VOLUNTEER HONORED
Chair of the Residential Parking Committee selected as 2016 Volunteer of the Year. P. 2
NEW COLUMN DEBUT
Hyattsville Preservation Association pens new column, “Then & Now” P. 4
Hyattsville woman celebrates 100 years
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! FROM THE HL&T
Life&Times
By Helen Lyons
Ms. Geraldine E. Smith has seen a lot of change in the U.S. over the last century — from the passage of women’s suffrage in 1920 to the nomination of the first female candidate in a major party for president just last year — but if you ask her what has changed just outside her front door, the longtime Hyattsville resident will tell you, “Not much!” Smith, or “Gerry” to her friends and family, lived on 39th Avenue in a charming Sears and Roebuck prefab house with a red door and red shutters for 67 1/2 years until she moved into Sacred Heart Home on Queen’s Chapel Road. On Nov. 26, Smith celebrated her 100th birthday. “People knew our house as the ‘fairytale’ house or the ‘storybook’ house,” said Smith’s daughter, Claudia Smith, agreeing with
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
December 2016
Council unanimously passes noncitizen voting amendment By Scott Gelman
After a long series of debates, non-U.S. citizens living in Hyattsville will be able to vote in local elections starting in 2017. The amendment to the Hyattsville Charter passed unanimously, despite previous opposition by some councilmembers. The change, which will take effect in May, when one representative from each of the city’s five wards will be up for re-election,
enables voters who have lived in Hyattsville for at least 30 days to participate in city elections. On Dec. 5, the city council unanimously passed the amendment, which also allows for same-day voter registration for Hyattsville elections starting in January, 2019. Giving noncitizens the right to vote could have a role in Hyattsville’s becoming a sanctuary city, a city that doesn’t prosecute immigrants for violating immigration laws,
which Councilmember Patrick Paschall (Ward 3) discussed at the Nov. 21 council meeting. “I don’t expect a huge influx of noncitizens to vote or cast a ballot,” Paschall said. “I expect it to send a message to the immigrant community that they have a place in the community. Their views are valued by the community.” About 35 percent of Hyattsville residents were born outside of the U.S., according to 2014 cen-
sus data, and immigrants compose about 15 percent of the city’s population, according to CASA de Maryland, an organization that works to “organize, advocate for, and extend opportunities for Latino and immigrant people in Maryland.” Hyattsville is the first city in Prince George’s County to pass noncitizen voting. Six other Maryland cities have passed VOTING continued on page 12
HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SMITH continued on page 3
Vol. 13 No. 12
MARIA D. JAMES Shoppers walk into H&M inside the Mall at Prince Georges. The clothing retailer officially opened at the mall on Dec. 2.
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
Mall at Prince Georges welcomes H&M DSW, ULTA Beauty coming soon By Maria D. James
The Mall at Prince Georges typically open around 9 a.m. However, that didn’t stop anxious
customers from lining up as early as 8 a.m. on Dec. 2. Their reason? The long-awaited grand opening of clothing retailer H&M. The ribbon-cutting ceremony started at noon, after which customers poured into the store to take advantage of grand-opening sales and to use their 30 percent
off discount coupon postcards mailed out to Hyattsville residents days prior. New employee Ezekiel Lewis loves his new job and appreciates the growth opportunities within the company. “I’ve wanted to work for H&M since I was 16,” said Lewis,
who is now 18 years old. “I love H&M because they always want people to grow in the company.” Lewis and other store associates trained at the H&M location at Wheaton Mall prior to coming to the Mall at Prince Georges MALL continued on page 10
CENTER SECTION: DECEMBER 13, 2016 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
FromTheEditor Learning to embrace our community in word and deed By Maria D. James
Recently I made a new friend. One Saturday, as I visited the Mall at Prince Georges to cover an event, I stopped over at Subway to grab lunch before heading home. While I was waiting in line, an elderly African-American woman with salt-and-pepper hair and a kind face tapped my arm and asked if I wanted to share a “buy one, get one free” coupon with her. We sat together in the restaurant and enjoyed
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781
our lunch. Through our discussion, I learned that we share a mutual love for thrift-store shopping. We were strangers, but her generous gesture didn’t strike me as odd. Not in Hyattsville, anyway. When I relocated to Hyattsville from Washington, DC, in 2013, I was simply looking for a place of my own to call home. Now, three years later, I can say I have found a home and a community. This month, I celebrate my first anniversary as managing editor for the Hyattsville Life & Times (HL&T). In my introductory
article, I stated how I planned to spend time learning about our readers and the community — and boy, did I! A month after I started my position, we experienced a snow blizzard. After that, the events and stories just kept coming. Each month, I was introduced to a new and interesting part of our community. I attended festivals, library talks, and other events. I witnessed talented artists create unique works of art, and I attended committee meetings where residents voiced their opinions on many topics, such as whether non-U.S. citi-
zens should have the right to vote in Hyattsville and how to handle parking in residential areas. In this past year, I learned that being in a community is more than simply living in it. A community thrives when individuals roll up their sleeves and put effort into making it better. I’ll admit that when I first moved into the area, I was one of those people who silently lived in a community. I never really thought about how I could give back. Honestly, I thought “those people” who were active in their community were older residents and maybe retired.
I mean, I spoke to my neighbors, but most days I just went to work and came home to watch TV. Joining the HL&T allowed me to use my voice — and my pen — to give back to this community; for that, I’m thankful. Soon, the HL&T will introduce our first-ever readers survey. We want to hear from you, our readers. We want to know what you like about the newspaper, what you would change, and what you would like to see more of. I hope you will participate in the survey. I wish each of you happy holidays and a merry Christmas.
NEWS BRIEFS
READ THE FULL STORY AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM
http://HyattsvilleLife.com http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses below. Managing Editor Maria D. James maria@hyattsvillelife.com Associate Editor Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com Digital Editor Krissi Humbard krissi@hyattsvillelife.com Web Manager Lindsay Myers lindsay@hyattsvillelife.com
COURTESY OF THE COMPTROLLER’S OFFICE Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot speaks to Pennye Jones-Napier, owner of The Big Bad Woof, at the store on Dec. 7.
Layout & Design Editor Ashley Perks Copy Editor Nancy Welch Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Mark Boyle, Julia Gasper-Bates, Scott Gelman, Susan Hines, Lauren Flynn Kelly, Helen Lyons, Chris McManes, Helen Parshall, Fred Seitz, Kit Slack, Emily Strab 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 Maria D. James and Krissi Humbard — Ex Officios 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.
COURTESY OF RAPHAEL TALISMAN, CITY OF HYATTSVILLE Mayor Candace Hollingsworth presents the Volunteer of the Year award to Cathy Barron.
BARRON HONORED AS 2016 HYATTSVILLE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR On Dec. 5, Cathy Barron, chair of the Residential Parking Committee, was honored as the 2016 Hyattsville Volunteer of the Year. Barron was honored for her calm and thoughtful approach in leading the Residential Parking Committee to work as a team. The committee came together to resolve parking issues in ways that will serve the best interests of residents and the city. The committee reviewed unique parking issues and presented their recommendations to the mayor and the council. The 2016 Hyattsville Volunteer of the Year Award was created by ArtWorks teaching artist, Rachel Cross.
ORNAMENTS MADE BY ROSA PARKS ELEMENTARY TO DECORATE THE STATE OF MARYLAND CHRISTMAS TREE Ornaments made by the fifth-grade art class from Rosa L. Parks Elementary School were selected to decorate the State of Maryland Christmas Tree in President’s Park. Artist and art teacher Eileen Cave attended the annual Christmas tree lighting on Dec. 1, along with the first family. POLICE REPORT TEENS ASSAULTED ON BELCREST ROAD On Nov. 18, a Hyattsville City Police officer on routine patrol discovered a man lying on
the sidewalk at the 6700 block of Belcrest Road. The investigation revealed that a group of 10 to 15 teenage males had assaulted two other teenage males. The victim who was found lying on the sidewalk was one of the two teens assaulted. He suffered trauma to the head and was transported to a local hospital. MARYLAND COMPTROLLER VISITS HYATTSVILLE TO ENCOURAGE SHOPPING LOCAL On Dec. 7, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot visited Hyattsville for his annual Shop Maryland for the Holidays tour. The visit started at The Big Bad Woof and proceeded to Busboys and Poets and Franklin’s General Store. The purpose of the comptroller’s annual statewide tour is to encourage Marylanders to shop locally to support their local shops, small businesses and restaurants.
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
27 Easy Fix Up Tips to Give You the Competitive Edge When Selling Your Hyattsville Area Home in 2017
SMITH
continued from page 1
her mother that, despite the passage of time, “the neighborhood looks pretty much the same.” Traditions in the city may have evolved somewhat — Magruder Park now hosts fireworks on the city’s anniversary instead of on the Fourth of July, and Christmas trees collected from street curbs are turned into mulch rather than burned in a community bonfire — but the core values have stayed the same: family, community, and service. In nearly 68 years living in the city, Smith has shared these values in numerous ways. She was a substitute teacher at Hyattsville Elementary School and Hyattsville Junior High, and she was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Hyattsville for 50 years. Smith was also a Girl Scout leader and a civil defense leader. Neighbors looked to her “storybook” house for inspiration for their own gardens, and she still loves flowers. Even at 100, Smith has a smile for everyone she sees — and a sense of humor, too. “She asked me how old she was going to be, and I told her 100,” said her son, Gary Smith. “She said, ‘How did I get to be that old?’ I told her, ‘I don’t know,
Page 3
Hyattsville - Because your home may well be your largest asset, selling it is probably one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. And once you have made that decision, you’ll want to sell your home for the highest price in the shortest time possible without compromising your sanity. Before you place your home on the market in 2017, here’s a way to help you to be as prepared as possible. To assist homesellers, a new industry report has just been released called “27 Valuable Tips that You Should Know to Get Your Home Sold Fast and for Top
Dollar.” It tackles the important issues you need to know to make your home competitive in 2017’s tough, aggressive marketplace outlook. Through these 27 tips you will discover how to protect and capitalize on your most important investment, reduce stress, be in control of your situation, and make the best profit possible. In this report, you’ll discover how to avoid financial disappointment or worse, a financial disaster when selling your home. Using a common-sense approach, you will get the straight facts about what can make or break the sale of your
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This report is courtesy of Ellen & Barry Levy, RE/MAX Allegiance - Direct (301) 933-2824, Broker (202) 547-5600. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2016
COURTESY OF KEA DUPREE PHOTOGRAPHY Geraldine E. Smith turned 100 years old on November 26.
how old do you feel?’ She said, ‘76.’” She celebrated her party with friends and family and received a stack of birthday cards that her daughter Claudia estimates is “at least 7 inches high.” When asked if her party was what she expected, Gerry responded that it was “even better. It was super.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Then&Now Then We are the Hyattsville Preservation Association By Randy Fletcher
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT HYATTSVILLE? If you happen to love all the cool old houses that line our shady streets, then you should know about this organization — and who knows? — maybe even join it. The Hyattsville Preservation Association (HPA) is a creative and resourceful group of people intent on engaging residents in the preservation and promo-
tion of the historic homes and buildings in our city. We also work to protect and promote Hyattsville’s rich history, heritage and culture. We do this by hosting community events throughout the year. Some are fun, some are serious, and all are interesting. And every event builds community and enriches the experience of being a Hyattsville resident. One of HPA’s biggest events is our annual historic house tour, which is held in May.
Folks get a chance to actually go inside charming Hyattsville houses they’ve been ogling from the outside, see amazing architecture up close, and — in some years — walk through a few magical secret gardens. HPA hosts events for all ages. This year, we produced a puppet show at Vigilante Coffee Company, entitled “The Hyattsville Fable of the Three Little Pigs.” Behind the lovable puppet trio was a backdrop of handmade cartoon cutouts of
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7103 Bridle Path Lane, Hyattsville Sold for $395,000 4713 Banner St., Hyattsville Sold for $362,000 6207 43rd Ave., Hyattsville Sold for $350,000 6112 43rd St., Hyattsville. Sold for $375,000
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Hyattsville’s historic houses and one of our landmarks, the 1918 Armory, aka “The Castle.” The mayor and several councilmembers were there to talk about Hyattsville. The diverse crowd of folks of all ages and the easygoing style of the program demonstrated what makes Hyattsville Hyattsville. All in all, the show was a smash hit, with lots of singing, clapping and coffee drinking. Not all events sponsored by HPA directly relate to history. The Association also hosts meetings and presentations for its members throughout the year on various relevant topics, such as home design and repair, solar power, “green building,” gardening, historic tax credits and smart city technologies. A LITTLE HPA BACKGROUND In 1980, a small group of Hyattsville homeowners met to pool their experiences in restoring old houses. From this came the Hyattsville Preservation Association, Inc., which was incorporated in 1982. The Association was granted tax-exempt status under IRS code section 501(c)(3) to facilitate “educational and charitable projects pertaining to the discovery and memorialization of the history and architecture of the City of Hyattsville, Maryland.” HPA had a critical role in the funding and research necessary to put the City of Hyattsville’s historic district on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2004, HPA helped in the expansion of the historic district to include 20th century housing that contributes to the city’s history. HPA was instrumental in the preservation
of Baltimore Avenue’s Lustine automobile showroom (circa 1950), which features a rare example of massive, curved glass windows in the art moderne style. PERSONAL SIDE NOTE In 2015, we decided to put our own house on the tour. Though it needed a ton of work, we thought it would be a great way to share our home with the community. There was a lot we wanted to accomplish before the tour: painting, cleaning, eliminating clutter, sprucing up the gardens, etc. We both had our honey do lists and prayed that we’d finish up the tasks before the day of the tour. Well, we didn’t. And guess what? It didn’t matter. No one pointed out the rotted column or the unfinished paint job. No one noticed the broken chair propped up by two bricks. Instead, we were met with smiling faces and words of gratitude. Don’t get us wrong, a lot of work went into preparing for the tour, but the payoff was huge. We met so many awesome neighbors, and it felt good to know that many of the residents in Hyattsville appreciated the work that we put into our home and yard. Sharing the home we love with our friends and neighbors was a wonderful and rewarding experience. Watch out for more from HPA in future editions of the Hyattsville Life and Times. To find out more about HPA (or to share your home on the 2017 Historic Hyattsville House Tour), please visit www.preservehyattsville.org or call 301.699.5440. Randy Fletcher is the vice president of the Hyattsville Preservation Association.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Page 5
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
DeMatha’s seniors leave Hyattsville with four football championships By Chris McManes
A high school coach is fortunate if his seniors provide leadership. If they, by their words, actions, and response to adversity, show the younger players the proper way to get things done. DeMatha Catholic football coach Elijah Brooks had that type of senior leaders on his 2016 team. The Stags finished 12-0 against a schedule that included top clubs from Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania, Virginia and Maryland. The Washington Post ranked them No. 1 all season. USA Today, at press time, pegged them seventh in the nation. Including 2015, they are riding a 17-game winning streak. Seniors like Beau English (quarterback), Grant Donaldson (linebacker/tight end), Khory Spruill (running back), Gregory Rose (defensive end), Marcus Minor (tackle), Zach Lyons (center/guard), Myles Canton (safety), Delante Hellams (wide receiver) and Chase Young (defensive end) led DeMatha to its fourth consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championship. “They’re just winners,” Brooks said. “It’s an intrinsic, innate quality that not a lot of people have. You can’t measure it, but when they get put in adverse situations, they’re able to overcome it. I just have a team full of those guys. “It starts with my senior class and it trickles down to the underclassmen.” A little before that, Brooks was overcome with emotion after telling his kneeling Stags how proud he was of them. His sixth team at DeMatha wasn’t expected to be the eighth undefeated squad in school history. “They did everything they can to have a zero in that loss column,” he said. “That’s very difficult to do. They’re the ultimate champions.” The Stags began the year with a 42-7 romp over Oscar Smith
COURTESY OF ED KING DeMatha linebacker Grant Donaldson makes a shoestring tackle during the Stags’ 34-29 victory over St. John’s in the WCAC championship game. Donaldson and quarterback Beau English will play for Air Force next season.
in the sweltering heat of Chesapeake, Va. It was the Tigers’ only regular-season loss. DeMatha’s closest game was a 14-13 win over WCAC rival St. John’s on Sept. 30. The Stags scored at least 55 points twice and shut out Carroll 42-0. Consecutive victories over Good Counsel put DeMatha into the league championship game for the 24th time in 26 years. Trailing St. John’s 29-14 in the Nov. 19th title game, the Stags looked like they were going to finish with one defeat. But with 7:18 to play, Jalen Brown recovered a fumble. English led three DeMatha scoring drives the rest of way, including one that started at the Cadets’ 1 when Nicolas Cross pounced on an up-forgrabs kickoff. English accounted for all 57 yards on the game-clinching
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DEMATHA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL 2016 FOOTBALL RESULTS WASHINGTON CATHOLIC ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS Date Aug. 26 Sept. 2 Sept. 9 Sept. 16 Sept. 23 Sept. 30 Oct. 7 Oct. 15 Oct. 21 Nov. 4 Nov. 11 Nov. 19
Opponent (Location) at Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) vs. Avalon (Landover, Md.) at Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg, Pa.) at McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.) at St. Mary’s Ryken (Leonardtown, Md.) vs. St. John’s (Landover, Md.) vs. Bishop McNamara (Landover, Md.) at Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) vs. Archbishop Carroll (Landover, Md.) at Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) vs. Good Counsel (Landover, Md.) ^ vs. St. John’s (College Park, Md.) *
Result W, 42-7 W, 55-20 W, 35-7 W, 49-28 W, 56-12 W, 14-13 W, 49-12 W, 23-13 W, 42-0 W, 21-7 W, 28-13 W, 34-29
^ WCAC Semifinals * WCAC Championship
drive. The go-ahead score came on a 17-yard pass to a diving Myles Miree. The Stags’ defense, which had given up its most
points all year, held St. John’s in check the final two times it had the ball. A four-peat now belonged to
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DeMatha, which is celebrating its 70th year in Hyattsville. “We knew that it was going to be very difficult to win [one] championship, let alone four in a row,” Brooks said. “So give credit to St. John’s. They played a fantastic game, but this [title] was definitely the sweetest.” English and Donaldson will receive intense leadership training at the U.S. Air Force Academy over the next four years. English, who guided the Stags to three consecutive crowns, said he’s already learned a lot about leading men at DeMatha. “Absolutely,” he said. “This coaching staff really expects a lot out of me and all the captains. Playing with a great group of guys like this, they’re going to look to the quarterback as a leader. So I had to step up. I’m just happy that we were able to get this win for my guys.” Anthony Toro, a junior linebacker/tight end who will likely be one of the Stags’ leaders in 2017, said he learned “more than you can imagine” from this year’s seniors. “I learned how to keep my head high when things are down,” Toro said. “I learned how to push through the tough times. They couldn’t have taught me anymore than I needed to know. “This was an amazing group of seniors, and I’m going to miss them more than anything.” Chris McManes is a lifetime member of the DeMatha Alumni Association.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Page 7
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The City of Hyattsville encourages residents to help neighbors in need seniors and people with disabilities - with yardwork and other home maintenance work. If your neighbor helps you, or you're a helpful neighbor yourself, please call to let us know. We have yard tools and equipment we want to give you, free of charge, as a way of saying thanks.
La ciudad de Hyattsville quisiera animar a los residentes ha apoyar a sus vecinos con necesitadades - Las personas mayores y personas con incapacidades - con limpieza de patios y otros mantenimientos de hogar. Si su vecino lo ayuda, o usted es un vecino útil y quiere brindar apoyo, por favor llame para informarnos. Tenemos herramientas y equipos de jardín que queremos ofrecer de forma gratuita, como una manera de decir gracias.
For more information, please call 301-985-5057.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
the
Hyattsville Reporter No. 345 • December 13, 2016
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
tions, recommended changes to the City’s residential parking program, and routine updates on the City’s pedestrian lighting upgrade project. Visit our website to see meeting agendas, be notified when they are published, and make public comments electronically.
Help Your Neighbors Shovel Snow
If you or someone you know is shoveling snow for neighbors who are seniors or have disabilities, please contact Colleen Aistis at caistis@hyattsville. org so the City can provide a shovel, gloves, or other support to such helpful neighbors.
Meeting on Hamilton Street Water Main WSSC will host a public meeting to present and discuss their plan to repair the water main that runs under Hamilton Street from Magruder Park to Ager Road. The project is expected to begin in 2017. The meeting will take place January 19, 6 p.m., at 4310 Gallatin Street.
Ageless Grace From left, Calvin Richardson, Pastor Yvonne Penn, Chief Doug Holland, Tulio Quevedo and Derek Chrismer at First United Methodist Church.
Church Says Thanks to Police and Firefighters First United Methodist Church hosted a Recognition and Appreciation Dinner last month to honor members of the Hyattsville City Police Department and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department. Amid celebrations of our City’s first responders, Police Chief Doug Holland accepted a plaque on behalf of the police department from the church. Pastor Yvonne Penn and members of her congregation cooked a meal that served more than 30 police officers and firefighters. The congregation also prepared to-go meals for the police and firemen who were working that Saturday evening.
New Street Sweeper Means Cleaner, Healthier Community Your streets are about to get cleaner! That’s because Hyattsville just bought a new Stewart-Amos Starfire S-4 Street Sweeper. Purchasing the sweeper was an investment in keeping Hyattsville beautiful, healthy and environmentally friendly. The sweeper is a costeffective way to remove trash and reduce storm water pollution into the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, and it’s equipped with energy-saving LED lights and a turbo-diesel engine for higher power output with lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions. “The street sweeper is part of an ambitious and continuing campaign to keep our City roads clean,” said Lesley Riddle, Director of the Department of Public Works. “And it is one of the many ways we work to take care of the important waterways in our community.” The Department received the sweeper in early December and plans to use it for the first time in late January. The City is exploring potential partnerships with other municipalities to share the sweeper and make more of Maryland clean and healthy.
2016 Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Reception The City of Hyattsville held its 10th annual Volunteer Appreciation and Recognition Reception on Monday, December 5. Over 120 resident volunteers, community partners, and members of our faithbased community joined the celebration. Among those recognized were Hyattsville Farmer’s
Market volunteers Sharon and Bill Kenworthy and Shirley Brown, who have contributed over 120 hours of service throughout our market season. Dwight Stokes and Drena Anderson were nominated by their peers as Hyattsville Heroes for shoveling snow and raking leaves for neighbors. Elizabeth Arnold and Jim Groves, longstanding advocates of environmental stewardship in Hyattsville, were honored with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award representing over 4,000 hours of service. Cathy Baron, who coordinated the Resident Parking Committee as well as prepared and presented that committee’s report to the Mayor and City Council, received the 2016 Hyattsville Volunteer of the Year Award. The City also extends warm thanks to our volunteer composters and the Wii Friends Video Bowling Team. We also want to express our sincerest gratitude to those who serve the City government directly by volunteering on the following committees, commissions and boards:
Board of Supervisors of Elections
Code Compliance Advisory Committee Education Committee Environmental Committee Ethics Committee Health Wellness, Recreation Committee Planning Committee Police & Public Safety Advisory Committee Residential Parking Committee Shade Tree Board Teen Advisory Committee
Happy New Year!
The City of Hyattsville wishes you happiness and good health throughout 2017. City offices will be closed on Monday, January 2, but emergency services will continue.
Holiday Trash Schedule
Our seated exercise class, set to great music, is offered Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., each week through February. Come join us for free at 4310 Gallatin Street!
Creative Minds
The Winter Session of Creative Minds will start on January 10 and take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. until March 16. Creative Minds continues to enrich children’s lives through education and interactive activities featuring movement, art, music, story time, and free play. For more information or to register, please contact Saarah Abdul-Rauf at 301-985-5065 or visit www. hyattsville.org/creativeminds.
Senior Arts Academy
Our partnership with Art Works Now continues with the Senior Arts Academy. On Wednesdays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at 4310 Gallatin Street, Art Works Now is hosting arts workshops for seniors and people with disabilities. Participation and materials are free.
Stop Stealing Scraps
If you see a five-gallon white bucket sitting on the curb, please leave it alone. This bucket is (or just was) filled with decomposing fruits, vegetables, meat, eggshells, and coffee grounds awaiting transport to the composting facility in Upper Marlboro. The City of Hyattsville is participating in a Volunteer Food Scrap Compost Pilot Program in conjunction with Prince George’s County. Our sanitation team travels the City on Mondays collecting the food scraps from the buckets. We are currently at capacity and not able to add additional households to the compost program, but we are maintaining a waiting list. If you are interested, contact Colleen Aistis at 301-985-5057 or caistis@hyattsville.org.
Call-A-Bus Trips
The Call-A-Bus takes seniors and people with disabilities to area stores and outings on a regular basis. Reservations are required by calling 301-9855000.
There will be no yard waste collection on Monday, January 2, and no scheduled leaf collection that week. Compost will be collected on Tuesday, January 3. For questions about recycling, please contact Prince George’s County by calling 311.
Giant, Jan. 9 & 23, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Price Rite Nutritional Tour, Jan. 26, 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Safeway & Aldi, Jan. 5 & 19, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Shoppers & Price Rite, Jan. 3 & 17, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Coming Council Issues
Did you know you can sign up to receive City updates by email and/or text message? To do so, visit www.hyattsville.org/notifyme.
Upcoming Council Meetings will address possible changes to the City’s fence replacement regula-
City Updates
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Page HR2
el
Reportero de
Hyattsville
No. 345 • 13 de Diciembre, 2016
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
estacionamiento residencial y las últimas noticias con respecto al proyecto de la Ciudad de mejorar la ilumniación para peatones. Visite nuestro sitio de web para ver las agendas de las reuniones, inscribirse para recibir notificación cuando las publiquemos y dar comentarios públicos electrónicamente.
Ayude A Sus Vecinos A Palear
Si usted o alguien que conoce palea para vecinos mayores o con discapacidades, por favor contacte a Colleen Aistis a caistis@hyattsville.org. A vecinos tan ayudantes nosotros daremos con gusto una pala, guantes, u otro apoyo.
Reunión Sobre Arreglas al Tubería de Agua de Hamilton Street WSSC tendrá una reunión abierta para presentar y hablar de su plan para arreglar el tubería de agua que corre debajo de Hamilton Street entre el Parque Magruder y Ager Road. Esperan empezar el proyecto en 2017. La reunión será el 19 de enero, 6 p.m. a 4310 Gallatin Street. Desde la izquierda, Calvin Richardson, Pastor Yvonne Penn, Chief Doug Holland, Tulio Quevedo y Derek Chrismer en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida.
Una Iglesia Agradece a los Policias y Bomberos First United Methodist Church organizó una cena de Reconocimiento el mes pasado para rendir homenaje a los miembros del Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Hyattsville y del Departamento de Bomberos Voluntarios de Hyattsville. En medio de las celebraciones de los primeros respondedores de la Ciudad, el jefe de policía Doug Holland aceptó una placa por parte del departamento de policía dada a ellos por la iglesia. La pastora Yvonne Penn y miembros de su congregación cocinaron una comida que sirvió a más de 30 policías y bomberos. La congregación también preparó comidas para la policía y los bomberos que estaban trabajando ese sábado por la noche.
Nuevo Barrendero de Calles Significa una Comunidad Más Limpia y Sana ¡Sus calles van a ser más limpias! Es porque Hyattsville acaba de comprar un nuevo barrendero de calles, un Stewart-Amos Starfire Street Sweeper. Comprarlo fue una inversión en mantener Hyattsville como bella, sana y respetuosa al medio ambiente. El barrendero es una manera provechosa de eliminar la basura y reducir la contaminación del agua de tormenta en la rama noroeste del río Anacostia, y está equipado con luces LED para ahorrar la energía y un motor turbo diésel para una mayor potencia con menor consumo de combustible y carbono Emisiones. “El barrendero es parte de una campaña ambiciosa y continua para mantener limpios nuestros caminos de la Ciudad”, dijo Lesley Riddle, Directora del Departamento de Obras Públicas. “Y es una de las varias maneras en que trabajamos para cuidar los canales importantes de nuestra comunidad”. El departamento recibió el barrendero a principios de diciembre y planea usarla por la primera vez a fines de enero. La Ciudad está explorando asociaciones potenciales con otros municipios para compartir el barrendero y hacer más de Maryland limpia y saludable.
Recepción de Reconocimiento de Voluntarios de 2016 La Ciudad de Hyattsville organize su 10° Recepción Anual de Reconocimiento de Voluntarios el lunes el 5 de diciembre. Más de 120 voluntarios residentes, socios de la comunidad y miembros de nuestra comunidad basada en la fe se unieron a la celebración.
Entre los reconocidos fueron los voluntarios de Hyattsville Farmer’s Market Sharon y Bill Kenworthy y Shirley Brown, quienes han contribuido más de 120 horas de servicio durante nuestra temporada de mercado. Dwight Stokes y Drena Anderson fueron nominados por sus iguales como Héroes de Hyattsville por palear la nieve y rastrillar las hojas para sus vecinos. Elizabeth Arnold y Jim Groves, antiguos defendedores del medio ambiente en Hyattsville, fueron honrados con el Premio Presidencial del Logro de la Vida, que representa más de 4.000 horas de su servicio. Cathy Baron, quien coordinó el Comité de Estacionamiento Residencial y luego preparó y presentó el informe de ese comité a la Alcaldesa y al Concejo Municipal, recibió el Premio del Voluntario de Hyattsville del Año de 2016. La Ciudad también da gracias a las personas que participan en nuestro programa de compost, y el equipe de Wii Friends Video Bowling. Ademas, agrademos mucho las personas que apoyan el gobierno directamente por participar en los siguientes comités, comisiones, y juntas:
Comité Asesor de Adolescentes
Comité Asesor de Cumplimiento del Código Comité de Educación Comité de Estacionamiento Residencial Comité de Ética Comité del Medio Ambiente Comité de Planificación Comité de Policía y Seguridad Pública Comité de Salud, Bienestar y Recreación Junta por la Sombra del Árbol Junta de Supervisores de Elecciones
¡Feliz Año Nuevo!
La Ciudad de Hyattsville le desea mucha felicidad y salud en 2017. Las oficinas administrativas de la Ciudad estarán cerradas el lunes el 2 de enero, pero servicios de emergencia continuarán.
Horario de Basura del Feriado
No habrá recolección de residuos del jardín el 2 de Enero ni tampoco recolección de hojas esa semana. El composto se recoleccionará el martes el 3 de enero. Si usted tiene consultas sobre el reciclaje, por favor contactar al Condado de Prince George por llamar 311.
Asuntos del Concejo Municipal
Las próximas reuniones del Concejo Municipal abordarán cambios posibles en las regulaciones sobre el reponer de vallas, cambios recomendados al programa de
Gracia Eterna
Nuestra clase de ejercicio sentado, con música divertida, se ofrecerá gratis miércoles a viernes desde las 10 a.m. hasta las 11 a.m., semanalmente hasta febrero. ¡Únase a nosotros en 4310 Gallatin Street!
Mentes Creativos
La sesión del invierno del programa de Mentes Creativos se empieza el 10 de enero y tendrá lugar cada martes y jueves desde las 10 a.m. a las 12 p.m. hasta el 16 de marzo. Mentes Creativos sigue enriqueciendo las vidas de los niños mediante de la educación basada en actividades como el movimiento, el arte, la música, hora del cuento y juego libre. Para más información o para registrarse, por favor contacte a Saarah AbdulRauf a 301-985-5065 o visite a www.hyattsville.org/ creativeminds.
Academia de Artes
Nuestro programa con Art Works Now sigue con la Academia de Artes de los Mayores. Los miércoles desde las 1 p.m. hasta las 3 p.m. en 4310 Gallatin Street, Art Works Now tendrá talleres de arte para mayores y personas con discapacidades. Participación y materias son gratis.
No Robar el Desecho
Si usted ve en el bordillo un cubo blanco de cinco galones, por favor déjelo en paz. Este cubo se llena de frutas y vegetales en descomposición, carne podrida, cáscaras de huevo y granos de café todo esperando al transporte a la instalación de composto en Upper Marlboro. La Ciudad de Hyattsville está participando en un nuevo Programa Voluntario de Comestibles y Composto en conjunto con el Condado de Prince George. Nuestro equipo de sanitación corre por la Ciudad los lunes recoleccionando el composto. Actualmente estamos en capacidad y no somos capaces de agregar hogares adicionales al programa de composta, pero estamos manteniendo una lista de espera. Si está interesado, contacte a Colleen Aistis a 301-985-5057 o caistis@hyattsville.org.
Viajes del Llama-Un-Bus
El Llama-Un-Bus lleva mayores y personas con discapacidades a tiendas y otros eventos. Para reservaciones llame a 301-985-5000. Giant, 9 y 23 de enero , 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Price Rite Nutritional Tour, 26 de enero, 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Safeway & Aldi, 5 y 19 de enero, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Shoppers & Price Rite, 3 y 17 de enero, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Noticias de La Ciudad
Puede recibir actualizaciones de las noticias de la Ciudad por correo electronico y/o mensaje de texto. Visite a www.hyattsville.org/notifyme.
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
NatureNearby Interview with a box turtle By Fred Seitz
I was walking in Magruder Park on a mild fall day when I encountered a park resident that I and my various dogs have repeatedly encountered for at least the past 20 years: an Eastern box turtle, who I have presumptively named Ralph. Although several of my dogs, including my current one, have helped me locate Ralph’s well-camouflaged self by grasping him in their jaws, I have successfully freed him on each occasion. Though I seriously doubt that Ralph relished the dog’s greetings on this recent encounter, he kindly waited for me to take my dog home and return for a short interview. Indeed, it was interesting to note that the interview location was about 15 yards from where the initial encounter had occurred only a few minutes before.
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Ralph’s head was only partially over 20, and my family usually protruding Monday from his shell (per- 9:00 lives from 75 years, though – Friday a.m.50toto5:00 p.m. haps cautious of a known dog my Great Uncle Charlie lived to associate), but he did not retreat over 130. and even allowed me to ask him Fred: That’s incredible! How a few questions. do you manage such a long life Fred: I have seen you in this and healthy demeanor? E-mail: park for over 20 years; about info@trainprinting.com how Ralph: Well, shielding myself Fax 301-864-0740 • www.TrainPrinting.com old are you? in my shell from offensive folks Ralph: Well, obviously, I’m like dogs, foxes, hawks and other
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would-be predators helps, but those heavy metal machines you all drive push the envelope (and my hinged carapace) to the limit. I eat a healthy diet of organic insects, mushrooms (the kind that would make you sick), and, of course, slugs. I enjoy blackberries, blueberries and May apples, as well. In fact, I’m the only one who actually disperses the May apple seeds. Those other moochers (birds and squirrels) will eat the fruit and the seeds without actually dispersing them. I also munch on some dead critters, including frogs and lizards. You might say I do a bit of scavenging on the side. And I get plenty of rest when the winter chill approaches. My underground bungalow, which is about 8 inches deep, is a pretty good insulator. Fred: Can you tell me a little about your family? Ralph: I don’t like to brag, but at my age, let me say there have been several great women in my life, and you know what they say about men in springtime. When a pretty shell comes my way, it’s kind of hard not to notice, so circling around her with a few nips on her carapace may lead to a wild afternoon. Truth be told, if another pretty shell with big brown eyes (notice that mine are reddish orange) comes by that same spring, even us old guys feel the call again.
Fred: Well, do you help out around the house? Ralph: That there nest digging and egg burying is women’s work, son. After all, she’s bigger than me; why shouldn’t she do the heavy lifting? You may think I’m kinda cavalier about this whole family business, but it seems like half of the herons, snakes, frogs, muskrats and whatever else passes by will dig up the eggs and eat them or snatch my youngins soon after they hatch out of their eggs. It’s a tough life for the little guys. It doesn’t end there either; for years, you folks have been catching me and my kin and treating us like pets. Think what that does to our self-esteem, our lifestyle and our hydration. Remember, my forebears made it through those same tough times that did in those big brutish dinosaurs, and we’re still here. Okay, so it wasn’t a direct relative of mine that bid T-Rex goodbye, but we’ve been around for nearly 15 million years; can you say the same? I will say that the folks in North Carolina, Tennessee, Kansas and Missouri have named us their state reptiles. That North Carolina secretary of state also made the observation that we box turtles watch undisturbed as generations of faster hares run by to quick oblivion. We are indeed a model of patience for humanity.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR December 14
Lovers of Mount Rainier history will enjoy a presentation by authors of the book, Images of Mount Rainier. Hyattsville Branch Library. 6530 Adelphi Rd. Free. 7:30 p.m. 301.985.4690. www. pgcmls.info/ Parents and caregivers can gather to chat while children enjoy play time. Link Education. 5109 Baltimore Ave. Free. 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 240.714.5539
December 15
The Mall at Prince Georges will host lunchtime holiday concerts performed by musicians from Prince George’s County Public Schools. Enjoy performances by Benjamin Foulois Creative and Performing Arts Academy, Samuel Massie Academy, and Frederick Douglas High School. The concert on Dec. 15 will feature Hyattsville ES, Wise HS and Felegy ES. 3500 East–West Highway. Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 301.559.8844
December 16
Busboys and Poets welcomes performers of all crafts to showcase your talents for their “LIVE!
from Busboys” open mic talent showcase hosted by Angie Head. 5331 Baltimore Ave. Zinn Room. $5 cover. Seating is available on a first come, first seated basis. 10 p.m. to midnight. 301.779.2787
December 17
Adorn your holiday space with hand-made ornaments from the Holiday Ornament Workshop. This family-friendly workshop provides the opportunity to create paper ornaments. All materials provided. Brentwood Arts Exchange. 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. Free. 2 to 4 p.m. 301.277.2863. Arts.pgparks.com
December 22
Looking for last minute Christmas gifts? Find handmade goods and seasonal produce from local vendors at the Riverdale Farmers Market. 4650 Queensbury Rd., Riverdale. 3 to 7 p.m. 301.586.5973 Come rock out with Just Rock Enterprises for its BYOB Music Jam Session. Kick back and learn music while meeting new people. 4344 Farragut St. $20. Must be 21 or older. 7 to 8 p.m.
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Page 10
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
MALL
continued from page 1
location. Currently, staffing is complete and management is no longer hiring additional associates at this time. Growth opportunities within the company also brought store supervisor Danielle Soloman to the area. After gaining experience opening several new H&M stores, Soloman, who has been with H&M for three years, was tapped to help open and manage the new location. She said the grand opening welcomed long lines that wrapped around the store and continued nonstop until 8 p.m. “This is exciting,” said Soloman. “We’re hoping to drive more business to the area.” Driving more foot traffic to the mall is what the mall’s owners, Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), are hoping for, as well. In April, the Hyattsville Life & Times shared breaking news that PREIT announced it would invest $25 million into a major overhaul of the mall. Shoppers will begin to see additional renovations to the mall beginning early 2017. In a recent interview with the HL&T, Heather Crowell, senior vice president of Corporate Communications and Investor Relations at PREIT, shared that the renovation would include both interior changes — such as new tenants, lighting, paint and seating — and exterior changes as well. “We are hoping to enhance the environment, so there will be renovation on the interior and [the addition of] a lot more curb appeal to the exterior,” said Crowell. According to a press release issued on
MARIA D. JAMES All H&M cash registers were open to manage the long lines of opening weekend.
“We are hoping to enhance the environment, so there will be renovation on the interior and [the addition of] a lot more curb appeal to the exterior.” — Heather Crowell PREIT
Nov. 14, renovations are slated to begin early next year and be completed in advance of the 2017 holiday season. When complete, 73 percent of non-anchor space will feature new storefronts, inclusive of new retail and dining options. Joining H&M will be 11,000-square-foot ULTA Beauty, the largest beauty retailer in the U.S., and a 16,000-square-foot DSW, which are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2018. As of now, Crowell states the mall’s renovations will not include expansion; new stores will be added as current stores leave. “The process of selecting new tenants for any of our properties requires understanding who lives in surrounding areas and considering what retailers will work best with those shoppers,” said Crowell. She shared that PREIT is considering reaching
MARIA D. JAMES Store associates wore special T-shirts to celebrate the opening of the newest H&M in Maryland.
out to local residents about their thoughts on changes to the mall. “We really want to add tenants that residents can get excited about,” said Crowell.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Page 11
Loving Care Pediatrics
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, What is a Christmas rose? I once heard a story about a little girl who, like the Little Drummer Boy, was too poor to give a gift to Baby Jesus. She didn’t have the Little Drummer Boy’s chutzpah or alleged talent, but instead stayed outside the stable and cried. An angel turned her tears into flowers that would be called “Christmas roses” from that time on. I assume they were not real roses, because I know they don’t bloom in winter. OK, out in Virginia recently, I saw in the window of an Asian-American dry cleaner/laundry some awesome red flowers that looked like roses, but they were on straight stalks like lilies. The people inside gave them a name that sounded to me like “dragon,” but perhaps it wasn’t an English word and I heard wrong. Do you think these flowers could possibly be the “roses” from the story? Marvelling on Madison Street Dear Marvelling, I am pretty sure that you saw a fabulous double amaryllis called Double Dragon. This plant is distantly related to lilies but completely unrelated to roses, despite the shape of the flowers on this relatively recent hybrid variety. Amaryllis are forced from bulbs indoors so that they will bloom for the winter holidays. They are native to South Africa and normally bloom in March in mild climates. Most produce a trumpet-like flower that comes in shades of pink, white, coral red, and green, as well as in picotee (light centers with darker petal edges) or striped variations of these colors. Beautiful new hybrids mimic other flowers and are not as easily recognized as the amaryllis you see in the supermarket or hardware store. The actual “Christmas rose” (Helleborus nigris) of the old legend comes from Europe, where it grows outside in December during the fairly temperate winters in that part of the world. It will
bloom in light snow. You can grow it here in a sheltered part of your garden. My friend Noel Ewell nurtures a lovely display of them under some apple trees on the south side of his house. He tells me that they are related to buttercups, and like them are in the ranunculus genus. They are rather low growing, with the blooms surrounded by fans of coarse but handsome leaves. The actual flowers of the classic original look very much like simple wild roses. Their petals are usually white, turning pink with time, but there are interesting purple and green varieties too. Their siblings, the Lenten rose (Helleborus orientalis), come in a wider range of form and color. (The most recent and varied cultivars of Helleborus orientalis are the Ballard group, Helleborus x hybridus.) They bloom in late winter and early spring and can sustain floral interest in the garden most of the winter right up till the spring bulbs take over. I don’t know of any legend about the Lenten rose, but certainly consider them wonderful gifts. It is not always easy to find them, but you can contact the Hellebore Appreciation Society for vendors. All hellebore varieties are very easy to grow, and they tolerate semi-shade very well. In our climate they prefer it. They like somewhat alkaline soil but are not fussy. Their only real requirement is good drainage. Noel says he rarely fertilizes his, yet they thrive and spread nicely but not invasively. I asked him about bringing them indoors in pots for a bit. He said this was a possibility but had a caveat. Although the fibrous texture of the leaves is uninviting to children and animals, they are poisonous if ingested. In ancient times, hellebores were used to repel flies and evil spirits, as well as to make a number of herbal remedies. One big benefit to us now is that deer and squirrels leave these plants strictly alone. If you’d like to find out about these and other pretty seasonal flowers, do come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the home of Jean and Millard Smith, 3600 Longfellow Street. After the 10 a.m. meeting, there will be a festive holiday party with refreshments.
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Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
VOTING
continued from page 1
a noncitizen voting law. Making noncitizens aware of the law change, though, will likely be challenging, Takoma Park Councilmember Fred Schultz said. Takoma Park, which adopted noncitizen voting policies in 1993, has witnessed a drop-off in turnout since first passing the law. Just more than 7 percent of eligible noncitizens voted in November 2013, and more than 13 percent voted in November 2015. “It’s easy to pass the law,” Schultz said. “It’s a lot bigger task to figure how to really make immigrants aware of the right they now have and then to get them to the polls to do it. It takes a lot of effort.” Paschall and Councilmember Shani Warner (Ward 2) said they don’t anticipate that the new law will result in increased voter presence, and Councilmember Paula Perry (Ward 4) said she expects an increase only if an Hispanic candidate is running. “In a ward where an Hispanic is running, it’s more than likely there would
SCOTT GELMAN Members of the city council at the Dec. 5 meeting.
be an increase,” Perry said. “There would be a lot more absentee ballots if they didn’t come out. I don’t know how many will really come out now that [Donald] Trump got elected.” Hyattsville lowered its voting age for city elections to 16 last January, but several residents who attended an Oct. 26 public hearing about noncitizen voting “were inaccurately under the assumption that [the voting age] was still being discussed,” Paschall said. As a result, the city is emphasizing its communication strategies before the election. The city will continue to utilize text messages, emails and social media pages to make residents aware of the law changes,
and the changes will also be explained in the city voter guide that is sent to Hyattsville residents before local elections. Takoma Park uses a comparable system to advertise its noncitizen voting law, distributingmessages on Facebook, Twitter and in the Takoma Park Newsletter. Still, there are language and cultural barriers to consider when determining effective ways to communicate the change, according to Schultz. “It’s our responsibility to make sure we have voter education as a constant part of the election cycle,” Councilmember Joseph Solomon (Ward 5) said. “We need to ensure that everyone is aware that they can reg-
ister early, that we have same-day registration and that if you’re not a citizen, you can still participate.” The issue of noncitizen voting has brought forth passionate responses on both sides. Despite having an opportunity to react to the proposed law at the public hearing, Perry said residents who oppose the legislation would have been more satisfied had it gone to referendum. Now that the council passed the law, there is a 50-day waiting period that allows time for a citizen-initiated referendum. “This is a big deal,” resident David Perry said at the Oct. 26 meeting. “We’re talking about changing the traditional and cultural understand-
ing of what it means to vote. I don’t think one public hearing is enough to get the sense of what the citizens want in this community.” After the hearing, the council changed the requirement for the amount of time noncitizens need to live in the city. The initial proposal stated voters were required to live in Hyattsville for 14 days to be eligible, but residents recommended the council extend that period, which it ultimately did. However, the fact the law change didn’t go to referendum is still troublesome, said Lee Barlow, who is the daughter of Councilmember Ruth Ann Frazier (Ward 5). “I have a problem [that the council] is making
the decision,” Barlow said. “You don’t have that right. You don’t have the right to say ‘You can’t vote on this, we’re going to vote on that.’ They don’t trust the vote will happen. They won’t get the votes.” Now that the council passed the law change, candidates will be tasked with broadening their campaign strategies, likely forcing them to consider different ways to communicate with newly eligible voters, Solomon said. Still, Paschall said that the law wasn’t introduced to influence the outcome of elections. “The point of this was never to skew our elections or to have a previously unrepresented voice now have the ability to change the outcome of the election,” Paschall said. “It sends a clear message to the community that the city council is supportive of everyone that lives in our community and believes that whether or not you’re a citizen, the types of decisions made at the local level should be decided by residents who live in the city of Hyattsville and not [be] restricted to those who are citizens.”
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Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
Page 13
Ward 2 uses Neighborhood Watch to strengthen community policing By Helen Lyons
In Bernadette McAuliffe’s living room, two police officers in full body armor with guns on their hips sat in antique rocking chairs, nibbling on mini grocery-store cupcakes and laughing at their hostess’s jokes. It was the third Thursday of the month, which meant that it was time for Ward 2 neighbors to get together with local police for their Neighborhood Watch meeting. “It’s people watching out for each other and each other’s homes,� explained city councilmember and Ward 2 resident, Robert Croslin. “The most important thing is that neighbors look out for neighbors.�
But this Neighborhood Watch group is about more than just crime prevention. As a bowl of popcorn and a plate of cookies made the rounds, the group discussed the latest community news, and plans for a block party began to take shape. “It’s always a potluck,� said Emily Strab, who heads Ward 2’s Watch. “It’s just very social. The Hyattsville Police Department has been partnering with us, and we all just get to know each other. If we see something suspicious, we feel like we can call them because we know who they are.� There are 27,174 registered Neighborhood Watch groups nationwide, according to a spokesperson from the National
Sheriffs Association (NSA), with three registered groups in the Hyattsville area. John Thompson, deputy executive director and COO of the NSA, called Neighborhood Watch groups the “eyes and ears of the law.� “They’re more in tune to their community,� said Thompson. “They’re more alert. They report crimes. If you’re a burglar and you want to commit a crime, and one neighborhood has a Neighborhood Watch and one doesn’t, which one are you going to go for?� In an effort to modernize and enhance this form of community policing, which began in the United States in the 1960s, the National Neighborhood Watch Program recently released a
mobile app allowing users to submit anonymous reports about “drugs, marijuana, and other crime concerns, suspicious activities and community disorder.� The app also provides educational training videos for Neighborhood Watch volunteers and assistance with assembling and maintaining an active Watch group, which many believe can lower crime in an area. “[Neighborhood Watch] definitely works,� Thompson said. “We know that.� Residents of other Hyattsville wards are considering starting their own Neighborhood Watch groups, using Ward 2’s as a model. “It’s the oldest and most prestigious watch in Hyattsville,� said Councilmember Joseph Solomon (Ward 5). Yet in the McAuliffe’s tranquil, charming home on a quiet, tree-
lined street, there was no air of pretension — just good food and good company. Chief of Police Douglas Holland handed out fliers for an upcoming police fundraiser, and neighbors munched on snacks while listening to the latest crime report for their block and proposing solutions for dealing with vacant homes. The relationship between residents and law enforcement was informal, relaxed, friendly — exactly what Neighborhood Watch is designed to achieve. “Whatever we can do as a city to make things easier for them,� said Strab, “that’s what our job is.� If you’re a Hyattsville resident, you can contact your city councilmember to determine if a Neighborhood Watch exists in your ward, or visit www.nnw.org for assistance in starting one.
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Page 14
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2016
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