BEYOND THE HOLLY AND THE IVY
OUT WITH THE OLD? COUNCIL EYES CHANGES ON MANY FRONTS
POWER PLAY AT CITY HALL
Other plants for decking the halls this Christmas season. PAGE 6
New hires, new budget process, input on the new school, and maybe a whole new form of government for the city. PAGES 3 TO 6
Charge it! Grant money funds three electric cars for parking enforcement. PAGE 9
Homeowner hospitalized after police shooting by Susie Currie
A Hyattsville woman remains hospitalized after a city police officer shot her in the chest in the basement of her 43rd Avenue home on the morning of December 4. The victim was armed with a knife and refusing to leave her basement, according to Lt. Chris Purvis of the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD). Four officers responded to a call for assistance for what Purvis called “mental-health issues.” It was the second such call to that address in 24 hours. Officers arrived shortly after 10:30 a.m.; the shooting occurred around 11:10 a.m. “The intent was to transport her for [an emergency] evaluation,” said Purvis. In Maryland, these psychiatric evaluations require petitioning the court and demonstrating that a person is “in clear and imminent danger of doing bodily harm to yourself or others.” But she refused to go with the officers, and also refused to remove her hands from her pockets when asked. At some point, she “displayed a knife in a threatening manner towards the officers,” according to the HCPD statement. One officer “[tried] to subdue
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
SHOOTING continued on page 12
Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 10 No. 12
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
WAITING FOR
December 2013
Mining for gold, finding stories instead by Alex Holt
MICHAEL HORLICK At the cityʼs annual Breakfast with Santa on December 7, Kathryn Bishop, Gabrielle Flowers and Sam Chappelle are all smiles.
By many standards, Christopher Brophy’s trip to Alaska this year to mine for gold was not a success. He didn’t make a lot of money. The work didn’t suit him. He switched boats midway through his stay, leaving behind the junior high school friend who’d recruited him into the adventure. But while the longtime Hyattsville resident and former restaurateur may not have literally struck it rich, he came back with many tales to tell. They form the basis of his new self-published book, Dirty Weather & other Nome stories, which went up for sale on Amazon at the end of October. The adventure started last winter. Brophy, 54, was between jobs BROPHY continued on page 13
City passes Human Rights Act by Rosanna Landis Weaver
With the passage of the Hyattsville Human Rights Act on December 2, Hyattsville became one of a handful of cities protecting the rights of transgender people in employment, housing and real-estate transactions, and public accommodations. The legislation was sponsored by Ward 3 Councilmember Patrick Paschall, who is senior policy counsel for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. It declares “it illegal to engage in discriminatory conduct based on age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, mari-
tal status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or physical characteristic[s] and extends this protection in employment, housing and real estate transactions and public accommodation.” This echoes many of the protections already codified in federal, state and county law, but adds gender identity and physical characteristics. Maryland is one of 21 states that has laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Until now, the city itself had no nondiscrimination policy on the books, other than personnel policies, and the decision brought television and news coverage to the area.
“This is a historic opportunity for the city of Hyattsville to be at the cutting of edge of civil rights in the state of Maryland,” says Paschall. “We are now the fifth Maryland jurisdiction — and the first small municipality — to add gender identity non-discrimination protections to its laws.” One Hyattsville resident who is excited about the new law is 18-year-old Ray Everhart who is “gender fluid,” comfortable with both male and female pronouns. “Our leaders are finally aware of the fact that we have people who are different and they need to be protected too. It’s nice.” At graduation at Northwest-
ern High School in 2013, Everhart wanted to graduate with the boys, having strong negative memories of identity discomfort in the white gown worn at junior high graduation. “This is how I choose to represent myself,” says Everhart, and while at one point the principal suggested it might not be allowed, after Everhart’s parents supportively joined the conversation, permission was granted and “at that point it was a win.” “This bill being passed is going to pave the way for other young people and older people who have been struggling,” says Everhart. “It’s going to be good.”
Included: The December 11, 2013 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
FromTheEditor
What drives decisions? by Susie Currie
In recent months, the Hyattsville City Council has spent hours discussing such issues as whether to support plans to build a car wash in the shadow of a Metro station, whether a drive-through McDonald’s has a place on East-West Highway, and what the new elementary school opening this fall should offer its students. All subjects that clearly affect the quality of life in Hyattsville. The only problem is that the decisions are out of the council’s hands — and their recommendations sometimes fall on deaf ears when the real decisions are made.
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 http://issuu.com/ hyattsvillelifeandtimes 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. Executive Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 Managing Editor Rosanna Landis Weaver rosanna@hyattsvillelife.com 301.277.5939 Editorial Intern Scarlett Salem Production Ashley Perks Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Hille, Molly Parrish, Valerie Russell, Fred Seitz, Hugh Turley Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Susie Currie - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Valerie Russell Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Rosanna Landis Weaver - Ex Officio Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. Mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city. Total circulation is 9,300. HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association.
Let’s start with our elected officials at the county level. Will Campos is winding down two terms as our representative on the Prince George’s County Council, which is called the District Council when it decides on planning and zoning matters for the county. In 2006, the District Council approved a Transit District Overlay Zone (TDOZ) “to promote ... pedestrian and transit-oriented mixed-use development” around both of Hyattsville’s Metro stations, including the stretch of East-West Highway from University Town Center past the mall to just beyond the Home Depot. So, when McDonald’s wanted to put a drive-through restaurant at the corner of Toledo Terrace and East-West Highway, it was understandable that both the City of Hyattsville and the Prince George’s County Planning Board went on record against it.
But, on October 28, the District Council voted — unanimously — to allow the drive-through, defying its own zoning authority. Acting City Administrator and Community and Economic Director Jim Chandler said the city plans to appeal that decision. But why should it have to? Why wouldn’t the county follow its own zoning in matters of development — not to mention the explicit request from the city affected by the decision? Since Councilmember Campos did not return repeated calls from an HL&T reporter, his constituents are left to guess at his motives. But actions speak louder than words. More troubling is the fact is that the proposed McDonald’s is just down the street from Editors Park Drive — the access point for Nicholas Orem Middle School and, as of this fall, a new elementary school. That intersection is already danger-
ous for students who walk. What will be the effect of adding fast-food traffic? Campos and the rest of the District Council will have another opportunity to ignore the TDOZ conditions when they decide whether to allow a gas station on Belcrest Road in the shadow of the Prince George’s Plaza Metro to add a car wash. (Gas stations are prohibited in the TDOZ, but this one predated the zoning.) Again, the city said no to the drivethrough. And on December 5, the county planning board agreed. Again. At press time, the District Council vote on the project hadn’t been scheduled. But when it is, what will happen? At the state level, the imperialism of the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is legendary among municipal officials. The SHA has refused to put a traffic light on Queens Chapel Road at Nicholson street for decades, according to Mayor Marc Tartaro, despite hundreds of accidents, several pedestrian fatalities, and numerous requests
by residents, city officials and state legislators. In 2001, Del. Anne Healey (D22), a longtime resident of Hyattsville, cosponsored a bill that would have required the SHA to justify their mysterious opposition to installing the traffic light (or indeed, any traffic-control device). Part of her reasoning was that 280 accidents had happened there in the previous five years. The bill died in committee. Pedestrians have died since. And still, there is no traffic light on the horizon, as Ward 3 Councilmembers Patrick Paschall and Tim Hunt learned last month at an SHA briefing about updates to Queens Chapel Road. “I was extremely frustrated and disappointed in the behavior of SHA staff and their lack of transparency, their failure to allow ... an open dialogue in which the public asks questions and gets answers about the project,” Paschall told his colleagues at their November 18 meeting. If the past is any guide, that won’t be changing any time soon.
MyTwoCents
Community needs to speak up to create something worth preserving by Stuart Eisenberg
Do you want a great, kid-focused, non-profit arts school in Hyattsville, to round out our momentum-gaining Arts District? How about a proven, tasty, hip pizza restaurant in the neighborhood? Gimme a slice! If your answer is yes to these questions, then you had better get off your chair and do something about it: because it won’t happen if this community doesn’t speak up. Art Works Studio School wants to locate its operations at 4800 Rhode Island Avenue, in the former home of the Marche Florist. However, in 2010, while the ownership of the property was in flux, county officials proposed that the building be designated an historic resource, eligible for Historic Site status. If that status is granted December 17 the plans for the art school and pizza place are likely done for. The Historic Site status comes with excessively strict regulations that will inhibit necessary adaptations to the structure, and impose costly, stringent reviews, making commercially viable adaptive reuse and future improvements inordinately difficult for the nonprofit school — or, indeed, almost any future user. Because of economic conditions and structural/design challenges, the building has sat vacant
for the last eight years. It has become increasingly blighted and is a magnet for distressing activity as long as it remains in that state. For the last seven years, in my day job at the Hyattsville CDC, I have tried to find a viable commercial user for the property. I have led dozens of interested parties to the building, only to see the business plans show too much cost and risk for the transaction to go through, or to watch the financing get turned down. Community revitalization can be a slow, frustrating business. And when a great opportunity like the Art Works proposal comes along, you’ve got to seize it. This is exactly what the Gateway Arts District Sector Plan was designed to make happen. Pizzeria Paradiso wants to partner with Art Works to help realize their dream of an expanded arts facility and community resource. Art Works needs a rent-paying tenant to assist with the costs of the mortgage and financing expensive rehab work that’s necessary to move forward. Art Works has lined up grants, capital funding, and community support to adaptively reuse the premises. They’ve recruited an award-winning architect, pro bono, to design the necessary work, and current plans
preserve the most distinguishing features of the building, including the glass frontage, the stone facade, and the greenhouse. On December 17, the Historic Preservation Commission will hold a hearing to decide the status of the old florist building. If, as a community, we want this great project to go forward, we need to make sure that the Commissioners know that the building doesn’t need their protection. Ironically, the future use and survival of the building is far more likely to be realized if it is not granted the severe protections that Historic Site status will impose. You, members of the Hyattsville community, need to get involved. Write a letter, or better, come to the hearing, and speak your piece. The meeting will begin at 6:30 at the County Administration Building at 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, 4th Floor Conference Room, Upper Marlboro. Meet for carpooling at Art Works at 5 p.m. If you are unable to attend, consider sending an email to: Howard. Berger@ppd.mncppc.org Stuart Eisenberg is executive director of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit development facilitator seeking revitalization of the Hyattsville area.
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Page 3
Promotions fill key city vacancies requires municipalities to submit results of an independent audit each year by November 1, meaning that the deadline to file the audit for fiscal year 2013 was last month. But Hyattsville is still working on its 2011 audit. It’s the only one in the state that hasn’t been filed, according to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services. It’s not the first time the city has been delinquent in filing. When
by Susie Currie
Ronald Brooks, who was hired in September as supervisor of contracts, grants and purchasing, has been promoted to city treasurer. The city council approved Brooks’ new position at its November 18 meeting, retroactively setting his start date for this position to November 4. The city treasurer position has been vacant since Elaine Stookey resigned on September 20. City Administrator Jerry Schiro gave his notice the day before, and will be gone by December 20. Within a week of Schiro’s resignation, the council promoted Director of Community and Economic Development Jim Chandler to assistant city administrator. Chandler, who joined the city in 2007 as community development manager, recently passed the International Economic Development Council’s Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) examination. He is one of about a thousand certified professionals worldwide. “We believe he’s only the second one in all of Prince George’s County,” said city spokesperson Abby Sandel. The test’s pass rate is around 35 percent, she added. He is expected to be named acting city administrator later this month and will hold the acting post until a permanent hire is named. The hiring process, streamlined with council approval by Human Resources Director Vivian Snellman, is well under-
Stookey started in 2010, she was the third treasurer in three years. At that time, the city had not filed audits for fiscal years 2009 or 2010. When Stookey left, Schiro turned to the newly hired Brooks to clear the current financial backlog. Brooks has worked in municipal finance for cities as varied as East Cleveland and Washington, D.C. “Ron hit the ground running,”
said Schiro. “He’s worked closely with our auditors to get us back on track with the city’s audits, and is working closely with the city council to develop a straightforward budget process to take us into future fiscal years. We’re very pleased that Ron accepted the position.” Brooks said that the 2011 audits will be finished by the end of the year — just in time to start the annual budget process.
Police ask for help in armed robbery case courtesy of the city of hyattsville Jim Chandler (top) and Ronald Brooks get new titles.
way and should be completed this month. “I appreciate the council’s appointment of Jim Chandler as assistant city administrator,” said Schiro after the vote, adding that Chandler is “doing an outstanding job in his current capacity.” Both director-level positions have seen high turnover in recent years. Since January 2011, Hyattsville has had four city administrators, two full-time and two acting — most recently, Stookey, who filled both roles for over a year until Schiro started. The most recent resignations came after the revelation that the city is three years behind in its required annual audits. State law
PIANO LESSONS
On November 25, Northwestern High School and County Council Vice-Chair Will Campos (District 2) hosted a community meeting with the Prince George’s County Police aimed at spreading awareness of the crimes and seeking community assistance in identifying the suspect. No arrests have been made in the October 29 armed robbery of several pedestrians and the sexual assault of two women in a nearby wooded area. Despite the fact that one of the sexual assault victims and two of the armed robbery victims are students at Northwestern, few parents and fewer students were in the audience. Low attendance prompted Campos to express disappointment and encourage greater community participation. District 3 School Board Representative Amber Waller was present and asking questions. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, however, little new information about the victims or the circumstances is available. County police and detectives were in attendance as was Hyattsville Police Corporal Michael Rudinski, the School Resource Officer (SRO) assigned to Northwestern. Officer Rudinski confirmed that a Spanish/English flyer describing the suspect and including a police sketch had gone home with students. County police had already distributed flyers at two apartment complexes on Belcrest Road, near the site of the attacks. Rudinski also said that the well-worn path through the wooded area has been used for many years, noting that it can be seen in images dating from Northwestern’s early years. Students have been actively discouraged from taking the route and fencing is a future possibility.
courtesy of PGPD A police sketch of the suspect involved with armed robbery and sexual assault.
Want to help? Answer Campos’s call by asking businesses you frequent to post the English and Spanish versions of the flyer advertising a cash award of up to $25,000 for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment in the case. Call PGPD Media Relations Division at 301.772.4710 and request a copy of both versions of the flyer. — Susan Hines
Children, Teenagers, Adults • Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Jeanne Olexy, BM, MM
3916 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 E-mail: pianoteacher@verizon.net Phone: 301-277-9529
International Travel Vaccines 6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 (301) 403-8808
Yellow fever, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Polio, etc.
Seasons Greetings from everyone at
Train Printing Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4547 Rhode Island Ave • Brentwood, Maryland 20722
301-864-5552 • Fax 301-864-0740 Email: info@trainprinting.com • www.trainprinting.com
Page 4
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Residents, Council weigh in on new elementary school Other education issues addressed by Rosanna Landis Weaver
The Hyattsville City Council approved a new education initiative in November and sent two letters to PGCPS Chief Executive Officer Kevin Maxwell. The new elementary school due to open this fall has been a primary area of interest. The county this week announced hearings on the issue, with the first to be held December 17 at 7 p.m. at Nicholas Orem Middle School. On November 19, the Mayor and City Council sent a letter — a revised version of one proposed by Ward 4 councilmembers Eduoard Haba and Paula Perry — regarding the new elementary school. Neither the school boundaries nor the specific type of elementary school have yet been determined and the letter encouraged community engagement on both factors. The council meeting included a spirited discussion on the issue of specialty programs, both in terms of the content (i.e., Spanish immersion, performing arts, Montessori and so forth), and the impacts of a magnet or lottery school. While all of those decisions are ultimately outside of the purview of the council they have implications for the residents. Ultimately, with some changes, the letter was supported unanimously by the council after changes were made. The first draft of the letter also mentioned concerns that a Comprehensive Special Education
Program (CSEP) may be placed in the school. The closest CSEP, Thomas Stone Elementary in Mount Rainier, is overcrowded. That paragraph was taken out of the final version of the letter after discussion at the meeting, when some councilmembers felt it was critical rather than engaging. However, the point was raised in a community letter signed by about 50 neighbors that grew out of a series of four informal meetings with residents earlier in the fall, all of which Haba attended. That letter states, “We have serious concerns about the placement of TAG [Talented and Gifted] only schools outside the Beltway in affluent neighborhoods and the placements of CSEP programs inside the Beltway in neighborhoods with large Title 1 and ESOL populations.” Haba is pleased with the final version of the Council letter. “The spirit of the letter is still there, The same evening a second letter proposed by Ward 1 councilmembers Bart Lawrence and Candace Hollingsworth was also approved. This letter focused on the upcoming budget process, and reads in part, “The Mayor and City Council urge Prince George’s County Public Schools to place a priority emphasis on reducing class size in its FY2014/15 budget.” The same letter seeks funding for additional teachers and paraprofessionals — for a full-time arts teacher in each school, and funding for staff bilingual parent
Palacios Painting Hyattsville’s #1 Recommended Painter
FREE ESTIMATES Drywall • Carpentry Home Renovations LICENSED AND INSURED For excellent work at a great price, call Ferdy at
240-644-5391
or e-mail palaciospaint@yahoo.com
liaison or community outreach specialist. Also in November, the council approved the creation of an Education Advisory Committee with the stated goal of “help[ing] the
City identify positive and meaningful opportunities to influence student achievement.” According to Hollingsworth, who put forth the motion, the committee will provide an “opportunity for city to see how we can impact education.” Hollingsworth expects that one way this may happen is through the possibilities of bringing groups together, including convening joint meeting with representatives of various constituencies. The committee will be made up of nine members, five are required to be residents of Hyattsville. Hollingsworth noted that the decisions was phrased this was so as not to preclude individuals who don’t live in Hyattsville but may
NEWS BRIEFS City names Felix-Thompson Volunteer of the Year Congratulations to longtime resident Gloria Felix-Thompson, the City of Hyattsville’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year. In her many years of service to the city, Felix-Thompson has served in leadership positions with the Hyattsville Preservation Association, the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, and the city’s Shade Tree Board as well as other committees. She founded and runs the Lively Arts in Hyattsville program, which has organized events ranging from a Viennese String Quartet to the annual Dogs for the Arts contest. Local school invited to White House event
executive functioning disorders. The day included discussions about career choices and workplace skills, a mentoring lunch session, a tour of the White House, and a meeting with Tina Tchen, Chief of Staff to First Lady Michelle Obama. Chelsea School senior Paul Schad reflected, “It was an interesting and very educational day. I was proud to be a part of it. It’s really opened my eyes to the many career options that I can pursue despite my learning difference.”
Shortcake Bakery EXPANDS CAPACity
On November 13, students and staff from the Chelsea School visited the White House for the 2013 Disability Mentoring Day in honor of October’s National Disability Employment Awareness Month. The students were among 20 high school juniors and seniors with disabilities, representing five Washington-area high schools, that attended the White House-sponsored event. Chelsea students have disability diagnoses that include dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, speech and language processing disorders, and
Life’s too
have expertise and interest. Hollingsworth hopes that committee will “build a culture of community ownership of local schools and support. The Council will confirm the representatives, and anyone “interested in education and youth development” should contact Hollingsworth. “It will be really interesting to see how the advisory committee comes together,” says Lawrence, “I’m excited to see what happens when you get a bunch of people of knowledge on the systems and interest in supporting the system to see what they come up with in terms of ideas.” The committee will launch in 2014.
Ever since Cheryl Harrington opened Shortcake Bakery at 4700 Rhode Island Avenue she’s been using the former owner’s pizza oven for every cake, scone and muffin. In late November that changed though, with her purchase of a Southbend Industrial oven. “It has five racks,” raves Harrington. “It’s increased my capacity by 150 percent!” Business at the bakery, now open over two years, suffered somewhat during the government shutdown, but Harrington hopes it willl pick up again over the holidays as customers stop in for homemade decorated gingerbread cookies.
SHORT to do laundry!
Wash & Fold Service just $1/pound (drop off, 12 lbs min.)
AMERICAN MEGA LAUNDROMAT
301-559-0707 Custom Wash, Dry & Fold MegaLaundromat.com Open 7 days a week, 6 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.
• Free Pick up & Delivery • Dedicated Washers & Dryers for Each Client • Unlike Dry Cleaners, we will not mix your clothes with other clients’ dirty laundry • Across from West Hyattsville Metro Station, corner of Ager Road & Hamilton St.
Monthly Laundry Service Plans. Senior Citizen Discounts
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Page 5
Council weighs shifting budget, hiring authority by Susie Currie
City Administrator Jerry Schiro’s resignation becomes final this month, and the search for his replacement is well underway. But even as the city moved closer to choosing his successor, the city council considered changing the job description during a special meeting on November 25. The state has four basic forms of municipal government, according to the Maryland Municipal League (MML), and endless combinations of them. They are Council-Manager, Strong Mayor-Council, Weak MayorCouncil and Commissioner. The differences lie in the division of powers. The meeting was billed as a presentation by International City/ County Management Association (ICMA) speaker Patrick Prangley “on various forms of municipal government and best practices,” according to the motion sponsored by Council President Candace Hollingsworth (Ward 1). For the most part, though, Prangley focused on the form he knew best: Council-Manager, in which the city council serves as the legislative and policy arm of government and a city manager supervises all departments as well as day-to-day operations. The mayor presides over council meetings but has mostly ceremonial duties. Prangley was the city manager of Riverdale Park for 31 years
and Berwyn Heights for two before joining ICMA. (His mother, Mary, served on the Hyattsville City Council for 22 years, the last four as mayor.) “Most municipalities draw elements from more than one form of government,” said MML Director of Research Jim Peck. “If you think of mayoral powers as a continuum, at one end is the strongest of the strong mayors. The mayor is the CEO, oversees day-to-day operations and has veto power. In this case, a council is a policymaking body only.” On the other end of the spectrum, he said, is the council-manager form of government. “The city manager is CEO, overseeing day-to-day operations. The manager hires and fires department heads and works with staff to create a budget. The mayor is more of a figurehead, with no more power than anyone else on the council.” The Hyattsville charter says that “the City Administrator, the Mayor and the appointed Department Heads ... may give direct orders to City employees.” In essence, that means that employees have three bosses, which has led to problems. “Everyone up here on the dais understands the problem with competing authority,” said Ward 2 Councilmember Shani Warner. “It’s kind of a hybrid here,” said Prangley. “The city administrator is allowed to do certain things, but without hiring and firing
New Deal Cafe Mediterranean cuisine Beer & Wine Music 6 nights a week!
Saturday, Dec. 14: Cousin John Band Sunday, Dec. 15: Kid’s Open Mic Tuesday, Dec. 17: Poetry Night Open Mic Saturday, Dec. 21: IlyAIMY Sunday, Dec. 22: The Nighthawks Saturday, Dec. 28: Jello Boys Tuesday, Dec. 31: Hard Swimmin’ Fish www.newdealcafe.com 113 Centerway Greenbelt, MD 20770 301.474.5642
{reservations recommended}
power. ... What I see as the real drawback [to Hyattsville’s structure] is that there are operational issues that come up all the time. “With a city manager, the responsibilities are centralized in one person.” He also emphasized that city managers are “highly trained professionals” with experience in managing budgets as well as dayto-day operations. Schiro agreed, saying that “it’s the most effective form of government. The operation of the city is the city manager’s profession and full-time employment.
... You [councilmembers] have day jobs, and that’s why you hire a city manager.” Former mayor Bill Gardiner said that Hyattsville is “generally considered to be a strong mayor form of government, but it’s more of a hybrid. The mayor is CEO, introduces a budget and can direct all staff. I don’t think it’s necessary for the mayor to have the authority to direct all staff. A city manager, rather than a city administrator, would have a far greater role in the hiring and firing of department directors — as well as increased responsibility for their performance.” A city manager would also be responsible for drafting an annual budget instead of the mayor. The city charter appears to be open to interpretation on that duty, giving it to both the city administrator (“Prepare and submit to the Mayor by May of each
year a proposed budget for the City”) and the mayor (“submit a budget to the Council ... at least 32 days before the beginning of any fiscal year”). Councilmembers had several questions about budget authority, mentioning last year’s bruising process more than once. “Is there a way we can define the powers more? Yes,” said City Attorney Richard Colaresi. “I would say you already have most of it, and it needs to be fine tuned.” Colaresi praised the Hyattsville’s “culture [and] personality,” cautioning against wholesale changes to the charter. “I’ve been in and out of lots of different municipalities,” said Colaresi. “But the civic interest, the amount of brainpower that goes into solving your problems is enormous and I don’t know your like anywhere.”
Helping Sell Hyattsville
And our Neighboring Community
Wishing you a jo you holiday season! s
Ann Barrett, Realtor®
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 9094 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740
6816 1st Street, Riverdale. $325,000 3-level colonial with 3 BRs, 3 1/2 baths situated on 1/2 acre lot. Gorgeous kitchen, gracious rear deck & attached garage!
cell: 240-938-6060 office: 301-441-9511 ext. 261
email: ann.barrett@ longandfoster.com web: ANNBARRETT.LNF.COM
3904 Nicholson Street, Hyattsville $265,000 Charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Plus two additional rooms! Front and rear porches and a garage! Nice Condition!
SOLD
I am gearing up for the spring market. Thinking of selling your Hyattsville home? Call Ann for professional guidance.
Schedule
Honored As Top Producing Agent, Long & Foster College Park 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012! The information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted.
Page 6
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Although I have an artificial Christmas tree, I like to make live evergreen wreaths, swags, and arrangements for natural color and fragrance. I have holly in my garden, but I find it too prickly and difficult to work with. I enjoyed using branches from a pine tree in my yard till the 2012 derecho knocked it over, narrowly missing my house. I don’t intend to plant anything so large and shallowly rooted again, and that includes yews and firs. What would you recommend that I plant to use for December decorating in the future? Won’t Pine for Yew on Patterson Street Dear Pineless on Patterson, I showed your letter to my Uncle Noel and he immediately suggested you plant some dwarf juniper (Juniperus communis, or Juniperus squamata) and a dwarf variety of bearberry (Cotoneaster dammeri). Fragrant juniper is a lovely shade of blue-green, and the bearberry has attractive white flowers followed by beautiful red berries in the fall and winter. While the juniper is somewhat sharper to the touch than the pine, the cotoneaster is much less prickly than the holly. Both make handsome and low-maintenance ground covers, by the way. Considering our relatively mild
FLICKR/WENDY PIERSALL Consider studding apples and oranges with cloves to make pomanders.
winters, Noel suggests that you think outside of the usual conifer confines. You could decorate in the Williamsburg way with fruit and magnolia branches. There are magnolias you can plant that don’t get above 10 feet tall. Not only do they produce blooms in warm weather, they provide you with sufficient foliage for winter decoration. Magnolia branches are easier to work with, last longer and shed less than those of conifers. The broad glossy leaves look beautiful with apples, oranges and pineapples. For a daintier effect, you could also grow and use the flexible and easily handled boxwood. For redolence and subtle variation of texture and color you might include herbs like sage, thyme and the winter-hardy Arp variety of
rosemary. Here’s my favorite of Noel’s recommendations: Organize some children to make pomanders by studding apples and oranges with cloves and hanging them on festive ribbons. These can be useful after the holidays to perfume closets and other spaces where the air may get stale. Should you incline towards understated elegance, you would appreciate heavenly bamboo. In the garden it does not spread like conventional bamboo, it does not get over 8 feet tall, and its sprays of red berries are very ornamental in December. In general, don’t limit yourself and use your imagination. For these and other decorating ideas, please come to the next meeting and holiday party of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, December 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be hosted by Jean and Millard Smith in their home at 3600 Longfellow Street.
New treasurer lays out revised budget process by Susie Currie
On December 4, under a cloud of dangling, earth-toned ornaments in the municipal building’s multipurpose room, 17 city councilmembers and department heads gathered to discuss the upcoming budget process. Sitting around a long table rather than on the dais in front of cameras, they listened to new City Treasurer Ron Brooks and outgoing City Administrator Jerry Schiro lay out a vision for determining how funds are allocated for fiscal year 2015, which begins on July 1. Under the proposed schedule, budget meetings will take place twice a month on Wednesdays, to avoid dominating the regularly scheduled Monday council meetings. The first one, on January 29, is a public hearing for residents to weigh in on where they would like to see their tax dollars go. If all goes according to plan, councilmembers would get copies of a draft budget (or “budget book”) on February 26 and approve a budget by May 28. The budget for the current fiscal year passed on June 28, a little over a month after six new councilmembers were sworn in on May 20. The process was, by many accounts, nasty, brutish and short, with councilmembers clamoring for a more complete financial picture and Mayor Marc Tartaro casting the sole vote against the budget ordinance. In addition to risking a municipal shutdown, 11th-hour budget passage does not allow for “loading,” the process of assigning each line item to a category within a department. Brooks said that would take up to 30 days. “We have very good technology, but when you’re loading a budget it’s a manual process.”
Tai Chi Classes First 2 classes FREE
Tues., Wed., Thurs. classes University Park Church of the Brethren 4413 Tuckerman Street University Park, MD 20784 (near University of MD, College Park)
Class Size is Limited so Enroll Today!
www.DancingInSilence.com
Call 301-466-5894
Brooks outlined a seven-part budget document: a summary of all funds; a statement of revenues, expenditures and changes in fund balance; general fund revenues and expenditures, special revenue and debt service funds; and a capital improvements plan. The council narrowly voted in May to maintain the current tax rate for the eighth straight year. But since property assessments fell for most homeowners, city revenues were also down. For the first time in several years, the city had to dip into its general fund balance for the current fiscal year to cover the $1 million shortfall. But both Schiro and Brooks advised against relying on that in future years. “As your new treasurer I would encourage you to protect that general fund balance at all costs,” said Brooks. To do that, however, may mean a tax increase. “I’ve [worked] in municipalities where tax rates are deferred and deferred and the operating budget suffers,” said Schiro. “Then, instead of reasonable, incremental tax increases, you’re in a position three or four years down the road where you have to do a major increase.” Brooks cautioned against a tax hike to cover operating costs. “If you’re looking at increasing your tax rates, it should be tied to infrastructure rather than operating costs,” he said. “That way, citizens can see where their money is going.” It remains to be seen where the money will be going in FY15. Brooks recommended cutting one part of the budget: goals and measures. “I don’t think the city is in a position to give [council] a meaningful document [with benchmarks]” said Brooks, adding that they may return in fiscal year 2016.
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Page 7
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
December 14
Do you ever watch musicals and wish you lived in a world where people burst into song on public transportation? Sing Christmas carols on the trolley rides that conclude the annual 2013 Annual Riverdale Park Holiday Market. It moves to the Town Center Market this year, but will still feature holiday gifts, live music and free photos with Santa from noon to 8 p.m. The trolley rides, which run from 5:30 to 8 p.m. (last one departing at 7:30 p.m.), are free with a donation of a canned good. 4705 Queensbury Road. 301.927.6381.
December 15
The University of Maryland Chamber Singers present Images of the Christmas Feast, a selection of songs from the Middle Ages to modern times. $10 to $25. 3 to 5 p.m. Dekelboum Concert Hall, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park. www.claricesmithcenter.umd.edu. 301.405.ARTS. What would a December calendar be without The Nutcracker? Connect the Dots Dance Company, a local group that performs for children in schools and hospitals, presents an interactive, familyfriendly version of the famous ballet that includes a narration of the holiday staple, as well as a ballet class and craft. Free; donations appreciated. 3:30 p.m. Old Parish
House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park. 301.927.3013.
December 17
Ages 60 and up are invited to an interactive Kwanzaa celebration with professional storyteller Queen Nur. The program will include an explanation of the principles and symbols of the African holiday through original call-and-response songs, stories, drumming, and dance. $5. Noon. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. 301.277.1710. The combined Art Works/Pizzeria Paradiso project at the corner of Rhode Island Avenue and Crittenden Street may be in jeopardy (see page 2). If you want to weigh in, attend tonight’s hearing at 6:30 p.m. County Administration Building 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro. For more information, see www.bit.ly/1217artworks.
Address: Phone: E-Mail:
Green Award
sity of Maryland Observatory Open House, which includes a presentation, tour and, weather permitting, observing the night sky Free. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. 3300 Metzerott Road, College Park. Contact Elizabeth Warner at warnerem@astro. umd.edu.
December 21 to 28
January 9
The National Capital Trackers modelrailroad club returns to the College Park Aviation Museum with its Holiday Trains and Planes exhibit. See it during regular museum hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $4, with discounts for children and seniors. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.
December 28
The Office of Pupil Accounting and School Boundaries is soliciting public input for improvements in school boundaries, grade structures and programs. The first of three meetings will be held at Nicolas Orem Middle school at 7 p.m. 6100 Editors Park Drive.
Close out the year by stepping back in time at The Calverts by Candlelight, with period music, children’s activities, seasonal decorations and self-guided tours of the historic mansion, where costumed interpreters representing the Calvert family and visiting military troops will greet guests. $5; free for ages 12 and under. 6 to 9 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.
December 20
January 5
This month’s nonfiction pick for The College Park Arts Exchange Book club is Life
If the skies are clear, you can start the New Year with some stargazing at the Univer-
Think you have what it takes to compete in the Annual World Dance Showcase in March? Today at 5 p.m. is the deadline to apply for the audition, which will be held on January 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly. Open to performers of traditional, culture-specific dances of 15 minutes or less. Participants must be at least 16, and the dance should be auditioned in final form with costumes. For an appointment, call 301.446.3232.
January 11
The guest speaker for this month’s Hyattsville Aging in Place meeting is Dr. Stephanie Trifoglio, a specialist in geriatric medicine. She will explain why falls can be fatal for people ages 65 and up, and what four health-related risk factors can increase the chances of serious injury. Free. Doors open at 9:15 a.m. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. 301.985.5058. CALENDAR continued on page 8
The City of Hyattsville Department of Community Services Presents
The City of Hyattsville Department of Community Services Presents
Holiday Decorating Contest Entry Form
Holiday Decorating Contest
Claus Applause
Name:
List: A Woman’s Quest for the World’s Most Amazing Birds, by Olivia Gentile. If photography is more your thing, The Underexposed photography club meets at the same time in the same building. 7:30 to 9 p.m. Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park. www.cpae.org or 301.927.3013.
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Preferred Alternate
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
______________________________________________________________ Yes
No
If yes, please describe what makes your decorations green:
________________________________________________________________________________ Please send completed entry forms to:
City of Hyattsville Claus Applause Holiday Decorating Contest 4310 Gallatin Street Hyattsville, MD 20781
Online registration is available at http://www.hyattsville.org/applause. Entry forms must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13.
Questions? Please call the Department Community Services at 301-9855021.
Claus Applause Contest Rules
Contest open to addresses within the City of Hyattsville only.
Nominations will be accepted beginning at 12:00 Noon on Monday, November 25, 2013.
Entries must be received by the Department of Community Services by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, 2013.
Entries will be accepted by online form or mail only. Telephone entries will not be accepted.
Judging will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Holiday lights and decorations must be turned on prior to the start of judging. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place in each of the City’s five Wards. Additional prizes will include the Mayor’s Choice award and the Green award which will be awarded to the home with the best use of environmentally friendly decorations. Winning homes will be notified by phone on Friday, December 20.
Photos of winning homes will be posted on the City’s website and Cable Channel 71 / Channel 12.
Prizes will be awarded at the City Council Meeting scheduled for Monday, January 6, 2014.
Hyattsville Reporter Page HR1
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
the
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
No. 278 • December 11, 2013
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
Plastic bags banned for Volunteer yard waste collection of the Year! Department of Public Works Yard Waste Collection Changes: No plastic bags permitted beginning January 2014 If your household is served by the Department of Public Works, there is an important change coming to Yard Waste Collection. Beginning January 2014, plastic bags will no longer be accepted for Yard Waste Collection. Yard Waste is organic material, such as leaves, grass clippings, small branches, and brush. According to the US Environmen-
tal Protection Agency, approximately 17% of all municipal solid waste is Yard Waste. Separating Yard Waste allows the City to take it to a Prince George’s County facility where it can be composted and re-used. The costs for recycling are significantly less than the costs for using a landfill. The environmental impact of recycling organic material is important, too. In Prince George’s County alone, over 60,000 tons of organic material was recycled in 2010.
The City currently collects Yard Waste on Mondays. Please note that there is no collection during holiday weeks, and the schedule is subject to change. Beginning January 2014, Prince George’s County composting facilities will no longer accept Yard Waste in plastic bags. Residents may use heavy-duty paper bags, or separate trash cans. Branches may be bundled. Questions? Please call 301/9855032 or email info@hyattsville. org
Congratulations to Gloria FelixThompson on receiving the City of Hyattsville’s 2013 Volunteer Service Award. The Hyattsville Volunteer Service Award was established in 2006 to honor a resident volunteer who has provided an extraordinary level of service to our community. Each year a Hyattsville artist is commissioned to create a piece of art for the award. This year, Vaughn Holsey, Chair of the Art Department at DeMatha Catholic High School, and an active volun-
teer in our community himself, created the 2013 Service Award. Gloria was presented with her award at the annual volunteer reception on December 2, 2013. Her many contributions to the community include service on countless committees, task forces, visioning sessions, and staff interview panels. She has spent hundreds – or perhaps even thousands – of hours planting public gardens, and serves as Chair of the Shade Tree Board. She is an ardent supporter of the Hyattsville Historic District
WINTER BREAK CAMP AT MAGRUDER – REGISTRATION IS OPEN
SONNY FRAZIER TOY DRIVE COLLECTION IS UNDERWAY
The Sonny Frazier Toy Drive has provided a happy holiday to area children for the past ten years. this year’s drive is accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys at:
Wednesday, December 11
Environmental Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday, December 12 Saturday, December 15
Volunteer Opportunity: Magruder Woods non-invasive invasive removal, 9 AM - 1 PM Magruder Park
Monday, December 16 Council Meeting, 8 PM - 10 PM as active member of the Hyattsville Historic Preservation Association. Gloria and her husband commit to the health and wellness of our community by operating Yoga Space. She also single handily coordinates the annual Dogs for the Arts, ensuring that our four-legged friends are also included in the excitement of the Arts District. Gloria is Hyattsville. She exemplifies the City’s highest ideals. Congratulations to Gloria, and our sincerest thanks.
anyone can benefit from them, regardless of most physical conditions. And did we mention? It’s also great fun! Classes meet on Fridays at the Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street and cost just $2 per class. The new year kicks off with a 12-week session beginning January 3, 2014. For more information or to register, please call 301/985-5058 or email Emily Stowers at estowers@hyattsville.org.
The Building Bridges Book Club will meet in the City Municipal Building on Thursday, December 12 at 7:30 PM to conclude their discussion of The New Jim Crow. Participation is free and open to the public. Questions? Please call Council Member Robert Croslin at 240/4601827.
Maryland State Senator Paul G. Pinsky will host a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, December 14 from 9:30 to 11 AM at Lamont Elementary School, 7101 Good Luck Road in New Carrollton. Senator Pinsky will share a legislative update. Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Dr. Kevin Maxwell will discuss his plans. Time will be set aside to hear from you! For more information, call 240-391-8154 or email ppinsky@senatorpinsky.org.
december 2013
Tuesday, December 17
Planning Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday, December 18
Claus Applause Decorating Awards judging, 6:30 PM - 9 PM
Thursday, December 19
Senior Holiday Social, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, December 21
Volunteer Opportunity: Magruder Woods non-invasive species removal, 9 AM - 1 PM Magruder Park
Monday, December 23
Trash collection changes for Christmas week No Yard Waste collection, City-wide If your regular collection day is Tuesday, December 24, your trash will be collected one day EARLY, on Monday, December 23.
Tuesday, December 24
BUILDING BRIDGES BOOK CLUB
SENATOR PINSKY TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
CALENDAR
Building Bridges Book Club, 7:30 PM
IN OTHER NEWS...
The Department of Community Services will offer two single-day Winter Break Camp programs for kids currently enrolled in grades kindergarten through fifth grade. The dates for 2013 are Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27. Camp opens at 9 AM and ends at 4:30 PM. After care is available from 4:30 to 6 PM for an additional fee. Register for one day or both. The cost for regular day is $30 per Camper, per day. After care is an additional $5 per Camper, per day. Activities will include crafts and games. If the weather is mild, we will have outdoor play time. In the event of inclement weather, we will screen age-appropriate movies. Snacks are provided. Campers bring their own lunches. Refrigeration is available. Register online at www.hyattsville.org/camps. After registering, you will receive an invoice for the amount due.
Page HR2
LEAF COLLECTION SEASON IS UNDERWAY
- Lawson’s Pharmacy, 3415 Hamilton Street - Bestway, 3511 Hamilton Street - City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street Financial contributions can be mailed to The Sonny Frazier Toy Drive, 5013 37th Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Please make checks payable to Sonny Frazier Toy Drive. Many thanks for your thoughtful and generous support!
CHRISTMAS TRASH PICK-UP SCHEDULE CHANGES
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, December 23. If your regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, your trash will be collected one day early, on Monday, December 23. If your regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, your trash will be collected one day early, on Tuesday, December 24. There are no changes to the Thursday or Friday collection schedules.
RECYCLING UPDATES FROM PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY
Prince George’s County does not collect recycling on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day, but will operate on all other days.
AGELESS GRACE CLASSES – NEW SEMESTER BEGINS ON JANUARY 3, 2014
Ageless Grace is a low impact exercise program for mind and body and consists of 21 simple exercises designed to improve healthy longevity. The exercises are designed to be performed in a chair and almost
The City normally collects leaves from November to January. This year’s season started on Monday, November 4. Leaves are not collected during the holiday weeks of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Leaf collection is highly dependent on weather conditions. Even if rain or snow has stopped falling, we often do not run our equipment, because heavy, wet leaves can damage the machinery. Before calling to report a missed collection, please check www.hyattsville.org. If we have left a route incomplete, we will attempt to provide an update. However, please note that our crews regularly work later in the evening to complete routes - so the trucks may be on their way! If we cannot complete a route for any reason, the addresses we miss will be prioritized for collection the following week. Please see the Tips and Hints on the website for information on helping the City efficiently collect as many leaves as possible. If we have missed your address, please call 301/985-5032 or email info@hyattsville.org. Not sure of your date? Visit www.hyattsville.org/ leaves or call 301/985-5032.
VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR MAGRUDER WOOD RESTORATION
Join us for non-native invasive removals in Magruder Woods on the third Saturday of every month, year-round, from 9 AM to 1 PM. Work is led by Dr. Marc Imlay, Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning. Upcoming dates include Saturday, December 20 and Saturday, January 18. Please dress for the elements – long-sleeves, long pants and sturdy boots or shoes. Questions? Contact Colleen Aistis, caistis@hyattsville.org or 301/985-5057. Participation helps to satisfy State of Maryland Student Service Learning requirements.
UPDATES FROM WSSC – IS WORK PLANNED FOR YOUR STREET?
Looking for updates on WSSC projects in your neighborhood? Use
their maps to see the status of current projects. Maps can be accessed on WSSC’s website: http://gisweb.wsscwater.com/InYourNeighborhood/
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS – NEW WAYS TO WATCH
The community is always welcome to attend City Council meetings in person, at 4310 Gallatin Street. City residents can also watch the meetings from home on Comcast (Channel 71) or Verizon (Channel 12), either live or on rebroadcast. The rebroadcast schedule is as follows: 7 AM, 1 PM, and 8 PM seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. We typically rebroadcast the most recent Council Meeting. Meetings can also be streamed live at www.hyattsville.org/meetings. Questions? Comments? Please talk to Jonathan Alexander, the City’s cable coordinator, at jalexander@hyattsville.org or 301/985-5028.
CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS
If your regular collection day is Wednesday, December 25, your trash will be collected one day EARLY, on Tuesday, December 24.
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas holiday. City administrative offices closed. No trash collection, City-wide.
Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27 City is open; Thursday and Friday trash routes are unchanged.
Thursday, December 26 and Friday, December 27
Camp Magruder Winter Break Camp, 9 AM to 4:30 PM; After Care available from 4:30 to 6 PM Magruder Park Recreation Center
Got kids? Then you’ve got car seats! Maryland law requires all children under the age of eight to ride in an appropriate safety seat. But the seat alone is not enough - proper installation is the key to keeping our littlest passengers safe. Despite our best efforts, estimates suggest that as many as seven out of ten kids are not buckled in properly. The City of Hyattsville’s Police Department can help. To schedule a safety seat check, please contact Officer Christine Fekete at 301/9855060 or via email to cfekete@hyattsville.org. She’ll be happy to help parents install a new seat or improve the fit of your current equipment. Car Seat Safety Checks aren’t just for new parents, either. Consider calling when your child transitions from an infant to a toddler seat, or when you buy a new vehicle and transfer your seats from your old car. Checks are free of charge for any City of Hyattsville resident.
Monday, December 30
NIXLE
Thursday, January 2 and Friday, January 3
The City is now using Nixle to send public safety alerts and information via both email and text message. This system replaces the SafeCity website previously in use. Many of our neighboring jurisdictions also use Nixle to send out information. Please note at Nixle won’t report on every incident – typically alerts are sent when the HCPD needs to alert the public to a potentially dangerous situation, or when we are asking for your help solving a crime. In other cases, Nixle messages relate to road closures, power outages, etc. If you have a nixle.com account, there is no need to create a new one. Simply log in and add the City of Hyattsville to your wire.
Trash collection changes for New Year’s week No Yard Waste collection, City-wide If your regular collection day is Tuesday, December 31, your trash will be collected one day EARLY, on Monday, December 30.
Tuesday, December 31
If your regular collection day is Wednesday, January 1, your trash will be collected one day EARLY, on Tuesday, December 31.
Wednesday, January 1
New Year’s holiday. City administrative offices closed. No trash collection, City-wide. City is open; Thursday and Friday trash routes are unchanged.
Monday, January 6
Council Meeting, 8 to 10 PM * Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street.
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
CALENDAR
continued from page 7
Dress up in your black-tie best for the Regency-style Twelfth Night Ball, complete with dance lessons and live period music. Space is limited; registration required. $40. 7:30 p.m. Riversdale Mansion, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420 or www.history.pgparks.com.
Ongoing See the 27th Annual Winter Festival of Lights from the comfort of your heated car as you drive through the Watkins Regional Park display, which features over a million lights. Please bring a canned good to donate. Admission per car or van is $5 for a single visit or $10 for a three-visit pass. Open daily through January 2 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456. Through March, naturalists will lead a guided hike around Lake Artemesia and the Luther Goldman Birding Trail on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, Berwyn Heights. Free. 3 to 4:30 p.m. 301.627.7755. Local couple Milton and Linda McGehee have distributed
thousands of care packages to wounded soldiers over the years and still deliver regularly to the local veteran’s hospital. They welcome donations of new items,including disposable cameras, toiletries, puzzle books, playing cards, DVDs, and, especially, new towels and washcloths. Call 301.559.0864 to donate or volunteer. The Hyattsville library offers a variety of storytimes. Space is limited; free tickets available at the children’s desk. Ages 9-23 months: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. Ages 2-3: Mondays, 11 a.m. Ages 3-5: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. Ages 3-6: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. English-Spanish Storytime for ages 3-6: Saturdays, 11 a.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690. Rise + Rhyme kicks off the week for the 5-and-under set with storytelling, performances and more. Suggested donation, $5. Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys & Poets, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. 301.779.2787. Community Calendar is a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the 15th of the issue month to the 15th of the following month. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Deadline for January submissions is December 28.
HomoConstruction, Habilis LLC* REMODELING
2 million years of experience wrapped up in one small company!
Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Additions, Handyman, Repairs…
Peter J. O’Day
3811 Nicholson Street Hyattsville, MD 20782
240-441-2792 oday.homohabilis @gmail.com
*Ho-mo hab-i-lis, n. (Handy Man, Skillful-Man) A species of humans considered to be an ancestor of modern humans and the earliest hominid to make tools. This species existed between 1.5 and 2.0 million years ago.
Lawson’s Pharmacy PICK-UP & DELIVERY OF PRESCRIPTIONS Ostomy Supplies, Sr. Citizen’s Discounts Convalescent Aids Sales & Rentals Richard Sabatelli, R. Ph.
301-864-4043
3415 Hamilton St., Hyattsville, MD 20782
AuntieDiluviana Catching up with senior services Dear Auntie, I read a year or two ago that the city of Hyattsville had hired a senior services coordinator. I haven’t heard much since. Can you tell me what she’s been doing? Curious Reader Funny you should ask, Curious. We recently stopped by the office of the Hyattsville Senior Services Coordinator Emily Stowers to find out what she’s been up to. Turns out that she’s been up to a lot. Emily was appointed to the newly created part-time position in 2011. When she’s not in her office at the municipal building, she’s out in the community, meeting and working with older people in Hyattsville. In addition to her activities for the city, she’s working on a master’s degree in social work at Catholic University. You probably have heard about some of the activities Emily has started, such as the Aging Gracefully Education Series (AGES). These programs on health and wellness have featured speakers from the American Heart Association and the Arthritis Foundation, who discussed and answered questions about those conditions. In October, at the start of the open enrollment for Medicare, the city sponsored a program to answer questions about changes to Medicare. (And who doesn’t have questions?) Emily is planning another session on Medicare next fall but in the meantime, seniors
with questions about the federal health-care program can call her at 301.985.5058. “Medicare needs to be talked about,” Emily said, because the government makes some changes in the program every year, although those changes usually don’t affect everyone. People call with specific questions, she said, “and every question is unique.” Another activity sponsored by the city’s senior services program is an exercise program for older people. The classes run for 10 weeks and three sessions are planned for next year. When in session the class meets from 10 to 11 a.m. Fridays in the Magruder Park recreation center. The first winter session begins Jan. 3. In addition, the city has a regular health and wellness program for seniors who live at the Friendship Arms apartment building. Recreation is another component of the city’s activities for older people. On December 19, a holiday party is planned for 6 to 8 p.m. at the Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Emily also works with individual seniors with various needs, by phone or in person. She said that most of the needs she has encountered are for medical services, such as in-home care. A need for affordable housing is reflected in many calls. If the city cannot help the caller directly, Emily will suggest the appropriate state, county or nonprofit agency. Recently, she has been working with other city agencies to improve the city’s Call-A-Bus program that
provides transportation to seniors on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The most common requests are for rides to grocery stores or medical appointments, she said. The city has streamlined the Call-a-Bus registration process so that registration materials, information about the service, and an identification card are mailed to every person who contacts Emily. Then, when the application is approved, he or she is ready to go. In the coming year, Emily said she plans to spend more time out in the community in different ways. For example: “I want to make stronger connections to faith-based organizations. Many have senior outreach programs.” Another part of her job, she said, is to bring awareness of the needs of seniors to the community at large and to change, in some cases, how seniors are viewed by others. Every time she makes a connection, within the city or without, she is working toward that goal, she said. We asked her what she has learned about Hyattsville in the time she has been on the job. “There is a tremendous desire in the community for positive change,” she said. This is reflected, she said, by such organizations as Hyattsville Aging in Place, which was started by older residents, and by individuals, including seniors, who respond to local needs. To find out more about these or other programs sponsored by Hyattsville Senior Services, call Coordinator Emily Stowers at 301.985.5058.
Food For dogs, cats & small animals • Eco-FriEndly suppliEs and supplEmEnts
Great Gifts ! 3 Coats & Sweaters p 3 Beds p 3 Toys & Gear p 3 And much more… p
Arts District HyAttsville
Mon-Fri 11-9 Sat 10-9 & Sun 10-6 5501 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20781
Plus save on stella & chewy’s!
$4 off a 6lb bag and $2 off a 3lb bag of frozen food.
301-403-8957 OlD tAkOmA
M-F 10-8 • Sat–Sun 10-6 117 Carroll St. NW, DC 20012
Offer is good while supply lasts. Offer ends 12/31/13.
www.theBigBadWoof.com
202-291-2404
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Page 9
Electric cars join city fleet by Amanda Eisenberg
Three electric cars have joined the city’s fleet, funded by a $59,000 Maryland Smart Energy Communities grant. The little red-and-white Polaris GEMs, for use by Hyattsville’s parking and code officers, replace gas-guzzlers like a 2001 Ford Taurus and a Ford F150. On November 15, after the vehicles were readied for the road in the Hyattsville Municipal Building’s parking lot, Code Compliance Inspector David Hill took one for a test drive. “This is my first time out,” said Hill, a code compliance inspector for the city, who compared the cars to “glorified golf carts.” “It’s kind of uncomfortable sitting in it, but I feel after about an hour or two we’ll get used to it. It’s pretty cool.”
The electric vehicles are street legal and can go up to 35 mph, said Assistant City Administrator and Director of Community and Economic Development Jim Chandler. In October, Hyattsville was one of five cities in Prince George’s County awarded the Sustainable Maryland Certified status for its environmental policies and dedication to energy reduction. The city has made many strides in reducing its carbon footprint, such as adding bike lanes and bike signage around the city, said Councilmember Patrick Paschall (Ward 3). The grant is administered by the Sustainable Maryland Certified, an initiative within the University of Maryland’s Environmental Finance Center. Program director Mike
Hunninghake said that he and Chandler have worked together over the past five months to determine the city’s energy and fuel baseline. The electric cars will ultimately reduce the city’s fuel consumption by 20 percent within five years, said Hunninghake. Chandler said that the cars “plug into a basic outlet and charge for eight hours.” They can be driven for up to nine hours between charges. In addition, they do not give off emissions, like gas-fueled cars do. “We’re excited because it’s an opportunity to [use] some of the smarter technology and get away from petroleum,” said Chandler. “We’re hopeful that we can take this model and apply it to some other practices in the city.”
Looking for a great gift idea for a homesick friend or family member? Send them a monthly slice of Hyattsville life with a subscription to the Life & Times.
fROM MARYLAND TO MOSCOW Local teen picked to join Bolshoi Ballet Academy. PAGE 3
Volunteer fire dept. honors history, plans new station by Susie Currie
hOSTS MIDDLE SChOOLLAUNCh NATIONAL PARK
fESTIvE fALL fESTIvALS
Life&Times
On August will wake 24, Kathy Norvell up and start ready to go back in time. getting Norvell, a Vol. 10 re-enactor, veteran War of 1812 No. 8 October 2013 people in will be one of several Hyattsvil costume for annual Batt the 18th le’s Comm Encampmentle of Bladensburg unity News at the Riversda then paper 30 days’ notice; the councilHouse le for an Museum August voted to retain his services The event, free. 2013 to the public, will run from additional 60 days for $21,000. noon until and will include Hyattsville City Treasurer 4 p.m. present amend the Elaine Stookey was not and cannon firings,gunnery drills public submit a newsite plan rather than at the meeting, where thegram by the Fort a special proMcHenr When that one. rangerfor heard that the city’s audits and a skirmish y head have proved in plan was first apre-enactors between fiscal years 2011 and 2012 2006, UTC dressed Stookey cials announc British soldiers as American offinot been completed.and ed that 56,000-square-fo . The annual a new submitted a letter of resignation Riversda ot that would open 20,has ment Safeway in its the next day, September grown in le encamp- by cial pressure in 2008. But finanis nearly three years behind recent years as the region, Susie Currie was effective immediately. s, which have by Susie Currie led to foreclos specified rich in War of 1812 required annual audits. history, since Neither she nor Schiro gears But Schiures Jerry a up new When at the strugresgling shoppin partners in their af- City Administrator Safeway left for leavingmer’s big bicentenfor next sum- in Two city directors resigned accepted dur- a reason Hyattsville started the long-do hip has jump- Both Februar y the build. g area, prevente tion.repeated Despite Coun- ro’s resignation was (The war endednial celebrad chains hope meeting, ignation letters. ter the Hyattsville City ence it had 2012, ending a pres- build a new store rmant plan to in the existing In the meantim in 1815.) “[The encampm to ing the September 19 to open early e, at Univers store on a two-hour cil called a special meeting it seemed had here since 1928, Town Center (UTC) ent] is kind ity miliar 2015, said sourceshere Street languish on page 13 Hamilton importan they’d which started with had given to be the end RESIGNATIONS continued t now because of discuss a troubling fact of an era. miles from the propose– just 1.3 Safewaywith each project. fa- closed amid ed and eventually will be the e city closed session. Schiro [2014] Foods site pleas from 200th only recently learned: Th in Riverda d Whole to the may beat Whole But to renovate residents British invasion, anniversary of the Foods it. le ribbon-c Park. the Battle of Now, the utting, in ensburg and because Bladoriginal architec part developers by Mike Persley ington … andthe burning of Washts of intend to the volunteer McHenryTedwhole episode at MarKeTS Arrow BicycleFort with the creation continued the Star first bike his Spangled on page 10 Monoson bought Banner,” said of in westward college Day, director Edwhile he was in 1992. of the Riversdale aroundMuseum ern New York House . “It’s a a “not into walkeded One day, heacquaint and familiarizway to get with thatshop, e yourself wholewhere so reputable” bike story.” someAnd the meant customer service story is an what importa nt thing very different than he’s seen at Arrow. BaTTle continued “Those guys were like ‘What on page 9 this do we have that we can pop he guy off on?’ ” he recalls. What came away with was a 14-inch had bike that did not fit him, and it. pieces fly off when he rode journey bike long a been Its Today since then for Monoson. he’s riding a much better vehicle. was he 6, October On Sunday, who one of nearly 500 riders Hycompeted in the fifth annual held attsville Cyclocross (CX), Bikers each fall in Magruder Park. based registered in 17 categories on gender, age and experience. SuThe race, the second in the on per 8 Cyclocross series put a conby Bikereg.com, has been charles steck sville sistent success for Hyatt by Rosann a Landis since it began in 2008. Sponsors Weaver Bicycle, include the city, Arrow Mention the our summer Cyaround it,” Route1Velo, and Crosshairs known as Prince George’s Pool The says the the superlati PG Pool) to some(commonly Mountpool, located on Rebecca Gitter. cling. racves fly. Tamara As of Rainier, counts Buchanan Street locals and Unlike many forms of bike couldn’t among its in waitingAugust 1, there were members. 113 Hyattsville families can be long distancemarriage love it more than I Embrey says, “I 820 names list for individu But many shut out michael horlick ing, which do.” “It ,” says Rozanne on the ships. Included Wijesinghe. saved my during since a membership more have been cent, With a current al or family member than summer late 12 like page on the summer turnover cap was imposed : The “We plan that felt more it could take CYCLOCROSS continued August Park on October 6, a day of 2011. the few open 15 years to rate of 7 perreturned to Magruder 13, 2013 slots sold out The next season, the list. Hyattsville Cyclocross move through in six minutes. Issue
10 No. 10
Newspaper Hyattsville’s Community
Safeway, W race to the hole Foods finish line stores will be built 1.3 mile
Two grocery
PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
Hyattsville Life & Times
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID
EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
RIDING HARD Hundreds raced in fifth annual
Hyattsville Cyclocross
NONPROF IT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
HVFD continued on page 12
s apart
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville , MD 20781
2016. will But for many attendees, it the be the last time they see so that 9,000-square-foot station home. many of them once called many It was built in 1958 and for The years used as a substation. now main fire station, which has been incorporated into Firehouse on the Lofts condominiums, was
early fall.
Included: The October
9, 2013 Issue of The
Hyattsville Reporter
— See Center Section
REWHOUSE
(Min. $20)
After years people on in the red, Prince Geo the waiting list than on rge’s Pool now has mo the memb ership rosterre of The
Hyattsvil
le Repo
rter —
See Cent
POOl continued
er Sect
on page 6
ion
& RESTAURANT
Karaoke every Wednesday night!
Entire Dinner Check
IT WAS THE TRIp oF A lIFET IME
Northwestern High School’s choir travels to South Africa. PAGE 12
Life&Times
by Megan J. Brocket t
Treasurer departs in wake of delinquent audits; city administrator out by end of year
University Town Center • Next to PG Plaza 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD
Daily Happy Hour Specials Mon. - Sat. 4-7 pm Appetizers as low as $2.00 Come enjoy all the games on our 25 HDTVs!
301-887-1818
all you can eat
china buffet
Valid only at Old Dominion Brewhouse. Discount does not apply to daily specials or happy hour. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/31/2013
15% OFF
Entire Dinner Check (Min. $15)
Coupon valid only at Tokyo Sushi and China Buffet. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/31/2013
policy, it’s investment policy.” Many of the sustainable additions to the city will take “about five years to break even,” said Groves before adding that the city will save money in the long run.
oFFICER DoWN... IN THE DUN
K TANK With city police offi Night Out proves cers in a dunk tank, National a hit in West Hyattsville. PAGE 3
Re-enacto rs prepare for epic battle
Turmoil at city hall as two directors resign
OLD DOMINION B
The electric vehicles, however, are only the latest step in the city’s sustainability action plan. Jim Groves, chair of the Hyattsville Environment Committee, said that the sustainability plan is “not just environmental
Hyattsville Hyattsville Middle The National Park Service picked Hyattsville tool. PAGE 8 School to debut its latest educational
crowds to September weekend draws record Hyattsville Arts both the Hispanic Festival and the Festival. PAGES 4 AND 5
Fire Vol. The Hyattsville Volunteer will Department (HVFD) this mark its 125th anniversary celmonth with a weekend-long of forebration, and hundreds from mer members are coming ey will all over America for it. Th a be here not only to remember loshared past at the fire station, but cated at 6200 Belcrest Road, toward step important an to take for the future: breaking ground to a new, $12 million building replace it. will The groundbreaking, which annual kick off the fire station’s 12, October on fall open house are is largely ceremonial. Permits plans still being pulled and site finalized, said HVFD President Dave Iannone. Construction, bonds funded entirely through issued by the county, is expected nish in to begin next year and fi
Twelve issues for only $20. Contact subscriptions@ hyattsvillelife.com to get started.
15% OFF
RESToRIN oF ARCA G THE loST ART DE
GAMES How did a code-com pliance officer a video-game end up on trading card? PAGE 4
amanda eisenberg Hyattsville’s three new electric cars look like “glorified golf carts,” said Code Compliance Inspector David Hill.
3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD (301) 277-2863 arts.pgparks.com
AdirondAck Tree experTs Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996
Recipient of Checkbook Magazine’s “Check of Quality”
REMOVAL • PRUNING TRIMMING
Free Estimates! Shrimp • Snow Crab Legs • Sushi Salmon • Mussels • Fish • Salad Fruit Salad • Seafood • Soup • General Tso’s Chicken • Seafood Delight • Ice Cream • Cake • And MUCH MORE!
University Town Center, across from Royal 14 Theaters 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD 301-887-1991
301-595-2827 On-Line Coupons
www.adirondacktreeexperts.com FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts • Visa and Mastercard Accepted
Page 10
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Methodist church marks World AIDS Day with performance of ‘Secrets’ play each attended a four-day training session at the AIDS Education and Training Center of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, have tested approximately 250 individuals. For special events, including the Annual Health Fair the third Sunday of September, the church partners with Heart To Hand, Inc. to assist with the testing. ETP has been performing “Secrets� for 20 years. In a question-and-answer session after the performance, representatives explained that actors are required to be college-edu-
by Rosanna Landis Weaver
On December 1, over 130 area residents gathered in a church fellowship hall to eat together and watch a free play. But the subject matter was an unusual one for a church basement, with conversations on condoms and needle sharing in a play called “Secrets.� It marked the 10th year the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville has observed World AIDS Day, with the HIV/AIDS Ministry often sponsoring special programs or speakers. Co-Chair Janis Sloane described this year’s program as the most well attended and most successful, noting that “kids are much more engaged by action than by a speaker who drones on and on, throwing out statistics.� Presented by Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theater Program (ETP), the play featured a cast of five actors playing multiple roles in a series of intersecting scenes — centered around one individual — where stories were told of dangerous behaviors such as a house party hookup that changes the life of the protagonist. In her introduction to the play, Sloane, a longtime Hyattsville resident, noted two alarming statistics from the CDC: One in four new HIV infections occur in 18-24 year olds, and 60 percent of youth infected are unaware they are infected.
rosanna landis weaver Lonnie Simmons, in the role of Eddie, ponders the implications of the choices he has made.
It is towards this demographic that the play is geared. Eddie is a high-school football star who realizes that past behaviors have put him at risk for an Sexually Transmitted Infection, and when tested finds out he is HIV-positive. The characters exhibit a range of behaviors and responses, with an emphasis on positive decision-making and resisting peer pressure. The play used the format of having a clinic call center to provide additional nuggets of factual information — for example, that teenagers don’t need parental consent to be tested. The call center also serves as a means to identify and dismiss myths, often in a
humorous manner. But while laughter was part of the performance, the lasting images were the poignant moments, such as when Eddie cries, “I wish I could turn back the clock� as he shares the news with his grief-stricken father and with a new girlfriend. The educational events form only a portion of the ministry’s work. In 2010, the group became a certified Counseling, Testing and Referral site under the guidance and support of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. This designation allowed them to offer OraQuick HIV testing. Five certified testers/counselors with the church, who have
cated, with teaching as well as acting experience. In addition to Secrets, the group has several programs aimed at younger children on topics from nutrition to bullying, and typically performs in schools. For more information, visit www.ETPmidatlantic.org. First United Methodist offers free HIV screening the third Saturday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church, 6201 Belcrest Road. The test is done by an oral swab from the gum line and confidential results are available in 20 minutes.
Christian Science Church 8300 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville • 301-422-1822
Sunday church services — 10:30 a.m. Sunday school (youth up to 20) — 10:30 a.m. Wednesday evening testimony meetings — 7:30 p.m.
All are welcome • Free literature available
Bible lesson sermon topics
Sunday Dec. 8 God the Only Cause & Creator Sunday Dec. 15 God the Preserver of Man Sunday Dec. 22 Christmas theme Sunday Dec. 29 Christian Science
h&RANKLINS IS AWESOME v
n0UBCRAWLER COM
7JTJU )ZBUUTWJMMF T NPTU VOVTVBM SFTUBVSBOU BOE FOKPZ PVS PXO NJDSPCSFXT PO UBQ ĂąOF XJOF BOE HPPE GPPE
&RANKLINS
#BMUJNPSF "WF )ZBUUTWJMMF .%
Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD
6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20783 Tel: 301-403-8808 Fax: 301-403-1341
School Physicals • Immunizations • Sport Physicals • Minor Emergency Care • Ear Piercing • Urgent/Sick Child Visit • CPR/First Aid Class
M-F 9 - 6 p.m. • Evening & Saturday hours by appointment Same day appointment available *Most Insurance Accepted*
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Page 11
Small Business Saturday hits Hyattsville retailers by Scarlett Salem
scarlett salem At Community Forklift, the Green Gift Fair runs through December.
This year, more national retailers unlocked their doors on Thanksgiving Day, kicking off the Black Friday shopping frenzy earlier than ever. But some shoppers waited for the deals from independent stores on November 30: Small Business Saturday. Ironically enough, it was a big business — American Express — that came up with the idea in 2010, inviting small businesses to register for the program. Cardholders get a $10 rebate once they spend at least $10 at a participating store on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The idea quickly caught on and has been growing ever since, according to American Express. Local businesses got in on the spirit. At Franklins’ General Store, everything was 20 percent off from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Across the street, Arrow Bicycle was offering a 10 percent discount on kids’ bikes, but didn’t see an uptick in shoppers. “Buying a bike in 40-degree
weather isn’t on someone’s radar,” said Arrow co-owner Chris Militello. “If Small Business Saturday was middle of May, we would kill it, but [now] isn’t a time where people would be interested.” But despite the lack of sales, Militello still supports the event. “It’s a great advertisement for small businesses of America. The fact that a huge corporation is driving business locally is huge.” In 2009, Community Forklift began hosting Green Friday the day after Thanksgiving; a spin on the traditional Black Friday. “You don’t have to buy mindless stuff, you can buy thoughtful gifts,” said Outreach Director Ruthie Mundell. When staff learned of Small Business Saturday two years ago, they combined it with Green Friday into a weekend of demonstrations and other events. This year, the Forklift offered free cider, coffee, snacks, live local music and local artists showing how they upcycle fabric scraps, pieces of wood, and old furniture. Sue Mondeel, of the Riverdale Park business Shabadaba Chic, gave various demonstrations including furniture painting and upcycling of reclaimed wood. “I am showing [people] how to make what’s in my booth [at the Forklift, where her items are sold year round],” said Mondeel. “I am happy to share my epic fails
to help others.” “Small businesses keep us alive,” noted Mundell. Small business owners are among those who shop at Community Forklift and also donate supplies for re-sell. Through December, Community Forklift is also hosting its fourth annual Green Gift Fair which allows local artists to consign their goods at the warehouse. The wares are mostly made of reclaimed materials, fitting with the Forklift’s theme, and range from vintage lamps to bath products.
Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance
est. 1962
Dance classes for all ages
Register for Register For classes now! Summer Classes Now! Preschool Dance • Tap • Ballet • HipHop • Modern • Ballroom Small class sizes Ages 3 & up www.eleanorperniadance.com
301-937-4230
10434 Baltimore Ave • Beltsville, MD 20705
TRASH CHANGES Public Works Trash Collection Changes
Happy Hyattsville Holidays!
Holiday Schedule for 2013
Claus Applause Annual Holiday Decorating contest Wednesday, December 18th Senior Services Holiday Social - Thursday, December 19th Winter Break Camp - Thursday, December 26th and Friday, December 27th
If your household is served by the Department of Public Works, there are several important schedule changes to note for the next few months. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.
CHRISTMAS
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, December 23. If your ordinary pick-up day is: Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Thursday, December 26 Friday, December 27
Your pick-up will be on: Monday, December 23 Tuesday, December 24 no change no change
NEW YEARS
No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, December 30. If your ordinary pick-up day is: Tuesday, December 31 Wednesday, January 1 Thursday, January 2 Friday, January 3
Your pick-up will be on: Monday, December 30 Tuesday, December 31 no change no change
Questions? Please call the Department of Public Works at 301/985-5032.
Department of Community Services www.hyattsville.org/december 301/985-5021
Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
SHOOTING
continued from page 1
courtesy of for the squares More accessory than necessity, today’s pocket square has come a long way from its humble handkerchief origins. The Squares, a business started by local resident Mtokufa Ngwenya (above right), sells knitted pocket squares as well as fabric ones -- and pledges to donate part of its proceeds to worthy causes.
Fashion with a social sense by Scarlett Salem and Susie Currie
Social responsibility seems to be the latest fashion trend. Perhaps the best-known example is the TOMS shoe company, which exploded onto the scene in 2006 with a promise to donate a pair of shoes for each one sold. Now, the slipper-like footwear can be seen on all demographics. Closer to home is The Squares, a pocket-square and accessories line based in Hyattsville that commits part of each sale to what it calls “Changemakers,” individuals and organizations who are bettering their communities. Its most recent Changemaker is Kevin Jennings, Jr., a teacher in Baltimore County. Jennings was one of 16 nominees the compa-
ny got after asking its Facebook friends to recommend an educator in their community or state who was making an impact. A portion of this quarter’s pocketsquare proceeds will go towards sponsoring some of Jennings’ students for the Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington, D.C., which costs $1,995 per student. “What separates [our company] is the social contribution arm,” says Squares owner Mtokufa Ngwenya, a native of Lusaka, Zambia, who grew up in Hyattsville and graduated from DeMatha. The concept for The Squares was born in 2012, he said, when “the company recognized the need in the market for a unique piece that men or women could use to accessorize.” Pocket
NEWMAN & McINTOSH, LLC 1331 H Street, NW, #902 Washington, DC 20005 newmanmcintosh.com Email Inquiries: pwilliams@newmanmcintosh.com
CALL NOW: (202) 638-1331
squares seemed poised for a comeback and were popping up in major retailers from Nordstrom to Express. In the days of linen handkerchiefs, the well-dressed man would never be seen without one peeking out of his breast pocket. Now, the elaborately folded squares are more for looks than utility; the company sells knitted squares alongside its fabric ones. Prices range from $20 to $35. The fledgling fashion company began in February, when Ngwenya teamed up with Business Development Director Nicole Carryl to launch www.forthesquares. com. Since then, more than 300 squares have been sold through the website. There is no brickand-mortar store.
• Auto accidents • Medical negligance • Wrongful death • Missed, incorrect, or delayed diagnoses • Birth injuries • Criminal law
Free consultation No recovery, no fee
“Right now, it’s not a viable option because of the overhead hit, ” said Ngwenya. Most of the business is done from his Hyattsville home. The Squares employs two seamstresses, one of whom works in Hyattsville. “Because we are not a big box company, everyone knows we [create the squares] on an individual basis,” he said. “We pick the fabric, the design … [there is] more care that goes into it.” Any time a pocket square is purchased, a percentage of that purchase is donated to a philanthropic cause. Presently, the percentage is not a set amount but Ngwenya says that he hopes to settle on a concrete number in the near future. Whatever the figure, he has pledged that part of the proceeds will always go towards something to help the greater community. “We are looking to benefit a community or initiative. It could be international or [local],” he said, adding that the company is taking suggestions for worthy causes. In addition, the company has donated many squares to Prince George’s County High School students. And it has even gotten involved in politics, sponsoring an event for District 22 delegate Alonzo Washington, who Ngwenya met when both were majoring in criminology at the University of Maryland. “Because I am very aware of local politics, I am very vocal about it … if it’s something that involves my community,” said Ngwenya. “My personal network right now is larger than the company.”
the woman with an electronic control device (Taser),” but that proved ineffective because she was wearing several layers of clothing. He then shot her once in the chest. She was taken to a local hospital, where she had surgery for her injuries, and was expected to remain there for at least a week. At press time, all four police officers who were in the basement with her were on paid administrative leave. Police are not releasing the names of those involved in the incident. Police are working with the state’s attorney’s office on the investigation, though much is being handled internally. “We have an investigative unit,” said Purvis. “One officer is handling the criminal component [and] another will look at ... whether everything was done according to procedure.” The woman’s behavior had reportedly become increasingly unusual after a recent series of distressing events, including the deaths of a close relative and a favorite pet. News of the shooting quickly spread among mentalhealth and disability-rights advocates. “Sadly, the mental health crisis in our country is such that police often are called to act in place of
“Sadly, the mental health crisis in our country is such that police often are called to act in place of mental health professionals.” — Marsha Mazz Hyattsville resident mental health professionals,” said Hyattsville resident Marsha Mazz, who oversees the technical assistance programs for the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. “This is a terrible tragedy for the woman, her family, the officer and our community. I hope our police force can obtain some training to handle this type of situation before someone dies.” The last time there was an officer-involved shooting in Hyattsville, said Purvis, was September 2009. The Washington Post reported at the time that a city police officer “shot and wounded a man [in the arm] after the man drove toward a group of officers who were trying to pull him over.” The driver was treated at a local hospital and later charged him with firstand second-degree assault and resisting arrest.
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
Page 13
brophy
continued from page 1
when he saw a Facebook post by an old friend of his, Ted Maschal. Back in junior high, Brophy said, the pair had a penchant for getting into trouble, though Maschal could usually talk his way out of it. “He’s always been an interesting chap,” Brophy said. The same might be said of Brophy, whose past adventures include setting sail for El Dorado (actually, Eldorado, Md., pop. 59) from a point on the Northwest Branch near his Hyattsville home. More recently, he owned and operated Rhode Island Reds, a restaurant at the southern end of Hyattsville on, yes, Rhode Island Avenue. Meanwhile, Maschal, who now goes by the name Ted Danger, had gone on to a career as an explorer, diving off the coast of Honduras and working on mining boats in Alaska called dredges. Danger mentioned in a Facebook post that he was going up to Alaska to mine the ocean floor for gold and Brophy asked him if it was like the courtesy of christoher brophy Discovery Channel’s reality show Gold Hyattsville resident Christopher Brophy stands in front of abandoned mining equipment in Alaska. Rush. “Yeah, that’s me. You want a job?” Danger asked Brophy. starter to fund the trip, Brophy left to join dive and make good money on this boat ers seemed to think Brophy and a nearby “I was looking for a partner,” Danger later Danger in Nome, Alaska, at the end of because you’re only going to work for sal- man were more interesting. said. “I was kind of surprised he was able May. ary,” they said. “You’re too old and your “We were anchored next to each other,” to do it since he didn’t have any diving exOnce there, he soon learned that he dis- eyes aren’t good enough.” Brophy said. “And I just threw a rock over perience. It’s not a good place to learn.” liked both the work and the company. Still, the work was steady and allowed and the cameraman said, ‘Oh yeah, have a In fact, Brophy had never used an artifi“Living in close quarters, I’d had enough him to see more of the state. rock war.’ And so we were throwing rocks cial breathing apparatus underwater until of [Danger],” Brophy said. “We’re two old “Alaska is really a frontier and a fascinat- at each other.” a few days before coming to Alaska, when guys so we didn’t really make money to- ing place,” Brophy said. Brophy returned home near the end of he practiced in the shallow end of a swim- gether. The work didn’t really appeal to me Brophy also got a firsthand look at how August, with plenty of stories for his Faceming pool at Catholic University. Danger, too much.” reality shows about miners are made, book page, Brophy Amalgamated Publishby contrast, had extensive diving experiSo he found work as a deckhand on a when he became involved in an incident ing, which led to the book. Even though ence and had taught several scuba diving more successful dredge. Brophy said the filmed by Discovery Channel’s “Bering the trip didn’t turn out quite as planned, classes. crew members were blunt with him from Sea Gold.” Brophy was on the boat with he remains philosophical about it. Nevertheless, with the permission of his the beginning about his role: “Don’t have his partner, who wanted to be on a reality “You do have to understand [mining for wife and more than $2,500 from Kick- any misconceptions about being able to show filming in the area. But the produc- gold] is a crapshoot with really bad odds.”
CLASSIC CARDIOLOGY We fix broken hearts! SERVICES WE OFFER: CARDIOVASCULAR EVALUATIONS INTERNAL MEDICINE EVALUATIONS HYPERTENSION DIABETES MELLITUS PRE-OP CONSULTATIONS NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING ECHOCARDIOGRAMS VENOUS SONOGRAMS CAROTID DOPPLERS ARTERIAL DOPPLERS BLOOD SCREENINGS
PACEMAKER ANALYSIS HOLTER MONITORING CHOLESTEROL SCREENING BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS CARDIAC CATHERIZATIONS HEMO DYNAMIC MONITORING PULSE OXIMETRY YEARLY PHYSICAL EXAMS PATIENT HEALTH EDUCATION CLASSES SPIROMETRY
RAYMON K. NELSON, M.D. ABIM BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE 6525 BELCREST ROAD, SUITE 220 HYATTSVILLE, MD 20782 (across from PG PLAZA)
OFFICE : 301-779-7525 FAX: 301-779-4997 MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED
www.classiccardiology.com PROVERBS 4:23– ABOVE ALL ELSE, GUARD YOUR HEART, FOR IT IS THE WELLSPRING OF LIFE.
BRICK WORK PLUS Specializing in maSonry & Small concrete conStruction FOr yOur cOnStructiOn neeDS, call uS at
301-864-8161 • Fax 301-864-0013
Office: 4318 Hamilton St. #106 • Hyattsville, MD 20781
George W. Reaves, Owner
Taunya L. Jenkins, DDS, LLC
General Dentist 6525 Belcrest Rd Suite 201 Hyattsville, MD 20785 • RCT • Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Bleaching • White Fillings Emergencies Welcome Most Insurances Accepted
Tel 301-779-0522 Fax 301-927-1815 M-Thu 9-5 Sat by Appt.
HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE Home of
THE CLEANERS CORNER Vacuum Cleaner Sales and Service Sewing Machine Repair Janitorial Equipment and Supplies Carpet Cleaning Equipment and Supplies
5219 Baltimore Avenue • Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Tel: 301-277-3553 • Fax: 301-277-7142 e-mail: HyattsvilleVac@aol.com
Page 14
Hyattsville Life & Times | December 2013
HAPPY HOLIDAYS from
LARRY PERRIN, Realtor ® and staff
Call Larry Perrin to sell your home! 301-983-0601 LARRY’S LISTINGS: FOR SALE 10000 Wedge Way $229,995 19527 Sugar Notch $249,995 5000 Stewart Court $344,000 SOLD 9925 Tambay Court $299,995 9802 Hellingly Place $154,995 6201 20th Place $274,950 3909 Newark Road $130,000 7822 Hanover Parkway $125,000 7826 Hanover Parkway $109,995 2006 VanBuren Street $239,995 9306 Rhode Island Ave $245,000
Call
LARRY PERRIN
LARRY PERRIN PROPERTIES ®
Realtor ®
“THE” Hyattsville Realtor since 1977
301.983.0601 • 301.220.2229 Selling Your Home? Free Home Value Estimate! If your home is currently listed by another Realtor ®®, please disregard this offer. It is not my intention to solicit the offerings of other brokers.