Glut-tons for good food! see pg. 3
InBrief
Vol. 4 No. 9
International Fest on tap for QCTC A night celebrating culture is slated for Sept. 22 as Hyattsville rolls out its International Street Festival and Fireworks.The event, held annually, will begin at 4 p.m. at the Queens Chapel Town Center, at Hamilton and 31st Streets.Last year’s fest included a variety of vendors and information booths, music and a crush of community.
Volunteers needed to clean city On Sept. 29 the City of Hyattsville will serve as a host site for National Public Lands Day, the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve public land. Last year over 140 volunteers in the city removed trash and debris along U.S. Rte.1, City Lot 1 and Magruder Park. Volunteers also continued to remove non-native invasive plants along the Trumbule Trail. The Office of Volunteer Services is currently registering individuals and groups interested in. Volunteers will be provided with a site location, a set of guidelines, litter sticks, trash bags and work gloves. Please email caistis@hyattsville.org or call 301.985.5057.
Out with electronics Hyattsville residents will have a chance to offload unwanted electronics from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 13 during the city’s free Electronics Recycling Program. Items to be picked up include: computer monitors; printers; VCRs; televisions and cell phones.Participants must show proof of identification.
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
September 2007
At home in Hyattsville [Residents roosting on Route 1]
by Martha Yager
T
hree rows of the EYA’s Arts District Hyattsville townhouses are complete, and about 30 new neighbors have moved in, surrounded by mud and construction in progress. Many bought before the building began, some waiting in line all night when sales opened in April 2006. The newcomers are enthusiastic about their quaint quarters, but it is the larger community of Hyattsville that drew many to new homes on Baltimore Avenue. Before moving here,Amy Neugebauer, Hyattsville’s former community development manager, knew that the city had “its own community, its own identity.” When she started house hunting, it was clear that Hyattsville offers more for her than other similar areas. She and her husband liked the “funky architecture” and “intentional creativity” of the EYA proj-
ect, which is designed to echo the light-industrial character of Route 1 and the stoops and stone lintels once common in small American towns. Neugebauer lives in the first completed courtyard, a cove with two rows of townhouses facing each other across sidewalks, lawn and gardens. A few steps away, past flowering myrtle bushes, is the old Lustine showroom—now a gym and community center with a juice bar, pool room and art gallery. EYA’s mixed-use development is located in Hyattsville and Riverdale Park. It traverses Route 1 and covers 26 acres of frontage between Jefferson and Madison streets in Hyattsville. The project includes town homes,
condominiums, retail and live-work space. Some newcomers said they look forward to the small businesses planned for their area of Baltimore Avenue, including a Spanish coffeehouse, a day spa, a barbershop,
an ice cream parlor and a Busboys and Poets bookstore, which is also a restaurant and coffee bar with performance space. At present, nine arts-related projects are established along Route 1:
AT HOME continued on page 14
City, county could tighten regulations on vendors by Jennifer Donatelli
T
wo Hyattsville officials said they would support outlawing some mobile street vendors like the pupusa trucks that are
prevalent along Ager Road. The city drafted legislation a couple years ago to do just that, but didn’t act on it because the County Council was considering a similar bill at the time, Mayor William Gar-
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
Spiderman swoops in to show kids some of his fast moves at National Night Out Against Crime.
diner said. The pupusa trucks are legal in the county, as long as the vendors get a permit from the health department showing they have addressed issues like refrigeration and a use and occupancy permit that would allow them to run their business, said Brad Frome, legislative aide to County Councilman Will Campos (Dist. 2.) But most of the vendors only get the health department permit and not
the use and occupancy permit, he said. And county officials have not forced the vendors to get the use and occupancy permits for nearly a decade, Frome said. “It’s kind of created a situation when you haven’t enforced the law for so long,” he said.“You should give folks the benefit of the doubt they didn’t know about the law when we
VENDORS continued on page 7
Unfriendly terms: senior housing under review by Sarah Nemeth
H
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601
umid hallways, broken boxes and unresponsive management has made life at Friendship Arms Apartments uncomfortable for many, at least that’s what some residents say. This summer has seen temperatures often cresting the 100-degree mark and a lack of air conditioning in the building’s hallways
made for much irritation to people like Dorothy Wilson, who has lived at the facility in Hyattsville’s Ward 1 for over 10 years. “We’ve had the air conditioning problems since June,” she said. “They just kept on saying they were going to fix it…It’s still hot in the halls.”
SR. HOUSING continued on page 11
Included: The September 12, 2007 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter—See Center Section
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 2
Opinion: Understanding sweat, tears by Sarah Nemeth
H
ard work is valued less than it once was. It disturbs me that any resident of this city would harbor angst over someone earnestly making an honest living by operating a small grocery store. When I interviewed Lidia Benitez, owner of Julia Rosa Grocery at the corner of Nicholson and 40th streets, my heart was touched by her story of hard work, travail and ultimately of triumph. I had not before met someone so desperate to capitalize on the opportunities that she has been blessed with. I left her store with teary eyes. I grow quite angry at the sight of Americans leaching off society for reasons within their control. It’s one thing to get into a rut, but quite another thing to choose to continue living in a slump once the worst has passed. Maybe it’s my own history that moves me so at the sight of elbow grease at work. I remember eating food delivered from the local soup kitchen or church food pantries when my mom and older sister and I shared one sandwich and a glass
HL&T on-boards new managing editor Sharahn Boykin comes to the Hyattsville Life & Times as the paper’s new managing editor, taking on the role of departed editor Michael Martucci. Martucci resigned to complete coursework at the University of Maryland and to spend more time with his family. Boykin, a Maryland native, has written for various pub-
of milk for dinner. My parents, though divorced, both worked hard to give us the things we needed and often much of what we wanted. Mom worked two jobs, all day. Dad, who was credentialed to work in emergency medicine, left his career early on to take a factory job that would better support his family. My paternal grandfather slaved in the coal mines of Southwest Virginia before serving several years in Europe during World War II. The other grandfather owned a motel, a limousine service, a sightseeing service, an insurance agency, a real estate agency and still found time for political shakedown now and then. Have culture clashes or intolerance so clouded our view of one another that we can no longer see good when it is before us? This small mindedness is an outrage. Who would take upon themselves the mantle of authority it takes to dole out such ultimatums? Moreover, in a small city that touts its free-thinking and the open transfer of thoughts and ideas, where is there room for such ignorance? We should be sounding the cry of support for such motivation and grit as found in Benitez. Maybe we are just feeling a bit guilty for being unable to understand the gravity of what this small grocery store and the sweat and tears that has gone into running it means. Are we really that spoiled?
lications including The Baltimore Sun, The Gazette, Capital News Service and The Hyattsville Life & Times. She is educated in journalism and philosophy. “Sharahn adds a sense of class that will maintain the integrity of the HLT and help inject more diversity through our writing and our writers,” said HL&T Executive Editor Sarah Nemeth. Boykin began her work in Hyattsville on Sept. 1.
Growing up foster by Bryant Weissman-Haga
He would comfort me. My real dad’s name was Tim. He was tall like me and Editor’s Note: Following is a first- had dark brown hair, brown eyes, rough stubble on his person account of life as a foster child. face and a very thick moustache. He wasn’t around a lot It reflects the opinions of the writer but when I did see Dad he would give me and my sister and remains largely un-edited to en- $5. He always said he would take me and Sabrina away sure the integrity of the work. from my mom and we were going to live together but it never happened. I remember once he came in my mom’s eople think kids in foster house. My mom was drunk and so was he. They got into homes don’t succeed in a fight. My mom threw an ashtray at him and then he life, but I’m here to tell you left. I never saw my dad again. I will always remember my that we do. Foster kids aren’t as bad as you think. When dad. He died four years ago and I didn’t find out until a I was three or four I was in foster homes because I was year ago. I didn’t get to say my goodbyes or anything. I abused by my birth parents. I am not couldn’t go to his funeral bewriting this because I want you to cause the Department of Social feel bad for me, but because maybe Services has a rule that there is I can change your views about foster no contact—no phone calls, no kids when you hear my story from visits—with birth parents in my foster home to adoption. situation until I am 21. I remember like it was yesterday. When I was four and Sabrina We lived in a small rusted trailer. was six we ran away. The police There was a tire swing and a halfpicked us up and they noticed mile driveway. My mom used to we had abusive marks on our hit me if I spilled milk or forgot to arms and legs. I went to court turn off the lights. She wouldn’t hit and the judge put a restraining me with her hand, but the closest order against my mom and said object she could pick-up. She had I couldn’t see my mom again. a lot of boyfriends —I hated them They then took us and put me all. My mom got into fights a lot and Sabrina in separate foster with her boyfriends, and some left homes. Me and my sister were marks on her. I was too little to split up for about nine months. Bryant Weissman do anything then. When I was five years old I -Haga and his sister Sabrina gr There were hard times in moved into a new foster home owing up in the the trailer but some times were foster care system with my sister and a lot of other . fun. Me and my sister, Sabrina, foster kids. Everyone called the would go to a pond down the foster mom Grandma Emma. She half mile drive way. Another was short, had gray hair, was a little good memory was one day when my mom surprised pudgy and wore hearing aids. She had eight kids of her me when I walked in the house. There was a big dog own plus 20 something grandkids that all lived in Balat the front door. I was so happy! I called him Mud timore. She also had four to six foster kids at a time, because no matter how clean I would get him Mud but it would vary. There were a lot of good times at would just get dirty again. Mud was my only friend. I would talk to him when my mom got into her fights. FOSTER continued on page 3
P
Letters to the Editor
Tuberculosis deadly but avoidable Dear Editor: A friend of mine who lives in Zambia has adopted several of his brother’s children over the last few years. They needed to be adopted because all his brothers had passed away. Not from a war or a famine but from tuberculosis. They were all in their 30s and 40s in the prime of their lives. Not one of them had todie. TB can be cured for as little as $20. We all learned about how serious it can be with the drug resistant case of the newly-wed groom in June of this year. TB is an air-borne illness that one can get from being in a confined environment like an airplane or a train with someone who has the disease. According to the DHMH, Maryland had 283 cases in 2005. In Prince George’s County there were 57 cases. Though not alarming levels, they still need proper treatment. In Africa and Asia as well as some of the geo-political hot spots, TB is at epidemic levels. Pakistan and Afghanistan have some of the highest rates of TB in the world. Whenever our troops go, they are likely to encounter TB.
In Africa, TB is the leading cause of death of those who are infected with HIV/AIDS taking over two million lives a year. The deaths of so many mothers and fathers are creating orphans at an unprecedented rate causing friends like mine to adopt many children. The Bush Administration has supported global plans to stop the spread and to treat TB. Now it is time for Congress to act. The Stop TB Now Act of 2007 (HR 1567; S 968) would support efforts to treat the disease worldwide. It has passed a key House committee. Now it is time for our House Majority Leader, Rep. Steny Hoyer to make sure it becomes law by bringing it to a vote in September. Senator Cardin can help by urging the Senate Foreign Relations committee to pass a Senate version of the bill. Both should work hard to ensure funding is improved for TB control in the United States as well. By doing so, millions of mothers and fathers will get to enjoy the lives of their children. Nick Arena Hyattsville, Md.
(YATTSVILLE ,IFE 4IMES
A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville
Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc. a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Interested reporters should send their e-mail addresses to the editor to be reminded of deadlines and receive internal news. Articles and news submitted may be edited. The deadline is the last week of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor and opinions are encouraged. For all e-mail correspondence with HL&T: news, features, tips, advertising and business write to hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com. To submit articles, letters to the editor, etc. please e-mail Hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com. For inquiries re advertising rates or to submit ad copy please email to Hyattsvillelife@Yahoo.com. Sarah Nemeth, Executive Editor 240.354.4832 or betweensundays@gmail.com Sharahn Boykin, Managing Editor sharahn@gmail.com Rick Docksai, Copy Editor Ashby Henderson, Photographer Publication Production, Electronic Ink Colleen Aistis Rick Docksai Ashley Henderson Karen Riley
Writers/Contribtors John Aquilino Keith Blackburn Colleen Durnan Kristen Gunderson Phil Houle Bert Kapinus Sol Sandberg Tom Slezak
Board of Directors Christopher Currie Matthew McKnight Tim Hunt Sarah Nemeth
Steve Clements Jim Groves Michael Martucci Hugh Turley Bert Kapinus
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 7,500. HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association.
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 3
GLUT-tons for good food by Krista Schyler
W
ith a multitude of natural food products appearing on the shelves of conventional grocery stores, the expansion of several natural food chains like Yes! in Brookland and the possible arrival of Whole Foods in Riverdale, it’s easy for Mount Rainier’s GLUT to get lost in the shuffle. And recently this small community grocer has faced some financial impacts from the growing competition. But a single trip to this local institution on 34th Street—distinguished by the large carrot over the door—will ensure it stays lodged in your memory. Whether it’s the staff crooning along with the reggae tunes, the local and organic produce, the bulk foods and cheeses, or the funky devoted clientele that stream in and out, there’s something obviously different about this place. A peek into the store’s history gives some clue as to where the unique feel of GLUT emanates. The store was born in 1968, when a group of objectors went before a judge to plead their case
for not fighting in the Vietnam War. They told the judge that in lieu of military service they would bring “good food to poor people.” The judge agreed to their request and the group began to form buying clubs all over the greater Washington D.C. region. They ran trucks to New York and Pennsylvania, buying everything wholesale and divvying up the food at meetings in church basements. GLUT quickly outgrew this approach and in 1971 rented a warehouse space in Mount Rainier. Before long, popular demand led GLUT to expand from a buyers club to a store open to the public. Mount Rainier and the surrounding community provided an incubator for what GLUT was offering. Peace and social justice-minded groups began to coalesce in the area. From its inception the store was operated as a worker’s collective. This business model —where employees make decisions rather than a corporate board or hierarchical management — has a positive impact on the ethics and practices of the store. Workers have often made the decision to lower mark-ups on
food, believing prices were getting ahead of the community’s ability to pay. So, when GLUT uses the slogan, “Food for people, not for profit,” they mean it. The store’s business ethic also puts a premium on community and healthy food. A majority of the produce is organic and grown locally, which reduces the greenhouse gasses incurred by many other products due to shipping. And when it’s fresh, it’s really fresh. “When produce from the local organic distributor, Tuscarora Organic Growers, comes in it’s no more than 24 hours out of the field–incredibly fresh–still living,” said Nick Francis, a former GLUT employee Recently, the workers at GLUT have had to make some hard decisions. Changing times have brought new challenges for the stalwart. The increased availability of natural and organic foods from corporate farms and national wholesalers has begun to take a toll on the grassroots grocer. In the past year, GLUT workers voted to lower wages and decrease their benefits due to declining sales,
Opinion: Keep stories coming by Michael Martucci
“T
here are about 17,000 residents in this town and every one of them has a story to tell.” That simple explanation from management in late 2004 regarding The Hyattsville Life & Times’ founding philosophy intrigued me when I sought to become part of the community paper.True to its vision we have managed to mine the culture for uplifting stories. The initial experience for me took place nearly three long years ago. I was only seeking to contribute a story or two, but shortly after coming aboard I was writing upwards of 50 percent of the articles some months, and then became the Managing Editor. I’ve served in that capacity for a couple of years. I can tell you that the paper has only begun to scratch the surface of telling some of those 17,000 stories
FOSTER
continued from page 2 Grandma Emma’s, and I lived with her for three years. From ages six to eight, I had two DSS workers. The first lady was to help my mom get her life back together. DSS gave my mom $2,500 so we could be a family again, but she spent it on drugs. The second lady was to help me and Sabrina get adopted. She asked us what we wanted in our parents so she could narrow the list. Me and Sabrina came up with a list of things we wanted in parents. Some of the things on our list were: people who wouldn’t abuse us; parents who loved kids; and
and we’ve done it informatively while focusing upon uplifting messages. We’ve proven that the word “news” does not mean information geared only toward topics of tragedy, despair, or a policy of character assassination. Quite the opposite. This newspaper has reflected some of the best people and events that the city has to offer. “Good news” is under our noses if we care to look and listen. I know personally I have been enriched by the people I have met, interviewed, and worked with while at The Hyattsville Life &Times. Some have had profound effects upon me. At times it has been quite challenging to produce this paper, yet always rewarding. Each issue has become a child of sorts to me. Each month there is a birth, including all of the labor pains, and then a revel in the result. I’ve done this while offering my services to a full-time job, a family (including a daughter involved in
a theatrical career), and the educational pursuits of myself and my wife. With even more demands looming it would be impossible to maintain the proper focus that each one deserves. With that in mind, and secure in the knowledge that the newspaper is in the hands of a professional journalist, I will be stepping away from my Managing Editor duties with the publication of this month’s issue. You are likely to still see my name on columns and “The Back Page” in future issues, but the heavy lifting I’ve been doing will now fall to other competent individuals. I may offer a hand here or there but others will be responsible for finding, collecting and telling some of those as of yet un-mined stories. I will miss being so involved, more than you could ever know. It has been a wonderful experience serving the community during my Hyattsville life and times.
someone who wouldn’t leave us. Only one family replied to the DSS worker because no one wanted two kids. I was surprised at first that anyone was going to adopt us because we had been in foster home the longest. At first I had visits with my prospective parents at Grandma Emma’s house to see if I liked them or not. Their names were Mike and Louise. They made a book of pictures of the family and the house they had been living in. We went to their house for about a week. When I moved into my new house I cried all night thinking about my birth parents. I was in desperate fear that I would never see my real parents again, but I thought to my self,
at least I still have my sister. I would test my adopted parents to see how much they cared. My first month in the house, I threw tantrums to see how they would react. I would jump off of the overlook to the family room. It was very high. I landed on the couch down below. I wanted to see what their breaking point was. This August is 11 years I have been living with Mike and Louise. I only got adopted six years ago because my sister wasn’t ready to be adopted. We have our bad days and good days but you just have to take one day at a time. I’ve learned a lot from my adoptive parents. They’ve taught me more than anybody I’ve
Cashier Catherine Alexandria checks out customer Gloria Industrious at GLUT organic grocery store in Mount Rainier.
escalating insurance costs and increasing wholesale prices, just so the store could break even, according to Chris Doyle, longtime employee of GLUT. Despite the current challenges, GLUT has history on its side. It occupies a site that has been used as a grocery store since the 1930s; it owns its building and has no debt. It also has a devoted community of people on its side, many of whom moved to the area to be
within walking distance of GLUT. In a recent Gateway Community Development Corporation meeting, residents discussed ways to ensure that this center of community life will always be around. It serves not only as a place to buy food, but also a place to spontaneously meet other members of the community “I always feel good when I leave GLUT...I leave with a smile on my face,” said Mount Rainier resident David West.
CouncilClips Nicholson nightmare
Nicholson Street between 42nd 40th avenues was a rocky mess for a couple weeks in July and August as construction crews moved to rework parts of the road that had not been properly paved when the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission patched it up during a previous pipe replacement. WSSC used a “cold patch” asphalt to fix the street after completing their work, but that material did not meld to the existing pavement on the street, according to information received from Public Works Director Lee Henry. Different filler, “hot-mix” asphalt, binds better to the road. The city’s contract with WSSC required that the “hot-mix” asphalt be used, said Councilman Anthony Patterson (Ward 3). Trucks trounced the area and some surrounding streets, littering the roads with construction debris and dirt. “Nicholson between Queens Chapel Road and 42nd [Street] is a disaster,” said David Marshall, a resident and motorcyclist who frequented the road. Despite rough riding and parking pains, the road was paved according to the Department of Public Works’ schedule and now
known; they’ve taught me not to fight, they’ve taught me not to steal, they’ve taught me values and they’ve taught me to control my anger. Think about what your life would be like if you were in foster homes.
matches many other roads resurfaced in Ward 3.
Sounding off
The Hyattsville City Council on Aug. 8 passed a motion providing for the rescinding of rental housing permits if it is determined that the house has a negative impact on the community in any of four ways: n Four occurrences in 24 months of criminal activity or the presence of a controlled, dangerous substance or drug paraphernalia that can be associated with those living in the house n Two incidents in 24 months of drug-related crimes n Four noise violations in 24 months n Three occupancy limits violations in 24 months The ordinance stems from challenges the city has had over the years with some houses, said Mayor William Gardiner. “The new legislation will prevent that from happening,” Gardiner said of some recent concerns involving the shutdown of at least one house. “Speak to the neighbors who have had to deal with this over the years and I wish we would have done this 10 years ago.”
Think about what it would be like not to have your birth parents. To this day there are over 550,000 kids in foster care all over the United States. Take care of your kids so this does not have to happen.
|THE PUBLICATION DEADLINE for articles and letters in the October issue is Friday, September 28th. |
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 4
Community Announcements Hebrew school registration now open Registration for free Hebrew school at Beth Torah Congregation is now open. Beth Torah Congregation registration for Hebrew school is now open. Classes began Sept. 8 and will be held one day a week. Pre B’nai Mitzvah (grades K-7) and Confirmation Classes (grades 8-11) are now forming. For more information call 301.927.5525. Beth Torah Congregation is located at 6700 Adelphi Road.
First United Methodist festival A Community Festival is slated from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 22 at First United Methodist Church, 6201 Belcrest Road. Fun, food, entertainment and fellowship are all in a day’s activity. For information call 301.927.6133.
Family dodge ball offered Limo, a free-for-all version of dodge ball is slated, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 22 at Prince George’s Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Road. The game is open to everyone and is free of charge. For information call 301.864.1611.
High Holy Day seats available at Beth Torah Beth Torah Congregation is offering free High Holy Days Seats. Please call the office for tickets. Services are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Sept. 12; 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Sept. 13; 9 a.m. on Sept. 14; Kol Nidre at 6:45 p.m. on Sept. 21; and at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sept. 22. There will also be an evening service and a breakfast on Sept. 22. Children’s services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sept. 13 and 22.
Smith wins Dental Group
Eagle Court of Honor held for Geoffrey Haynes
scholarship Riverdale Park resident Sarah Smith was recently awarded The Dental Group’s 2007 Scholarship. Smith, who was homeschooled by her mother, won the $1,000 award after submitting her high school records and an essay describing the person who has had the greatest impact on her life. Smith has been active in theater for the past nine years. In addition to acting, she also taught and directed elementary school students in William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Folger Children’s Shakespeare Festival. She has served her community by giving tours at the Riversdale Mansion, singing in the choir at St. Bernard’s Church and by preparing and serving meals to those in need at St. Jerome’s Café. In her essay, Smith credited her parents for being the greatest influence on her life. However, she also recognized Tevye, the main character in Joseph Stein’s Fiddler on the Roof, opened her mind to the impact that tradition and religious conviction can have on a family. This fall, Smith will enroll at St. John’s College in Annapolis.
Art at Riversdale Mansion Step back in time to the year 1812 and view a live rendering of Diana Sperling’s 1812 watercolor called Dynes Hall, The Family at Dinner at Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road in Riverdale Park. This dining room exhibit can be seen during regular open hours now through Sept. 23. For information call 301.864.0420.
New ‘Scout’ registration drive Cub Scout Pack 224, which is sponsored by St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, is beginning its 2007-2008 program this month. Parents are welcome to register their first- through
by Colleen Aistis
G
eoffrey Wilson Haynes was recently given the Eagle Scout Award at the Boy Scouts of America Troop 224, St. Jerome’s Church. Haynes and his family have lived in Hyattsville since 1990. He graduated in May from Northwestern High School. Haynes joined scouting in 1995 as a Wolf Scout. After earning his Arrow of Light in 2000 he crossed over to Troop 224. While a scout, Haynes earned 34 merit badges and served in many leadership capacities. He now serves Troop 224 as an Assistant Scoutmaster. For his Eagle project Haynes pro-
fifth-grade boys at the St. Jerome School cafeteria between 7 and 8 p.m. on Sept.18. The school is located at 5207 42nd Place. The Cub Scout program aims to develop character, physical fitness and citizenship through participation in games, crafts and ceremonies. For more information contact Steve Wolf at swolf2071@netscape. net or at 301.864.1310.
Ghouls needed for Goatman Hollow Actors, actresses and back stage hands are needed for this year’s Goatman Hollow Halloween attraction.
posed a public service brochure that would educate park users on the effects of litter on the environment. Applying the “Leave No Trace” ethic of B.S.A., Haynes’s Eagle project outlined the responsibilities that every visitor to public parks has in keeping public lands safe and clean. Haynes has continued to demonstrate his commitment to com-
There may also be a side show, so all ‘freaks’ are welcome. Volunteers ages 11 to 18 are accepted with parental consent. Parking attendants,crowd controllers and concessions jockeys are needed. Some of the proceeds will likely be donated to the Riverdale Volunteer Fire Department. Also sought are local business sponsors for poster positioning and possible cast meals. There is a sponsor incentive package for those willing to help. For more information e-mail goatmanhollow@yahoo.com.
Oasis of Hyattsville
munity service by completing over 100 hours of the State of Maryland Student Service Learning requirement. His interest in service won special recognition from the Prince George’s County Public School System. Haynes will attend the University of Maryland in College Park in spring.
On Monday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. OASIS will commence registration for the fall 2007 session which begins on Oct. 8. New course offerings include: n Living Well: Self-Management for Chronic Conditions n Federal Style in the Federal City n Religious Philosophy in Jewish and Christian Development n It Takes A Thief: Stolen Masterpieces, Lost Treasures n Raw Foods Cuisine-The Living Alternative n Dances from Around the World n The Gift of the Gershwins n Beginning Spanish Conversation n 55 Alive Drive Safety Trips include Woodloch Pines, PA January 7-11 2008; Toby’s Dinner Theater on November 29 for the “Holiday Hot Nostalgia Musical Review” OASIS honors Julia Derry, who will be inducted into the Maryland Senior Citizen Hall of Fame on October 25 in recognition of her volunteer activities for OASIS of Hyattsville.
News from Troop 224 Boy Scout of America Troop 224 of St. Jerome’s Church left Hyattsville for a week of camping in Southern Pennsylvania at Camp Sinoquipe. Scouts participated in merit badge classes that included first aid; emergency preparedness; pioneering; cooking; scout craft; sports; fishing; plumbing; archery; and rifle and shotgun shooting. The weeklong camp ended with a Native American Dance ceremony by The Potomac Dancers Venture Crew 2 of Hagerstown.
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 5
A feast Because Hyattsville is cooler than your neighborhood of folk by Greg Tindale WhyHyattsville.com
‘National treasure’ offers showcase of sound by Melanie Lidman
T
he twang of a banjo pierced the evening of Aug. 16, telling the story of a Virginian who never personally had the chance to etch his music into the history of recorded sound. And though translated through the talent of musician Stephen Wade and his crew, the sound of Hobart Smith rang true at a rehearsal performance given before a hometown crowd at the Hyattsville Municipal Building. Wade, joined by pianist Mike Craver, fiddler James Leva and guitarist and mandolinist Zan McLeod, treated the audience to a dry run of the group’s upcoming performance at the Philadelphia Folk Festival of music. The concert, titled “In Sacred Trust: Remembering the Music of Hobart Smith� was a multisensory presentation of the life and music of the underground folk music hero. Smith, whose virtuosity on string instruments and enthusiasm for traditional folk music earned him the respect of musicians worldwide, never had a professional recording career. His music is preserved on a recording of a marathon jam session with musician Fleming Brown in Chicago. Wade, a Hyattsville resident, turned the material from these recordings into a series of performances showcasing Smith’s scales of song. In his performance, Wade hoped to give the audience “exposure to the music, and to the philosophy behind the music [of Hobart Smith],� he said. As a Hyattsville resident it was also meaningful to play in the same place where the ensemble had their first rehearsal in 2005, Wade added. “The show was wonderfully satisfying,� he said. “These are neighbors, friends, people I care about.� Wade painted a picture of Hobart’s life through song, the spoken word, Smith quotes and a slide show of the musician. The group used banjos, keyboards, fiddles, guitars and mandolins to capture the authentic groove of Smith’s music. The Wade crew offered a full range of their instuments’ abilities as they illustrated the distinct style Hobart would use to play each instrument. The ensemble also played songs they plan to use in workshops throughout the festival. “I’ve seen him in concert before and I think he’s outstanding,� said Hyattsville resident Jennifer Hanna. “It’s amazing he lives in Hyattsville. He’s just a national treasure and we’re so lucky to see him here.�
S
well, groovy, hip, radical, krunk. Each generation has their own words to define that special feeling. It’s the feeling that you get when you are in the presence of something that makes you happy and excited. It is being cool. I’m sure you have heard the buzz. There are a lot of cool things going on in Hyattsville. Movie theaters, arts districts, restaurants. Whenever I tell people I live in Hyattsville, they feverishly respond, “I’ve heard about that. Tell me more!� If this hasn’t happened to you, it will. As a resident of Hyattsville, you are an ambassador of cool. Now it is possible that you are a Harley riding, leather jacket wearing biker who
knows he is cool. (And you are cool). It is also possible that you are an engineer that supports her family who doesn’t know she is cool. (And you, as well, are cool). It is now your responsibility to show the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area and the world why our neighborhood is cool. This may seem like a daunting task, but I have included two sure- fire techniques to make your friends, family and co-workers say, “Man, that guy/girl is cool.�
Number 1: Sing Happy Birthday as loud as you can
Have you ever heard a lackluster performance of “Happy Birthday�? It sucks the life out of a party. Very uncool. Now many people would say, “I can’t sing, I have a horrible voice.� False. Part of being cool is not caring what people think. As
people “grow up� they are often told by a creatively repressed person that they do not have artistic talent. This vicious cycle creates another creatively repressed person who is doomed to damage a developing artist. Being creative is cool. Dancing and painting are two suggested ways to be creative. Other acceptable ways to be creative include, being the funny guy at your office or a member of your church choir.
Number 2: Call people by their first name
I want you to try something the next time you are checking out of a grocery store. Usually, the clerk will have a name tag with their first name. Just simply say, “How are you doing today, Steve.� The clerk will be so floored that you know their name (they often forget they are
wearing name tags) and it will genuinely make them happy that you took the time to recognize them. I believe there are two kinds of people in life, people who get pleasure from giving others pleasure and people who get pleasure from giving others pain. One of our cool archetypes is the captain of the football team who rules the high school hallways picking on nerds. This in fact, is not cool. People who have a perception of higher status than others (jocks, bosses, ultra-hipsters) only truly become cool by giving pleasure to those who are a perceived lower status (nerds, interns, wallflowers). Making people happy equals cool. Making people sad equals not cool. Now that you have had a little training, go forth and be cool. Hyattsville needs you.
&AMILY $AY #ARE ,ICENSED
3AVITRI (OLLY 0ROVIDER
TH !VENUE s (YATTSVILLE -$ s SHOLLY ATT NET (OME s (OME s #ELL
HMB BOYS and GIRLS CLUB Join Now
301-864-1112 Play Now
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 6
Carving cornerstones for tomorrow’s crusades by Thomas Johnson
T
his year some Hyattsville students will be shuttled to a parking lot on Hamilton Street, and not for a pickup game of basketball. With the building of DeMatha Catholic High School’s new Convocation Center on Route 1, student parking has been crunched. Some pupils will this year park at the WSSC building and be trafficked between the lot and DeMatha. While the campus is in the final planning stages for the new athletic facility, demolition has begun on
two DeMatha-owned properties on Madison Street to make room for the new addition. And at the same time crowding out parking spaces. “One of the big fears was that we wouldn’t be able to find any place to park,â€? said Principal Daniel McMahon, adding that the owner of the WSSC building, a donor and DeMatha benefactor, is allowing 40 to 45 students to use the lot. â€œâ€ŚI think they’re all juniors parking down there,â€? McMahon said. “We’ll run the shuttle buses back and forth, try to help people out. But the inevitable price of [progress] is that we’re disrupted
;gdgj]kÛ8�Û8[imaklY
?]dhaf_ÛPgmÛ=af\ÛPgmjÛ8fko]jk
for a little bit.â€? Shuttles will leave the parking lot at 7:20 and 7:40 a.m. and one will run to the lot at 2:55 p.m. Chris Trevino, a junior at DeMatha, will park at the Hamilton Street location. “It’s sort of an inconvenience in the fact that if I miss that shuttle bus I have to run‌ [but] I’m pretty responsible so I think I can [avoid missing it],â€? he said, adding that the idea of having the Convocation Center makes the temporary sacrifice tolerable. “Yeah, I think it’ll be worth it,â€? he said. “I think [the Convocation Center will] be a good addition...â€?
Ricardo Fefagula, a senior who will soon be in the same situation when he completes the parkingpermit process, agrees. “I just think that, even though‌ [the shuttles are] the best thing to do right now, it’s just a bit of a hassle, to basically have to take a shuttle bus to get to your car and go home‌It doesn’t really bother me too much, though.â€? Despite the added parking challenge, the project is moving along “pretty well,â€? McMahon said. “I suppose in some ways you always have issues,â€? he said. “We had a pretty serious environmental issue when we were doing‌the
demolition, and what’s called the gross grating, the rough grating of the property.â€? When the ground was overturned, charcoal that had been soaked in lighter fluid for nearly 40 years hit oxygen and the ground caught on fire. However, incidents like this are simply a part of the demolition and construction process, McMahon said. “We sort of expect we’re going to run across some of those [problems]‌but we’re pleased with the way demolition is going, we’re
CORNERSTONE continued on page 9
WE’RE ROLLING BACK PRICES EVERY MONDAY & TUESDAY TPVDI 6QT t 8SBQ 4UZMF
;gdgj]kÛ8�Û8[imaklY•ÛDJ•ÛC:D=K
Ca[]fk]\Û:dafa[YdÛDYjjaY_]ۏÛ=YeadqÛK`]jYhakl ?qYllknadd]£:gdd]_]ÛGYjc
K]dۀ‡~Â?Ă›ÂƒÂ€Â€Â?Ă›ÂƒÂ Â†Â† ;gdgj]kä8[imaklYÂłqY`ggÂ?[ge
Fiddle with Liberty Individual and group lessons for students of all ages. Learn Irish, bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, classical violin and more! Call Liberty at
Beat the Fall Rush! Sign Up Now!
301-277-3889 for rates and class offerings or visit libertydawne.com
#FMDSFTU 3PBE 4VJUF t )ZBUUTWJMMF .% 'PS BO BQQPJOUNFOU DBMM Pool Party!
3 * 2ESTAURANT Daily Lunch and Dinner Specials Eat In/Carry Out • Free Wi-Fi
6108 43rd Avenue
Breakfast Special 7 Days a Week $3.95 Tacos Mondays $1 each All You Can Eat Shrimp Saturdays 4-8 pm $15.95 Steamed Shrimp Every Day Sandwich/Sub of the Month $3.95 Karaoke Tuesday and Saturday Nights
4 BR, 3FB, In-ground pool and huge backyard plus an in-law suite. $525,000
#ORNER OF 1UEENSBURY 2HODE )SLAND !VE 2IVERDALE 0ARK -$
10429 Oakhill Ct. Knollwood
There is so much good news in the Hyattsville Area. Buy a home here now!
New Listing RICK CARROLL
Î䣇ÎnnÂ‡Ă“ĂˆĂ¤Ă¤ĂŠUÊÎ䣇nĂ¤Ă‡Â‡ĂˆĂ‡{ÂŁ Rick@RickCarroll.net Get free real estate advice at www.RickCarroll.net
4BR, 2½BA; Huge wooded lot backing to park; Private screened porch. $425,000
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 12520 Prosperity Dr. Suite 105 Silver Spring, MD 20904
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
VENDORS
continued from page 1 haven’t been enforcing it.� The county’s bill addressing the issue would have superseded the city’s bill, but the County Council didn’t vote on its legislation, Gardiner said. As a result, the City Council probably will revisit the issue, although Gardiner couldn’t say definitely when or what the council’s stance might be. If the County Council passes a bill, the city’s would have to be more stringent to be in effect, he said. That means tightening up the city’s rules about where mobile street vendors can be, Gardiner said. The city’s ordinance allows vendors to be on residential streets, and for a certain amount of time, he said. It does not address non-residential streets like Route 1, East West Highway and Ager Road. “I think new legislation would have to encompass all streets in the city,� he said. “The council would have to decide to allow street vendors [such as ice-cream trucks] in some areas.� At least one council member who represents the Ager Road area would welcome the change, saying she has concerns about trash and hygiene around the pupusa trucks. While Councilwoman Ruth Ann Frazier (Ward 5) said she has received no complaints from constituents about the vendors, she has seen the pupusa trucks, which sell inexpensive Latino food, along Ager Road. The trucks had set up tables for diners, but no trash cans, she said, leading her to wonder where the diners were disposing of their plates, cups and utensils. She also wants to know if county health department officials inspect the trucks. “I don’t begrudge someone trying to make a dollar,� she said. “My concern is trash and filth.When I say trash, I mean trash on the ground.� Gardiner also said a ban is necessary because of the trash and how the trucks could affect Hyattsville’s efforts to attract restaurant owners who are concerned about the proximity to the trucks. Because the trucks don’t move, Gardiner contends the vendors would be violating the city’s law if the council votes on it. Although the county maintains Ager Road, Frazier said she is concerned about the safety of the trucks’ patrons. If they get hurt, they could sue the city, she said. Councilwoman Nicole Hinds, the other Ward 5 representative, declined to comment about the issue, saying she did not know enough about it. Not every council member agrees with Frazier and Gardiner. For recently arrived immigrants working long hours in physically demanding day jobs, the trucks serve as quality fast food. And for the vendors, the trucks are the means to a better life, said Councilman Carlos Lizanne (Ward 4.) “They’re not selling drugs,� he said. “They’re trying to live their lives and serve the community. Now, we’re going to deny these people the right to work?� Lizanne said he does not believe
Page 7 trash was an issue. The vendors have to stay in one spot because of the need to cook their food, he added. Other proponents of the ban credit it with controlling congestion. “You have people that want to vend and have been vending - fruit, ice cream, Slushees, hot dogs,� said Greg Hall, Campos’ special assistant, in an earlier interview. “If you allow a few to vend, then they will all want to vend. And then you’ve got all these people out there, and you’ve got trucks that park in the street and don’t move. “We have to find a medium where they can sell,� he said. “We want to look at it again. This is capital we can bring to the county. There is a market for these vendors. If there wasn’t a market, nobody would be doing it.� Enforcing the ban would be a help to area restaurants Gardiner said. “The commercial establishments are paying a fair amount in rent, and they have much higher costs, and I don’t think it’s necessarily fair to allow competitors who don’t have those same costs to compete with them for business,� he said, adding it would also improve the look of the area. “There are spots [under the
trucks] that used to have grass on them. But now, because of the traffic, they’re dirt patches. I think there has been a negative impact on how the area looks.� But Hall, Frome and Lizanne agreed groups of vendors could set up shop in a stationary location, such as a farmer’s market or set up a co-operative, in which the vendors would pool their resources to run their businesses. “You could have a set place where they can go open up shop every day,� Hall said. Pupusa trucks are present in communities around the country. Montgomery County and the District both allow the trucks, Frome said. In looking at how to address the issue, Hall said officials would need to examine what other cities have done. “You’ll need to be looking at [Los Angeles.] You’ll need to be looking at Houston; you’ll need to be looking at New York City.You have to be looking all over the country to find out how people are able to work it out,� he said. “It’s a great topic of discussion. This is something that is going to be in the news.� Rick Docksai contributed to this article.
"!,,%. 3 &URNITURE 3ERVICE "OUJRVFT t 3FTUPSBUJPO t 3FHMVF 3FmOJTIJOH t 3FQBJST t $BOF t 3VTI -BUIF t $BSWJOH t5PVDI VQ "TL GPS 5POZ .JE $JUJFT "WFOVF #FMUTWJMMF .% CBMMFOTGVSOJUVSF!IPUNBJM DPN
Homo Habilis Construction LLC* Remodeling
Two million years of experience wrapped up in one small company! s +ITCHENS s "ATHS s "ASEMENTS s !DDITIONS s (ANDYMAN s 2EPAIRS
Peter J. O’Day
.ICHOLSON 3TREET s (YATTSVILLE -$ s HOMOHABILIS GMAIL COM
(OsMO HABsIsLIS N HANDY MAN SKILLFUL PERSON ! SPECIES OF HUMANS CONSIDERED TO BE AN ANCESTOR OF MODERN HUMANS AND THE EARLIEST HOMINID TO MAKE TOOLS 4HIS SPECIES EXISTED TO MILLION YEARS AGO
Page 8
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page HR1
Page HR2
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page HR3
Page HR4
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 9
Barbara Lethe acts as a crossing guard for pupils at Hyattsville Elementary School on the first day of the school year.
CORNERSTONES Continued from page 6
pleased with the way that the permitting process is going, and we’re pleased with [how] the plans are going right now,” he said. Construction on the facility will begin in April, and should be completed in 18 months. “…Of course the gymnasium will move inside the Convocation Center, but they’ll be two full-size courts side-to-side that the [freshmen and junior varsity athletic teams] will be able to practice on and use for all sorts of things,” McMahon said. There will also be a wrestling room, a weight room, athletic offices and five new classrooms in the building. All locker rooms will be relocated to the Convocation Center,
which will also include an alumni meeting space, snack bar, school store and mezzanine are that will serve multiple purposes. “Once, of course, we’re able to move the locker rooms and everything like that we’ll open space to create more classrooms in the main building, which would really be a big help,” McMahon said. “[There will be] five classrooms in the Convocation Center, which will also help us.” Completion of construction is only the first step in the expansion of DeMatha’s campus. The McCarthy Activities Center, a student activities building on campus, will be redesigned over about eight months to fit the needs of DeMatha’s Music Department, including bands, strings, percussion ensembles and choruses. St. John DeMatha Hall– which now houses the admissions, business
and development offices-will be renovated in an anticipated 12month period. “We have five full-time music teachers now, and [we will] require office space for all of them. Also I believe we will be able to get nine individual practice rooms into the space,” McMahon said. The project, dubbed “The Crusade for Tomorrow,” is also making great strides financially. “We’ve exceeded our goal…,” McMahon said. “We’ve had several people already finish their pledge payments, and most of the rest of the people have either two or three years to go on their pledges, but we’ve …we haven’t had any defaults yet. It’s a great sign of the... support for DeMatha that so many people have exhibited.”
Harold Auto B ’s ody
4506 Hamilton Street Hyattsville, MD 20781 301-864-9265 Fax: 301-864-9349
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 10
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 .%
HealthCorner Fluoride treatments: extra protection for teeth by Dr. Ronald Grossman, DDS
T
ooth decay is caused by acid-producing bacteria that collect around the teeth and gums in a sticky, clear film called plaque. Without good daily oral hygiene and regular dental visits, teeth become more vulnerable to decay. Brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth with floss or another type of inter-dental cleaner help remove plaque. Regular dental examinations and cleanings also are important for keeping teeth healthy. Another key to good oral health is fluoride—a mineral that helps prevent decay and can repair teeth in the very early, microscopic stages of the disease. Fluoride can be obtained in two forms: topical and systemic.
Topical and systemic fluorides Topical fluorides are applied directly to the tooth enamel. Some examples include fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses, as well as fluoride treatments in the dental office. Systemic fluorides are those that are swallowed. Examples include fluoridated water and dietary fluoride supplements. The maximum reduction in dental caries is achieved when fluoride is available both topically and systemically.
Professional fluoride treatment If you or a family member are at a moderate-to-high risk of develop-
ing tooth decay a professional fluoride treatment can help.The fluoride preparation used in a dental office is a much stronger concentration than that in toothpastes or fluoride mouth rinses that may be available in a store or at a pharmacy. Professional fluoride treatments generally take just a few minutes. The fluoride may be in the form of a solution, gel, foam or varnish. Typically, it is applied with cotton swab or brush, or it is used as a rinse or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for several minutes. After the treatment, you may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic carious areas. Depending on your oral health status, fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six or 12 months. Your dentist also may recommend additional preventive measures if you are at a moderate or high risk of developing decay. These measures may include over-the-counter or prescription therapeutic products such as fluoride mouth rinses, gels or antibacterial mouth rinses. Look for products with the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. Products displaying the ADA Seal have been examined carefully by the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs and have met its criteria for safety and effectiveness.
-BX 0GmDF PG
* #AROL 7ILLIAMS #FMDSFTU 3PBE 4VJUF )ZBUUTWJMMF .% XXX KDXMBXPGmDF DPN 8JMMT 4QFDJBM /FFET .FEJBUJPO $IBSJUBCMF 0UIFS 5SVTUT 1SPCBUF 1PXFS PG "UUPSOFZ .FEJDBM %JSFDUJWFT &MEFS -BX .% %$ 7"
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
SR. HOUSING
continued from page 1 The 151 apartments in the subsidized senior housing also are outfitted with air conditioning and had no lapse in cool during the summer months. However, many of the residents have breathing problems and the sultry hallways made crossing their thresholds unsavory. “We can’t stay in our apartments all the time and sometimes we have to come out,” Wilson said. “By the time I get to the elevator I’m just sweating…I’ve been here 10 years and for the last five years something always happens in the summertime where they tell us that a unit on the top of the building [needs repair]. There are a lot of people on oxygen, congestive heart failure, a number of problems.” Wilson and about 60 other residents are weary of waiting for things to be repaired in their building and of a management that seems to them to turn a deaf ear on their concerns. To that end, they have formed a petition about the most recent problem and have called in city and state officials to help. On Aug. 20 some residents met with Albert Reed, an assistant to Glenn Ivey, Prince George’s County’s state’s attorney, City Council members Douglas Dudrow (Ward 1) Paula Perry (Ward 4) to bring them up to speed on the situation. “It was a preliminary meeting to find out what they have asked management to get done,” said Reed, who said Ivey’s office is often called upon to compile resources during non-criminal situations. While currently in the research stage of his work, Reed said it is likely that he will contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Hyattsville Police Department to help in the cause. “We’re going to try to work with the Hyattsville police to do a secure perimeter analysis – inside and out – to see what kinds of things can be done to make it safer; things to do to prevent crime,” he said. Wilson and fellow resident Grace Pappagiannis said tenants have let management know about their concerns several times, usually to no or delayed avail. “They do things in bits and pieces here and then they drop it,” said Pappagiannis, who is also the senior liaison to County Councilman Will Campos. “Some people last year had to go the hospital for heat prostration but they would not say anything because…they thought they would be evicted. “It makes no sense that this company would let something go to such a degree that they would have to spend twice as much to fix it. They are horrible people to work with.”
Page 11 But Friendship Arms officials say the hallway air conditioning was fixed on Aug. 16 and the holdup was because the facility had to wait for a part to arrive to fix the machine. In fact, the air conditioning was only down for a week, said Mary Merriman-Reed, regional manager for AIMCO, who oversees the property. “It’s a large building,” she said. “There are a lot of mechanical things in the building and anything can go wrong…We don’t want to inconvenience our residents.” Merriman-Reed, who has only been in her position a short time, also said she has not received a formal complaint from residents. “Sometimes the proper chains of commands are not followed,” she said. “Sometimes the residents go a little higher…they don’t stop at management level. A lot of times when we get these calls we’re like, ’Huh?’ because we never heard this.” But Merriman-Reed’s assertion flies in the face of Reed’s posit that he saw a document from management stating that they would be fixing the air conditioning situation stat. It also does not fall in line with the facility’s history, which Pappagiannis said is littered with similar problems. There was a time when the carpet was not shampooed for three years or vacuumed for one year, she said. Also this summer, a call box located outside the building’s door was not working with some apartments and residents were unable to let in guests from their rooms. “I think the average age is 70 to 103,” she said. “Most of the people in the building are not that ambulatory that they can go out of their house or their apartment, go down to the door and let in their guests. “What about an emergency because this senior building has an average of least four times a month the ambulance comes.” Merriman-Reed said she is not aware of ambulances having any problems getting into the building when the call box— which is now fixed – was down. Emergency responders also have access to the building without having to be let inside, she said. But that does little to assuage the concerns of residents like Pappagiannis, who thinks she might soon be without a home. “This happens to be in Hyattsville where we are very close to [The Mall at] Prince George’s for shopping, the Metro stations,” she said. “We’ve got the Call-A-Bus right in front of our building to take us to places… My feeling is that they are trying to get us out of this building so they can do something with these apartments…and charge condominium prices.”
See What You’re Missing
0ROFESSIONAL %YE %XAMS s 1UALITY %YEWEAR s 6ERSACE 'UESS "ALLAGIO AND OTHER DESIGNER FRAMES s 4RANSITION LENSES ANTI REmECTIVE TREATMENT s 4HE ONE PLACE TO TURN FOR ALL YOUR EYE CARE NEEDS s &AST 3ERVICEnFOR OVER YEARS 3TERLING /PTI CAL HAS BUILT A REPUTATION FOR FULL SERVICE EYE CARE AT REASONABLE PRICES s 3TOP BY OUR SHOP TODAY AND EXPERIENCE THE BEST VALUE IN SIGHT WITH 3TERLING 3ERVICE
Back to School Special–50% Off All Designer Frames August 4th Starts Our Clearance Sale
Queens Chapel Town Center 3014 Hamilton St. Hyattsville, MD Just across the street from Aldi’s front door
301-559-8004
New Location!
Special Discount to Hyattsville Residents
Conceit is God's gift to little men. –Bruce Barton
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 12
A V O N grooming care for women and men
ANNA DILIA ABANIA AVON INDEPENDENT SALES REPRESENTATIVE 3420 HAMILTON ST. SUITE 201 HYATTSVILLE, MD 20783 301.699.7562 TEL 866.526.4404 FAX Email: abanim@bww.com www.youravon.com/aabani
Bilingual Optometrist Wanted! Sterling Optical 3014 Hamilton Street in Hyattsville Call Edmund at 301.559.8004 Applicants must be licensed in Maryland and degreed. No experience required.
Segway into Safe City Project by Sarah Nemeth
T
he latest crime fighting catalyst in Hyattsville comes complete with gadgets, grants and a good name. In efforts to protect existing commercial and retail corridors and to bolster continued interest in Hyattsville as the business destination in the Metro region, the city, along with local business interest groups, has initiated a safety program never before used in Maryland. The Safe City Project, a community-based initiative to improve safety in commercial areas through partnership and technology, includes closed-circuit TV, emergency call boxes and other crime fighting techniques. It is backed by the Target Corporation, which approached the Hyattsville Police Department with the idea, according to Chief Douglas Holland. The practical approach includes a $200,000 grant which was presented to Holland and Mayor William Gardiner at a press conference on Aug. 7. The Hyattsville City Council earlier this year approved $250,000 for the project in its 2008 budget. “The goal of Safe City is to combine the expertise, experience, knowledge and credibility of Hyattsville’s police department, retailers, business owners, community leaders and civic organizations in a joint effort to increase safeness in and around the community,� Holland said at the event. “The strength
Hyattsville police officers display Segway personal transporters. The police department is now using the technology to aid officers.
and effectiveness of Safe City lies in the collective value of the partnerships, shared resources and teamwork that drives the program.� In efforts to promote safe communities, Target formed ‘‘Target
& Blue,� a project that utilizes local law enforcement resources and grant donations to build programs like Safe City.
SEGWAY continued on page 13
Computer Training Learn Computer/Internet Skills from the Beginning
American Computer Utopia U*TO*PI*A - An Ideal Place of Learning in Tranquility AM / PM / Eve Classes / After School Programs Available Bend your mind around applications including Microsoft Office and QuickBooks
2781 Hamilton St., Hyattsville, Md. s (IGH4ECH4RAINING COM Anniversary Specials
COUPON FREE Triple Load
FREE Double Load
American Mega Laundromat Over 100 New Big Washers & Dryers Ideal for Large & Small Loads Bedspreads, Comforters, Blankets, Quilts, Sheets, Towels, Sleeping Bags, Area Rugs, Drapes or any item not ďŹ t for your washer at home!
E Clean Family Environment E Open 7 Days a Week E 6:00 a.m. - 10 p.m. Buy 2 / Get 1 Free E Wash & Fold Service Valid with Bonus Card Valid with Bonus Card
Not Sat/Sun/Holidays
(pick-up/delivery)
E Across West Hyattsville Metro E 2781 Hamilton Street E 301-559-0707 E www.MegaLaundromat.com
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 13
SEGWAY
At a glance
continued from page 12
Here’s a quick look at some of the residential projects discussed for Hyattsville’s future:
The technology portion of the project will be phased in beginning with the East West Highway commercial corridor including The Mall at Prince George's, the future Shops at Metro across from the mall, the Hamilton Street area and the Route 1 corridor.
EYA about 550 units over about 6-8 years
Post Properties 400 units
Zooming in
Closed-circuit television equipment will allow public safety personnel to monitor the targeted areas through security cameras. The city’s police force has been briefed on the policies and practices of using this service and the monitoring will not be invasive to civilian lives, Holland said. “I can assure you that there is absolutely no intent or interest in ‘zooming in and taking unbecoming photos of people’,” he said in response to a reporter’s question regarding maintaining the privacy of civilians. There is no across-the-board protocol for making the camera tapes available for citizen review, largely due to legal formalities, he said. “There are way too many variables to give a simple yes or no answer...,” he said, adding things like the tape as evidence, victim’s rights and tape disposal play into whether a citizen may review a camera recording.
Segue into safety
Another unique technique the department is using is Segways, battery-operated movers that allow officers to patrol some areas more efficiently.
University Town Center 130 units opening this Fall
Mosaic at Metro 260 units
Landy Property 1,200 units
West Hyattsville 1,300 units Sgt. Gary Blake said the vehicles are a help to him, especially while patrolling the city’s walking and biking areas. “...We can go up and down the [park] trails,” he said while riding one of the HPD’s two Segways at National Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 7. They allow officers to monitor trails faster than if they were on foot, he said. One of the police department’s two Segways—each costing $6,500 —was paid for through the Safe City grant, while the other was listed in this year’s city budget. They are controlled by a handle and the forward and backward movements of the officers. They move up to 12 miles per hour and have a battery indicator showing
how much power remains before they must be recharged, Blake said.
Protecting pedestrians
Other technology components of the project include interoperable radio communication equipment and an e-mail system. With about 17,000 residents, Hyattsville is the fifth-largest municipality in Prince George’s County, Gardiner said. Considering the annexation of The Mall at Prince George’s, last year’s annexation of the University Hills subdivision, current housing projects and visitors expected to patron new retail, the city’s population, based on the number of approved or planned projects, is likely to increase by about 6,500 new residents in the next several years, he said. “We want to make sure that this area and all the city remains an extremely safe area,” Gardiner said. Emergency call boxes allow crime victims or witnesses to pick up a phone and dial 911. Holland said earlier this year that some are installed in parking garages at University Town Center, a development off Belcrest Road and East West Highway. For the mall, this means hope for less crime in the area, which often sees petit theft. “It’s a daunting task...,” said Henry Watford, the mall’s general manager, of securing retail and commercial areas. “There were discussions in time when we never thought [the Safe City Project in Hyattsville] would get off the ground.” During the week of Aug. 5, there were 20 incidents reported to the police department, according to records on the city’s Web site.
HYATTSVILLE FARMERS MARKET
Visit your local award-winning farmers & bakers: pBaltimore Baker of the Year p MD State Fair Champion— Peach, Apple & Pear p MD State Fair Grand Fruit Champion 2005 p South Mountain Creamery–Coming Soon
NOW OPEN FOR THE SEASON COME ON BY!
QUEENS CHAPEL TOWN CENTER p REAR PARKING LOT (corner Queens Chapel Road & Hamilton Street)
TUESDAYS p 2-6 PM FRESH, SEASONAL PRODUCE p BAKED GOODS & GOURMET FOODS
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 14
Helping Sell Hyattsville and Our Neighboring Community
Call Ann for personal, professional representation in your real estate transaction. Spacious Rambler. 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths–completely updated. Gorgeous kitchen with stainless appliances (awesome Bosch gas stove!), tile counters and lots of cabinets. Separate dining room, large kitchen/family room, 3 bedrooms up and master suite or rec room down. This place shines! ¼ mile to Metro, 1 block to bus. Closing assistance! $439,900
Ann Barrett, Realtor® Long & Foster Real Estate Inc. 9094 Baltimore Avenue College Park, MD 20740 Cell: 240-938-6060 Office: 301-441-9511 http://annbarrett.lnfre.com ann.barrett@longandfoster.com
What’s happening in your area of the city? Tell us what you'd like to see in future issues of HL&T. CONTACT Sarah at 240.354.4832
AT HOME
continued from page 1 galleries, artists’ housing and studios, and Joe’s Movement Emporium, a performing arts center. Also under way is an African American Museum and Cultural Center with 6,000 square feet of exhibition space. The Brentwood Art Center, opening in early 2008, will feature a gallery and classroom space and affordable commercial studios for artists. These are the anchors, expected to draw further arts activity and related commerce such as restaurants, bookstores, and the like. “The townhouses are not built as an island,” Neugebauer said. “In such a rich area, they will be more integrated than most new townhouse developments.” While still in the throes of development, residents reported high satisfaction with their units. “It’s even better than I thought it would be,” said Brent Roberts, a recent University of Maryland graduate and part-time realtor. “I knew EYA and their projects—I knew the quality would be good. And this was an interesting design.” Roberts said he likes EYA’s philosophy of fostering a neighborhood experience. Jasmine Baldwin was impressed by the range of choices for hardware, countertops and other interior features. “We feel it’s more like ours,” she said. “We were looking at condos
near [The Mall at Prince George’s], but here the neighborhood and shops were more appealing.” Brandon Wellington, a Police Academy student who moved in two months ago, grew up in Brentwood and graduated from DeMatha High School. He hopes to pursue a law enforcement career in Prince George’s County. He is here for the long term, and looks forward to close relationships with his new neighbors. Concerns raised before construction included parking and traffic. At the top of the list were maintaining the city’s current street grid and alleviating added congestion on Route 1. In the future EYA will be one party to facilitate mitigation of traffic at the intersection of Routes 1 and 410, an already crowded crossing. At present, driving in the midst of the construction is no problem, said Baldwin, who opted for a two-car garage in her unit. A neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, said that getting onto Baltimore Avenue is not a major concern yet. “It’s no problem—as long as you’re turning right,” he said, adding that he anticipates traffic and parking difficulties as the development grows. For now, the main challenge is dirt on the car when the muddy street is hosed.
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 15
The BackPage by Giosue’ Santarelli
A rat pack of pack rats by Giosue’ Santarelli
G
roundhog Day is usually a sign one way or the other of the duration left in winter.To me that means six more weeks of hibernation. For my wife, however, it means SPRING CLEANING! In a normal household the conversation would go like this: Wife: It’s Groundhog Day! Husband: Yeah six more weeks to hide in the house and doze. Wife: No that means spring cleaning! Husband: But there are six more weeks of winter! Wife:Time to clean; this place is a filthy mess! Husband: But that makes no sense… Wife: Help me straighten up or else. Husband: But six weeks… Wife: If you don’t get off your lazy butt the first thing that will be outta here is you!
Husband: Yes dear. It always seems to start the same way. The proud parents push their child to clean her room. If you can open the door to get into the space you notice that it looks like a Toys “R” Us exploded in there. With a path as treacherous as Lewis and Clark’s journey to find the Northwest Passage you risk your neck stepping into the mountainous terrain of the play zone. Everything has been shoved to the edges of the room (that’s my daughter’s idea of straightening up). Another oddity is that during the cleaning you will find 37-and-a-half dolls (and yes there is always one that is only half of a doll baby) and two-thirds of them are naked. Should I be worried? Part of the clean up phenomenon in this part of the house is that no
matter how much is threatened to be “thrown out,” the bags of toys that always end up staying, out ranks the “toss out” pile by 5 to 1. So basically it’s just a straightening up operation which wouldn’t be necessary IF THE KID WOULD JUST PUT THINGS AWAY IN THE FIRST PLACE! My mother, who was one of the foremost authorities on pig sties, swore to me that my room, like all boys rooms, belonged near the barn and not in the house. I use to try to get my prissy daughter to become a tomboy and gave up because I thought it didn’t work. I was wrong. One look at her room would make a hog proud! But, not to leave out another pack rat in our “rat pack,” let’s not forget the lady of the house herself.The top floor has an unusually large closet though you wouldn’t know to look at it. Amidst her childhood stuffed elephant set and brazier collection neatly tucked away you will find an expanse full of clothing. Some of them are even packed away inside of a trash can! Are the powers that be sending us a message about this stuff? Dear, take the hint! They’re not winter clothes held there in the summer or summer clothes held there in the winter. No it’s more like clothing of when my wife’s shapely figure had curves instead of cliffs. Why are they here? Because every woman has a delusion that someday she will get back to her “playing weight” and fit back into that size-two dress. Honey, that’s back in the day when you had more men interested in you than
50
th
We’re celebrating our Anniversary of doing business in Hyattsville! Polarized Sunglasses Sale
Frame Clearance
Purchase a complete pair of polarized sunglasses (frames & lenses) and get $75 off your purchase!
Save up to 30% off our wide selection of frames with the purchase of lenses with UV screen or anti-reflection coating
2nd Pair Free Sale Purchase a complete pair of eyeglasses (frame & lenses) with Chapel UV screen or anti-reflection coating and get a 2nd pair from our special collection of frames with single vision lenses FREE!
Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Not valid with any other offers. Excludes prior orders. No other discounts apply.
Chapel Opticians, Inc. www.chapelopticians.com Hyattsville 6211-3 Belcrest Road The Shops at Metro Station
Riverdale 6510 Kenilworth Avenue (in lobby)
301-779-8600
301-277-0110
Open 9 am to 6 pm, Tuesday-Saturday ABO Certified opticians on staff. Eye exams available by Gregory T. Komm, O.D.
Open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday-Friday Saturdays by appointment. ABO certified opticians on staff.
you could shake a stick at. “They are nice dresses” she says. They will perhaps be passed on to my thin daughter if the moths don’t get to them first.” When my girl is a teen I won’t have to worry about her going on dates because the boys won’t come around. They’ll be afraid of her unsightly partially devoured wardrobe. It’s worse at my home because in my wife’s heyday she bottomed out in a size zero! Does a size zero indicate an invisible person? That’s why I fell in love with her (I’m sucking up again in case she didn’t like the bodily “cliff ” remark eight sentences ago). She was so tiny and practically invisible.There was no talk of cleaning back then. She, like most wives who’ve been married for some time, needs her fantasies. Next there is the attack of my things - usually most of which have been exiled to the basement or onto the curb like the old wagon wheel coffee table scene in the movie, When Harry Met Sally. “It’s outta the way so what’s the problem?” Like most basements the storage space becomes quite a safari to maneuver. The Mrs. doesn’t fancy a good hunt like most of us men do. It wouldn’t be so bad if she didn’t attack those vitally useful, precious items of mine like the old time medicine cabinet which hangs on the wall. It’s the kind with the two blinding fluorescent (sun like) side lights. It doesn’t light, mind you, so no shades or radiation tests are needed. “It is the only mirror in the house that works” I say as if such nonsensi-
cal statements will make a difference to a cleaning czar bent on a dust busting spastic mission. That kind of humor seems to prod her the other way. The cabinet which I picked up at a flea market 35 years ago I got for a song (I think it was the theme from Sanford and Son). It’s not even hooked up to the electricity in our home. But it houses my rare potato chip collection that I’ve had since my teen angst years. (You know the rare anomalous chips that you run across that have unusual shapes and resemble different people. My prize chip is the one that looks like Abe Lincoln). Are my children doomed? They can’t be any worse at being pack rats than the 84 year old Annapolis woman who was found in her overrun home. She had so much stuff in her house that when the floor to ceiling mountainous towers of refuse fell she became trapped. Her only comment was “arrrrgh!” It was such a problem the fire department had trouble getting into her house and extricating her. You hear about one of these kinds of stories every so often and it never ceases to amaze me! “Those people” are nuts! Our ability to rationalize our own “mental-ness” knows no boundaries. So when warm weather is here, while most husbands battle it out to avoid dusting for weeks, I perform my dutiful cleaning because if I don’t the only thing that will get a stick shaken at it is me! Giosue’ Santarelli is the pseudonym for a well-known HL&T editor.
At Chapel Opticians Your Vision Is Our Mission In 50 years of service, we have fitted over 230,000 pair of glasses with special attention to each one. DESIGNER LINES OFFERED! • Nine West • Mark Ecko • Vera Wang • Versace • Ted Baker • Juicy Couture • Silhouette • Phat Farm • Escada • Gucci • Tommy Hilfiger • Ralph Sunglasses • Rayban Sunglasses • Anne Klein • Nike • Chaps • Lulu Guiness • Nautica
Hyattsville Life&Times | September 2007
Page 16
Larry Perrin Listing and Selling Your Home–Priceless! Larry Perrin Sells Hyattsville Area Homes
8406 Cunningham 2306 Drexel 7705 24th Ave. 4021 36th Street 4020 37th Street 4000 32nd Street 3405 Allison Street
$399,995 $369, 900 $399,995 SOLD $365,000 SOLD $429,900 SOLD $429,900 $259,995
1404 Ruatan Street 3806 Parkwood St. 4211 Rainier Ave. 4002 31st St. 1704 Keokee St. 8906 Trapper Lane 12114 Wilmont
$417,900 $349,995 $419,000 $399,995 $475,000 $399,995 $364,900
Maryland Farms Condominiums Hunting Ridge Condominiums Greenbriar Condominiums Montpelier Village Condominiums 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.
Call LARRY PERRIN, Realtor ® LARRY PERRIN PROPERTIES “THE” Hyattsville Realtor® since 1977
301.983.0601 t 301.220.2229 SELLING YOUR HOME? FREE HOME VALUE ESTIMATE!