once connected up- story brick home, also known as and a huge painting of a palm “As you go through the house, door. Visit www.preservehyattsville. stairs bedrooms to each other Hitching Post Hill, was visited by tree — at least eight feet tall — is you’ll probably see a lot of rab- org/tours for more information. have been turned into closets, Presidents Grover Cleveland and propped against one wall. the formerly green kitchen is Ulysses S. Grant. It’s helpful, he said, “to have a FOR SALE: Lawn Crypt Interment now painted blue, and what was A short drive through neighbor- place like this that’s not connectonce a purple and red bathroom hood roads and onto 42nd street ed to the house.” Paint odors stay Underground Lawn Crypts offers above ground is now painted and tiled in much will bring attendees to another out of the couple’s living space, more modern tones. historic structure, the home and as a bonus the studio is also a mausoleum features at an affordable price. The tour will also venture into of Jeff and Marsha Moulton. safe haven for the lounging cat, a • Space for two University Hills for the first time It’s “one of the 19 buildings in stray that the Moultons adopted. • Replaces vaults so that attendees can visit the the city on the Prince George’s The home itself was built in
• Memorialization
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Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
Page 13
ELECTION
continued from page 1
competition from other candidates who spent anywhere from $30 to nearly $6,000, according to preliminary campaign finance reports. Talib Karim, whose past involvement in Washington, D.C. politics came into play in this election, was the runner-up with 107 votes. (Hi) Carl Nielsen had 95 votes. University of Maryland instructor and expectant mother Winnie Obike brought in 72 votes. Jocelyn Nolasco, who filed to run for office when she was still 17-years-old, received 13 votes. “I particularly want to work with Carl Nielsen to make a vision for the better Hyattsville we both believe in,” Ward said. Stuart Eisenberg, executive director of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, said, “I am very excited about the high level of energy and the voter engagement in Ward 1.” Elected to her first term on the city council in 2011, Hollingsworth now moves to the center chair as Hyattsville’s mayor. The ECO City Farm board chair and former Hyattsville Elementary
CITY OF HYATTSVILLE Sydney Smith (left) was the first 16- or 17-year-old voter in City of Hyattsville history.
School PTA vice president raked in 1,044 votes. There were 16 write-in candidates for mayor, most notably former councilmember Chris Currie, who was written in five times, though he did not run a campaign. The sheer number of mayoral write-ins made print-
ing a piece of paper with enough lines to list them all a separate task. The Hyattsville Board of Supervisors of Elections set up a “war room” in a third floor inner conference room for four days to execute the election. A large whiteboard on the wall was slow-
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ly filled with preliminary voting numbers as they were reported back during the day. By 10 a.m. the white board said Wards 1-5 saw 93, 60, 10, 8, and 5 voters respectively. When Reams read aloud the unofficial total the board cheered. The final number—1,208 voters—exceeded the board’s goal of 1,160 and the last election’s turnout of 943. Reams also said approximately 25 percent of the registered 16 and 17-year-old voters cast ballots. “I’m grateful for the efforts of the candidates, residents, and city staff with this year’s election,” Lawrence said. “I’m con-
fident that we are well poised to continue the positive work we’ve been able to accomplish over the past two years.” In Ward 2, incumbent Shani Warner won reelection with 284 votes. “It has been a beautiful day and this is a wonderful end to it,” Warner said. Newcomer Emily Straub brought in 64 votes with her Ward 2 door-to-door campaign. David Hiles, who previously served on the council and lost to Robert Croslin in 2013, had 43 votes. In the unchallenged Ward 3 race, Tom Wright had 110 votes. The Ward 4 incumbent, Councilmember Paula Perry, was at the polls early to greet voters even though her race was not contested. She received 34 votes. Joseph Solomon brought in 96 Ward 5 votes. Challenger Sonia Frances, who told the Hyattsville Life & Times she did not originally realize she registered to run for office, received 2 votes. “I look forward to working with the new mayor and council in continuing the revitalization and renaissance of Hyattsville,” Eisenberg said. “Our prospects have never been brighter.” The incoming councilmembers will be sworn in at the May 18 council meeting. Final campaign finance reports will be available online in the middle of the month at www.HyattsvilleLife.com. The Board of Supervisors of Elections counted an additional 12 votes out of 24 provisional ballots cast, which are not reflected in the numbers above.
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Page 14
Hyattsville Life & Times | May 2015
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