MEET THE MAYOR
TAKE A DIP
SCHOOL FUNDING FALLS SHORT
Candace Hollingsworth, the City of Hyattsville’s 35th mayor, is the first African American and second woman to hold the office. PAGE 7
After a sweltering spring, it’s time to take a break from the heat. Find a comprehensive guide to Hyattsville-area pools on PAGE 3
County officials fighting for the “minimum needed” to improve public schools fell short of their goal. PAGE 8
Williams announces resignation from City Council by Rosanna Landis Weaver
A surprise announcement at the June 1 Hyattsville City Council meeting means that election season isn’t over for Hyattsville after all. Clay Williams, a Ward 5 councilmember who was elected to serve a four-year term in May 2013, announced that he will be resigning and moving with his family to North Carolina. The move was a sudden development that arose when some family needs coincided with a job offer. “Between the obligations and the opportunity it was too much to pass up,” Williams said. He noted that when he was watching fellow Ward 5 Councilmember Joseph Solomon go through the election process just last month, “... I thought, I’ll be doing this again in a couple of years.” Instead, the council passed a motion directing the Hyattsville Board of Supervisors of Elections to schedule a special election within 75 days of the start of the vacancy. “I realize the timing of this annoying given that we just had full elections,” Williams said. The effective resignation date
Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 12 No. 6
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
Pyramid Atlantic moving to Hyattsville’s Arcade Building by Andrew Marder
WILLIAMS continued on page 12
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
June 2015
T. CARTER ROSS The Arcade Building is contracted to house Pyramid Atlantic, a paper arts center.
Pyramid Atlantic, an arts center currently located in Silver Spring, will be moving to Hyattsville. On May 4, the Hyattsville City Council unanimously approved its 25year lease on the Arcade Building, located at 4318 Gallatin Street. According to city documents, Hyattsville agreed to provide $200,000 for structural improvements to the Arcade and Pyramid Atlantic agreed to repay that sum with interest over the course of its lease, at which point it will have the option to purchase the building from the city. Pyramid Atlantic has until Nov. 2016 to build-out and occupy the Arcade. Once the initial renovations are complete, the center has agreed to assume all maintenance costs for the lease’s duration. The city will review any permanent changes Pyramid makes, according to Community Development Director and Assistant City ARCADE continued on page 13
7-year-old killed, pedestrians injured in motorcycle crash
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
by Caroline Selle
An hour after the accident that left a 7-yearold child dead and sent three members of his family to area hospitals, a single child’s shoe rested upright on the sidewalk in front of the Mall at Prince George’s. It was amidst the wreckage of a motorcycle, bloodstained clothing, and plastic shopping bags, items that told the story of a father and his three children spending time together on a holiday weekend. At approximately 4 p.m. on May 23, a motorcycle heading westbound on East-West
Highway collided with a four-door sedan allegedly making a left turn into the Prince George’s Plaza Mall via Prince George’s Plaza, investigators said. The accident killed Alejandro Santos of Cherrywood Terrace in Greenbelt and left his father hospitalized with life-threatening injuries and his brother in critical condition. His sister suffered broken bones. According to witnesses, the collision with the sedan sent the motorcyclist airborne. The rider suffered non-life-threatening injuries, a Prince George’s Police Department (PGPD) spokesperson said. The driver of the sedan
suffered minor injuries. Riderless, the motorcycle then crashed into the four members of the Santos family, “... who were standing on the sidewalk at the crosswalk waiting to cross the street,” PGPD told reporters in the hours following the accident. In the minutes following the accident, the driver of the sedan “remained on the scene and was cooperating with investigators,” PGPD’s Corporal McKinney said. The motorcyclist was taken to the hospital and was alert ACCIDENT continued on page 13
Included: The June 10, 2015 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
NEWS BRIEFS Sculptor commissioned for UTC public art installation
ing ‘the essence of [the building blocks of life].’”
Alan Binstock’s sculpture, “Ribbon of Life,” has been commissioned as a new piece of public art for the Gateway at University Town Center. The announcement by the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (CDC) and ECHO Reality came on June 1, after the jurying process was complete. According to a press release from the CDC, “The 3’x15’ sculpture will greet visitors entering the complex and act as a beacon for pedestrians at the plaza. … Thematically, “Ribbon of Life” addresses the Gateway project’s theme of healthy living by visually inspir-
Deitz park re-design seeks to address crime
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 Editor and Web Manager Rebecca Bennett rebecca@hyattsvillelife.com
On May 30, the Neighborhood Design Center (NDC), in conjunction with the City of Hyattsville and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), led a brainstorming and design workshop for Deitz Park. Officials and community members alike hope the proposed re-design will reduce crime and revitalize a recreational spot for the community. The City of Hyattsville has applied for a grant to upgrade the park’s playground, and is waiting to hear back on approval. Officials also said that upgraded park plans will need to take into account American Disabilities Act and stormwater management regulations. Residents who still wish to submit feedback about Deitz Park can email the Neighborhood Design Center. NDC said it will hold a follow up meeting to show initial concept designs in the near future. ArtDC’s Lustine Center gallery to close After six years in Hyattsville, ArtDC will be closing its gallery at the Lustine Center this June. “At the beginning,” a post on ArtDC’s website read, “we start-
ed our gallery mission in a new community with limited arts attention. The goal was to vitalize the neighborhood through arts activity. The neighborhood grew, and the economy recovered.” Financial concerns led the group to shut its doors, but ArtDC does not plan to fold. The organization will move online while searching for a new location and is looking for volunteer bloggers and web developers to help it continue its presence in the Washington, D.C. arts community. “We are sad to leave Hyattsville, but our mission will continue,” the post read. “...We’ve enjoyed the opportunity to bring area arts to the public. … We’ve shown the work of hundreds of artists in well over 60 shows.” Increase in Vehicle Thefts Vehicle thefts from Jan. 1 through April this year are up 191 percent in the city compared to the same time period in 2014. 12 vehicles were reported stolen between Jan. 1 and the end of April 2014; 35 were reported stolen through April in 2015. “It’s an opportunistic crime,” said Lt. Chris Purvis of the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD). Authorities have yet to determine whether the crimes are connected but advise taking certain steps to reduce risks. “Make sure you lock your car, lock your
doors, don’t leave your keys in it, don’t leave anything valuable in plain view,” Purvis said. Total calls for service to the police were down by 21.19 percent. City addresses Pepco tree-trimming policy According to the City of Hyattsville, state regulations require Pepco to prune trees to a fouryear growth cycles, which means the utility has been pruning trees frequently in 2015. Department of Public Works Director Leslie Riddle said she and City Arborist Dawn Taft have been diligent about holding the company’s contractors to the International Society of Aboriculture’s (ISA) standards. After several instances in which trees were improperly pruned, the City “concurred that if it were to continue we would levy fines against [the contractors],” Riddle said. Pepco is now required to contact the City of Hyattsville anytime its contractors are working within the city limits. A list of tree work scheduled in Hyattsville is available at www.hyattsville.org. Additionally, the City has posted information on how residents can refuse the removal or pruning of their tree. “If a tree on private property needs to be removed, the property owner’s permission must be obtained. We will, however,
trim trees on private property where tree limbs or branches encroach on our easement,” said Sean Kelly, senior media relations manager at Pepco. “Our easements on properties along the power line route give us specific rights to maintain those rights-of-way and keep them clear of trees and vegetation that could threaten the safety and reliability of the system.” He said customers can call Pepco at 202.833.7500 with questions. Father STack leaving St. Jerome’s after 29 years On May 19, Rev. James M. Stack announced the end of his tenure as pastor of St. Jerome Catholic Church. He will say his final Sunday Mass at the parish on June 28. Stack is the second-longest serving pastor in St. Jerome’s 129-year history. Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop of the Archdiocese of Washington, has assigned Stack to St. Anthony’s in North Beach, effective July 1. He will replace Rev. David P. Russell, who is retiring. Stack will be replaced by Rev. Scott R. Hahn, pastor of the Church of the Resurrection in Burtonsville. “I’ve had a marvelous time at St. Jerome,” Stack said. “I love the people here and thank them for all the love and support they’ve given me. I will definitely miss being here.”
library book sale a success
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.
rebecca bennett The Friends of the Hyattsville Branch held a book sale and grand opening of the Recycled Reads bookstore on May 16, which generated more than $1,600 for library programs and supplies.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Page 3
O T N I H S A L SP R E M M SU
by Rebecca Bennett
Memorial Day has passed, which means it’s pool season! There are several public and private pool options in the area, and Hyattsville residents can take part in all of them. Day passes at public Prince George’s County pools range from $4 to $6. Monthly passes range from $14 for children over 3 to $48 for two nonresident adults and unlimited kids. A family pass for two resident adults with children is $37 a month, and can be used at any county pool. Children age 2 and under are free. “It’s nice because if the kids are hot and tired, we can go to the [Hamilton] Splash Park for just 30 minutes before dinner,” Anne Baum said. She is a Hyattsville resident and mother of two girls. The convenience of a splash pool at Magruder Park is enjoyed by many. Hyattsville resident Heather McAndrews said, “The slide and various falling water installations are very entertaining. Great for a relaxing afternoon.” While private pools cost $400 to $700 or more per season, there are membership benefits. Private pool members build relationships with other regulars and enjoy a wider range of swimming hours, relaxed food restrictions, onsite grills, pool toy allowances, swim teams, special events, and in some cases, more shade and a less crowded pool deck.
Passersby could easily miss Adelphi Pool, pictured above, which is nestled off of Riggs Road and surrounded by the rolling George Washington Cemetery. Several dozen Hyattsville residents are members of this private pool. Membership coordinator and University Park resident Dawn Nichols said her family has been going to Adelphi Pool for seven years. “The Adelphi Pool is such a community,” she said. “Members have their book clubs meet there, their scout troops, and twice to three times a week we have a community event: pizza at the pool, raft night, cookouts, food trucks, parties.” “Our oldest daughter considers … [Adelphi Pool] to be such a magical place that she was certain Santa must be involved in some capacity,” Jen Hanna said. She and her husband, Dylan Hanna, are residents of Hyattsville. “I love [Adelphi Pool]. The people that are members are great,” Hyattsville resident and father of two T.J. Hollidge said. “It’s never too crowded.” Members describe PG Pool as having a different feel. “PG Pool is sort of like a country club run and populated by hippies,” Councilmember Shani Warner (Ward 2) said. This Mount Rainier pool has a waitlist of several years and is not currently accepting new members. The list of individuals and families waiting
to join this Buchanan Street co-op has grown to nearly 1,200, up almost 500 from a year and a half ago. “Summer at [PG Pool] is filled with impromptu potluck dinners with friends, ice cream treats, and squeals of happy children,” said Warner, who joined the pool in 2009. “It’s a place where you can allow yourself to stop helicopter parenting, because you’re surrounded by friends who know your kid and look out for her, just as you look out for friends’ kids in turn,” she said. “We’ve created a real community here. Members see PG Pool as an extension of their backyards. ... Friends hear so much about it they want to be a part of it. We have lovely pools, expansive grounds, a competitive swim team, regular live music, lots of grills for members to cook on, and a cooperative culture that sees hundreds of our members chip in and work at the pool before, during and after the season,” David Nolan, PG Pool board president, said. The opportunity to join this year was slim. “We had a 97% renewal rate for current members, leaving only 31 spots for new members,” PG Pool said in an email sent to people on the waitlist.
The Bennetts not only frequent Hamilton, Lane Manor, and RollingcrestChillum splash parks, but have visited PG Pool many times and are members of Adelphi Pool.
Public Pools Outdoor
(open weekends May 23, all week starting June 24, and weekends Aug. 25 to Labor Day)
Hamilton Splash Pool 3901 Hamilton Street Lane Manor Splash Pool 7601 West Park Drive Linson Splash Pool 5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park Indoor (open year-round)
Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool 6122 Sargent Road, Chillum
Private Pools Adelphi Pool 9442 Riggs Road, Adelphi Prince George’s (PG) Pool 3301 Buchanan Street, Mount Rainier
Page 4
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Blazing a trail for equality you’re legally bound to somebody?” she said. “I owned a home in my name at this point, and I owned a car. My current partner and I were talking about if we ever wanted to get married and if we ever wanted to have kids, and what that meant.” Port called the LGBQT rights organization LAMBDA, and lawyer Michele Davos agreed to take the case. There was some hesitation. Port’s current wife, Amanda Austin, was in the military at the time, and the couple was concerned her name would be put into the public arena. The policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which prohibited openly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people from serving in the military, was in effect and would remain so until September 20, 2011. Ultimately, everyone decided to go ahead. Though the case was separate from the vote for marriage, “It was precedent setting and people were really paying attention,” Port said. In May 2012, Cowan and Port were granted their divorce in a unanimous decision by the Maryland Court of Appeals. The popular vote that legalized same-sex unions in the state would take place a few months later, in November of that year. “Most people go through a divorce and it’s dramatic and it’s challenging and they walk away and they don’t have much to show for it. We walked away and we got to change a law and affect policy,” she said. Over the next few months, her life returned to normal. Port had just purchased her house in Hyattsville, and she and Austin would eventually decide to get married. Today, she has a two-year-old son. In Hyattsville, “We found two great things,” she said. “One was that we didn’t have a need for a specifically gay community because the general community was so accepting, and that was awesome. The other is that [many
by Caroline Selle
In 2012, Maryland became the first state to legalize samesex marriage through popular vote. Decades earlier in 1973, the state was the first to define marriage as a union between a man and a woman in its code of law. Hyattsville resident Jessica Port played a role in the establishment of equal rights for same-sex couples, though her fight was not exactly about marriage. In 2010, she began the first steps in what would become a two-year fight to win the right to divorce. When Port and her then-wife, Virginia Cowan, began the process of separation, “Things were really amicable,” said Port. “We had no joint property, no children, so we had nothing to contest.” Port was a little concerned because the couple was married in California, where same-sex marriage was legal, but she was assured by the free legal clinic at the Prince George’s County courthouse in Upper Marlboro that there should be no complications. The couple remained separated for a year before filing for divorce, as required by Maryland law, Port said, before appearing before a judge to finalize the process. The decision wasn’t what they expected. “[The judge] said, ‘Because of the unnatural circumstances of your marriage, you’ll have my ruling by mail,’” Port said. Two weeks later, the letter arrived. Cowan and Port’s divorce was denied on the grounds that both were female. “If you were married out of jurisdiction, then you have no legal marriage rights in the state. … to grant a divorce you’d have to recognize that the marriage had validity,” Port said. Even though a handful of same-sex divorces had been granted in Maryland, there was no precedentsetting case. “I had no idea what to do. … what do you do when
COURTESY OF JESSICA PORT Jessica Port and Amanda Austin with their son.
families] have situations that are unconventional.” Her parenting group has other two-mom families, and “everyone has been really open,” she said. “It’s just kind of funny because people have this image of what gay couples look like,” Port said. “I have a super quiet, mellow, heterosexual life with the exception of my partner being a woman.” “We have a kid; we have a dog; we have a townhouse. We have two cars, we both work full-time jobs, we both feel guilty about putting our kid in daycare. … same as any parent does, with the balancing [of] work and a kid.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Page 5
Special Olympics torch passes through city by Caroline Selle
CAROLINE SELLE City Clerk Laura Reams prepares to pass the torch.
On May 26, Hyattsville business owners, members of the city council, and many city employees including the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD) passed the Special Olympics International Games torch through a stretch of Route 1 as part of the Unified Relay Across America. The torch is headed to Los Angeles, Ca. by way of Baltimore, Annapolis, and Cincinnati, Oh. The relay is scheduled to take place over 46 days on three simultaneous routes in all fifty states beginning in Washington, D.C., Augusta, Me., and Miami, Fl. Hyattsville participants took on pieces of the Mount Rainier to College Park segment of the central (D.C. to California) route. Local business owners Chris Vigilante of Vigilante Coffee and Chris Davidson and Chris Militello of Arrow Bicycle participated in the first segment, while Mike Franklin of Franklin’s Restaurant, Brewery and General Store cheered them on. City council members, including the newly elected mayor and former council president Candace Hollingsworth, former Mayor Marc Tartaro, and City Administrator Tracey Nicholson took on the next piece of the relay. At the third stop, City Clerk Laura Reams handed off the torch to HCPD Officer Lt. Alexander. Over a dozen Hyattsville residents came to watch, and em-
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“[Watching] feels like giving back and support.” “The whole support behind Special Olympics is just really phenomenal,” said Kaye Stauder. “[These athletes] are capable of achieving things in their own right. … It’s fun to be a part of that.” Participants wore red Special Olympics t-shirts and had a police escort, which temporarily closed down parts of Route 1 and side streets from Rhode Island Avenue in D.C. and into College Park.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
SecondhandNews
As thrift stores close, can old stay new? by Lauren Flynn Kelly
On a recent trip to the beach, I was disappointed to see that one of my favorite little back road antiques stores was closed. Like a farewell scene on a soap opera, a montage instantly played in my mind of all the things I’d seen there during past visits: Fisher Price toys from my childhood, a poster from the movie The Lost Boys, an incomplete set of vintage cocktail glasses. Rest in peace, Treasures in the Attic. I had a similar reaction upon learning that Hyattsville’s Sarah’s Treasures closed in December 2014 after a year of business. Sunshine Thrift on Hamilton Street and the D.C. Bargain Center on Route 1 in North Brentwood closed shortly before that. So what happened? Was the competition from larger outlets like Value Village and Village Thrift too much? Was it odd business hours? Too much inventory? Not enough? All three local shops closed for different reasons — a lack of air conditioning, a rent increase and a personal loss, respectively — but all had something in common: they made you hunt for your treasure. About a year ago at
LAUREN FLYNN KELLY The storefront of the D.C. Bargain Center has been shuttered for months.
the D.C. Bargain Center, my husband had to climb a ladder and move dusty old furniture around to uncover a beautiful set of vintage dining chairs from a Pennsylvanian estate. All they needed was some reupholstering. We bargained and paid about a quarter of the $795 starting price on eBay. Such finds made me a repeat visitor. After we found the chairs, I went back again and again hop-
ing to find the store open, but it never was. Recently, I connected with the wife of the owner and learned that her husband, Mr. Cherry, had passed away. Mrs. Cherry explained to me that he’d been in the antiques and moving business for 62 years, with locations at one time in Annapolis and Washington, D.C. She said she “turned the store over” to someone about six months ago, but the inventory is still sitting there and the store remains closed. According to the landlord, the lease is paid but neither he nor Mrs. Cherry have any idea what the current lessee has planned for the space. Sarah’s Treasures, formerly located at 5307 Baltimore Ave. was “doing great” until the air
conditioning broke last summer, according to owner Sarah Petrus. “It saddens me about my store,” said Petrus. “I do miss it and I miss my customers, but we are having yard sales here and there.” She continues to maintain the business’ Facebook page, which people can follow for sales in the area. The store had potential with a neatly organized space and a well-traveled location near Yes! Market. Parking was somewhat problematic however, and the merchandise was a mish-mosh of gently used newer items and outdated furniture. That said, Sarah’s Treasures really didn’t get a chance to carve out its niche and attract loyal customers. So what does it take to keep a small secondhand store going
when you’re competing against stores with high turnover, ample parking and a large customer base? Sue Older-Mondeel, who runs the upcycle art project Tanglewood Works out of Community Forklift is a self-proclaimed “dumpster diva.” She says survival is about “creating the story or environment that represents your business” and pricing items appropriately for that story and the location. The story behind much of the upcycled furniture at the retail space on 4641 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston, which opened in August 2014, is that it was obtained for next to nothing and lovingly refinished by local artisans. And the environment is fun and vibrant; it helps you look at old furniture in new ways. Older-Mondeel said it’s imperative for any retail business to “keep things fresh.” She tries to rearrange items and give the store a different look every two weeks, and switches out pieces that aren’t selling. “People notice things. It’s all new to them if it looks new to them and we try to keep it interesting, so it’s always a new experience,” she said. The store has just expanded its retail space into a third room and opened a production space in Mt. Rainier. It’s a concept that works, and one that speaks to me. But as someone who rehabs a lot of furniture myself, I’m sad to see that our local options to dig for abandoned treasure has grown smaller.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Page 7
Meet Hyattsville’s new Mayor by Ryan Carbo
The City of Hyattsville’s 35th mayor, Candace B. Hollingsworth, is the first African American and the second woman to hold the office. Hollingsworth was elected to the position on Tuesday, May 5, with a total of 1,055 votes after running an unopposed campaign. She has served Hyattsville as a city council representative for Ward 1 since
“Openness and transparency seems to be a buzzword in politics, but it means exactly what it says. It’s about having clear lines of communication between residents, city staff, and elected officials.” — Candice Hollingsworth Mayor 2011 and as the president of the Council since 2013. Her 2015 campaign platform priorities included planning and investing in Hyattsville’s future, delivering city services to every neighborhood in the city, and building a culture of openness and accountability. “Openness and transparency seems to be a buzzword in politics, but it means exactly what it
says. It’s about having clear lines of communication between residents, city staff, and elected officials,” she said. “Residents like to know that their concerns are heard – and not just heard, that there’s action taken.” Hailing from Memphis, Tn., raised in a working class family, Hollingsworth and her husband moved to Hyattsville in 2009. She viewed the move as an opportunity to espouse diversity, she said. Much like her predecessor, Marc Tartaro, whose attention to civic issues and community amenities was honored during the May 18 reception for city-elected officials, Hollingsworth has expressed her commitment not only to maintain, but to improve upon the services and accommodations the city provides, especially those that support the arts. With a special focus on investing in the future of Hyattsville, she plans to leverage her background in nonprofit financial consultation. Hollingsworth says she aims to strengthen the city’s reputation, not only through financial stability, but also by encouraging the city’s “creative and entrepreneurial spirit,” according to her website. That means considering residential amenities and determining “how [the city] can recruit or attract people who provide [those resources],” she said. “... it’s also good to have a sense of what it is that your residents desire, and try to fill the gaps wherever possible.” Hollingsworth also plans to to make communication easier be-
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caroline selle Mayor Hollingsworth and Councilmember Robert Croslin (Ward 2) meet with local business owners at Arrow Bicycle.
tween the city government and the community it serves. The city of Hyattsville has to listen to the unique needs of the community so that it can provide the quality of service that she intends, Hollingsworth said. “One of the things I’ve heard over the past four years is that people feel that their complaints go into a black hole,” said Hollingsworth. “People feel disconnected in someway... [to fix that] that requires mayor and council to be a little bit more proactive in communicating with our residents.”
At War With
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
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Hyattsville Reporter Reportero de Hyattsville No. 312 • June 10, 2015
Councilmember Clayton Williams Steps Down
Consejeo Clayton Williams, del distrito cinco, anunció la semana pasada que va a dejar su puesto en el consejo en los ultimos del mes, porque él y su familia van a trasladar a Carolina del Norte. Williams tomó su oficina en 2013, pero pidió perdón que su declaración siguió después de una elección. La Ciudad está planeando una elección especial para llena su puesto para los dos años que quedan en el plazo.
Hyattsville Apoya
Hyattsville Cares
Farmers Market has Moved!
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 301-985-5020.
June Jam Extras
The June 12 Summer Jam will include some new additions. Our beer selec-
tion will include an IPA from Franklin’s, Vigilante Coffee will stay open late to host Jammers, and we’ll have a spin-art activity for kids. But don’t worry – all your favorite Jam mainstays will be there, too. We’ll be grilling and moonbouncing, Mandy will be clowning with her facepainters, and The Roustabouts will be jamming 6:30-8:30 p.m. See you at 4310 Gallatin Street.
Nutritional Tour
Join us for a free nutritional tour of the Price Rite grocery store at the Shops at Queens Chillum on June 17 at 2:00 p.m. The program is designed by Cooking Matters (cookingmatters.org) and led
by a volunteer nutritional expert from the University of Maryland. Participants learn to read labels, compare unit pricing, find whole grain foods and add more fresh produce into inexpensive meals. The tour will last about an hour and afterwards participants will have the opportunity to shop with the nutritional expert. Participants will also receive a $10 Price Rite gift card. All participants will be picked up from and dropped off at their homes by the City’s Call-A-Bus. Space is limited to 15, and reservations must be made by June 16 by calling 301985-5020.
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
Summer Jam
Friday, June 12, 6:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Planning Committee
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
Consejero Clayton Williams Dejará su Puesto
District Five Councilmember Clayton Williams announced last week that he will be stepping down from City Council at the end of the month, as he and his family will be moving to North Carolina. Williams took office in 2013, but he apologized that his announcement came so soon after an election. The City is planning a special election to fill his seat for the two years that remain in the term. In recent weeks, City staff, police, officials, businesses and residents participated in two torch runs for Special Olympics. Participants raised awareness and funds for Special Olympics and our community members who have disabilities. After one event, Candy Holland, whose daughter has a disability (and whose husband is our Police Chief), told City Council, “I can’t express enough my gratitude for the Council and the citizens of Hyattsville.” But that’s not all. The City has also been partnering with Vested Optimum, a group that helps people with disabilities gain job experience and find employment. For weeks, five of their members came regularly to our parks to help our public works teams remove invasive plants. Franklin Childs, who coordinated the visits for Vested Optimum, said the group learned from the experience, and had fun. The group decided to take a break when the weather got too hot, but they plan to return in the fall. If you would like to support Special Olympics, or provide job training or employment to people with disabilities, please visit the following websites: www.somd.org/prince-georges-county www.vestedoptimum.com
No. 312• 10 de junio, 2015
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
Tuesday, June 16, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org
Call-A-Bus Trip to Price Rite
Wednesday, June 17, 2:00 PM Information and reservations: 301-985-5020
Hyattsville Code Compliance Advisory Committee
Wednesday, June 17, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Education Advisory Committee Thursday, June 25, 6:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Environment Committee
Wednesday, July 8, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Groves, 202-255-7593, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com
En las últimas semanas, funcionarios, policía, elegidos, negocios y residentes de la ciudad participaron en dos carreras de la antorcha para Los Olimpiadas Especiales. Los participantes aumentaron conciencia y fondos para Olimpiadas Especiales y los miembros de la comunidad con discapacidades. Después de un evento, Candy Holland, cuya hija tiene una discapacidad (y cuyo marido es el jefe de la policía), le dijo al Consejo Municipal, “no puedo expresar suficientemente mi gratitud por el Consejo y los ciudadanos de Hyattsville.” Pero eso no es todo. La ciudad también ha sido asociado con Vested Optimum, un grupo que ayuda a las personas con discapacidades a obtener experiencia laboral y encontrar empleo. Durante semanas, cinco miembros vinieron regularmente a nuestros parques para ayudar nuestros equipos de obras públicas a eliminar plantas invasoras. Franklin Childs, quien coordinó las visitas para Vested Optimum, dijo el grupo aprendió de la experiencia y se divirtieron. El grupo decidió tomarse un descanso cuando el tiempo llegó demasiado caliente, pero planean regresar en el otoño. Si desea apoyar a las Olimpiadas Especiales o proporcionar capacitación para el trabajo o empleo a personas con discapacidades, visite los siguientes sitios de web: www.somd.org/prince-georges-county www.vestedoptimum.com
¡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 301-9855020.
Fiestas del Verano con Más
El 12 de junio el Summer Jam incluirán algunas nuevas incorporaciones. Nuestra selección de cervezas se incluirá una IPA de Franklin’s, el Vigilante Coffee se mantendrá abierto hasta tarde para todos, y tendremos una nueva actividad artística para niños. Pero no se preocupe, todas las atracciónes favoritas también estarán allí. Estaremos cocinando y rebotando en los inflables, Mandy estará payasando con sus pintores de rostros y Los Roustabouts tocarán de las 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. Nos vemos en 4310 Gallatin Street.
Gira de Nutrición
Acompáñenos para una gira nutricional gratuita del Price Rite tienda de alimentación en los Shops at Queens Chillum el 17 de junio a las 2:00 p.m. El programa es diseñado por Cooking Matters (cookingmatters.org) y liderado por un experto en nutrición voluntario de la Universidad de Maryland. Participantes aprenden a leer etiquetas, comparan precios de unidades, encuentran alimentos de grano entero y usan mas verduras frescas en comidas economicas. La gira dura una hora y después participantes tendrán la oportunidad a comprar con el experto nutricional. Participantes también recibirán una tarjeta de credito de $10 en Price Rite. Todas las participantes serán recogido y dejado en sus casas por el Llama-Un-Bus de la Ciudad. Espacio es limitado a 15, y requieremos reservaciones antes del 16 de junio: 301-985-5020.
CALENDARIO Gracia sin Edad Clases de Ejercicio
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
Comité de Planeación de Hyattsville
Martes, 16 de Junio, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org
Llame-Un-Bus Viaje al Price Rite Miercoles, 17 de Junio, 2:00 PM Información y reservas: 301-985-5020
Comité de Cumplimiento de Codigos de Hyattsville Miércoles, 17 de Junio, 7 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org
Comité de Educación de Hyattsville
Jueves, 25 de Junio, 6:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org
Fiesta del Verano
Viernes, 12 de Junio, 6:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org
Comité del Medioambiente de Hyattsville
Miércoles, 8 de Julio, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Groves, 202-255-7593, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Impassioned plea for school funding falls short By Madeline Alpert
Despite a two-month marathon of public pleas around Prince George’s County and a last minute compromise offer, county officials fighting for the “minimum needed� to improve public schools came up short. With a 6-3 vote on May 28, the Prince George’s County Council approved a $34 million increase for school funding and a four percent property tax increase. The amount is much lower than what County Executive Rushern L. Baker III’s original FY16 budget proposed. That budget included an additional $133 million for schools and 15.6 percent property tax increase over three years. Signs that the original budget plan was headed for trouble were clear at earlier public meetings, including one at Nicholas Orem Middle School (NOMS) in Hyattsville, where the school’s principal made a passionate appeal. “We need the money, we really do,� said Principal Theresa Merrifield. “Our population has grown from 700 in 2013 to ... approximately 1,000 students next year,� added Merrifield, who said immigration is fueling the increase in numbers. English language learners make up the majority of the student body, and NOMS receives additional funding as a Title I school because a high percentage of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. NOMS
would have received an estimated $143,949 in additional funding if the council had passed the budget originally proposed by Baker. The original plan would have raised an additional $135,657 for Hyattsville Middle School, an extra $93,000 for Hyattsville Elementary School, and an extra $380,437 for Northwestern High School. A fraction of those amounts will likely be available under the approved budget. The county executive held meetings at University Park Elementary School (UPES). At both locations, Baker’s plan received pushback. One longtime community member at UPES said, “[I would] move to Delaware if the tax increase is approved. I deserve to afford my home.� Others said they couldn’t trust that the increased funds would be used effectively and were concerned that the tax hikes could harm the county, where taxes are already among the highest in the state and where foreclosures, poverty, and lack of business investment are serious problems. Before the county council vote, Baker cut his school funding request down from $133 million in additional school funding to $65 million. “[That] is the minimum investment we can make that will move us forward and significantly improve our ranking in the state,� Baker said. He said with even this reduction, the schools would have to back off on plans for a universal breakfast program, literacy coaches in
middle school, an expansion of gifted and talented programs, targeted professional development and comprehensive digital literacy. With an additional $65 million, Baker said, the school system would have continued expansion of Pre-K and of college and career programs, would negotiate retention pay for teachers, integrate arts in targeted areas and increase family engagement resources. As of press time, it is unclear how much additional funding public schools that serve Hyattsville students will receive. A press release from the county council said a planned $34 million increase to school funding was directly linked to an unfunded mandate by the State of Maryland that will shift teacher pension costs to the county. According to county officials, legislation was introduced to reserve up to $25 million of county revenue from MGM National Harbor for education, which includes Pre-K through 12 education, Prince George’s Community College, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. The county council also said a performance audit of the school system would begin this summer to find out how money is being spent and increase residents confidence in the school system. Prince George’s County Schools CEO Dr. Kevin M. Maxwell said, “This council action continues the tradition of chronic underfunding for our schools.�
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Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR June 13
Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
June 14
A stop on the Gateway Open Studio Tour, the Tilling Phase was a group show hosted at the Marché Florist building, which is the future home of Art Works. Being shown are these types of work: video, painting, installation, sound, photography, sculpture. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. 4800 Rhode Island Avenue.
Notes from Underground, a DC-based post-bluegrass band that blends Americana sensibility with jazz-like creativity, is one of three performances at this month’s Second Saturday Music Showcase. Free. 2 to 4 p.m. Vigilante Coffee, 4327 Gallatin Street. Join the Hyattsville Professional Networking group for an evening of speed networking. Come prepared to share your professional aspirations whether you’re seeking a job, new hires, clients or other business ventures. Municipal Building 2nd floor, 4310 Gallatin St. 7-9 p.m. Free. For more information please contact hyattsvilleprofessionals@gmail.com.
June 15
The wait is over and you’re invited to come see the new design of the Hyattsville Branch Library presented by the architects. Free.7 to 8:30 p.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
June 20
Salsa, Snack, and Print! Put your “best foot forward” and join Pyramid Atlantic for Salsa Sole! Learn to salsa dance, try three kinds of gazpacho, and enjoy a complimentary VIP hard hat tour of the art center’s new space in the Arcade Building. All proceeds will support arts education programs at the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Vigilante Coffee, 4327 Gallatin St., 6-9 p.m. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com. Are you Dad-icated? The Hyattsville Library hosts card making and a special Father’s Day storytime at 3 p.m. All ages. 6530
June 21
Celebrate Father’s Day by bringing your father or grandfather for a free guided tour of Riversdale House during open hours. Limited to one free tour per paid admission. $3 for adults; $2 for seniors; $1 for students; free for children 4 and under. Limited to one free tour per paid admission. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.
June 23
Get more involved with the Hyattsville Branch Library at the Friends of the Hyattsville Branch meeting, who raise money to support many library programs and other needs. The organization is holding officer elections for vacant positions soon. Free. 7 p.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
June 24 and July 8
Outdoor concerts return to Riversdale tonight with Jazz on the Lawn, a summer series featuring local musicians. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. If it rains, the show moves indoors. Free. 7 to 8 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.
June 25
Let out some of that creative en-
TIRED of doing laundry?
ergy! Drop in all day for a Chalka-thon at the Hyattsville Library. Begins at 10 a.m. Free, Ages 5 to 12. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
June 27 and 28
Arts specialists Aaron Springer and Ann Potter lead fun arts workshops for children at a monthly arts drop-in. June is Bead and Bean Mosaics! Ages 3-8 with parent. Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at College Park Community Center, 5051 Pierce Ave, College Park. Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Rd, College Park. www.cpae.org.
June 29
Families can enjoy Summer Movies at the Hyattsville Library throughout the summer. Refreshments will be provided. 6:30 p.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
July 4
The City of Takoma Park hosts a full day of celebrations, beginning at 10 a.m. with a parade at the intersection of Carroll and Ethan Allen Avenues. At 7 p.m., head over to Takoma Park Middle School (7611 Piney Branch Rd.) for performances by The Polyphony Marimba Band, the Acro-Airs, the Takoma Park Community Concert Band, and the announcement of parade winners. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.takomapark4th.org. Visit www.hyattsvillelife.com for an updated list of 4th of July celebrations as we move closer to Independence Day!
July 10
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by heading over to the City of Hyattsville’s Summer Jam. Musical guest N2N Band will perform from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. City Municipal Building 2nd floor, 4310 Gallatin St. Free, all ages.
Ongoing
The Hyattsville Farmer’s Market has a new location, new vendors, and new transportation! Now at 3799 East West Highway (in the parking lot of Redeemer Lutheran Church), the market is open every Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. through Sept. 29. Vendors hawk fruits and vegetables, prepared food, meat and eggs, and local honey. The Hyattsville Call-A-Bus will pick you up at your home and take you to the market and back, for free. Call 301-985-5020 by 2 p.m. the day before the market to make your reservation. The producers-only Riverdale Park Farmer’s Market has moved back outside, with a variety of local vegetables and fruits, honey, baked goods, meat, jams, flowers and more. Free. Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. 4650 Queensbury Road, Riverdale Park, 301.332.6258.
The Prince George’s County Audubon society and the Patuxent Bird Club team up to host an early-evening guided bird walk along the Luther Goldman Birding Trail at Lake Artemesia. Walks are held every first and third Thursday at 6 p.m. and start at the lake parking lot at Berwyn Road and Ballew Avenue. Free. 301.459.3375 or mozurk@bellatlantic.net. The free Anacostia River Boat Tours begin this month and will be held throughout the summer Tuesdays through Fridays at noon and weekends at 5 p.m. Led by a park naturalist, riders on the pontoon boat can search for birds and other wildlife. Free; registration required for groups of 12 or more. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371. 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 caroline@hyattsvillelife.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
HYATTSVILLE ELEMENTARY ART SHOW RETURNS REBECCA BENNETT On May 28, the Art Show returned to Hyattsville Elementary.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Page 11
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda,
brown leaves and are shy. They won’t hurt you, and they need a home. Some Maryland species are in danger of extinction. So, try to overcome your amphibianphobia. There are plenty of positive instances of toads in literature. Think of what Shakespeare invoked when he wrote, “the toad, ugly and venomous / Wears yet a precious jewel in his head.” In the referenced legend, the toad’s jewel has healing properties. And, there are examples of charming literary figures such as Mr. Toad from Kenneth Graham’s Wind in the Willows, Neville Longbottom’s pet Trevor from the J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, or Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad books.
Indeed, toads and other amphibians are in need of protection. Like bats, they are endangered by loss of habitat, pollution, and fungal disease. Also like bats, they are one of your best bets for controlling mosquitoes and other noxious insects. We are fortunate that the nearby Magruder Park provides a good environment for amphibians. You can hear the sounds of different species there in the evening. In my own garden, I discovered that a bronze Chinese lantern that was too heavy to hang has provided a home for at least one toad. A dog dish I keep filled with water from a
Dear Toadily Freaked,
rain barrel must have also been helpful in attracting them. (Toads do not like chlorinated water.) You need not worry about mosquitoes breeding in such spaces, because toads will eat them and their larvae. I credit my toad friends for defending my hostas from slugs, creatures I consider far more esthetically offensive than toads, and certainly more harmful to plants. Unfortunately, you can’t just buy toads and expect them to stay in your garden. You need to make a congenial environment, providing them with toxin-free water, shade, and shelter. Provide it, and they will come. Although a clay flower pot set on its side would do, my sense of whimsy tempts me to buy one of those toad houses that look like adorable English cottages. Putting one in your garden might help change your perception of toads from nasty monsters to friendly caretakers.
There is absolutely no reason to fear or hate toads. These dear creatures are a gardener’s best friend, and they eat vast quantities of insects whose removal would otherwise require poisons. As you mentioned, the toads in our area bear an uncanny resemblance to
For more information, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20 at the home of Jeff and Marsha Moulton. Their water garden is not only a thing of beauty but it is an amphibian haven.
I am new to gardening and new to Hyattsville. I was doing a little weeding the other day when I discovered that what I thought was a brown leaf was actually a toad! I shrieked and it flopped away immediately. Neighbors who heard my cry came over to see what was the matter. When I explained, they told me that the former owners of my house had actually encouraged creatures like toads and even bats to live in their garden, never used poisons and even made shelters for them because some are endangered species. Okay. I don’t want to hurt them,but I want them to leave. Is there a humane way to encourage them to move out of my yard? Toadily Freaked on Farragut Street
The Teen Advisory Committee
APPLY
TODAY!
Eligibility
COMISIÓN CONSULTIVA DE JÓVENES
Elegibilidad
Must be a teen (13-19)
Debe ser un jóvenes (13-19)
Live or attend school in Hyattsville
Vivir o acudir un escuela en Hyattsville
Set group meetings discussing what plagues the youth in our community.
Objectives
Establecer reuniones de grupo discutiendo lo que afecta a la juventud en nuestra comunidad.
Objectivo
Develop and recommend programs, projects, etc. for city residents.
Desarrollar y recomendar programas, proyectos, etc. para los residentes de la ciudad.
Develop strong partnerships to help residents while tackling youth issues.
Desarrollar alianzas para ayudar a los residentes, y al mismo tiempo abordar las cuestiones de la juventud.
Visit www.hyattsville.org/652/TAC for more information.
Para mas información visite www.hyattsville.org/652/TAC
Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
has not been finalized, but will likely be sometime in late June. Given the summer schedule for council meetings, Williams has already attended his last. Being a Council member, Williams said, “has been and will always be a great source of pride.” “It was just phenomenal being part of a great group of people who were just really helping a special place reach its potential,” he said. Williams is a North Carolina native, and he and his wife Lonna Hays and sons George and Henry (both born in Hyattsville) will be moving to Charlotte. Williams, a tax attorney, will be joining the firm Johnston, Allison & Hord, where he is looking forward to working with nonprofit tax-exempt entities. Williams said his last act in Hyattsville will be talking to people who might be interested in running for the now vacated Ward 5 seat. ”I think the interest is there and it is easier for people to step up when there’s not an incumbent that they may be perfectly happy with,” he said. “I think the best of Hyattsville is yet to come.”
2015 vertigo challenge
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
Page 13
ARCADE
continued from page 1
CAROLINE SELLE A riderless motorcycle crashed into the Santos family over Memorial Day weekend.
ACCIDENT
continued from page 1
and responsive, she said. All four members of the family were transported to area hospitals, where Santos was pronounced dead. PGPD said that speed on the part of the motorcycle rider appeared to be a factor in the crash. No charges have been filed, but authorities say the investigation is ongoing. Shana Sterkin, a friend of the Santos family, created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for Alejandro Santos’ funeral and his father and siblings’ medical expenses. “The Santos children have been hard-working, loving, and incredibly kind members of our Springhill Lake Elementary School community. The Santos parents are active members of their students’ lives, always making sure they are cared for, prepared for school, and most importantly, well-loved,” she wrote. “... I could go on and on, but simply put, my heart aches for … the Santos family during this difficult time.” In the hours following the accident, East-West
Highway was closed between Belcrest Road and Toledo Terrace while officers completed their investigation. Officers marked vehicle positions and removed debris from the roadway, and a tow truck driver removed the damaged motorcycle. Its radiator lay separately in a pool of fluid, with its mangled engine a few feet behind. Where a few spots of blood were still visible, a member of the fire department hosed off the sidewalk. A member of the police, wearing protective gloves, collected pieces of clothing and placed them into paper bags. A hoodie and a pair of bloodstained jeans with a belt still woven through the loops went into one. The child’s shoe went into another. Meanwhile, traffic backed up southbound on Belcrest and eastbound on East West Highway. By 8:30 p.m., the road had reopened and the intersection contained no traces of the accident.
Administrator Jim Chandler. Pyramid Atlantic Executive Director Jose Dominguez thanked the City at the council meeting, saying it had been a pleasure to work with the City staff and that the center was looking forward to being one of “Hyattsville’s involved and engaged businesses.” “The process with the city went really well. At one point, Jose and I looked at each other and said, ‘Is this too good to be true?’” said Artistic Director Gretchen Schermerhorn. According to its website, the organization is “dedicated to the creation and appreciation of hand papermaking, printmaking, digital arts, and the art of the book.” Classes currently available at the Silver Spring location include screen printing and letterpress. Hyattsville is excited to get such a “great regional arts organization,” Chandler said. The loan for renovating the Arcade was designed so that Pyramid Atlantic wasn’t “stretched too thin.” The repayment of that loan will be Pyramid Atlantic’s only monthly liability, as they will not be charged rent on top of the loan repayment. At the end of the lease, Chandler said the building would revert to the city if the center opted not to purchase, or left before the lease terminates. Pyramid Atlantic was founded by artist Helen C. Frederick in 1981, and has been located in downtown Silver Spring since 2003. Originally, Pyramid Atlantic said
it planned to move into the renovated Silver Spring Library. According to legal documents and statements at Montgomery County Council meetings, the facility offered Pyramid Atlantic a 15,500 square foot space in exchange for workshops, internships, and outreach provided by the center. In Nov. 2014, that plan fell through due to slow development and concerns from the Montgomery County Council, according to Dominguez. According to Chandler, in Dec. 2014, Pyramid Atlantic reached out to the City of Hyattsville about a possible move. The organization was stuck with bond funding tied to the original plan. Maryland State Senator Paul Pinsky became involved in the project and was able to make changes at the state level to free up funding for the organization’s relocation to Hyattsville. The State Bond Bill authorized the sale of up to $500,000 in State Debt to fund “the design and construction of the Pyramid Atlantic Art Center Space at the Silver Spring Library.” “We had to change the law to get that money to come to Hyattsville,” Pinsky said. According to Pyramid Atlantic, those funds, private donations, and the $200,000 loan from the City will now be used to build out the Arcade space. Schermerhorn said that architectural reviews are already underway. “We have a new space, a new brand, and a new website coming soon,” Schermerhorn said. “It’s a fresh start, and we’re very excited about it.”
Anyone with information about the accident is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301.731.4422.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2015
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