BLACK LIVES MATTER
NPR's Kojo Nnamdi joins race discussion at Hyattsville's Busboys and Poets. P. 4
DEMATHA'S 3-PEAT
DeMatha Football's championship victory was a true team effort. P. 7
The sacrifice of brewing craft beer
FINDING FITNESS
Fitness options vary for Hyattsville residents and their resolutions. P. 3
Life&Times & &Times
by Scarlett Salem
Washington City Paper recently posted it’s annual “Beer Issue,” reporting on the region's surging craft brewery scene. In a series of posts, beer enthusiasts highlighted the more glamorous aspects of craft brewing: the taste and taxonomy of micro-brews. But for Hyattsville resident Matt Humbard, brewing requires sacrifice. “We brew in Virginia, but are based in Hyattsville. It’s an hour commute to the brewery. Every weekend I drive out there. ... And that’s time away from my kids,” said Humbard, whose Handsome Beer label became available to the public in September. Humbard has a Ph.D. in cell biology and previously worked as a cancer researcher at the National Cancer Institute. He writes the homebrewing blog A Ph.D. in Beer. Handsome Beer is a newcomer in the world of craft brewing, and co-founder Humbard is still balancing a full-time job with his new project. “I have another source of income because I have a family. We self-finance the entire brewery, no loans, ” said Humbard. Handsome Beer’s other cofounder, Graham MacDonald, has taken on the label as a full-time job. “Yep, I'm working on this seven days a week,” he said. MacDonald, a Washington, D.C. resident,
Vol. 12 No. 12
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
Rezoning sought for controversial development Proposal allows 210 townhouses instead of only 58 detached houses
By Sam Stern
A representative for the Marvin R. Blumberg Co., which owns the Clay Property — a 12.87 acre undeveloped parcel of land south
of University Hills — presented updated development plans at the Nov. 16 Hyattsville City Council meeting. The landowner wants the city to support a proposed rezoning and a land swap.
GREASED LIGHTNING
“University Hills loves those woods. If you take them away from us, they can never be replaced,” said Ward 3 resident Jim Menasian DEVELOPMENT continued on page 8
Route 1 traffic safety continues to plague local businesses, residents By Talib I. Karim
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
BREWING continued on page 11
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
December 2015
MICHAEL DOMBROSKI The cast of Northwestern High Schoolʼs production of “Grease,” which opens Dec. 10. For a list of showtimes, check the community calendar on page 9. From Left to right in the back row: Keyon Douglas and Jonathan Palmer. From left to right in the front row: Enoch Wilson, Pedro Aviles Gamez, and Nicholas Fountain-Sykes.
As the numbers of residents and businesses along Route 1 (Baltimore Avenue) increase, so too has the incidence of traffic accidents. In the seven days between Nov. 15 and 22, Arts District residents posted on Facebook about three collisions. In one instance, a driver ran a red light and slammed into another car. After the collision, the reckless driver climbed out his car window and fled the scene, one eyewitness said. Accidents have become commonplace along Hyattsville’s share of the busy U.S. Route 1. In Maryland, Route 1 spans over 80 miles, starting in Mount Rainier and continuing through to Pennsylvania. The street’s role as a major interstate artery is a key factor in HyTRAFFIC continued on page 12
CENTER SECTION: DECEMBER 9, 2015 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
MyTwoCents Blumberg Company's re-zoning request By Ronald Pedone and Elizabeth Payer
The Marvin R. Blumberg Co. is asking the City of Hyattsville to support its request to change the zoning designation of the Clay property, the land the Company owns in the University Hills area from R-80 to R-20, a much higher density designation. Let's be honest about why the Blumberg Co. is seeking this change. With a simple designation change, the Blumberg Co. would potentially reap larger
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. 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 Sam Stern 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.
amounts of money by building and selling as many as 210 units (R-20) on the 12.87 acres. The current zoning only allows approximately 58 detached units (R-80). Let's also be equally honest about why Prince George's County and the City of Hyattsville might want to support such a zoning designation change. Both entities see the color green — more tax dollars to be collected by the county and the city if they go along with the Blumberg Co. request. Despite all the rhetoric and posturing, it's really not about maintaining the quality of life for the residents of University Hills; it's not about preserving precious green space and woods; and it's certainly not about what's best for the environment. In a word, it is about money. It's highly likely the developer would make much more money selling more units in a higher density location. And, yes, the city would take in more revenue if it decides to support the Blum-
berg Co.’s request. We would hope, though, that Hyattsville is not simply driven by a desire for a few more tax dollars. We want to believe the city wouldn't surrender to a developer's ambitions for "profit maximization.” Of course, the Blumberg Co. has the right to make as much money as it can by developing this acreage. It's in business to make a profit, a huge profit, if it can. But, should the city also be in the business of selling out the preferences of its residents simply for additional tax dollars? What a sad state of affairs it would be if the City of Hyattsville chooses to go along with such a course of action. We'd like to believe the city would reject such a choice. After long deliberations, multiple discussions with area residents, and thoughtful planning, the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission, in its September 2015 preliminary plan, recommended that the Clay property remain designated
as R-80 and not changed to a R-20 designation. Park and Planning came to this decision because it recognized that an R-80 designation is consistent with the character and feel of adjacent University Hills — single family detached homes on large lots, many of them wooded. It is our belief that there will be no lack of opportunity to buy a townhouse in the Prince George's Plaza Transit District Overlay Zone (TDOZ) area. As currently envisioned, the TDOZ includes planning for mixed-use and townhouse development. Indeed, plans for townhouse development are inundating the area. The only current designation exception is the 12-plus acres located within the University Hills community. What is so troubling or damaging about preserving the option for prospective homeowners to buy a new, single-family house within the TDOZ? New single family homeowners would pay substantial taxes, after all. We think it's vital to preserve
residential, single family housing as an alternative in our community, as well as throughout Hyattsville. We believe that zoning modifications to accommodate the building of townhouses ignore this important option. We further maintain that density proportionality should be the standard. And, we are convinced that the avalanche of townhouse units not only violates this proportionality but will also radically and severely change the character, appeal, and quality of life for those who live in University Hills. For many residents, it is a simple and straightforward matter: keep the integrity of the entire University Hills community intact. Let it remain zoned as R-80, a community traditionally known as "single family detached homes." Sometimes the best "change" is no change. Ronald Pedone and Elizabeth Payer are the President and Vice-President of the University Hills Area Civic Association (UHACA). The views expressed are theirs and do not necessarily reflect the views of UHACA or Hyattsville Community Newsaper, Inc.
NEWS BRIEFS READ THE FULL STORY AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM BIKESHARE FEASIBILITY STUDY The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is conducting a feasibility study to determine how Prince George’s County can set up a sustainable and successful bikeshare program. The study area includes the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area (inside the Beltway), the City of Greenbelt, and the National Harbor, throughout which there are many municipalities, community groups, issues and moving parts, M-NCPPC’s Fred Shaffer said. The feasibility study is expected to identify opportunities, constraints, development implementation plan and identify funding opportunities. Assistant Hyattsville City Administrator Jim Chandler said that it’s encouraging and a positive sign that the county is investing resources to look at the feasibility of a bikeshare system. “With the completion of the first phase of the Trolley Trail linking College Park to Hyattsville along the U.S. Route 1 Corridor and in the future could link into the existing [Washington,] D.C. trail system, making biking a more viable commuter alternative,”
Chandler said. Anyone with feedback can contact M-NCPPC Planner Coordinator Fred Shaffer at fred. shaffer@ppd.mncppc.org or at 301.952.3661. MD 500 STREETSCAPE PROJECT The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) said it’s $10.6 million MD 500 (Queens Chapel Road) “streetscape” project from Hamilton Street to East West Highway is 27 percent complete. The project involves improvements to sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, bike lanes, pavement resurfacing and street lighting. SHA will also convert the existing painted median into a landscaped median. SHA said crews to-date have completed construction on a significant portion of water utility and drainage work for the project. Crews will perform limited work during winter months, SHA said, and by late spring, will construct curbs, gutters and new street-lighting infrastructure. The original completion date of late 2016 was pushed back for inclusion of additional traffic signals at Belcrest Road, SHA said. Weather-permitting, SHA
expects the entire project is to be finished by late fall 2017. MUDDY BIKE TRACKS FADING The number of noticeable patches of torn up grass and muddy bike tracks where the Hyattsville Cyclocross bike race came through on Oct. 4 are diminishing. This year’s event was almost postponed because of heavy rain that had fallen the week prior. According to the City of Hyattsville, the green space will be fixed and the race course was altered to avoid the sports fields. Two days before the race, Arrow Bicycle owners and race organizers Chris Militello and Chris Davidson said they were in the park
for three hours with city officials and staff in the rain to determine how to hold the event and minimize impact by rerouting the race. “We knew there would be impact to all grass, but were already planning to seed and topdress the park at the end of the sports season, which we do every year,” Hyattsville City Administrator Tracey Nicholson said. “So, when race organizers confirmed that they could re-route the race so as not to touch any sports fields, we made the decision to host the event.” More than a month after the race, Nicholson said park visitors can still see where the race caused minimal impact, but there are many areas the city is proud to report a full recovery.
IN MEMORY OF LARRY PERRIN The Hyattsville Life & Times sends our condolences to the family of Larry Perrin of Potomac, Md., who passed away on Nov. 24. Perrin, a realtor, placed a full-page advertisement on our back page in every issue since this publication was founded more than 11 years ago. His ads were always memorable for their clever slogans and vivid images, the products of a long and fruitful collaboration with our page designer. Larry had a longer association with the paper than any of our current staff, volunteers or board members, and will be greatly missed.
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Get fit in 2016 By Maria James
For many, Jan. 1 is a reminder of the previous year's failed efforts to successfully lose weight. Losing weight almost always tops the list of New Year’s resolutions set. Often barriers to achieving this goal can be summed up in one of three words: time, cost or motivation. The good news is that Hyattsville offers uniquely different options that appeal to every fitness level, from the couch-to-gym type to the fitness enthusiast. Get ready to tackle those barriers and accomplish your health and fitness goals for 2016. Looking for motivation? Consider hiring a personal trainer or taking classes at LA Fitness, located at 2970 Belcrest Center Drive. “We have four personal trainers on staff and they are all certified,� said operations manager Ashley Goodwin. Once certified, Goodwin said all trainers are required to take classes to stay up-to-date on the latest in health and fitness. The gym offers a variety of classes — everything from Zumba to aqua aerobics. A full schedule can be found online at www.LAFitness.com. In addition to physical needs, LA Fitness also addresses practical needs, such as child care. Kids Klub is a fun and safe place for kids to stay while parents workout. Cost is an extra $10 per child per month or a drop-in fee of $5. For those who feel the itch to try something completely new, visit Hyattsville’s newest gym, iLoveKickboxing, at 6451 America Blvd, Suite 104. The Hyattsville location is the company’s first to be located in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Manager Radames Arocho encourages those considering joining to be unfazed by the name. “This is kickboxing for fitness, not combat,� said Arocho. “Our classes cater to all fitness levels. During the class, you can go at your own pace.� The gym, which opens at the end of December, will offer several hourlong classes. Thanks to heavy mar-
keting on social media, the gym already has over 600 people registered to take classes. The current special is three classes at $19.99 or five classes at $29.99, and includes a free set of boxing gloves. Visit www.ilovekickboxing.com to learn how to join. Nearby on Landover Road and also on Greenbelt Road is Planet Fitness. For just $10 per month members have access to the gym 24 hours a day, seven days per week. “We’re busy all year round, but it really picks up in January and February,� said Assata Coward, general manager of Planet Fitness. “The main thing is we help members understand this is a lifestyle change.� Another cost-friendly and convenient option is Fitness Evolution, located in the Mall at Prince Georges. Members pay $9.99 per month for a basic membership or $19.99 per month for a premium membership that includes unlimited fitness classes, guest privileges and nationwide club access. If a gym is not your scene, there are other local opportunities to get moving. Several yoga studios offer a range of classes: Love Yoga on Baltimore Avenue, Yoga Space on Gallatin Street and Bikram (Hot) Yoga on Queensbury Road in Riverdale Park. Ballet, Tap and All That Jazz dance studio offers several fitness classes for adults. Zumba is available at both the Prince George’s Plaza Community Center and Wells Ice Rink. Arrow Bicycle organizes a Sunday group ride, which meets at 5108 Baltimore Avenue at 9 a.m. The City of Hyattsville also holds Ageless Grace seated exercise classes at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at the Hyattsville Municipal Building. And the city just began a series of free “Movin' with the Mayor� classes, which will bring Tai Chi with Dancing in Silence to the Hyattsville Municipal Building on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. Visit www.hyattsville.org for other upcoming classes.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Black Lives Matter: A discussion of the movement in Prince George’s County By Brianna Rhodes
Prince George’s County is home to the the wealthiest AfricanAmerican majority community in the nation, according to WAMU 88.5’s Kojo Nnamdi. “It’s also got struggling schools, poverty, and long-running tensions between police and minority residents,” he said. Police relations, education, youth concerns, and economic issues were a few topics discussed at an open forum event held at Busboys and Poets in Hyattsville on Nov. 17. The event, hosted by Nnamdi, provided an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions about the Black Lives Matter Movement in Prince George’s County. Erica Totten, with Black Lives Matter DMV, said the local chapter began in Jan. 2015 when organizers felt the movement focused too heavily on black men. “So when we say ‘black lives matter,’ we mean all black lives,” she said. “The national conversation on race certainly has an effect here in our county, if for no
ton said. “What I plan to introduce next year is to ensure that that doesn’t happen anymore in the State of Maryland, that there is community service within training for all police agents in Maryland and Prince George’s County.” “We think some of the ways to [resolve issues] are through jobs, through connections to community, and through other increased opportunities by building the social fabric and the safety net of fabric for children and youth in communities to be able to respond to and depend on,” said Tonia Wellons from the Prince George’s Social Innovations Fund. Residents also shared their BRIANNA RHODES views on the definition of black Kojo Nnamdi and facilitators discussing issues amongst African-American residents in Prince George's County. power and the successes of the Black Lives Matter Movement other reason because our coun- that are ill-funded, schools are so many different ways we since it began. ty is a predominantly black that are actually being closed can improve community polic“Young people need to take accounty,” said Jonathan Hutto in our county, police brutality, ing” said Maryland State Dele- tion,” said Lois Velle from Bowie from the Prince George’s Peo- and police harassment — all gate Alonzo Washington (D-22). about young people being aware ple’s Coalition. “And although the issues that you read about “The first interaction for a of the movement. we have the ... label of being and hear about all take place trained police officer and the cit- “I was a student activist in the the richest in terms of black in Prince George’s County,” he izens of Prince George’s County 60s. Now it’s their turn to carry residents per capita through- said. is when they are now licensed the torch. Young people have gotout the United States, pockets “In the State of Maryland and police officers [after eight ten too comfortable and don’t reof poverty, pockets of schools Prince George’s County, there months of training],” Washing- alize what’s going on,” said Velle.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Page 5
CulturalConnections Learning English transformed one Paraguayan immigrant’s experience by Julia Gaspar-Bates
Javier Culzoni’s childhood in Asunción, Paraguay set the stage for his eventual immigration to the U.S. His mother, a dancer, frequently traveled around the world for several months at a time. Consequently, Culzoni said he and his brother grew up “with two different faces,” as relatives would care for them during their mother’s absences. “At my house, there were always 10-12 people every day and on weekends. We would all get together and spend time having a BBQ. I miss that a lot,” he said. When Culzoni was 15, his parents separated and his father moved to the U.S. Until moving here 11 years later, he saw his father only during a visit to Paraguay. In 2000, Culzoni was playing semi-professional soccer and decided to join his dad in the U.S. “When I came here, I was living in RockvilIe. I worked in construction and played soccer in amateur leagues in Maryland.
They would pay me $100 per game. I would save the money to enroll in English classes,” he said. The first year was hard. Culzoni consciously tried to cultivate friendships with Americans. “Because that would help me learn and listen and appreciate [English] better,” he said. His initial motivation to learn English occurred following an encounter in a grocery store when he had difficulty communicating with the cashier. “After I left, a [Latino customer] came out and gave me her phone number because she wanted me to call her. At that moment, I realized that I needed to learn English, ” he said. There were other learning curves for him. “The pace of life is slow in Paraguay, and people show up late for meetings. It’s disrespectful in the U.S. if you show up late. Here you can lose business or your job for being late,” he said. Javier misses the warmth of the Paraguayan people. “They will invite you to their house for a BBQ or birthday party. Even if they don't
JULIA GASPAR-BATES Javier Culzoni
know you but a friend invites you, you’re welcome. Everybody shares everything. Here, sometimes you don’t stop to appreciate, you just work, work, work and you miss things that you don’t realize because you’re so focused on working and not enjoying. In Paraguay, people aren’t worried about working. If you try hard enough, you can just live comfortably,” he said.
Another aspect of the U.S. he said shocked him in a good way is the diversity of people from different countries. “When you come here and don’t speak the language, you’re afraid that people will make fun of you. But that’s not the case, people try to understand you and communicate with you and help you to learn,” he said. Javier, his American wife and young child relocated to Hyattsville from Annapolis to be closer to his mother, who now lives in Silver Spring, Md. “We knew that Hyattsville was an artsy town and we like that ambiance, with old houses. You don’t really have to go to D.C. because you have things here and everything is within walking distance. I like the diversity mostly,” he said. Javier recently visited Paraguay with 595 Entertainment, an organization he co-founded, to solicit support from government agencies to set up team-building challenge courses throughout the country. “We want to create socio-economic growth in smaller cities to help sup-
port local small businesses. I saw a lot of economic progress. Everything changed,” he said. Observing changes at home was not the only change Javier experienced. “I felt like a stranger, like I don’t belong [in Paraguay] anymore. Even though I want to retire there, I don’t think I’ll be able to adjust to that life anymore. It is like a mixed emotion sensation. I feel like I’m American now,” he said. In fact, since 2013 Javier has been an American citizen. “It wasn’t an easy process, but in the end it’s good satisfaction. If I start thinking about where I came from and how I got here — how I wasn’t able to speak English, to become an American is really nice. It’s the fruit of my sacrifices from leaving my country, my family,” he said. Julia Gaspar-Bates is a crosscultural trainer and consultant. “Cultural Connections” is devoted to bringing forth the voices of immigrants and other foreigners who have settled in Hyattsville.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Bricks&Mortar
Hitched to Hitching Post Hill By Gray OʼDwyer
Randy and Rose Fletcher were already married when they bought Hitching Post Hill, an historic estate in the University Hills neighborhood of Hyattsville. What they didn’t know was that owning a historic house is like getting married again — there are good days, bad days, and a lot of in-between days, and to keep it all going you need equal doses of patience and love. And just like a marriage, you can’t go it alone. You need people to lean on, who have the knowledge and expertise to help you
get through the rough times. The Fletchers learned this the hard way during the earthquake in Aug. 2011, when they came home to find shattered plaster, broken bricks and a house in ruins. Repairing their historic home was an enormous task, one that tested their resources and their resolve. That’s when they discovered the Historic Preservation Grant Fund, administered by the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). The commission provides grant money and expert resources, among other incentives, to help with historic
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REBECCA BENNETT Randy and Rose Fletcher have applied for a Historic Preservation Grant to help finish porch repairs and work on water damage in the basement walls at Hitching Post Hill.
preservation efforts. Now the couple is seeking additional funding and in October, the Hyattsville City Council voted to write a letter of support for the Fletcher’s latest grant application. Hitching Post Hill is an important piece of local history, built ca. 1840 in the Greek Revival style with elements of Italianate design. It was later owned by General Edward Fitzgerald Beale, a colorful figure from a distinguished Maryland family. Beale was an explorer, diplomat, general, naval officer, surveyor, and humanitarian who pioneered Western settlement and championed American Indian rights in Washington, D.C. During Beale’s tenure, the house hosted President U.S. Grant and his Arabian stallions, President Grover Cleveland, and Buffalo Bill
Cody’s entire Wild West troupe. The house was improved over the years by successive owners, but also saw hard use. Admiral Chauncey Thomas added solid brass plumbing in the 1890s, and master plasterer John Giannetti made the ceilings into works of art in the 1980’s. Later on, the house suffered significant wear and damage when it was used for many years as a boarding house for University of Maryland students. Randy Fletcher was head-overheels in love when he found Hitching Post Hill. He grew up in Connecticut, surrounded by historic buildings and badly wanted to own a home with patina and charm. Rose Fletcher was a bit more skeptical, mostly because her family is Italian and know all about living in really old homes — some of her relatives live in a house built in the 15th Century.
They knew that restoring an historic home would be a project, but they didn’t plan for an earthquake, or the rotted porch, which collapsed during a cocktail party with 20 guests on it, or any number of other issues. They discovered that Giannetti, who was past president of the Prince George’s County Historical Society, had donated a historic preservation easement on the house, which protects the exterior from major alteration and requires architectural review for most construction projects. An easement is a terrific legal tool to rein in unscrupulous owners, but also makes doing the right thing a little harder. Replacing the rotted porch wasn’t simply a matter of a trip to the hardware store. The Fletchers had to source tongue-and-groove heart pine decking to match the existing wood and replace damaged columns with exact replicas. It was costly, but Giannetti steered them toward the Historic Preservation Grant Fund and MNCPPC’s staff of architectural historians for help. Then, when the earthquake hit, the Fletchers had no choice but to turn again to the local preservation network to guide them through the difficult and expensive restoration process. They’re applying again this year to help finish the porch repairs and work on brick spalling in the basement walls. The Fletchers are confident that they’re doing something important to keep local history alive. As with any marriage, it’s their love for the house — along with some community support and practical resources — that keeps them going through the tough times.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Page 7
Strong bond helps DeMatha win their third-straight WCAC football championship By Chris McManes
DeMatha Catholic High School football players were already close to one another. As they prepared for the Nov. 22 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship, their solidarity increased. “We became closer at our last practice,” senior defensive end and Penn State recruit Shane Simmons said. “We expressed our feelings about the team. There were a lot of tears and stuff about how we feel about each other. That really helped us bond.” That togetherness was on full display in the title game when the Stags dismantled archrival Good Counsel, 48-17. The victory was DeMatha’s 23rd league title and third-
straight WCAC championship. Senior cornerback Robbie Robinson, who’s heading to Arizona State, was in his first year at the Hyattsville school. “I came up here five months ago not really knowing what I was getting into, but I bonded with everybody on the team,” Robinson said. “I can call everybody my brother. … To win a championship with your brothers means a lot.” To reign supreme, the Stags had to overcome a midseason loss and disciplinary problems that sent some players to the bench. And, loaded with Division I talent, they carried the weight of high expectations. “Keeping your kids focused and making sure they come out and
EDWARD POTSKOWSKI DeMatha Stags celebrate the last of seven touchdowns scored in the championship game.
produce every game is tough,” DeMatha Coach Elijah Brooks said. “But I thought our boys handled it
as well as they could, and I’m really proud of the way they finished the season.” The Stags began the year with victories over two of Florida’s reigning state champions, 38-14 over Miami Central and 23-22 at American Heritage in Plantation, Fla. The first game was televised nationally by ESPN, and the wins propelled DeMatha to a No. 3 national ranking. The Stags improved to 4-0 with home victories over La Salle of Pennsylvania and St. Mary’s Ryken. Top-ranked locally, DeMatha travelled to No. 7 St. John’s and manhandled the Cadets, 40-0. The Stags’ defense didn’t allow a point in 10 consecutive quarters. After a 52-47 shootout victory at
Bishop McNamara, DeMatha met Gonzaga in a battle of unbeaten teams. ESPN2 beamed the Purple Eagles’ 24-14 win across America. The Stags hurt themselves by committing four turnovers and 11 penalties. As Brooks gathered his dejected players, he told them they were still going to win the championship. He was right. In the first round of the WCAC playoffs, DeMatha made it 22 in a row over St. John’s, 42-21. This set up another championship showdown with Good Counsel. Maryland recruit Lorenzo Harrison ran for 243 yards and three touchdowns, and the Stags’ defense scored off a Robinson fumble recovery and an Austin Fontaine interception return. “Gonzaga kind of slowed us down, but we went back to practice and knew that wasn’t the real DeMatha playing,” Harrison said. “We just came out and got ourselves together and continued to dominate.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
the
Hyattsville Reporter No. 324 • December 9, 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 next class is a Tai Chi Class, on Saturday, December, 18, 1:00-2:00 p.m. con Dancing in Silence, Inc. at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. For more information, please contact Ellarose Preston at 301-985-5006 or epreston@ hyattsville.org.
Claus Applause Decorating Awards
Is your home bright with cheer during this holiday season? Or does your neighbor’s house shine so much it puts a smile on your face? The City of Hyattsville will accept decoration award nominations through December 11. You can nominate your own house or another favorite one in the City. Please use the nomination online at www.hyattsville.org/ClausApplause. Good luck!
Free Rides for the Holidays
As a holiday gift to residents, the Call-A-Bus will operate free of charge in December. The bus is primarily to help seniors and residents with disabilities get to their medical appointments, but we also make grocery store 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 – 301-985-5020.
Free all Year – University of Maryland Shuttle Bus Route 113 of the University of Maryland Shuttle Bus loops through Hyattsville, stops at the Prince George’s Plaza Metro, and then heads to the University. Hyattsville residents can get a
pass to ride free by bringing photo ID and proof of residence to the Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Passes are issued the same day. Route maps and schedules are available at www.dots.umd.edu.
Hiring Police Officers
Interested in becoming a Hyattsville Police Officer? The Hyattsville Police Department is currently recruiting experienced officers and others interested in starting a career in law enforcement. The City offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. For more information please visit www.hyattsville.org/jobs.
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
Civilian Police Academy
Residents are invited to apply for an 11week course to increase communication and collaboration with the Hyattsville Police. The class takes place Thursday evenings starting January 14. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and pass a background check. For an application or more information, please contact Corporal James Denault at 240-286-6047 or jdenault@hyattsville.org.
The annual Sonny Frazier Toy Drive is now underway. The drive collects toys for children in the community who would not otherwise receive holiday presents. Residents may donate new, unwrapped toys until December 9. Monetary contributions are also welcome. Please contact Councilmember Ruth Ann Frazier at 301-779-5428 for more information.
City offices will be closed on Friday, December 25, and Friday, January 1. Those TWO weeks, changes to the trash, yard waste and leaf collection schedule are as follows: No leaf removal No yard waste pickup on Mondays Tuesday trash route will be collected on Monday Wednesday trash route will be collected on Tuesday Thursday trash route will be collected on Wednesday Friday trash route will be collected on Thursday
Ageless Grace Senior Exercise Classes Wednesdays and Fridays (No class on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day), 10 AM – 11 AM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
Environment Committee Meeting Wednesday, December 16, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Groves, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com Price Rite Nutritional Tour Thursday, December 17, 2 PM- 4 PM Price Rite Grocery Store Shopes at Queens Chapel, 3104 Queens Chapel Road More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville
No. 324 • 9 de diciembre, 2015
Moviendo Con La Alcaldesa
Para apoyar la salud publica, y divertirse, Alcaldesa Candace Hollingsworth y negocios locales están ofreciendo clases de ejercicio y salud gratis a los residentes de la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Las clases estarán para todos niveles. La proxima es de Tai Chi el sabado, 18 de diciembre, 1:00-2:00 p.m., con Dancing in Silence, Inc., en el Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street. Para mas informacion, por favor contacte a Ellarose Preston en 301-9855006 o epreston@hyattsville.org.
hacemos viajes de recolección supermercado y prescripción. 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 – 301-985-5020.
Gratis Todo el Año – Bus de la Universidad de Maryland
Ruta 113 del bus de la Universidad de Maryland circula por Hyattsville, para en el estacion de Metro de Prince George’s Plaza, y sigue hasta la Universidad. Residentes de Hyattsville pueden conseguir una tarjeta para usarlo gratis si lleve identificacion con foto y prueba de residencia en la Ciudad al Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street, lunes a viernes, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Dan tarjetas la misma dia. Mapas y horarios de rutas estan disponibles en www.dots.umd.edu.
Transporte Gratis Para Las Vacaciones
Holiday Trash, Yard Waste and Leaves
Claus Applause Holiday Decorating Contest Judging Wednesday, December 16, 6 PM- 9 PM More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org
Reportero de
¿Brilla su casa 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 hasta el 11 de diciembre. Usted puede nominar su propia casa u otro favorito en la ciudad. Utilice la forma de nominación en el página web: www.hyattsville.org/ClausApplause. ¡Buena suerte!
Sonny Frazier Toy Drive
Page HR2
el
Premios Aplauso Claus
Como un regalo navideño a los residentes, el servicio de Call-ABus funcionará gratuitamente en diciembre. El autobús es principalmente para ayudar a las personas mayores y residentes con discapacidad llegar a sus citas médicas, pero también
Contratando Policias
¿Tiene interes en ser Policia de Hyattsville? El Departmento esta reclutando
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
policias con experiencia y personas con interes en ser policia. La Ciudad ofrece salarios competitivos y beneficios excelentes. Para mas information, por favor, visite www.hyattsville.org/jobs.
Colecta de Juguetes Sonny Frazier
La Colecta de Juguetes anual de Sonny Frazier ya esta abierta. Colecta juguetes para niños en la comunidad que no recibieran regalos de otra manera. Residentes pueden donar juguetes nuevos, desenvueltos hasta el 9 de diciembre. Donaciones de efectivo tambien son bienvenidos. Por favor, contacte a Consejal Ruth Ann Frazier en 301-779-5428 para mas informacion.
Recoleccion de Basura, Residuos de Jardin y Hojas Durante Las Fiestas
Oficinas de la Ciudad estaran ceraddos el viernes, 25 de diciembre, y el viernes, 1 de enero. Estas DOS semanas, los cambios al Horario de Recolección de Basura están abajo: No recolección de hojas No lunes recolección de residuos del jardín Ruta de basura de martes se recolecta el lunes Ruta de basure de miércoles se recolecta el martes Ruta de basura de jueves se recolecta el miercoles Ruta de basura de viernes se recolecta el jueves
Academia de Policia para Residentes
Residentes estan invitados a solicitor para un curso de 11 semanas para mejorar comunicaciones y colaboracion con la Policia de Hyattsville. La clase ocure cada jueves en la tarde empezando el 14 de enero. Para participar, debe tener 18 años y pasar una verificación de antecedentes. Para una solicitud o mas informacion, por favor, contacte a Corporal James Denault en 240-286-6047 o jdenault@hyattsville.org.
CALENDARIO
CALENDAR Creative Minds Parent-Child Program Tuesdays and Thursdays (last day December 17), 10 AM – 12 PM Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street More information: Saarah AbdulRauf, 301-985-5065, srauf@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Movin’ With the Mayor – Tai Chi Class Saturday, December 19, 6:30 – 7:30 PM Dancing in Silence, 4413 Tuckerman Street; More information: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org
Board of Supervisors of Elections Meeting Tuesday, January 5, 4 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville. org
City Council Meeting Monday, December 21, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
City Council Budget Work Session Tuesday, January 12, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville. org
Seniors Free Movie Monday Monday, January 4, 9 AM – 12:30 PM Beltway Plaza; 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 (17 de diciembre en el ultimo dia), 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Centro de recreación de Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street Más información: Saarah AbdulRauf, 301-985-5065, de srauf@ hyattsville.org Gracia Eterna - Clases de ejercicios El miércoles y el viernes (no hay clase en la navidad o dia de año nuevo), 10 AM – 11 AM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
Consideracion de Las Decoraciones de Casas Miércoles, 16 de Diciembre, 6 PM - 9 PM Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Reunion del Comite del Medioambiente Miércoles, 16 de Diciembre, 7 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Jim Groves, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com Price Rite Tour Nutricional Jueves, 17 de Diciembre, 2 PM- 4 PM Price Rite Grocery Store Shopes at Queens Chapel, 3104 Queens Chapel Road Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
Movin’ With the Mayor – Tai Chi Class Sabado, 19 de Diciembre, 1 PM – 2 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org
Reunion de La Mesa de Supervisores de Elecciones Martes, 5 de Enero, 4 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville. org
Reunión del Consejo Municipal Lunes, 21 de Diciembre, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Reunion de Trabajo del Presupuesto del Consejo Municipal Martes, 12 de Enero, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville. org
Pelicula Gratis Para Mayores Lunes, 4 de Enero, 9 AM – 12:30 PM Beltway Plaza; Call-A-Bus transportará Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
DEVELOPMENT continued from page 1
during public comment. The applicant’s vision for rezoning to R-20 includes building a community that aligns with the Plan Prince George’s 2035 vision for the Hyattsville downtown area. “As amended by the Transit Development District Plan (TDDP), the R-20 Zone generally allows for single-family attached residential dwelling units,” landowner representatives said in a letter to the city regarding the property. The R-20 zone would allow the Clay Property to have up to 210 units. The property is currently zoned as R-80, which would allow for up to approximately 58 units, according to Chris Hatcher Esq., a legal representative for the landowner. The property is currently being considered for inclusion in the Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Overlay Zone (TDOZ). A zoning map amendment to include the Clay Property is in the process of being approved by the county. Councilmember Tom Wright (Ward 3) said he didn’t understand why the developer wants the property rezoned since the updated Prince George’s Plaza TDDP recommends it stay R-80. Hatcher said the other outlying
residential areas were also zoned R-20, so this would keep the Clay Property consistent with the other areas in the TDOZ. He also said the Prince George’s Plaza TDDP does not allow for cul-de-sacs; though, the University Hills neighborhood includes several cul-de-sacs. The Prince George’s Plaza TDDP requires that all streets connect to existing public roads, which is something University Hills residents have expressed concern about. Hatcher said they submitted two land swap proposals to the Maryland-National Capital Parks & Planning Commission, both of which border the Clay Property square just south of historic Ash Hill (Hitching Post Hill). The first proposal was unfavorable for the developers, because they found it included park land that would require a substantial amount of time to transfer. The second proposal swaps that same Clay Property square with a parcel of similar size directly south and west of the square (see photo). Hatcher said they met with the parks department in October, and that the proposals are currently under review. Hatcher said the swap would put more preserved space in between the development and the historic property, and that it would also prevent the required
RDA ENGINEERING CO. The second of two land swap proposals between the property owner and the Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission.
connection to Rosemary Lane. “Whatever you recommend, ensure to the greatest extent possible that the ambience and the view of Ash Hill ... would be preserved,” Gloria Felix-Thompson, representing the Hyattsville Preservation Association, told the council. “I think [the developers] ignore all of the environmental
concerns that have been raised throughout this entire process by many stakeholders, not just the environmental committee,” Ward 3 resident Alyson Reed said. “I think the proposal is a misguided attempt to allay the concerns of some of the residents who live in immediate vicinity to the Clay Property.” Councilmember Patrick Pas-
WINTER
INVIERNO: CADA MIÉRCOLES Y VIERNES
DEC. FEB. 26TH
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chall (Ward 3) said if there is no land swap, it leaves the entire area open to being developed in the ways that are currently permitted, which he said residents have concerns about. At press time, the topic was listed as a discussion item for the Dec. 7 City Council meeting. Visit www.HyattsvilleLife.com for more information.
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR December 10, 11, 18 and 19
The Jim Henson Academy of Visual and Performing Arts at Northwestern High School is proud to present "Grease," the classic ‘50’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Musical. More than just a fun high school musical about dating and cars, "Grease" tells a tale that everyone can relate to. It is a story about young people creating a second family at school, struggling to figure out their place in the world, and endeavoring to be “the one that you want.” 7 p.m. $7; students and seniors $5. Northwestern High School Auditorium, 7000 Adelphi Road. 301.985.1820.
December 11
Join Fleisher’s of Maryland for an intimate jazz concert featuring Sandro Albert and Jeanne Gies from New York City. $30. 8 p.m. 5200 Baltimore Avenue. Seating limited, call 301.699.5553 for reservations.
December 12
Don’t get stuck at crowded malls this season buying generic gift sets for your loved ones. Come to the Brentwood Arts Exchange Holiday Craft Fair and Beer Tasting Lounge! Thirteen Fine Craft artisans from the community will be displaying their items for sale inside our warm and cozy gallery and classroom. A wide selection of fine craft items will be available such as pottery, jewelry, textiles, glass, ornaments, and much more. In addition to the craft sale, there will be a beer tasting lounge. 11
THE HL&T IS HIRING! Want to be a part of our award-winning team? Here’s your chance. MANAGING EDITOR The Hyattsville Life & Times is looking for a journalist, writer and/or editor to write, edit copy and work with our writers to see story ideas through to print. This is a work-from-home, flexible, part-time contract position with a monthly stipend and no benefits. For a full job description, qualifications and to apply, visit www.HyattsvilleLife.com/ managingeditor.
a.m. to 4 p.m. Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood. Design and create your dream house out of graham crackers, candy, and frosting at the Gingerbread House Holiday Hullabaloo. Then create your own one of a kind ornament just in time for the holidays! Bring an optional donation of a new unwrapped toy for local families. Free. Noon to 3 p.m. 3711 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier. Do you ever watch musicals and wish you lived in a world where people burst into song on public transportation? Sing Christmas carols on the trolley rides that conclude the Annual Riverdale Park Festival of Lights and Holiday Market. Feature holiday gifts and live music from noon to 8 p.m. Santa will arrive via fire truck and stay from 2 to 5 p.m. The trolley rides, which run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (last one departing at 7:30 p.m.), are free with a donation of a canned good. 6200 Rhode Island Avenue, Riverdale Park. 301.927.6381. A touchstone for every generation, Star Wars and its epic tale
of the hero’s journey, captures our imaginations. In Studio SoHy’s latest installment, May the Art be with You: A Tribute to a Galaxy Far, Far Away, artists explore their own experiences and interpret Star Wars' impact upon the American milieu. $15; kids 12 and under free. 7 to 11 p.m. Studio SoHy, 4327 Gallatin Street.
December 12 to 19
The National Capital Trackers model-railroad club returns to the College Park Aviation Museum with its Holiday Trains and Planes exhibit. See it during regular museum hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free with museum admission. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.
December 16
Join us this December as Connect the Dots Dance Company presents an interactive performance of excerpts from The Nutcracker. Enjoy beautiful costumes and music as we explore ballet at the library! Free. 6 p.m. Hyattsville Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
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December 18 and 19
Head to Publick Playouse for a Mistletunes Rock N’ Roll Multicultural Holiday Celebration, including the Gift of the Magi, The Nutcracker, Kwanzaa Kite, and Soul of a Menorah. Sing along in this show packed with everyone’s favorite holiday songs and learn more about how customs such as lighting candles, exchanging gifts, festive meals and family gatherings are universal to end-of-the-year holidays. Friday at 11 a.m. Saturday at 2 p.m. 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. 301.277.1710.
December 19 and 20
The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) is planning another year of jolly ol’ fun with Santa Runs! Saint Nick will ride around on a fire truck in the City of Hyattsville and University Park. Free. 4:30 to 8 p.m. Weather make-up date Dec. 21. Sign your block up, get notifications or see the planned routes at www.hvfd.com/santa-run. HVFD said they cannot guarantee they can visit every block requested.
December 30
Close out the year by seeing
Riversdale by Candlelight, where residents from three eras of Riversdale's history welcome guests to the candlelit museum for tours, refreshments, live music, and children's activities. $5; free for ages 12 and under. 6 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.
December 27
Join in the traditional storytelling, song and ceremony in a joyous Kwanzaa celebration presented by Queen Nur at "KWANZAA-IT’S KUJICHAGULIA!" $20 per person; $15 for students, seniors and groups of 20 or more. 4 p.m. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. 301.277.1710.
ONGOING
See the Annual Winter Festival of Lights from the comfort of your heated car as you drive through the Watkins Regional Park display, which features over a million 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 through January 1 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456.
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Page 10
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
SecondhandNews
LAUREN FLYNN KELLY The Hyattsville Compassion Center supports local families in need with food, clothing and spiritual guidance.
Give back by “shopping” your local church by Lauren Flynn Kelly
When patronizing a big-box thrift store, it’s often unclear who you’re helping in the process. Will the proceeds from your purchase benefit charities nearby? Will your donated clothes be sent abroad to people in need? Sometimes you just don’t know, especially when that store is owned by a for-profit, privately held company.
At the Hyattsville Compassion Center, however, the mission is clear: support local families in need with food, clothing and spiritual guidance. Located on the campus of the Redeemer Lutheran Church at the intersection of East West Highway and Queens Chapel Road, it is one of 10 thrift and donation centers of the Lutheran Mission Society (LMS) in the Maryland and southern Pennsylvania region.
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Not technically a store, the nonprofit center accepts “donations for handling” for like-new items that include clothing and shoes for all ages, linens and housewares, accessories, books and magazines. Center Coordinator Anita Whetstone said she finds that many people come in for the basics — kitchen items like a blender or a barely worn winter coat. The Center even distributes diapers at an extremely discounted han-
dling fee of 10 cents per diaper. “We’re always conscious of who our visitors are and what their needs might be. It’s how we decide what to put out,” she said. The center is open Tuesdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. But on Saturdays, something very special happens. On these “ministry days,” the center sees clients who cannot afford to make donations for their clothing, and supplies each family up to a certain amount of clothing and food. They can also visit with a pastor, and see a “faith community” nurse, Jeanine McGrath, who provides medical or nutritional advice and performs simple tasks, such as blood
HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE
pressure checks. The food donations may come from church members collected on Sunday after service, when a grocery cart is placed outside the sanctuary with notecards explaining its purpose and a shopping list, from members of the nearby Trinity Lutheran Church in Mount Rainier or from LMS headquarters. Anyone is welcome to donate non-perishable food items or make clothing and other donations to the thrift center. The center is now collecting contributions for its annual “Miracle of Christmas,” and on Dec. 18 will distribute food and gift boxes for eight chosen clients, two of which have been “adopted” by Trinity and by a local couple, respectively, to cover all their food and gift needs for the holiday. “The beauty of this ministry is that some of the clients that have been helped through here, they come back and donate when they’re back on their feet,” said Whetstone. “And we have a very healthy donation cycle. We are getting tons of donations, which is the lifeblood that keeps us going.” Since becoming the center coordinator in June, one of Whetsone’s goals has been to boost the amount of volunteers. Whetstone and her staff make sure that the items being displayed are high-quality and not excessively worn or dirty. With relaxing classical music and seasonal displays to boot, visiting the Hyattsville Compassion Center is a pleasant “shopping” experience overall.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
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BREWING
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has worked the past several years in the D.C. restaurant scene as a manager and beer director. “Most of my time is currently spent visiting with bars and restaurants in the area. … We're an extremely small company, only him and me, so there's plenty for me to do.” Their business partnership has found a working equilibrium, which can be summarized simply. “I make beer, he sells beer,” Humbard said. “He’s a good person to have in the sales arena because he is ... thoughtful and outgoing. I’m a scientist. I’m analytical and thorough.” Humbard, who has over 10 years of experience home brewing, brews and packages the beer, then ensures it gets to the distributor. Handsome Beer’s reception has been favorable. Washington City Paper cited it as an up-and-coming option for local beer enthusiasts. “The beer has been served in about 30 different locations at this point and sells out quite quickly at each location and there are no complaints. We are new so we are just trying to put it in the market,” said Humbard. “When it [the beer] shows up places, it sells out fast. The trick is getting us into places. There are two of us, [it’s] not a big workforce.” “I’ve had two of their beers: Strange Charm and the Galaxy Saison,” said Hyattsville resident Andrew Geffken. “Both beers are good, well-made and will appeal to beer drinkers in the area.” Geffken is a co-founder of the Baltimorebased Charm City Meadworks, a brewery that specializes in craft mead. “I enjoy drinking brown ales in the fall as the weather cools, so the Strange Charm really hit the spot,” Geffken said. Town Center Market in Riverdale Park, Md. hosted its Handsome Beer Release Event on Oct. 2. Store co-owner Ted Spiropoulos, who also orders the majority of the craft beer they sell, was pleased to feature a new local brewery at the event. “I didn’t know about them until our salesman told us they were local and we love supporting local breweries,” he said. All six kegs were sold out at the event. Spiropoulos said the beer was “well-received.” A handful of unveiling events have attracted a healthy assortment of press coverage from Urban Scrawl to an industry leading website, www.americancraftbeer. com. Handsome Beer’s preliminary success has withstood its share of challenges. The paperwork alone took a year and a half to complete. Then there was the issue of where to brew. Humbard said that in a traditional micro-brewery, the official address is wherever the beer is brewed. For licensing purposes, Humbard’s Hyattsville home serves as the brewery’s official address. “We didn’t have the money to build a brewery,”
GRAND OPENING!
At last — a sewing studio in downtown Hyattsville! Classes and workshops • Fabrics and notions We’re passionate about all things sewing and fabric! PHOTO COURTESY OF HANDSOME BEER Matt Humbard and Graham MacDonald are co-founders of Handsome Beer.
he said. The company contracts with Old Bust Head Brewery in Warrenton, Va., where the actual brewing takes place. The concept of contract or “tenant” brewing is common in the beer world. Handsome Beer simply rents out the unused capacity that Old Bust Head isn’t currently using. “The long term goal would be to build something here, in this quadrant of Riverdale, Hyattsville, and College Park,” said Humbard. MacDonald believes the demand is there for Handsome Beer to brew locally. “I think we're starting to see a lot more [regional] venues picking up craft beer, local craft beer in particular, relative to only even a year or
two ago,” he said. The duo is currently experimenting with label art and estimating costs to offer a competitively priced six-pack price, but that’s approximately six months down the road, Humbard said. “I want people to recognize this is a local brand even though it is complicated. It’s a company in Hyattsville and eventually going to be a physical place that people can go to,” he said. For more information about Handsome Beer and their brews, include where to taste and purchase it, head to their website at: www.handsomebeer. co. To follow their beer and attend upcoming events, visit their Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
ST. JEROME ACADEMY
NANCY GILLETTE REBECCA BENNETT Clockwise from upper right: Children enjoy painting at St. Jerome's Academy's Carpe Noctum Christmas boutique, which saw more than 1,000 visitors; a little girl tells Santa her wish list for Christmas during a city-sponsored breakfast event; children help Mayor Candace Hollingsworth light of the ree at Magruder Park.
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TRAFFIC
continued from page 1
attsville’s traffic woes, according to Yanira Castro, owner of the Tire Place. Castro’s business is located at Baltimore Avenue and Jefferson Street, and has been in operation for more than 15 years. As such, Castro’s seen her share of accidents on Route 1. Castro recounts the day a vehicle crashed into the neighboring car wash, striking one customer and two car wash employees.
She said the driver of the car was “cut off ” by another driver who abruptly changed lanes while driving down Route 1, apparently southbound. “People don’t have patience to wait and…will cut you off,” said Castro. Enforcement is key, she said. She notes new, larger traffic signs installed along Route 1. However, Castro said, “What’s the use of having traffic signs if there is no [police] enforcement? Often time I have to shout at drivers to slow down.” This sentiment is shared by Melissa Tyner, of Selay Hair & Nails, an Arts District salon located on Route 1. Tyner said, “[Speed cameras] would keep people from speeding.” The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), previously announced new crosswalks on Baltimore Avenue at Jefferson and Madison Streets, and a left turn signal southbound at Jefferson Street. Additionally, on Nov. 23, Maryland State Delegate Alonzo Washington (D-22), led a SHA tour of problem areas along Route 1. Officials walked from Oglethorpe Street to Charles Armentrout Drive observing traffic and discussing sidewalks, crossings and other potential issues along the stretch. New safety measures can’t come soon enough for Emily Bond, mother of two who lives on Baltimore Avenue. “My biggest fear is that ... a car or truck will careen into my house ... [yet] we love our community and believe that [it] will prevail in making Hyattsville ... truly walkable,” she said.
Wash & Fold Service
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
Page 13
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Every December I buy a beautiful Christmas cactus and by the next December it is history. I thought cacti thrived on neglect but no matter what I do, I can't keep this kind alive. Last month you passed on some gardening advice that you got from your sister-in-law from Sonora. I believe Sonora is cactus country. Could you give me some more tips? Cactus-Challenged on Hamilton Street Dear Cactus-Challenged, The first thing my Mexican sisterin-law Picante had to say after reading your letter was, "That Christmas cactus is not desert cactus but tropical cactus!" She explained that these zygo-cacti (Schlumbergera) behave like orchids: they are epiphytes that
grow in trees in coastal mountain regions of Central America and Brazil where they are pollinated by hummingbirds. Picante breeds them by taking cuttings when she trims them in early spring and she says they can last for many years with proper care. The catch is that they need tropical — not desert — conditions to survive. Because they grow in tight pockets in trees, they like to be pot-bound. It is a good idea to prune and re-pot them in new soil in early spring but don't put them in larger pots until they've gotten so large that they are starting to wilt. Basket-like orchid pots are best for them, filled with light and acidic soil, such as that sold for succulents. Use a 20-20-20 fertilizer no more than three times per year and a 0-10-10 fertilizer in late October. During their blooming period, they should be watered lightly every other day or
During their blooming period, Christmas cacti should be watered lightly every other day or the flowers will fall off.
the flowers will fall off. When not in bloom, they should not be watered frequently (about once a week), but they do need a moist environment. You could
keep a container of water next to your plants or place them on a humidity tray of gravel, only halfway filled with water. Of course, mist them regularly. Picante advises placing them in a north- or east-facing window, if not drafty, with sheer curtains to filter the sunlight. They like plenty of light but not harsh light. In their natural habitat, the tree canopy filters the light for them and protects them from being drenched by rain although moisture in the air is constant. Because they naturally grow at high altitudes, they like a cooler temperature at night, if manageable. They need shade, and if their leaves turn reddish that means they are getting too much sun. To get them to bloom again by next Christmas, cut back on
light in October and keep them from excessive heat or cold. A cool basement is a good place for them. If your basement is any warmer than 65 degrees Fahrenheit, you will need to keep your cacti in a dark place (like a closet) for twelve hours each day to get them to bloom again. Or, do as Picante does and just pop a box over them overnight. Fertilize with a low-nitrogen 0-10-10 fertilizer to encourage the development of flowers rather than green growth. To discuss this and other horticultural questions and meet fellow gardeners, please come to the December meeting and party of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon. It will take place at the festive home of Jean and Millard Smith at 3600 Longfellow Street.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2015
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