August 2018 Hyattsville Life & Times by Hyattsville Life and Times

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Former HL&T editor shares experience as a summer foster care host family. P. 3

CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

Columnist Julia Gasper-Bates learns about an Angolan neighbor. P. 10

In Memoriam: Gary Lester, a Hyattsville original

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Life&Times

By Fred Fleisher

Gary Lee Lester died on July 20 at the age of 60. He is survived by his wife, Linda Lester; his sons, Peter, Stephen and Matthew; his grandchildren, Matthew, Jacob, Joshua, Benjamin, Delyla, Kolt, Jersey and Drew; and his sister, Elfie Winstead. Gary Lester is predeceased by his parents, Earl and Ruth Lester. The following was adapted from a eulogy for Gary delivered by Fred Fleisher: Who was Gary Lester? He was many things to many people: a brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, coworker, teacher, mentor, bass player, writer and friend, but to us, he was our family. Gary came to work at our store, Fleisher’s of Maryland, in the mid ‘80s as our new service manager. We had so much in common, from liking the same bands, authors and movies, and don’t even get me started on our discussions about “Star Trek” or Monty Python. I still laugh when I think about how Gary said he was going to teach his grandson to say “Nih” from “The Holy Grail. “ Gary received his graduate degree in gemology and started his own business as an LESTER continued on page 4

Vol. 15 No. 8

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

August 2018

Armory Apartments to bring big change to Rt. 1 By Krissi Humbard

COURTESY OF URBAN INVESTMENT PARTNERS An artistʼs rendering of the proposed Armory Apartments on Route 1.

A new apartment development planned for Route 1 will change the landscape of downtown Hyattsville in a big way. Urban Investment Partners (UIP), a D.C.-based real estate and development company, presented plans for Armory Apartments to the city council in July. The development would be a mixed-use retail and residential complex — that includes public park space — spanning Baltimore Avenue from Hamilton Street to the Crossover Church. The plans include 284 apartments: 25 studios, 174 one-bedroom apartments and 85 two-bedroom apartments. The proposal also includes 32,000 square feet of retail ARMORY continued on page 13

Beloved police Sgt. Knox loses battle with cancer By Krissi Humbard

The city announced the passing of beloved Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD) Sgt. Anthony “Tony” Knox on July 17. Knox had been battling cancer since 2016. Knox joined the HCPD on Jan. 25, 2006. Prior to his service with HCPD, he served with the Town of Edmonston Police Department and the

Department of Defense Police, and in the United States Army. “Today, the City of Hyattsville Police Department lost a true hero,” said HCPD Interim Chief Amal Awad. “Sgt. Knox taught us all what moving through adversity with dignity and strength truly means. He never wavered; he never quit. He came to work with an exceptional level of commitment and passion every day.”

As Knox ascended the ranks, he consistently displayed dynamic leadership. According to the city’s press release, he earned these highly coveted departmental awards: Silver Medal of Valor, Bronze Medal of Valor, Police Oﬃcer of the Year, Lifesaving Award, Leadership Award, and several other commendations. KNOX continued on page 12

CENTER SECTION: AUGUST 7, 2018 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO! HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

FromTheEditor

Thank you, Chief Holland and Sgt. Johnson By Krissi Humbard

Recently, two of the departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best retired from the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD): Chief Doug Holland and Sgt. Suzette (Suzie) Johnson hung up their police hats after 19.5 years and 25 years with HCPD, respectively. While working for Hyattsville Life & Times, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve gotten to know Doug and Suzie a little bit and have seen first-hand their dedication

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 501(c)(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

to Hyattsville and its residents. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve photographed Doug waving from the rooftop of Dunkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Donuts, more than once, to raise money for Special Olympics; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve witnessed the delight on Suzieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Dougâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faces when shopping with local children in need during the Operation Santa with a Badge event; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve talked with Suzie about her work to start the Magruder Park Teen Club again. The two were always quick to answer any questions I had about stories I was working on. But you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be a journalist to see their work in the community. The two have embodied community policing and have worked to connect with residents

COURTESY OF THE HYATTSVILLE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT Sgt. Suzie Johnson, left, and Chief Doug Holland retired recently.

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Digital Editor Krissi Humbard krissi@hyattsvillelife.com Webmaster Lindsay Myers lindsay@hyattsvillelife.com Layout & Design Editor Ashley Perks Copy Editor Nancy Welch Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Boucher Julia Gaspar-Bates Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti â&#x20AC;&#x201D; President and General Counsel Chris Currie â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Vice President Emily Strab â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Treasurer Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross, Reva Harris, Maria D. James and Krissi Humbard â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 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.

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during Community Conversations, Neighborhood Watch meetings held at residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes, events like National Night Out (where Doug is a frequent dunk tank volunteer), the police open house held during Summer Jam, and even neighborhood block parties and birthday parties (where Suzie once took a pie to the face!). The impact of Dougâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Suzieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership can also be seen in the other oďŹ&#x192;cers of HCPD â&#x20AC;&#x201D; how they interact with residents, handle police calls and participate in community events (have you seen OďŹ&#x192;cer Chris Evans dance at National Night Out or Lt. Chris Purvis sing at Summer Jam?!). On a more personal note, Doug has shown concern and compassion and has responded with action when a stabbing victim ended up on my property or shots were fired in my neighborhood. During times when Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been shaken, having Doug and his oďŹ&#x192;cers check on me was comforting and much appreciated. I will miss these two oďŹ&#x192;cers, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure many others will, too. The good news? Both still have ties to Hyattsville. And while they may have hung up their police hats, I have no doubt that you will still see Doug and Suzie in the community, working to make it better.

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LettersToTheEditor When searching for a home eight years ago, my wife and I were most attracted by the neighborliness of the Hyattsville community. We met two neighbors while viewing our home; one had lived here for three decades, the other a lifetime. We were struck by the strength of the city’s diversity and duration. Our three most immediate neighbors were of Jordanian, African and El Salvadoran descent — exactly the kind of neighborhood we knew could teach our children to broaden their horizons and bridge cultural differences — something this proud American believes we do when we are at our finest. My wife approached me about a summer foster care program for a Colombian child this year. It took me months to warm up to considering her proposal. What allowed me to finally say, “Yes. Let’s do this,” was that we are a part of a progressive, tolerant and supportive community. My sense of our strength was confirmed immediately. Our Spanish-speaking neighbors invited Diego to a birthday party. We ran into another Spanishspeaking neighbor on the next day’s bike ride who offered

to help me shepherd the kids to the bike trail. Our Muslim neighbor dropped off clothing. The Eritrean church provided soccer goals in their communal backyard. The congregation of our home church, First Baptist Church, learned Spanish phrases of welcome. We ran into our Mexican-American neighbor on the Fourth of July — finally Diego had an audience for his “muchos chistes,” his many jokes. I’m no activist. I’m only an active member of a community who embodies what we pledge will keep our country great: liberty for all. It just happens to be that same self-evident truth that eludes our modern imagination with its austere opinions and limiting ideologies. Thank you for making me proud to be an American all over again. Mark Goodson is a former editor with the Hyattsville Life & Times. He has blogged about his family’s fostering experience at www. markgoodson.com. Juan Diego and eleven other children spent the summer in the DMV through the nonprofit www.kidsave.org organization that oﬀers older children a chance to be adopted.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

LESTER

continued from page 1

independent appraiser in 1988, but before he did, he took me aside and told me, “It’s not like I am going away; you’ll still see me every week when I come to do appraisals.” It wasn’t the same, but at least I got to see him every week. By 2005, nearly all the old staff decided it was time to retire, so I was left with just a few people to run the store. Luckily for me, it was suggested that I ask Luis Pena, the former manager of the Game Stop next door, if he wanted to work at the store. So here we were: Luis, who had great management skills in retail but had never worked with jewelry or watches, me and some young girls who were new to the store and to both of us. Gary stepped right up and with his style of making people feel more comfortable, forged a friendship with Luis that would last for 13 years. Our bond strengthened in 2012, when Gary found out that we were closing the store after over 60 years in business. The company rep who was helping us run the sale saw how well Gary got along with both me and Luis. He told us that we should try and do a reboot in a better location. With what each of us could bring

COURTESY OF FRED FLEISHER Gary L. Lester was devoted to the members of his family.

to the table, he was sure that we could be successful. Gary was on board from the start, and so we all became partners in the new venture. By being out at other stores, Gary could not only see what was working and not working for others, but was able to secure fixtures for us from stores that were closing and find unique merchandise at the venues he spoke at. He introduced us to one of the major trade shows, and was always giving us ideas for things to try. The final bit of glue between us came last year, when he needed somewhere to stay, and Luis and I opened our door to him. Having him at our house for his last nine

months was amazing — kind of like Delta House, but without all the parties and kegs. The guy was an amazing cook, and fun to cook for. It was the final piece to the puzzle: we were a family — granted a dysfunctional one, but a family nonetheless. We saw how much he meant to people, always going off to help others and staying active. Be it playing in the church band, or staying out till all hours helping his students with their projects, if you needed him, he was there. We saw him become a published writer, a podcaster, a mentor for gemological students, and a highly respected member of the Gemological Association, who

lectured at their events all over the country. He was one of a kind, and once you met him, you never forgot him. I would like to leave you with a recent example of how he touched someone’s life: We had a customer come in soon after Gary’s passing; having been given his email address, she had contacted him when she saw the store was unexpectedly closed one day. Why would she do this? It seems that Gary appraised her ring for her several months ago. When she told him she wanted to sell it, Gary told her that it would take a unique individual to want such a ring, but if she had time, he would shop it around for her. They kept in touch via email as he tried to find a buyer, and this meant the world to her. He was paid to appraise her ring, and she was amazed how this man would do his best to

find a buyer for her on his own time. Luis and I spent over an hour and a half with her and her fiancé, talking about how great a guy Gary was. There are not many people on this Earth who would go as far as he would to help someone out, and get them the most return for what they had, without expecting anything in return. Gary was an example of how to live and what to aspire to be. Every life he touched was better for the experience they had with him. I loved this man, and my heart goes out to his family and all whose lives he touched, because if you ever had the opportunity to meet him, your life was better for it. I guess it is time, Mr. Scott: one to beam up .... Fred G. Fleisher is a partner with Fleisher’s of Maryland.

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the

Hyattsville Reporter No. 365 • August 7, 2018

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

ADA Ramps

we kick off National Drive Electric Week, in partnership with the Electric Vehicle Institute and Studio 3807. We’ll have on display various electronic vehicles from all around the Washington, D.C. area, including Teslas, electric motorcycles, and Hyattsville’s own fully marked Chevrolet Bolt Police Cruiser – the first of its kind in the nation! Admission is free, and car owners and attendees alike should register at www.ndew.org for a chance to win $250!

Hey Hyattsville! You may have noticed that we’re in the process of installing ADAcompliant ramps, traffic control bumpouts, and crosswalks near schools all across town. Increasing pedestrian safety is one of the most important recommendations we’re working to implement as a result of the City’s Transportation Study, which began late last year. We look forward to updating you on these improvements to our community! If you have any questions in the meantime, please call (301) 9855000.

Park(ing) Day

On September 21, parking spaces across the world will be turned into pop-up parks – just for the day. The City of Hyattsville is currently accepting applications from businesses and community organizations interested in running their own Park(ing) Day space this year. The deadline is August 15. If you have any questions, please contact Katie Gerbes at kgerbes@ hyattsville.org.

Movin’ with the Mayor

Let’s have fun while getting fit! Every Wednesday in August, 5 – 6 p.m., join Mayor Hollingsworth for strength and conditioning training facilitated by JM3 Health & Fitness, LLC. All ages and exercise levels are welcome. To RSVP, please email epreston@hyattsville.org or call (301) 985-5006. If the class is at capacity, you can be added to our waitlist for potential future sessions.

Zombie Run

School Safety Training

Some of our City of Hyattsville police officers recently completed a four-day training on responding to active threats in schools. The program included training on prevention of school incidents, cultural competency, best practices in police response, and active simulations. This was one of the many training courses our officers take throughout the year to be prepared in any situation to keep our residents and community safe.

WANTED: Volunteers

Get involved, make a difference. There’s a new way to stay in the know about onetime and ongoing volunteer opportunities in the City of Hyattsville. Learn more at https://hyattsville.galaxydigital.com.

Committee Vacancies

Residents who want to give back to our community are encouraged to serve on one of the City’s several advisory committees. You can learn more about each committee, see vacancies, and apply at www. hyattsville.org/committees. If you have any questions, please email cityclerk@ hyattsville.org.

Mentorship Program

The City of Hyattsville is proud to be launching a mentorship program in our community. Help us make it a success by volunteering as a tutor and mentor to local students one weeknight a week and one weekend day a month. To get involved as a volunteer, or to enroll your child in the program, please contact Sydney Cross at (240) 825-5126 or scross@hyattsville.org.

Community Survey: CALLING ALL RESIDENTS

We’re expanding our reach to get more feedback in the City’s 2018 Resident Satisfaction Survey. Every household should have now received a postcard with a code to access the survey online or to request a mailed version. If you didn’t get one, or lost the one you got, you can now request a code at www.hyattsvillesurvey.com. We would love your opinions and suggestions on City services and local quality of life. The survey is conducted by a third party, and ALL SURVEY RESPONSES ARE ANONYMOUS. If you have questions, please call (301) 985-5020.

Hyattsville’s kids had plenty of books to choose from on the final day of the summer reading program at Rosa L. Parks Elementary School. Niños en Hyattsville tenían muchos libros para elegir el último día del programa de lectura del verano en la Escuela Primaria Rosa L. Parks.

We’re Hiring

Serve your community by working for our local government! We’re currently seeking police officers, a police dispatcher, a code compliance inspector, a code compliance licensing clerk, and a Bilingual AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer. Visit www. hyattsville.org/jobs today to learn more and apply today!

Summer Jam

The next Summer Jam will be Friday, August 17, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., at the City Building (4310 Gallatin Street). Come out and boogie down with Jimi Smooth Band while enjoying the tastes of the Jammin’ Flava food truck and delicious, locally made beer. We’ll also have Mandy the Clown, our moon bounce, and more family fun for everyone! Visit www.hyattsville. org/summerjam to see the details on our whole 2018 Summer Jam Series, running the third Friday of each month from May to September, and be sure to watch our social media for any updates!

Micro Farmers Market

Don’t forget Summer Jam’s opening act: The City’s Micro Farmers Market! Come out to 4310 Gallatin on Friday, August 17, 4 – 8 p.m., for the best in fresh, local produce. For more information or to become a vendor, please email epreston@ hyattsville.org or visit www.hyattsville. org/fresh.

Non-Native Invasive Plant Removal

We’re looking for volunteers to help us

remove Japanese stiltgrass, a non-native invasive plant species, from Magruder Woods on Saturday, August 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Cotton work gloves will be provided. Volunteers should meet that morning at the Magruder Park Recreation Building (3911 Hamilton Street). Remember to dress for the elements, including long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy boots or shoes. Be sure to bring water and sunscreen! Please note that participation in this event helps to satisfy the State of Maryland Student Service Learning Requirement. To register, please call (301) 985-5057 or email caistis@ hyattsville.org.

Sunset Movie Series

We’re screening Despicable Me 3 in Heurich Park (2800 Nicholson Street) on Friday, August 24, at 8 p.m. Bring your blankets or chairs and come enjoy this FREE movie in the park!

Trash Collection Changes for Labor Day

City offices will be closed Monday, September 3, in observance of Labor Day. Emergency services will continue. There will be no yard waste pick up that Monday, but trash will be picked up on its regular schedule that week. If you have any questions, please call (301) 985-5000.

Electric Vehicle Car Show

#GoGreen in style! The City of Hyattsville will host its third annual Electric Vehicle Car Show on Saturday, September 8, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., in the parking lot of the City Building (4310 Gallatin Street). Join us as

Registration is now open for the fundraising fun runs organized by the Hyattsville Elementary School PTA! Join your friends and neighbors on Saturday, October 13, for some good ol’ fashioned exercise while raising money for art supplies, instruments, coats for kids, classroom supplies, and more! Learn more and sign up today at https://runsignup. com/hvlzombierun. Volunteers can also sign up at the link to help set up the race route, serve as race marshals, set up tables, chairs and tents, and then clean up afterwards. It’s a great opportunity for clubs, sports teams, student groups, and other organizations to serve together – and the PTA will also have the Prince George’s County Public School Student Service Learning Verification forms on hand.

Free Transportation

Hyattsville residents can ride all the University of Maryland Shuttle Routes for FREE! Route 113 loops through Hyattsville, stops at the Prince George’s Plaza Metro, and then heads to the University. To get a pass to ride, bring photo ID and proof of residence to the City 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.

Mosquito Control

The City participates in the State of Maryland’s Mosquito Control Program, which begins in June and continues into September. Mosquito Control staff will monitor adult mosquitos in Hyattsville, and if certain thresholds are met, they will conduct spraying operations on Monday evenings. Spraying will begin after dark. The City will also report issues with mosquitos to the State on a weekly basis. To report a problem in your neighborhood, please call (301) 985-5000, or visit www. hyattsville.org/pests. You can also request an exemption from adult mosquito control services on that site. Please note that exemptions must be filed each year and must be submitted to not only the Mosquito Control Program Supervisor but also to the City. Please note that spraying is NOT EFFECTIVE against the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which can be prevalent in the City of Hyattsville. Controlling this pesky pest requires routine cleanups and emptying and rinsing containers that hold still water on a weekly basis.

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

Page HR2

Reportero de

Hyattsville

No. 365 • 7 de Agosto, 2018

Rampas Nuevas

¡Hola Hyattsville! ¿Se han dado cuenta de que estamos construyendo rampas, extensiones de acera y pasos de peatones nuevos? Estos cumplen con leyes de acceso para personas con discapacidades y los estamos instalando cerca de las escuelas en nuestra Ciudad. Aumentar la seguridad de peatones es una de las recomendaciones más importantes que estamos trabajando a realizar como resultado del Estudio de Transportación en la Ciudad, lo cual empezó a fines del año pasado. ¡Esperamos ponerles al tanto de estas mejoras en nuestra comunidad! Cualquier consulta, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5000.

Acción con la Alcaldesa

¡Vamos a tener diversión mientras nos ponemos en forma! Cada miércoles en agosto, 5 – 6 p.m., acompañen a Alcaldesa Hollingsworth para un campo de entrenamiento de fuerza y condicionamiento, facilitado por JM3 Health & Fitness, LLC. Personas de cualquier edad y nivel físico están bienvenidas. Para registrarse, envíen un correo electrónico a epreston@hyattville. org o llamen al (301) 985-5006. Si la sesión está llena, se puede ser agregado a una lista de espera para sesiones en el futuro.

Seguridad en las Escuelas

Algunos de los oficiales de policía de la Ciudad de Hyattsville recientemente han completado un entrenamiento de cuatro días centrado en cómo responder a amenazas reales en una escuela. El programa abordó temas de sensibilidad cultural y prácticas recomendadas para responder a amenazas, además de incluir simulaciones activas. Fue uno de los varios entrenamientos en que participan nuestros agentes de policía durante el año para que todos sean preparados a mantener segura a nuestra comunidad en cualquier situación.

Buscamos Voluntarios

Crear cambio en la comunidad. Hay una nueva manera de ponerse al tanto de todas las oportunidades de voluntariado en la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Vean más en https:// hyattsville.galaxydigital.com.

Vacantes en los Comités

Residentes que quieran tener un impacto en la comunidad están invitados a servir en uno de los varios comités consultivos de la Ciudad. Se puede aprender más de cada comité y cubrir una vacante en www.hyattsville.org/ committees. Cualquier consulta, por favor manden un correo electrónico a cityclerk@ hyattsville.org.

Programa de Mentores

La Ciudad de Hyattsville está orgullosa de lanzar up programa de mentores en nuestra comunidad. Ayúdennos a hacerlo exitoso convirtiéndose en un voluntario como tutor y mentor para estudiantes locales, una vez en la tarde entresemana y un sábado o domingo cada mes. Para involucrarse como un voluntario o inscribir a sus hijos en el programa, por favor contacten a Sydney Cross al (240) 825-5126 o vía scross@hyattsville.org.

Mentorship Program

The City of Hyattsville is proud to be launching a mentorship program in our community. Help us make it a success by volunteering as a tutor and mentor to local students at least twice a week starting on September 5. To get involved as a volunteer, or to enroll your child in the program, please contact Sydney Cross at (240) 825-5126 or scross@hyattsville.org.

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Encuesta Comunitaria: AHORA PARA TODOS

Estamos ampliando nuestro alcance para obtener más información por medio de la Encuesta de Satisfacción de Residentes de 2018 de la Ciudad. Ahora todos hogares deberían haber recibido una tarjeta postal con un código para acceder a la encuesta en línea o para pedir una versión impresa por correo. Si no la han recibido, o si se la ha perdido, por favor visiten a www.hyattsvillesurvey.com. Recibiremos con gusto sus comentarios y sugerencias con respecto a servicios de la Ciudad y a la calidad de vida local. Un grupo tercero está realizando la encuesta y TODAS LAS RESPUESTAS SON COMPLETAMENTE ANÓNIMAS. Si tienen preguntas, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5020.

Estamos Contratando

¡Sirvan a su comunidad y trabajen para nuestro gobierno local! Estamos buscando oficiales de policía, un despachador de policía, un inspector de cumplimento con el código, una secretaria de licencias y un voluntario bilingüe del programa AmeriCorps VISTA. Para obtener más información y solicitar, por favor visiten a www.hyattsville.org/jobs.

Summer Jam

El próximo Summer Jam tendrá lugar el viernes, 17 de agosto, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., en el Edificio Municipal (4310 Calle Gallatin). Vengan y bailan al ritmo de Jimi Smooth Band mientras disfrutándose de comida jamaicana del camión de comida Jammin’ Flava y cervezas deliciosas y locales. ¡También tendremos Mandy la Payasa, nuestra brinca brinca y más diversión familiar para todos! Para ver más detalles de nuestra Serie Summer Jam de 2018, visiten a www.hyattsville.org/summerjam. ¡La fiesta sigue el tercer viernes de cada mes entre mayo y septiembre! Asegúrense de ver nuestras redes sociales para actualizaciones.

Mercadito de Hyattsville

No se olviden que cada Summer Jam tiene un telonero muy especial: ¡El Mercadito de la Ciudad! Vengan al 4310 Calle Gallatin el viernes, 17 de agosto, 4 – 8 p.m., para lo mejor de productos frescos y locales. Visiten a wwww.hyattsville.org/fresh o manden un correo electrónico a epreston@hyattsville.org para más información o para convertirse en un vendedor.

Plantas Invasivas y No Nativas

Buscamos voluntarios para ayudarnos a remover del Bosque de Magruder la hierba zancuda japonesa, una especie de planta invasora y no nativa el sábado, el 18 de agosto, de las 10 a.m. hasta la 1 p.m. Guantes de algodón serán provistos. Los voluntarios deberían reunirse con nosotros esa mañana en el Edificio de Recreación de Parque Magruder (3911 Calle Hamilton). Se les recuerda vestirse para los elementos, incluyendo mangas y pantalones largos y botas o zapatos resistentes. ¡No se olviden agua y bloqueador de sol! Participación en este evento puede ayudar a satisfacer el requisito de aprendizaje-servicio del Estado de Maryland. Para inscribirse, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5057 o manden un correo electrónico a caistis@hyattsville.org.

Peliculas al Atardecer

Les invitamos a una proyección GRATIS de Despicable Me 3 en Parque Heurich (2800 Calle Nicholson) el viernes, 24 de agosto, a las 8 p.m. ¡Lleven sus mantas o silla y únanse a la diversión!

Alcaldesa Candace Hollingsworth agradece al Coronel Douglas Holland en nombre de la Ciudad de Hyattsville por casi 20 años de servicio como su Jefe de la Policía. Holland se está jubilando después de más de 44 años de servicio policial. Mayor Candace Hollingsworth thanks Colonel Douglas Holland on behalf of the City of Hyattsville for nearly 20 years of service as the City’s Chief of Police. Holland has retired after over 44 years of police service.

Cambios de Recolección de Basura para el Día del Trabajo

Las oficinas de la Ciudad estarán cerradas el lunes, 3 de septiembre, en observación del Día del Trabajo. Continuarán los servicios de emergencia. Les informamos que no habrá recolección de residuos de jardín ese lunes, pero la recolección de basura seguirá como normal esta semana. Cualquier consulta, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5000.

Expo de Autos Eléctricos

¡#VamosVerde con estilo! La Ciudad les invita a su tercera Exposición de Autos Electrónicos el sábado, 8 de septiembre, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., en el parqueo del Edifico Municipal (4310 Calle Gallatin). Únanse a nosotros para un lanzamiento muy divertido de la Semana Nacional “Drive Electric.” En asociación con el Instituto de Vehículos Eléctricos y Studio 3807, hemos organizado un evento con varios vehículos eléctricos de todos lados del área de Washington, D.C. – incluyendo unos Tesla, motocicletas eléctricas y el Chevrolet Bolt de la policía de Hyattsville – ¡la primera patrulla eléctrica de este tipo en la nación! Entrada es gratis – ¡y todos están invitados a inscribirse en www.ndew.org para la oportunidad de ganar $250!

Día de Parque(o)

El 21 de septiembre, espacios de parqueo por todo el mundo se van a convertir en parques temporales – ¡solo para el día! Ahora la Ciudad de Hyattsville está aceptando solicitudes de empresas y organizaciones comunitarias interesadas en organizar sus propios Espacios de Parque(o) este año. La fecha límite es el 15 de agosto. Cualquier consulta, por favor contacten a Katie Gerbes a kgerbes@hyattsville.org.

Carrera de Zombis

¡Ahora se puede inscribirse para las carreras divertidísimas del PTA de Hyattsville Elementary! Únanse a sus amigos y vecinos el sábado, 13 de octubre, para correr y recaudar fondos para suministros de clases, materiales artísticos, instrumentos musicales, abrigos para niños y mucho más. ¡Vean más e inscríbanse en https://runsignup.com/ hvlzombierun! Voluntarios también pueden inscribirse ahí para ayudarnos preparar

la ruta de carrera, dirigir a los corredores, poner mesas y sillas y, luego, limpiar después del evento. Es una gran oportunidad de servir para todos los clubs, equipos, grupos estudiantiles y otras organizaciones – y el PTA tendrá en mano los formularios de verificar participación en el programa de aprendizaje-servicio en las escuelas.

Transportación Gratis

¡Residentes de Hyattsville pueden tomar todos los autobuses de la Universidad de Maryland GRATIS! La Ruta 113 pasa por Hyattsville, con paradas en la estación de metro de Prince George’s Plaza y al fin en la Universidad. Para obtener su pase para el autobús, presentan una identificación con foto y prueba de residencia a la Ciudad en 4310 Calle Gallatin, lo que está abierto lunes a viernes, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Les podemos dar el pase el mismo día de su visita. Mapas y horarios de la ruta del autobús se los pueden encontrar en www.dots.umd.edu.

Control de los Mosquitos

Ya viene el verano, ¡y los mosquitos también! La Ciudad participa en el Programa del Estado de Maryland para el Control de Mosquitos, lo que comienza en junio y dura hasta septiembre. Empleados del Estado monitorizar la población de mosquitos adultos en Hyattsville. Si los mosquitos llegan a un cierto límite, el Estado realizará operaciones de fumigación los lunes después del anochecer. Además, la Ciudad reportará problemas con mosquitos al Estado cada semana. Para reportar un problema en su vecindario, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5000 o visiten a www.hyattsville.org/pests. En ese sitio también se pueden pedir una exención de servicios de control de mosquitos. Por favor tengan en cuenta que se deben pedir una nueva exención cada año, entregando la solicitación al Programa de Control de Mosquitos y a la Ciudad, también. Les informamos que la fumigación NO ES EFICAZ contra el mosquito tigre, lo cual puede ser prevalente en la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Controlar este parásito se requiere limpieza rutina, además de vaciar y enjuagar semanalmente los contenedores que retienen agua.

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Last spring I found a full compost bin in the backyard of the house we bought in Hyattsville, so my husband and I started our first vegetable patch. Beans, squash and corn are doing well, but the tomatoes not so good. The plants themselves are large, but we didn’t see any little tomatoes at all until mid-July. We are still waiting for them to get big and red. My older sister, who does not live in this area, has a lot of opinions about gardening, and since we started our patch, she texts advice and IMs pics of her garden. Anyway, she claims our problem comes from not using commercial tomato food but just compost. She thinks compost is giving the plants too much of whatever that first number on tomato food bags stands for, and that makes plants big, and not enough of the middle number, which makes plants have flowers and produce vegetables. When I explained that I’m not into chemistry and think it’s safer to garden organically, she suggested putting Epsom salt on the plants. Even though I know we have a lot to learn, at least I know that salt is very bad for plants and would kill our tomatoes. When I told my sister this, she got salty and said I ought

to know that Epsom salt isn’t the same as other salt. When I asked her what diﬀerence it makes where salt comes from, and if Epsom was any better than Himalayan salt or Dead Sea salt, she unfriended me. I think she’s stumped. What do you think could be the matter with our tomato plants, and what do you think we should do? Uber Organic on Oglethorpe Street Dear Uber Organic, Compost is usually well-balanced, so I’m not convinced your plants are getting too much nitrogen (which is what that first number on the fertilizer bag indicates) at the expense of phosphorus. The second number gives the ratio of phosphorus, the element that promotes flowering and fruiting. The third gives the ratio of potassium, which nourishes a plant’s root system. This is generally referred to as the NPK ratio and is found on every container of commercial fertilizer. Your sister does understand fertilizer ratios and what they do, but she may not be an organic gardening expert. While tomatoes do need extra magnesium, which

is what Epsom salts provide, bone meal is the best natural source for potassium. If you haven’t noticed many flowers on your tomato plants, then there is a deficiency in the NPK ratio of your compost, and you should apply some bone meal. Also, because she doesn’t live in our area, your sister may not be aware of how the vagaries of our climate are affecting tomato production this year. While most gardeners know that tomatoes won’t set fruit in unusually cool weather, not everyone realizes that extreme heat — temperatures in the 90s day after day — causes the pollen to fry and flowers to fall off before forming fruit. This past July has been sweltering. Daytime temperatures have been well over 90, reaching as high as 97, and even nighttime temperatures have often been over 80. When cooling rain at last came towards the end of the month, it was torrential and knocked off flowers. In addition, there was a long period when there was little air movement, which also can be a problem for tomatoes. In the absence of bees, tomatoes rely on wind for pollination. Because you’re “Uber Organic,” you doubtless avoid pesticides, so pollinators did visit, and tomatoes developed. You

SUMMER JAM

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May 18 N2N Band June 15 JaneliaSoul

July 20 Run Come See

should be getting ripe tomatoes by the time your letter appears in print — although not as many as you might have hoped for. Keep feeding your tomatoes compost and bone meal, and you should get a succession of harvests before frost. I asked Dr. Agronomosky, soil expert, about Epsom salts. He explained that these salts are unrelated to sodium chloride (NaCl), the salt with which we flavor food, fight fires, preserve food, melt snow, and use in IVs and saline solutions. You are correct that this salt is lethal to most plants. Epsom salts (MgSO4) are chemically known as magnesium sulfate and get their name from a town in England known for natural springs rich in minerals. Use of Epsom salts does help tomatoes produce larger fruit and more generous yields. Dr. Agronomsky doubts, however, that your soil is deficient in magnesium or sulfur and advises having your soil tested before adding it to your tomato patch. So although I am only too aware that chemistry can be bewilderingly complicated, it doesn’t hurt to know a few things — such as the NPK ratio in fertilizer and a little something about salts in general.

SUMMER JAM Hamburguesas • Bebidas • Perros Calientes

Camiones De Comida • Entretenimiento Musical Pintura De La Cara • Brinca Brinca • Mandy La Payasa

18 de Mayo N2N Band

September 21 The Roustabouts

15 de Junio JaneliaSoul

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. 4310 Gallatin Street This is a rain or shine event! For more information visit www.hyattsville.org/summerjam

The Hyattsville Horticultural Society will have a produce swap at its next meeting, Saturday, Aug. 18, at the Hyattsville Municipal Center, 4310 Gallatin Street. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. You may wish to bring your vegetables and exchange them for other varieties.

SERIE

August 17 Jimi Smooth Band

Opening Act Every Summer Jam: MICRO FARMERS MARKET 4 - 8 p.m.

In chemistry, the word “salt” refers to ionic compounds formed by the neutralizing reaction of an acid with a base, often with a metal component. There a great many of them, with complex interactions between what are called cations (positively charged ions) and anions (negatively charged ions), and they form crystals that have many different colors and tastes. Although Himalayan salt is pink, and Hawaiian salt is black, most sodium chloride salt is white and has the taste with which we’re familiar, but other chemical salts come in every color of the rainbow and can taste sweet, sour, bitter or even savory. A good example is MSG (monosodium glutamate), which is prevalent in restaurant use. Perhaps you can make peace with your sister and continue to receive gardening information from her. However, as you know, it may have to be taken with a grain of salt.

20 de Julio Run Come See

17 de Augusto Jimi Smooth Band 21 de Septiembre The Roustabouts

Telonero Cada Summer Jam: NUESTRO MERCADITO 4 - 8 p.m. 6:30 – 8:30 PM 4310 Calle Gallatin ¡Este es un evento de sol o lluvia! For more information visit www.hyattsville.org/summerjam

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

Page 9

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

CulturalConnections Resilience, hope for Angolan resident By Julia Gaspar-Bates

Growing up in Luanda, Angola, in southwestern Africa was not always easy for Hyattsville resident Helder Almeida. “There was a lot of domestic violence in my family, so I grew up quite fast. When I was 8 years old, my father pointed a gun at my mom. Seeing this changed the path of my life,” said Almeida. A go-getter with a desire to take charge of his life, Almeida started a graphics design business when he was 15 years old. At 19, he realized that he wanted to leave Angola for better opportunities. “I started looking for universities abroad because I had the vision of becoming someone successful, given what I had been through. I needed to leave Luanda, and I got accepted to Northern Virginia Community College’s ESL program. The U.S. is a country of dreams but is also a hard country to come to.” Upon arrival in Virginia, Almeida

struggled as a new immigrant. “I didn’t know a n y b o d y. That was one of the lowest points. You come to America with no English, no family, no friends, and you have to fight to learn English because this is the number one tool you need.” Although he had vacationed in Portugal, this was Almeida’s first time living in an English-speaking country, and he encountered a lot of culture shock, particularly around how Americans treat immigrants. “One time I was in the elevator with a Spanish guy and a black man. For no reason, the black guy slapped [the Spanish man’s] face and told him that he needed to get out of this country because we don’t have jobs. [But] immigrants take jobs that other people don’t want so we can feed our families. It is opportunities

that others won’t take.” Almeida also found that Americans are obsessed with money. “People don’t see the beauty of being friends with people. They only see the beauty of money. If you don’t have money, they won’t talk to you.” Almeida reminisces about Angolan culture where he sees people as more friendly than in the U.S. “Angolans don’t see you as international or a person of color. They see you as God’s creation, and they want to be your friend and welcome you with food and music.” Almeida also values the great respect for the Elders’ advice that exists in Angola. “We listen to what they’ve been through in their lives to use as future reference to teach our kids. We use the stories of the war, of working on plantations. In Africa, we provide for our family, including our extended family. I grew up listening to my mom every day. She was, and still is, one of the best guides for me.” His mother’s love and strength

helped Almeida eventually thrive in the U.S. After completing his ESL certificate, Almeida obtained a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of the District of Columbia, and he is embarking on a master’s degree. Almeida also started a consulting firm, Altitectur LLC, which provides designs and support for people who flip houses. “Whatever you want in life, you’re the one who should take a step forward. You cannot put your head down because your crown is going to fall. You just have to be yourself and not do things just for society or [for] friends to accept you. Freedom of choice — this is America. I didn’t have freedom in Angola, where people don’t have hope. They don’t know what will happen to them, so they only dream with the ‘if.’” Almeida and his girlfriend, Nikki, moved to Hyattsville two years ago because it was a sanctuary city and home to a lot of young families. Indeed, he and

Nikki hope to join their ranks. He enjoys living here because of the art and culture. “You can see different cultures and how people respect each other’s culture without interfering. Everybody comes together as one.” Still, Almeida misses Angola. “I miss the sea, the young kids on the streets selling fresh drinks. I miss being close to my friends and family. I would like to move back to Angola if the country changes, and I see everybody with hope that they can succeed in life professionally. Here, I’m living the American dream. The American dream is not about being given a house, money, a job. It’s you. It’s bringing yourself with a strong mind and believing that no matter where I come from, I will do whatever I put in my mind to do. I will succeed. The American dream is to remind yourself that you’re doing what you intended to do.” “Cultural Connections” is devoted to highlighting the rich diversity in Hyattsville by bringing forth the voices of immigrants and other foreign residents.

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Page 11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR August 10

Riverdale Park Summer Concert Series. Performance by local musician David Andrew Smith. Free. 6 to 8 p.m. Bear Square at Riverdale Park Station, across from Whole Foods. 6621 Baltimore Avenue, Riverdale

August 11

Movie in the Park. Featured film will be “Jumanji,” starring Kevin Hart and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and snacks. Free. David C. Harrington Community Park, 4229 Edmonston Rd., Bladensburg

August 21

Back 2 School Bash. Kids will be given a backpack; limited to the first 500. Vendors will hand out free school supplies. Free. 5 to 8 p.m. The Mall At Prince Georges, 3500 East-West Highway. Vendors and sponsors are wanted now. 866.957.8687

August 22

Jazz on the Lawn: Susan Jones & the Extension Chords. Enjoy the last concert of the season with Susan Jones. In the event of rain, the concert moves inside. Free. Riverdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale. 301.864.0420

August 25

Fifth Annual Back to School Backpack Bash. Hosted by the City of College Park and the Greivis Vasquez Foundation. Receive free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts and food. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. College Park Community Center, 5051 Pierce Ave., College Park

September 14 to 16

“My Neighbor’s Caring Love.” An original production of dance, drama, and song. $20 in advance. $25 day of. Show times vary per day. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt. Rainier. 301.699.1819. joesmovement.org

September 15

Porchfest Hyattsville. Sponsored by the Hyattsville Preservation Association. Familyfriendly community music event for all ages. Focal points will be a variety of musical acts ranging from acoustic to electric, and solo to ensemble. Map of locations will be published online by Sept. 13. 301.699.5440. hpahyattsville@hotmail.com

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Page 12

KNOX

continued from page 1

Knox served as the K-9 supervisor at HCPD. According to the press release, Knox adored his K-9 partner, Ori, whom he met in April of 2012. The two graduated from the Prince George’s County Police

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

Department’s K-9 School on Nov. 15, 2013. Together, they went on to build one of the Washington metropolitan area’s leading K-9 units. Knox also served as the police department’s lead firearms instructor, taser instructor, defensive tactics instructor, and the

Emergency Response Team’s point man. “Sgt. Knox exuded leadership, was highly revered, and [was] deeply loved by his family, friends, and the men and women of the City of Hyattsville Police Department,” Awad said. “Every oﬃcer who worked with Sgt. Knox on

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Squad 2 and in our K-9 Unit has conveyed how he consistently led by example and expected nothing less than excellence from his squad members. “He has left an incredible legacy with the City of Hyattsville Police Department and our entire community.” Knox was 42 years old and is survived by the love of his life, Meredith; his four children, Kellen, Logan, Ethan and Taylor; his parents, Lawrence and Carol Knox; his sister, Shawn Ashcraft; and his brothers and sisters in blue. He was preceded in death by his K-9 partner, Ori, in August 2017. Hyattsville Mayor Candace Hollingsworth remembered Sgt. Knox in a post on social media: “I met then-Cpl. Knox on my very first ride-along. Although he wasn’t the oﬃcer hosting me, he happily showed me how well he and Ori, his K-9 partner, worked together. He threw different objects out into the fields of Magruder Park illuminated only by moonlight and each time Ori brought them back to him. I can’t recall if it was the same evening or on my second ride-along that I watched on as Knox responded to a call for service at the student apartments at UTC [University Town Center]. He was confident yet compassionate and

these two early encounters with Knox were just a glimpse of his good nature and the way he cared for the city and her residents through his service with the Hyattsville Police Department. He will be missed by many and certainly missed by me.” The police department asks that residents please keep the Knox family in their thoughts and prayers. Condolences may be sent to the Knox family by way of the HCPD. “We thank Sgt. Knox for his leadership, friendship, and service to our community and country,” Awad said. “We are devastated by his loss and will miss him dearly. We are grateful that the Knox family shared Tony with us for so many years, and we appreciate everyone who assisted the Knox family throughout this journey as Tony valiantly fought cancer.” The press release ended by saying, “his presence will forever remain with the City of Hyattsville Police Department, and all whose lives he touched.” Residents can still donate to the GoFundMe campaign set up by the HCPD when Sgt. Tony Knox was diagnosed with cancer. Condolences can be sent to The Knox Family, c/o HCPD, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2018

ARMORY

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space featuring a mix of restaurants, convenience stores, health and beauty shops, fitness centers and boutiques. There are also plans for a parking garage with 680 spaces, about 100 of which would be public parking spaces. Armory Apartments would be the developer’s first major project in Prince George’s County. Brook Katzen, vice president of development for UIP, said the development team has “grown very fond of this community and this neighborhood. We’ve met a lot of great people, and we’re thrilled to be making this investment here.” Katzen compared the proposed development to the EYA property across the street, noting that the two are similar in size and scope. The architecture of the Armory Apartments is broken into four design pieces, Katzen explained, to give the feeling that the project was developed over time. The design team incorporated elements from the surrounding neighborhood such as corrugated metal borrowed from Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store and natural stone from the Armory building as well as playful colors inspired by the murals and elements from historic buildings in the area. Residents at the council meeting and the city’s planning committee meeting were wary about the design. During public comment, one resident said that “the exterior architecture could use some work,” calling for a “more durable, classical design.” During the planning meeting, residents and committee members also talked about the architecture and facade. Corrugated metal was not popular among those who spoke about the project. Others suggested using bolder colors, upgrading the materials, making the look of the development funkier and more unique, and incorporating the murals that are currently in place. Katzen said the development team is open to suggestions from the public about the design. “It’s not built yet, so we’re flexible, and we can make adjustments based on people’s feedback,” Katzen stated. “We want to build a project that the community is happy with,” he explained at the planning board meeting. As with any development project in Hyattsville, residents and councilmembers were concerned about the number of students that might be added to the overtaxed school system. The proposed units are predominantly studio and onebedroom apartments, but a study done by UIP projected that 38 elementary students, 15 middle school students and 21 high school students would live in the

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development. Another point of concern voiced by members of the planning committee is traffic, which is already a problem on Baltimore Avenue in downtown Hyattsville. UIP aims to make the area safer for pedestrians and vehicles. Their proposal features a wider sidewalk, and the development team also wants to help control traffic flow and increase safety by relocating the Hamilton Street intersection and aligning it with the development’s entrance. They also want to add a traffic light at Hamilton Street and Baltimore Avenue, with left-turn signals and signalized pedestrian crosswalks. The development team has visited the area many times and has already been involved in community events. Steve Schwat, principal of UIP, spoke about building spaces for the community at the planning board meeting. The north end of the building, which borders Crossover Church, would have a public park that acts as a landscape buffer. Plans for the park include water features, outdoor dining, benches, umbrellas, a stage for performances and cafe seating. There would also be a public outdoor park on the south side of the development with a sculpture or water feature to serve as a visual focal point. Polka Dot Park 2.0, the team is calling it. “We recognize that this project is going to be an important part of the fabric of this community ... and that’s a responsibility that we don’t take lightly,” Katzen said. Construction on the project is expected to begin in early 2019.

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