COACH HONORED
St. Jerome basketball court is named after a coach and teacher passionate about education and students. P. 10
ARTOMATIC
Hyattsville artists Scooter Johnson, Paul Hrusa and Maurie Kathan are showing art at this massive festival. P. 4
Family-owned jeweler moves into their dream space
FINDING A HOME
Two dogs, Dink and Blue Bell, find new homes at a Big Bad Woof adoption event. P. 3
Life&Times & &Times
by Rebecca Bennett
Along with the revitalization happening in the City of Hyattsville came the rebirth of a family legacy. After 62 years in business, Fleisher’s Jewelers liquidated its inventory and closed its doors on Christmas Eve 2012 only to emerge nearly three years later amidst a business shuffle in Historic Hyattsville. Fred Fleisher’s father, William Fleisher, opened the store in 1949, he said. Its original location was in Mount Rainier, but it moved into a larger space in 1962 next to what was then the Giant on Queens Chapel Road. Fleisher said he first started working in his father’s store in 1976 and eventually went on to run it. “I’ve sold a kid his school ring [in junior high], his first ring for his girlfriend, their engagement ring, their anniversary ring and then they bring in their kids …” Fleisher said. William Fleisher retired from the store in 1999 and passed away on July 3, 2014. Fleisher and partner Luis Pena said they left their previous space in Chillum because of increasing rent and other economic reasons. Fleisher said he did everything to keep the store afloat.
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
FLEISHERS continued on page 11
Vol. 12 No. 11
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
SILENT DISCO FLASH MOB
Apartments, townhomes planned for West Hyattsville Metro
Developers try again after previous plan failed in economic recession REBECCA BENNETT On Nov. 7, a small silent disco flash mob started at 39th Avenue and Madison Street and made its way down Longfellow Street. Participants each listened to their own soundtracks and danced to their own beat. The event was organized by local residents via Facebook.
Local band Blue Plains says music flows organically by Caroline Selle
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
November 2015
Adam Ortiz and Lee Cain are environmental professionals by day and musicians by night—well, Tuesday nights. “Pretty consistently, Adam and I have played every Tuesday evening for three years,” Cain said. “Tuesday is the day we don’t schedule stuff.” No happy hours, no conference calls, no community meetings. It’s quite the BLUE PLAINS continued on page 6
SHANI WARNER The band Blue Plains played Vigilante Coffeeʼs Second Saturdays Hyattsville Music Showcase in October.
by Rebecca Bennett
A parcel of land near the West Hyattsville Metro Station was purchased for more than $7 million in September, property records show. Representatives from the buyer, a development company called West Hyattsville Property Company, LLC, presented a general plan for the land to the community on Oct. 28. The project would include 460 to 500 units, of which approximately 250 would be apartments in four- or five-story buildings. The rest would be 16-, 20- or 24-foot townhomes, according to Mike Sponseller of Hogan Companies, a representative and advisor to the West Hyattsville Property Co. There would be a number of green spaces, he said. “It's taken us 30 years for us to do anything but have a bite," Prince George’s County Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) said. “I wanted to see a new vision for the West Hyattsville Metro stop." The parcel at 5620 Ager Road is approximately 18.5 acres. It rests between the Kirkwood Apartments and the metro station. The property is bordered on the south, in part by a small parcel of land owned by WMATA. It is bordered on the west by the Anacostia River and a strip of land owned by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation, according to Sponseller. The site is currently home to a large, old warehouse that Taveras said had most likely been vacant WEST HYATTSVILLE continued on page 12
CENTER SECTION: NOVEMBER 11, 2015 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
NEWS BRIEFS READ MORE AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM ALLEGED TROLLEY TRAIL GROPING CASE POSTPONED The court dates of a man charged in two incidents along the Trolley Trail have been postponed. Joshua Charles Price was scheduled to be in court on Oct. 21 for a fourth degree sexual assault charge and on Oct. 23 for a separate indecent exposure incident along the hiker-biker trail that connects the City of Hyattsville to Riverdale Park. An attorney for Price filed a request that both charges go before a jury in the Upper Marlboro Circuit Court, according to court records. Meanwhile, Price is scheduled to appear before a judge in Jan. 2016 on allegations that he violated his parole after he plead
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
guilty to a 2010 armed robbery. He was given a 10-year suspended sentence, save 175 days of time served, put on supervised probation for five years and ordered to pay $870 in restitution, court records show. At press time, a warrant was out for Price’s arrest after he failed to appear in court on Nov. 6. In Nov. 2014, authorities allege the defendant was driving on a suspended license. Court records show he failed to appear several times on this charge. COUNCIL SUPPORTS APPLICATION FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY On Nov. 2, the Hyattsville City Council voted in favor of writing a letter of support for HoyeCrest Apothecary establishing a medical cannabis dispensary in the city limits. The item was slated for discussion only after a public hearing and presentation, but the council decided to take action to meet a Nov. 6 deadline. “The State of Maryland has used the term medical cannabis dispensary, but we really want to highlight that this is a pharmacy,” said Kiera Sears, the applicant's chief compliance officer. “Our
approach … is in a traditional pharmaceutical model.” Councilmember Ruth Ann Frazier (Ward 5) voted no and Haba abstained from the vote. Licenses are scheduled to go out in December or January with product expected to be available by summer 2016, a city memo said. FULL SOLAR-POWERED WASTE BIN PILOT PROGRAM OVER CITY BUDGET Bigbelly, a solar-based recycling and garbage company, presented a preliminary outline for an overhaul of the city's waste removal to the Hyattsville City Council on Oct. 19. The initial cost estimate of the smart bins that send capacity alerts was more than three times the budgeted amount of $30,000, and prohibits the city from doing a full-scale implementation, Hyattsville City Administrator Tracey Nicholson said at the Nov. 2 council meeting. City staff plan to recommend to council a phased approach with a small number of receptacles, Nicholson said. Several residents said they were concerned about the lack of new bins proposed for Wards 4 and 5.
"We did indeed find several areas that were under-represented," Nicholson said. The city has ordered more of the current wast containers for the most problematic areas. MELROSE TRAIL UPGRADES The City of Hyattsville received a more than $20,000 grant from the Chesapeake Bay Trust for the design and installation of storm water mitigation and conservation landscaping on Melrose Trail. The Melrose Trail was built by the city in 2014, which connects parts of the neighborhood to the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. Proposed features for the site include a rain garden, meadow plantings, tree installation, and an open seating area, a city memo said. City staff will now work with a local landscape designer to complete the design, according to a memo, as well as a local contractor to install seating and hardscape. CASA RECEIVES AWARD On Oct. 26, Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Prince George’s County received
the Maryland Governor’s Service Award for Nonprofit Program in recognition of significant contributions and sustained commitment to meeting the state’s most pressing needs, a press release said. CASA, based in Riverdale, Md., recruits, trains and supervises volunteers to become advocates for abused and neglected children in foster care in Prince George’s County. For more information, visit www.pgcasa.org. WOMAN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED WHILE TAKING OUT TRASH According to the Hyattsville City Police Department, a woman was sexually assaulted while taking her trash to the dumpster on Oct. 11. Authorities said the incident happened in the 5700 block of 29th Avenue. The victim was sexually assaulted by an unknown man with a knife at approximately 11 p.m., authorities said. The suspect punched her in the face when she screamed, police said, but she was able to get away and run back into her apartment. The suspect is described as a black male in his 20’s, 5 feet 5 inches and 140 pounds.
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 Editors Sean Bennett Karen Riley Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Julia Gaspar-Bates, Lauren Kelly, Andrew Marder, Chris McManes, Gray O’Dwyer, Kit Slack, Scarlett Salem, Fred Seitz, Caroline Selle, Sam Stern 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/NANCY GILLETTE Above: Violet Hanna decorates a frame at the Art Works table during the Crafts Cornacopia. The all-ages event was put on by Hyattsville Aging in Place, and included weaving, knitting, origami and other craft projects. Left: These 40th Avenue residents take their jobs as zombies very seriously during trick-or-treat.
VISIT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM FOR MORE PHOTOS OF BOTH EVENTS.
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Page 3
Operation Paws for Homes finds home in Hyattsville by Mark Goodson
Operation Paws for Homes (OPH), an Arlington-based dog rescue organization, hosted its first pet adoption event in Hyattsville on Halloween, partnering with the Big Bad Woof, the Arts District’s eco-friendly pet supply store. “I think there’s a tremendous amount of interest in the community to adopt and not enough venues offering adoption in a setting like this where people can come meet the dogs without having to go to a shelter,â€? said Big Bad Woof Owner Pennye Jones-Napier. The pleasant fall weather brought hunMARK GOODSON/ALICE SCHINDLER dreds of shoppers to the adoption table where they met three canines in Left: Operation Paws for Homes rescue organizers and volunteers pose in front of Hyattsville’s Big Bad Woof. Right: Jessica (right) adopted Dink. need of homes. Nearly a dozen OPH volunteers were on hand to connect dogs with possible forever-homes. Two dogs were adopted that day, according to OPH’s Alice Schindler. Dink, a Terrier-Dotson mix, now has a new home and a Dachshund for a new sibling. Blue Bell, nicknamed “Mini Goldenâ€? by volunteers for the mixed-breed’s miniaturized resemblance to the purebred retriever, also found a new home. Esther, the third dog showcased on Oct. 31 is still available for adoption. The hound-shepherd mix, along with over 150 other dogs, can be viewed for adoption on OPH’s website. Some of the dogs listed are boarded, but most are held in temporary foster homes. Silver Spring’s Tony Park is taking care of Esther until a permanent home is found. “We lost one of our dogs last winter and we were 7JTJU )ZBUUTWJMMF T NPTU VOVTVBM SFTUBVSBOU BOE FOKPZ thinking about another dog. We were browsing on the internet and came across their site,â€? said Park. He and his wife Jennifer contacted PVS PXO NJDSPCSFXT PO UBQ ĂąOF XJOF BOE HPPE GPPE several rescue organizations for an application and OPH was the first to reply. “They are so organized,â€? he said. Among the volunteers was University of Maryland Junior Cece Cizek. Like Park, Cizek, an international business major, praised OPH’s organization and responsiveness, saying their website is “user-friendlyâ€? and “up-to-date.â€? Cizek first heard of OPH in her hometown of Frederick, Md. It was Cizek who introduced the organization to the Big Bad Woof. OPH had a busy Halloween, organizing three other adoption events in Georgetown, Millersville, Md., and Vienna, Va. OPH’s Schindler, who fostered Dink, says she is excited to “get things up and running in this area.â€? OPH has transporters all over the DMV and even Pennsylvania, who rescue dogs from euthanization in either South Carolina or West Virginia, according to Schindler. Jones-Napier said the Big Bad Woof is a “strong supporter of adoption.â€? Big Bad Woof in Hyattsville and Takoma Park have hosted the Washington Animal Rescue League, the PGSPCA, the Washington RECENTLY Humane Society, Dogs XL Rescue, and Alley Cat Allies. Jones-Napier FOR SALE: REDUCED SOLD says her store is “getting ready to host the Greenbelt shelter this month.â€?
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To find more Big Bad Woof events, check out their events calendar on the web at www.thebigbadwoof.com/events-calendar/, and to get involved with OPH, go to www.ophrescue.org for information on either fostering or volunteering.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Three Hyattsville artists exhibit work at Artomatic by Rebecca Bennett
After a three and a half year hiatus, Artomatic is back and located in Prince George’s County for the first time in its 14-year history. For six weeks, art enthusiasts can browse and buy within walking distance of the New Carrollton Metro Station at 8100 Corporate Drive, Hyattsville. “Prince George’s County is quickly becoming the epicenter of art in the National Capital Region and Artomatic will help to put us on the national and international arts map,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. According to its web site, Artomatic is a volunteer-run nonprofit that organizes and hosts a large arts festival occurring every 12-18 months in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, usually in a commercial location slated for demolition. The event is unjuried (firstcome-first-served) and showcases creative work in visual art, music, film, dance, spoken word and comedy as well as offering a professional development series and special events. Approximately 75,000 visitors are expected to attend the event which this year is located in a 90,000 square foot, four-level space.
REBECCA BENNETT Hyattsville resident Scooter Johnson shows some of his paintings at the 2015 Artomatic exhibit.
“Artomatic will ... help provide visibility for the thriving artists and art districts in the community, like the Hyattsville Arts District,” said Ronnie Gathers, director of the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. This year, county officials said they expect more than 1,000 artists and performers. Approximately 40 are expected from Prince George's County, including at least three from the City of
Hyattsville. “I am very happy this event is in Prince George’s County,” Hyattsville artist Paul Hrusa said. “If we are going to be in the [Arts District], then I think these events should happen all the time here.” “Visiting Artomatic is an amazing opportunity for everyone to experience the diverse and creative ways that artists express themselves,” Hyattsville artist Scooter Johnson said. “I hope that when people look at artwork, it
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inspires them to endeavor in their own artistic expression and to reflect more deeply on life.” For Hyattsville resident Maurie Kathan’s installation, that reflection takes the form of a journey. Maps, yarn, national park pamphlets, and sticky notes draw the observer from state to state on a personal expedition. “The piece is named ‘Restart’ and the trip was a needed restart to my life,” Kathan said. “I packed my whole life into my car and drove.”
All three artists are showing at Artomatic for the first time. Johnson said some of his work is on display at the recently re-opened Fleisher’s of Maryland and one piece has been donated to Art Works, an arts nonprofit, for their recent fundraiser auction. Hrusa said he has also shown work in Hyattsville, Washington, D.C., New York City, and Paris. Art Works, which is moving to the former Marché Florist building at 5100 Baltimore Avenue, is hosting a maker space at Artomatic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays in November. Artomatic is free but snack food, beer and wine are for sale. The event, which runs from Oct. 30 to Dec. 12, is open from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. To read the full Q&A with Johnson, Hrusa and Kathan, visit www. HyattsvilleLife.com and search Artomatic. Johnson’s art can be found at Artomatic in sector 3 on the 2nd floor. Hrusa’s art can be found in Sector 7 on the 4th floor. Kathan’s art is in Sector 6 on the 4th floor. For more information, visit www. artomatic.org.
PASEOS SON GRATIS Noviembre y Diciembre
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Page 5
City prioritizes Route 1 parking garage, school infrastructure University Town Center Safeway, local playground updates discussed by Rebecca Bennett
REBECCA BENNETT Officials, business owners and community leaders discussed the City of Hyattsville's near-term legislative priorities.
On Nov. 4, the City of Hyattsville hosted a legislative priorities breakfast at Busboys and Poets for county and state elected officials, business owners and local leaders. The breakfast was an opportunity for city officials to present a progress report and ask for support for other priorities, according to Mayor Candace Hollingsworth. Projects currently in development in the city, according to Hollingsworth, include the Safeway scheduled to open in March 2016 at University Town Center, local playgrounds which are being up-
graded, and the pending move of Pyramid Atlantic. On Oct. 5, the Hyattsville City Council voted to determine which legislative priorities they should bring to this meeting. Those priorities include: a parking garage on Route 1, Prince George’s County Public
School infrastructure, West Hyattsville Metro development, county legislation for paid sick leave, completing the Trolley Trail between Charles Armentrout Drive and Farragut Street, and traffic signal installations on Nicholson Street at Queens Chapel and Ager Roads.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
BLUE PLAINS
continued from page 1
scheduling feat; Ortiz is the director of the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment and Cain is the director of education for the Anacostia Watershed Society (AWS). The two Hyattsville residents are also the founders and chief songwriters of Blue Plains, a band that often includes Pete Daniels (fiddle), Matt Dosberg (bass), and Arosh Ardalan (drums). Cain plays guitar and cavaquinho, a Portuguese ukulele-like instrument. Cain also often performs as the band’s chief vocalist. Ortiz also sings and plays guitar. Before forming Blue Plains, Cain and Ortiz were acquaintances. They learned of their mutual musical interests after chatting at an AWS board meeting and have been playing consistently ever since. Of the two, Cain has more performance experience: he
SHANI WARNER Blue Plains is interested in playing music that flows naturally.
played in the local band Modern Man, which once opened up the Sweetlife Festival. But Ortiz can claim a performance in the most prestigious venue: In high school, “... I got to sing in Carnegie Hall,” he said. Both began playing guitar in their teens. “I was captivated by music from a very young age,” Ortiz said. In his early school years, “someone
Fleisher’s of Maryland
came in with a saxophone and played the theme to ‘The Muppets.’” He was hooked. As a teenager, he said, he found that music was a great form of expression. Their music “spans a couple boxes,” as Cain puts it. They write their own songs, and there are elements of indie rock, folk, American roots music, blues, and the Washington, D.C. punk movement. “It’s very much an organic process,” Ortiz said of the duo’s
collaboration. “We’re not trying to fit into any style or genre. We didn’t want to make a cover band, and we wanted to explore the art.” “What we try to do is avoid cliches, musical and artistic, but still be catchy and accessible,” he said. They’ve just started to record, which will mean access to the world of sound engineering. In mixing sounds, “Do we add other colors, do we add other textures?” Ortiz said. There are new choices to make: record each track separately, or have the band play live? Their interest in exploring different styles means that the band has “a lot of weird effect pedals,” Ortiz said, including one that makes the guitar sound like an organ. Ultimately, Blue Plains is interested in playing the music that flows from natural creativity. “One of the things I like about playing with Adam is the music just happens,” Cain said. “I feel like the way we play, it naturally comes fairly easy … it definitely doesn’t come out like a pop
song.” “Sometimes we’ll jam and we just kind of let that happen and it turns into a song,” Cain said. Blue Plains has performed at a variety of local venues including DC9, a community festival and
“We’re not trying to fit into any style or genre. We didn’t want to make a cover band, and we wanted to explore the art.” — Adam Ortiz Blue Plains house concerts. Most recently, they performed for a packed house at Vigilante Coffee’s Second Saturdays Hyattsville Music Showcase. Blue Plains’ music can be heard at www.facebook.com/blueplains.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Page 7
NatureNearby
Geese flock to Hyattsville by Fred Seitz
Whether you are walking along the Northwest Branch Trail, especially near the Port of Bladensburg, or even sitting quietly at home, it is hard not to notice the call of our largest waterfowl: the Canada goose. The large wild goose species flies overhead in V-formation this time of year. Some of our local geese may be migrants, but many will overwinter in the area and may be simply moving to their evening roost. (There are flocks at nearby Lake Artemesia most of the year.)
They are the most popular game bird because of their large size, and at the beginning of the 20th century, their numbers were seriously reduced by extensive hunting. During that period, hunting regulations required the purchase of bird hunting stamps, which raise funds for wetland protection. Their protection in some areas has helped to restore their numbers. There are an estimated 4 million Canada geese in the United States. Some people perceive them as pests due to the abundance of their waste (which can
carry disease) and because some occasional airplane strikes have resulted in plane crashes. Male geese weigh between six and 14 pounds and make the two-syllable call “a-honk.” The females weigh between three and six pounds and make the single syllable call “hink.” A mated pair will often make their sounds close together, so it may be difficult to distinguish the two when they are chatting together. Their different calls make it easy to differentiate male from female, especially useful because their
appearance is identical. The birds are well-known for their aggressive behavior, at which times “intruders” may notice the geese pointing their heads towards them while making an unpleasant hissing. That is to say nothing of the occasional “charge” and bill butting by the annoyed goose. Even when the geese are feeding, at least one member of the flock will have its head up to keep watch of the flock. Geese will often charge towards someone who comes too close and become quite verbal when approached by humans or other wildlife. Sometimes these “approaches” occur when the male is establishing his territory during courtship or when the goslings are small. Fox, coyote, hawks and raccoons often prey upon Goslings. Adult geese have little to fear in this
area, but in the Midwest, they are occasionally hunted by wolves. The courtship of the geese usually begins in early winter and is characterized by head bobbing and movement. Once a pair is established, the two will usually stay together for life. The female will typically begin to search and select a nesting site, often on a small hill or raised area near a lake, stream or pond. The male will “protect” the chosen site. Nest-building often begins in March and breeding shortly after that. The female lays four or five eggs and incubates them for approximately a month. When the goslings hatch, they are guarded by both parents, but start following the parents to learn how to eat and swim. Both children and adults usually eat grass, worms, insects and the occasional small fish.
Page HR1
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
the
Hyattsville Reporter No. 322 • November 11, 2015
Movin’ With the Mayor
To encourage health, and have some fun, Mayor Candace Hollingsworth is partnering with local businesses to offer free wellness classes to City of Hyattsville residents. Classes will be open to all skill levels. The first class is West African Dance, on Wednesday, November, 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Ballet, Tap & All That Jazz – 5103 Baltimore Avenue.
Dining with Mr. Claus
Can’t make it to the North Pole, but still looking to meet up with Santa this year? Well you’re in luck! Santa is spending a day here in Hyattsville. On Saturday, December 5, he will be hosting a continental breakfast and a light lunch for all who would like to join. Both breakfast and lunch include opportunities to take photos with Santa, plus a craft project for kids. Breakfast will be 9-10:30 a.m., and lunch will be 12-1:30 p.m. Each meal is $5 for anyone older than two. Santa photos will be $3, but you are welcome to take your own free of charge. We’ll be at the Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Hope to see you there!
Tree Lighting at Magruder Park
Join us on Friday, December 4, for the annual tree lighting ceremony of the Magruder Park tree! This festive outdoor event includes hot chocolate and seasonal carols to warm up your hands and hearts. We’ll also have a visit from Santa himself. The event 7-8:30 p.m. Bring the entire family and friends, as this event is free and open to the public.
Claus Applause Decorating Awards
Is your home bright with cheer during this holiday season? Or does your neighbor’s house shine so bright it puts a smile on your face? The City of Hyattsville will accept decoration award nominations November 23 through December 11. You can nominate your own house or another favorite one in the City. Please nominate online at www. hyattsville.org/ClausApplause. Good luck!
Hyattsville Elementary Coat Drive
‘Tis the season of giving, and Hyattsville Elementary School is hosting a coat drive through November 20. They kindly request donations of new or gently used coats, sweaters, raincoats, gloves, mittens, or scarves. For more information, please contact Parent Engagement Assistant Cecilia Penate, at (301) 209-5800 x 54721.
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and prescription pickup trips. We offer round trip service, from and back to your home. If you’ve never used the bus before, registration is easy and also free. Call in advance to reserve your free trip – 301-985-5000.
Heroes Bowl
Come out to the Fifth Annual Hyattsville Heroes Bowl on Saturday, November 14, at Magruder Park at 3 p.m. The Hyattsville City Police Department (the Finest) will take on the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (the Bravest). Bring a new unwrapped toy or cash donation to benefit community children who otherwise would not receive gifts this holiday season. There will be a 50-50 raffle, and refreshments and t-shirts for sale.
Free Rides for the Holidays As a holiday gift to residents, the Call-A-Bus will operate free of charge in November and December. The bus is primarily to help seniors and residents with disabilities get to their medical appointments, but we also make grocery store
Ageless Grace Senior Exercise Classes Wednesdays and Fridays (No class on Veterans Day or the week of Thanksgiving), 10 – 11 AM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-9855058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Heroes Bowl Saturday, November 14, 3 PM. Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. More information: Ruth Ann Fraizer, 301-779-5428, rafrazier@ hyattsville.org Hyattsville City Council Meeting Monday, November 16, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Breakfast & Lunch with Santa Saturday, December 5, 9 AM – 10:30; 12PM - 1:30 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@ hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Planning Committee Tuesday, November 17, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Education Advisory Committee Thursday, November 19, 6:30 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@ hyattsville.org
Senior Free Movie Monday Monday, December 7, 9 AM – 12:30 PM. Beltway Plaza, Call-A-Bus will transport. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Code Compliance Advisory Committee Wednesday, November 18, 7 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org
Tree Lighting at Magruder Park Friday, December 4, 7 PM - 8:30 PM. Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@ hyattsville.org
Hyattsville
No. 322 • 11 de noviembre, 2015
Moviendo Con La Alcaldesa
Para apoyar la salud publica, y divertirse, Alcaldesa Mayor Candace Hollingsworth y negocios locales están ofreciendo clases de ejercicio y salud gratis a los residentes de la Ciudad de hHyattsville. Las clases estarán para todos niveles. La primera es de baile del Oeste de Africa, el miércoles, 18 de noviembre, 6:30-7:30 p.m. en Ballet, Tap & All That Jazz – 5103 Baltimore Avenue.
Comer con Sr. Claus
¿No se puede ir al Polo Norte, pero todavía buscan reunirse con Santa Claus este año? ¡Pues está de suerte! Santa Claus va a pasar un día aquí en Hyattsville. La mañana incluye desayuno continental, la tarde incluye comida liviana, ambos incluyen oportunidades de fotos con Santa además un proyecto de arte para los niños. $5 por cada persona (mayor de 2 años) para el desayuno o almuerzo. Fotos de Santa serán $3, pero es bienvenido a tomar su propia foto sin cargo. Nosotros estaremos en el edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. ¡Espero verlos allí!
traer la toda la familia y amigos, como este evento es gratuito y abierto al público.
Premios Aplauso Claus
¿Es su casa brillante con alegría durante esta temporada de festividades? O esta la casa de tu vecino tan brillante que pone una sonrisa en su cara? La ciudad de Hyattsville aceptará nominaciones de decoración el 23 de noviembre hasta el 11 de diciembre. Usted puede nominar su propia casa u otro favorito en la ciudad. Utilice la forma de nominacion en www.hyattsville.org/Claus Applause. ¡Buena suerte!
Donaciones de Abrigos
Es la estación de dar y la Hyattsville Elementary esta organizando una donación de abrigos hasta el 20 de noviembre. Amablemente solicitan donaciones de abrigos nuevos o usados, suéteres, impermeables, guantes o bufandas. Para obtener más información, póngase en contacto con los padres comprometidos a asistir o Cecilia Penate, al (301) 209-5800 x 54721.
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
ción. El servicio se ofrece para ida y vuelta, desde y de regreso a su casa. Si nunca ha utilizado el bus antes, registro es fácil y además gratis. Llame para reservar su viaje gratis – 301-985-5000.
El Campeonato de Héroes
Salen a la quinta anual Hyattsville Campeonato de Héroes el sábado, 14 de noviembre, en el parque de Magruder a las 3:00 p.m. El departamento de policía de la ciudad de Hyattsville (los más finos) se llevará los bomberos voluntarios (los más valientes). Traer un nuevo juguete sin envolver o donación en efectivo en beneficio de los niños de la comunidad que de lo contrario no recibirían regalos esta temporada. Habrá una rifa de 50-50 y refrescos y camisetas para la venta.
Transporte Gratis Para Las Vacaciones
Como un regalo navideño a los residentes, el servicio de Call-A-Bus funcionará gratuitamente en noviembre y diciembre. El autobús es principalmente para ayudar a las personas mayores y residentes con discapacidad llegar a sus citas médicas, pero también hacemos viajes de recolección supermercado y prescrip-
CALENDARIO
Cooking Matters Nutritional Tour Thursday, November 19, 1:30 – 4 PM. Price Rite Grocery Store, Call-A-Bus will transport. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-9855058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
Claus Applause Holiday Contest Nominations Open Monday, November 23. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@ hyattsville.org
Reportero de
Únase a nosotros el viernes, 4 de diciembre, para la ceremonia anual de la iluminación del árbol del árbol del parque Magruder! Este evento festivo al aire libre incluye villancicos temporada y chocolate caliente para calentar las manos y los corazones. También tendremos una visita de Santa Claus mismo. El evento es de las 7:00pm - 20:30
Walmart & Dollar Tree Shopping Event Tuesday, November 17, 9 AM – 2 PM. Laurel, MD, Call-A-Bus will transport. More Information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org
Movin’ With the Mayor – West African Dance Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 – 7:30 PM. Ballet, Tap & All That Jazz, 5103 Baltimore Avenue. More information: Ellarose Preston, 301985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org
Page HR2
el
Iluminación del Árbol
CALENDAR Creative Minds Parent-Child Program Tuesdays and Thursdays (except Thanksgiving Day), 10 AM – 12 PM. Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. More information: Sarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, srauf@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
City Council Meeting Monday, December 7, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org Walmart & Dollar Tree Shopping Event Tuesday, December 8, 9 AM – 2 PM. Laurel, MD, Call-A-Bus will transport. More Information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org
Mentes Creativas Programa de padres e hijos El martes y el jueves (excepto el día de acción de gracias), 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Centro de recreación de Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Sarah Abdul-Rauf, 301985-5065, de srauf@hyattsville.org Gracia Eterna Clases de ejercicios El miércoles y el viernes (no hay clase el día de los veteranos o la semana de acción de gracias), 10 – 11:00 AM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-9855058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Campeonato de Heroés Policías vs. Bomberos Sábado, 14 de noviembre, 03:00 PM. Parque de Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Ruth Ann Fraizer, 301-779-5428, rafrazier@ hyattsville.org Reunion del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville Lunes, 16 de noviembre, 08:00 PM.Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St.. Más información: Laura Reams 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Viaje de Compras Walmart y Dollar Tree Martes, 17 de noviembre de 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Laurel, MD, Call-A-Bus transportará. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org Comité de Planificación de Hyattsville Martes, 17 de noviembre, 7:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St.Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org Moviendo con la Alcaldesa – Baile del Oeste de Africa Miércoles, 18 de noviembre, 6:30 – 7:30 PM. Ballet, Tap & All That Jazz, 5103 Baltimore Avenue. Más información: Ellarose Preston, 301985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org Reunión de la Comité de Cumplimiento del Código Miércoles, 18 de noviembre, 07:00 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St.Más información: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org
Taller Nutricional Para Mayores Jueves, 19 de noviembre, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM Price Rite Grocery Store, Call-A-Bus transportará. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-9855058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Comité Consejero de Educación de Hyattsville Jueves, 19 de noviembre de 06:30 pm. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St. Más información: Jake Rollow, 301-9855031, jrollow@Hyattsville.org Aplauso de Claus Concurso de Decoración Nominaciones abiertas lunes, 23 de noviembre, hasta el 11 de diciembre. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St.Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Iluminación del Árbol Viernes, 4 de diciembre, 7:00 PM – 08:30 PM. Parque de Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org
Desayuno y Almuerzo con Santa Claus Sábado, 5 de diciembre, Desayuno 9:00 – 10:30 AM; Almuerzo 12:00 – 1:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St. Más información y reservaciones: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@ hyattsville.org Película Gratis para Mayores Lunes, 7 de diciembre, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM. Beltway Plaza en Greenbelt, Call-A-Bus transportará. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-9855058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Reunión del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville Lunes, 7 de diciembre, 8:00 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin St.Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org Viaje de Compras Walmart y Dollar Tree Martes, 8 de diciembre de 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Laurel, MD, Call-A-Bus transportará. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
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REBECCA BENNETT Mrs. Dee runs the grill at the Ward 5 Community Day on Oct. 31. The event, held at Hyatt Park, included various community groups, a bounce house, food, information about breast cancer and domestic violence, as well as a raffle for Rosa Parks Elementary School.
Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR November 13 and 14
Browse and buy unique handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor, art and sculpture, textiles, and personal accessories at a fair trade craft fair and bake sale supported by Ten Thousand Villages. Friday 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Hyattsville Mennonite Church, 4217 East West Highway.
November 15
In this traditional German festival, people carry paper lanterns lit up with candles in a parade outside at dusk, while singing traditional lantern songs. The annual St. Martin Day Lantern Festival held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is suitable for ages 4 and up. 4512 Princeton Avenue, College Park. 301.927.3013. www.cpae. org
November 16
Closing out the fall Independent Film Series at the Hyattsville Library is Even the Rain, which explores the lasting effects of Spanish imperialism on indigenous people. A filmmaker and producer go to Bolivia to make a revisionist film about Christopher Columbus' conquest of the Americas. As filming begins, citizens protest against a multi-national corporation that is taking control of their water supply. Free. 7 p.m. screening followed by a discussion and refreshments. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
November 21
This holiday season, learn how to take your ornaments beyond the ordinary. The Home Depot's Hanging Wreath Trio workshop shows you how to festively festoon your wreaths with holiday décor, bringing some extra cheer to your hearth. 10 to 11:30 a.m. 3301 East West Highway. 301.891.1106.
November 27
Don’t want to mob-shop on Black Friday? Opening today is the 29th Annual Winter Festival of Lights, the popular holiday display featuring over a million twinkling lights. Please bring a canned good to donate. Admission per car or van is $5 for a single visit or $10 for a three-visit pass. Open daily from 5 to 9:30 p.m. until January 1. Watkins Regional Park. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456.
December 5
Browse jewelry, pottery, quilted, knitted and hand sewn items, toys, fragrant soaps, holiday ornaments and more from dozens of local artists at the 21st Anniversary Mount Rainier Craft Fair. Food and music on site. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015. Free. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joe's Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier. 301.655.5274. Ring in the season by decorating a festive wreath in this fun community workshop. Bring your own wreath; the workshop fee
of $20 will cover a host of ribbons and other materials to help you make your best wreath ever! 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park. 301.927.3013 A history-themed gathering with the Christmas icon happens the same morning at Breakfast With Sint Niklaas. Children ages 3 to 10 will meet the Flemish forerunner of Santa Claus and hear about the origin of traditions like hanging stockings by the fireplace. A Belgian-inspired menu will be presented at two seatings, 9 and 11 a.m. and reservations are required by Nov. 16, as walk-ins will be turned away. Adults, $7; children, $10. Riversdale House Museum. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420. Reindeer are old school; nowadays, the man in red uses more advanced transportation. During today’s Santa Fly-In, children can watch him land via helicopter at the historic College Park Airport and take a picture with him. Crafts and other children’s activities round out the afternoon. Noon to 4 p.m. $5 per participant. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.
December 8
The Prince George’s County Audubon Society hosts a holiday social and movie
night with A Murder of Crows. Long associated with darkness and foreboding, crows are collectively called a "murder." But they're actually monogamous, highly social and some of the most intelligent animals on the planet, as explored in this eye-opening edition of "Nature." 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. to mingle and enjoy refreshments. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.
Ongoing
The producers-only Riverdale Park Farmer’s Market has 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. Rise + Rhyme kicks off the week for the 5-and-under set with storytelling, performances and more. Admission $5. Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys & Poets, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. 301.779.2787. 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 rebecca@hyattsvillelife.com. Deadline for December submissions is November 23.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Basketball court named in honor of local coach by Chris McManes
Dick Brown’s presence continues to be felt at St. Jerome Academy. On Sept. 16, the school and parish paid homage to the late coach and teacher by naming its gymnasium floor “Dick Brown Memorial Court.” Approximately 250 people attended the ceremony. Brown coached boys basketball at St. Jerome for 40 years (19662006) and led the Jaguars varsity boys to multiple CYO division championships and two MidAtlantic city titles (‘74, ’85). His 1985 squad won four tournaments and finished 32-2. He spent his final 22 years teaching 7th- and 8th-grade religion, social studies and American history. In 1998, after many years of attending night classes, he earned a degree in history and finance from the University of Maryland University College. St. Jerome Academy Principal Mary Pat Donoghue first knew Brown when she was a student at the Hyattsville parochial school, and recalled him coaching her brothers to a championship in 1983. She said Brown was passion-
ate about education and deeply committed to the young people of St. Jerome. “His coaching techniques followed him into the classroom, with his lectures sometimes sounding like fourth-quarter exhortations to victory, as any neighboring teacher could testify,” Donoghue said during the dedication. “Mr. Brown believed that the formation of his students’ character was more important than anything else.” After Brown lost his life to cancer on July 6, 2006, Joe Sego and Charley Grau ran the Jaguar Summer Basketball Camp that Brown had established in 1986. Grau, camp codirector, was looking forward to the ceremony and reception but died unexpectedly on Aug. 30, 2015. He was remembered with a moment of silence. Sego, who succeeded Brown as St. Jerome's boys varsity basketball coach, said the dedication was a fitting honor. “Coach Brown was the foundation of St. Jerome sports and a legendary figure in Hyattsville,” Sego said. “His values and lessons are still shared with the children of St. Jerome today.”
CHRIS MCMANES Tom Ponton, DeMatha Catholic High School’s development director, speaks at the Dick Brown Memorial.
Tom Ponton, DeMatha Catholic High School’s development director, played on Brown’s first city championship team. He invited three of his teammates – Michael Jones, Kevin Connolly and former Maryland point guard Dutch Morley – to stand with him as he helped celebrate Brown’s legacy. “We always had very good teams when Mr. Brown was coaching,” said Ponton, recalling that Brown also coached him in baseball at St. Jerome and DeMatha. “There’s no way we could ever repay him for all the time
and effort that he put into us.” The most touching tribute came from Quinn Lindsay, who played basketball for Brown in 1994-95. He choked up talking about all the things Brown did to make him a better player and a better person. “There were times in my growing up I looked at him as a strong mentor, even considered him a father figure,” Lindsay said. “I loved him and I miss him.” St. Jerome Pastor Rev. Scott Hahn blessed the floor with former Pastor Rev. James Stack looking on. Sego
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drew applause when he unveiled the “Dick Brown Memorial Court” logo. Brown’s final St. Jerome team (2005-06) included Quinn Cook, a second-team All-American at Duke last year, who is trying out for the Cleveland Cavaliers; Bryon Allen, who plays professionally in Italy; and Victor Oladipo, a rising star for the Orlando Magic. Brown also coached at DeMatha for 36 seasons. From 1999-2005, he led the Stags’ JV football team to a record of 41-6-1. St. Jerome and DeMatha host the Coach Dick Brown Memorial Turkey Shootout basketball tournament each November. Tommy Berry, a Catholic University assistant basketball coach and St. Jerome graduate, attended the ceremony, as did longtime St. John the Baptist Coach Mike Landi, DeMatha’s Mike Jones and George Washington’s Mike Lonergan. “Dick was a good man,” Lonergan said. “I like seeing people like him honored.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Page 11
FLEISHERS
continued from page 1
At first, they had no intention of ever reopening the store, Fleisher said. Then a couple of summers ago, they got a wild idea to open a boardwalk restaurant in Ocean City, Md. The idea became a smaller jewelry store with a cafe in the back: sandwiches and diamonds. “I was like, ‘no, this is ridiculous,’” Pena said. “Then the idea started getting better and better.” They and their third partner,
“We had been coveting this place since before we closed the store.” — Luis Pena Fleisher's Jewelers appraiser Gary Lester, tried to find a place to reopen in the local area, but had little luck on their budget, Fleisher said. They eventually gave up on the idea of the cafe, he said. After looking at a few places in College Park, Riverdale and the City of Hyattsville, they heard that space in the Professional Building at 5200 Baltimore Avenue might soon be available. “We had been coveting this place since before we closed the store,” Fleisher said. “We’d be eating across the street [at Franklin’s], staring in here ...” Pena said. “But it was just a pipe dream.” According to the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Professional Building was built in 1905 as the First National Bank of Hyattsville. At one time, it
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REBECCA BENNETT From left to right: Two of the three Fleisher’s Jewelers partners, Luis Pena and Fred Fleisher.
housed the police department, courthouse and jail. Over the years, it served as home to business offices, commercial stores, and eventually a knitting store called A Tangled Skein. The space was most recently home to Ballet, Tap, and All That Jazz, which has since moved to a space nearby. At 1,200 square feet, the new space is roughly one third of their former Chillum space. “But, we can still do the major work we need to get done,” Pena said. It was a small price to pay for being on the ground
floor of an area being built up, he said. Finally, everything was set to open the store. They moved into the Professional Building in August of this year and had a grand opening in September. Fleisher’s Jewelers not only sells jewelry, gifts and watches. The partners said they do much more. They also carry Masonic insignia and regalia, change watch batteries and bands, and will engrave virtually any suitable item that fits in their engraving machine, which has included flasks, shotguns and card cases.
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The store also offers an appraisal service, performing appraisals for the Archdiocese of Washington, the Drug Enforcement Agency and local police. Future plans are to hold a “silver clinic” so that residents can have their silver repaired. Inspired by the Hyattsville Arts Festival and the artwork found at Franklins, the partners decided to decorate their store’s walls
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
WEST HYATTSVILLE continued from page 1
for more than a decade. Property records show Gunston Hall Realty was the last purchaser of the parcel in 1997. There was an attempt to develop the property in mid-2000's, Sponseller said, but that plan went under between 2008 and 2009 during the economic recession. The property was in bankruptcy for several years, another representative said. “Everything we are looking at doing is very largely consistent with the plans laid out back in 2005 to 2008,” Sponseller said. “And then almost an exact replica of what showed up in the [West Hyattsville Transit District Overlay Zone (TDOZ)] that was done REBECCA BENNETT by the county planning process.” Sponseller said the zoning is The proposed plan includes up to 500 apartments and townhomes adjacent to the West Hyattsville Metro Station. M-X-T, a mix of residential and commercial. He said that be- There is already a commercial these shops,” Councilmember berg, executive director of the The development team said Hyattsville Community Devel- they hope to have a submission cause the property is in the West corridor nearby, he said. Joseph Solomon (Ward 5) said. Hyattsville TDOZ, they are not “I understand that most retail “The pedestrian friendliness, opment Corporation. “This is an into the county by the end of the required to have a commercial will be on Hamilton Street, how- connectivity, and other transit exciting first step to an evolution- year, and could have expedited use on the property. He said it ever, it would be nice to have a orientations for the develop- ary change in land use around the approval by the third quarter of 2016. would likely be a mixed residen- coffee shop and baked goods ment will ultimately need to be station.” tial project, because it is boxed in right at [the] metro; and resi- strengthened before it's ready for PAID ADVERTISEMENT by the river and the train tracks. dents would certainly support prime time,” said Stuart Eisen-
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
Page 13
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Hope springs eternal, even in fall. I have gone ahead and bought crocus, grape hyacinth and Dutch iris bulbs even though I doubt I'll ever see them bloom, at least not in my own yard or where I planted them. You wrote that the squirrels go in for reforestation but the ones in my yard fancy themselves landscapers. I have seen clumps of crocus in odd spots of my own garden and suspect that some of them have ended up where my neighbors may not have planned to have any. Please, can you or one of your quirky experts tell me how to discourage squirrels from digging up my bulbs? I enjoy watching them frisk about happily, but I really can't afford to finance their fun. Going Squirrelly on Gallatin Street Dear Going Squirrelly, I feel your pain. Several years
ago, I became suspicious when I recognized what could only be the unique Rip Van Winkle daffodil blooming in a neighbor's yard while the one I had planted didn’t even peek above ground. It was unmistakable: whorls of narrow yellow petals create a tousled "bedhead" look. I asked my neighbor where she had ordered the bulb. My neighbor informed me she hadn’t planted it, and that in fact she thought it was ugly. She gave me permission to dig it up. I then firmly resolved to find a solution to squirrel theft. I discarded several repellent ones. Planting moth balls would contaminate the groundwater. Ivan Grozni provided some interesting recipes for squirrel, but I'm squeamish about touching game that might harbor lyme ticks or, if eaten, transfer a form of encephalopathy we might call “Mad Squirrel's Disease.” A humane yet effective solution
came from my Mexican sisterin-law Picante, married to my brother Meriweather. Picante comes from an area of Sonora too dry to have oaks, but it does have ground squirrels and other desert rodents. She learned to intersperse hot pepper plants in her garden to repel them. Coming to our area, she was delighted to finally enjoy a spring garden full of tulips, flowers she always loved from afar but could not grow at home. Picante inserts a number of very hot peppers in the hole with each bulb. She grows a good supply of peppers because she uses them in her cooking. I prefer to go to a wholesaler for large containers of cayenne pepper in flakes and powder, and mix it with the soil in which I plant my bulbs. I sprinkle the surface of the soil copiously with the pepper after planting, and repeat after rains until the ground freezes. I haven't seen squirrels hopping
up and down chattering imprecations, but they do seem to leave the peppery spots alone after the briefest of examinations. Although we both are treating this with a bit of whimsy, I'm sure you know that the squirrels themselves are quite earnest about their activities. They are in a hurry to prepare for winter by amassing acorns, or anything resembling acorns, to eat later. They raid each other’s caches and they dig up our bulbs. Some bulbs we never see again because they are placed in hollows and nests in trees; others we see flowering in surprising places. Because there are quite a few oak trees on Gallatin Street, residents there may well have a larger squirrel population (and problem) than elsewhere in Hyattsville. Picante claims that peppers work
well in bird feeders, too, to keep squirrels away. My contact at the Audubon Society, Jean-Jacques Avocet, is not sure anything can keep squirrels away from bird seed, but said the method was safe for birds. Birds would not taste pepper mixed with their seed, and its ingestion would not harm them. In fact, in the wild, birds are the most efficient propagators of indigenous peppers. Birds don't digest the seeds, and eliminate them in places often propitious for their germination. To discuss this and other gardening topics please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society at 10 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2015 at the home of Kim Schmidt. The address is Fox's Barn, 5108 42nd Avenue. No squirrels will be admitted.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2015
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