November 2013 Hyattsville Life & Times by Hyattsville Life and Times

MAKING VEGGIES GO DOWN SMOOTHLY

BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY

CITY COUNCIL OPPOSES CAR WASH

Bicycle powered blender among attractions at ECO City Farm Celebration. PAGE 11

City police raise money for Special Olympics, join firefighters to support Sonny Frazier Toy Drive. PAGES 3 AND 4

Zoning prohibits it, but the District Council could grant an exception to add it to gas station. PAGE 6

Trolley Trail will connect Hyattsville, Riverdale Park by Susan Hines

Despite the sudden chill in the air, the mood at the October 23 groundbreaking for the long awaited Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail was one of warmth and mutual triumph. Converting a former streetcar right-of-way that extends from the District to Laurel into a paved pedestrian and bicycle path had become something of a Holy Grail for many in the crowd — citizens, agents of Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), and elected officials alike. A segment of the paved bicycle and pedestrian path from Albion Street to Greenbelt Road has existed in College Park for several years. Bike lanes have been added to Rhode Island Ave. in College Park providing access from Route 193 to Lackawanna Street. Until recently, Hyattsville and Riverdale Park were unable to take advantage of the former trolley right-of-way. That changed when Arts District developers paved a quarter-mile section of trail behind the Palette Apartments. Funded by M-NCPPC, this project will extend that trail

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 10 No. 11

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

November 2013

Armed robber counts three students among his victims $25,000 reward is offered by Max Bennett

Prince George’s County Police have released a sketch of the man suspected in a recent series of

sexual assaults and robberies in the woods behind Northwestern High School. The pair of Oct. 29 attacks left two women sexually assaulted and robbed at gunpoint

with three men robbed as well. At about 1:15 p.m., a man approached two females on the 6700 block of Belcrest Road in Hyattsville, police said. The man pulled a handgun out and forced the women into a

nearby wooded area where he robbed both and sexually assaulted one of the women, police said. The suspect ran away after apparently becoming startled. CRIME continued on page 13

Eco goats clear ground, spread cheer by Rosanna Landis Weaver

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43

TRAIL continued on page 12

ROSANNA LANDIS WEAVER Local kids do good work.

By Nov. 8, the day Brian Knox came to pick up his herd of approximately 30 goats, the plot of land off Nicholson Street could have been used to illustrate the word “denuded” in the dictionary. True to their billing, the goats had cleared all the invasive species, earning their title as “environmentally friendly vegetation control.” The goats, hired by the Anacostia Watershed Society, had arrived Nov. 1 to clear a total of 1.5 acres of kudzu and other invasive weeds off an area by the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia river, not far from Ager Road. As is true at every job managed by Knox, supervising forester for Eco Goats, a security guard was hired to keep watch over the flock by night. Knox says when calling security firms to get quotes the job he often has a hard time explaining what will be involved. While the use of goats to address vegetation has become GOATS continued on page 12

Included: The November 13, 2013 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

FromTheEditor

Small-town journalism in 2013 by Rosanna Landis Weaver

It comes as news to no one that the world of journalism has changed. When we essentially lost Hyattsville Patch last month, it wasn’t major news the way the closing of a newspaper once may have been. No printing presses stopped running, no typesetters were laid off. Patch existed purely online, part of a conglomerate owned by AOL. (Technically, it still exists, but as a shadow of its former self.) What happened when AOL moved money away from the Hyattsville Patch was that the city lost a committed journalist.

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.

We’re happy to know that Michael Theis is now the digital editor of the Austin Business Journal, but their gain is our loss. This seems like a good opportunity to remind our readers about how we exist: the Hyattsville Life & Times, now approaching 10 years in service, is a nonprofit. This might be the only way for print journalism to survive in this day and age. The city of Hyattsville pays us some money because we design and publish the Hyattsville Reporter, and deliver to all addresses in the city. We also rely on revenue from advertising (hint, hint). Based on some inquiries, we are exploring a new potential form of revenue: paid subscriptions for former Hyattsville residents or those who live outside the city limits but would like to support and follow us. If you have interest in this contact: rosanna@hyattsvillelife.com The major reason we can still

exist as an actual print newspaper is that the stipends the small staff receives are fairly negligible. I joke that if I did the calculations I expect I am paid less per hour for this job than I did for high school jobs. It is considerably lower than the job I left in 2012, which did not offer the flexibility I needed as a parent, but I love it. Last week, for example, I spent a wonderful morning taking photos of goats (who do very poorly in accepting directions, but are just so darned cute). But I’ve come to realize that the best part of small-town journalism is that it enables me to connect more fully into our community. I enjoy being both journalist and community member, but when these roles overlap, sometimes I have to choose between them. This was highlighted a few weeks ago when there was an accident at Northwestern High School: Eight students had been

hit by a car. I took my daughter, who is a student there, and headed to the school to find out more. My intent was to cover the story, but when we got there we discovered that one of the ROTC members hit by the car was a good friend of my daughter’s. His father, who I’d met several times, is an immigrant from Vietnam with little English. As I stood with him, my daughter and another friend who had witnessed the accident and had blood on her scarf from early attempts at first aid, I was no longer a journalist. One of our Hyattsville police force members said, “Are you here for the newspaper? Because then you need to stand up there with the TV news crews and reporters.” I told him that I wasn’t anymore, and even offered him my notebook and camera. “I’m here as a parent and a friend now,” I said. We ended up driving the shak-

en father to the hospital, and spending the next few hours in the ER. Luckily, the injuries that could have been so tragic were not nearly as bad as we initially feared. The ROTC students do their drills behind barriers now. I suppose if I’d been working for a for-profit paper that stepping away from covering the story might have gotten me in trouble with my boss. But of course that wasn’t the case for HL&T. It was the right choice. I’m convinced that the most important part of community journalism is the community part. When one knows the mayor and city council members — having seen them coach baseball, organize soccer or shop at the farmers market — it is easier to accept their human foibles. Knowing each other, acknowledging strengths, seeking solutions to overcome weaknesses, all of these build community. While there is much to be said for online forums and the sharing of ideas, there is still a place, I believe, for newspapers such as this one.

New podiatrist ‘has big shoes to fill’ by Max Bennett

When Dr. Mark Sugar hung up his lab coat at the end of October after practicing on Belcrest Road for nearly four decades, it marked the first time in about 70 years there will be no Dr. Sugar in the Hyattsville area. The streak began with his father, Dr. Sam Sugar, a general practitioner who opened his office in 1945 at the corner of Eastern Avenue and Queens Chapel Road. As a teen, recalled the son recently, “I used to go from high school, take a bus, go to his office, and work.” There, he learned the basics of medical practice. Back then a general practitioner did nearly everything that specialists do today: lab work, x-ray exams, deliver babies, and of course the idyllic house calls. “He taught me how to draw blood, he taught me how to do cardiograms,” said Sugar. Two of his uncles were doctors, too. But it was Dr. Herbert Rothfeld, a podiatrist in his father’s medical building, who became Sugar’s mentor. After graduating from Temple University’s podiatry program, Sugar worked for Rothfeld for a year. Then, after an intensive surgical residency in Detroit, he worked out of his father’s office until he found the location just two miles down Queens Chapel Road where he has practiced for 38 years. Sugar and his wife, longtime residents of Rockville, have three adult children and four grandchildren, with a fifth on the way. For now, the couple plans on spending a lot of time at their Florida home enjoying golf weather.

MAX BENNETT Dr. Mark Sugar retired at the end of October after nearly 40 years of practice.

“It feels good out there,” he said, referring to the chilly late-October morning, “but a steady diet of [cold] is not my cup of tea anymore.” Sugar considers himself an old-fashioned doctor, acknowledging that his office has been somewhat limited in new technological advancements in podiatry. That is one reason he was pleased to hand his practice to Dr. Johny J. Motran on November 1. “I’ve got big shoes to fill,” says Motran, who had his own practice in Gaithersburg for three years before agreeing to take over Sugar’s practice. He said he plans to keep many of the more traditional elements of the practice,

particularly regarding the patients. “He’s very compassionate, and I think we are similar in that respect,” said Motran. The practice will continue to offer the many of the current services, while Motran adds new techniques and procedures such as laser treatment and ultrasound. “He’s going to make this a state-of-the-art practice,” said Sugar. Motran is a graduate of University of Maryland and Temple University, where he studied podiatry. He went to Baltimore for a three-year residency then worked for a doctor in Hagerstown for five years before opening his Gaithersburg practice.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

Page 3

From doughnuts to dollars by Mike Persley

On the last weekend of October, police officers from several jurisdictions traded shifts on top of a building in Queens Chapel Town Center. But they weren’t on a stakeout; they were raising money for a good cause. From 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, to noon on Sunday, Oct. 27, members of the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD) and fellow officers from nearby jurisdictions sat atop the Dunkin’ Donuts at 3030 Queens Chapel Rd. in the annual “Cops on Rooftops” charity event. It was one of many done by police statewide to raise money for the Maryland Special Olympics, which serves 6,500 athletes who compete year round. “It’s a great way to not just raise funding, but to show what kind of great athletes we have,” said HCPD Chief Douglas Holland. He also chairs the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a series of fundraising runs done by police officers in the lead-up to the Special Olympics. Holland sees the event as a way to show the community the lighter side of being a police officer. “It’s a great way to have our officers seen in a different light,” said Holland. “It helps break down barriers between police officers and folks, makes our officers more approachable to young people.” While occupying the popular doughnut franchise, the police sold hats and T-shirts, greeted customers inside the restaurant,

MIKE PERSLEY Officer Bernard Jones, of the Cheverly Police Department, fishes for donations to Special Olympics from the roof of Dunkin’ Donuts at an annual fundraiser, held the last weekend of October.

waved to friendly passersby, and most importantly, braved the cold. “We just bundle up, wear lots of clothing,” said Michelle Dunklee, Holland’s assistant. The idea began back in 2009 when a group of law enforcement officers in Illinois took to the rooftops of 94 Dunkin’ Donuts across the state and raised $182,000 for Special Olympics. The idea quickly spread across the country, finally coming to Maryland in 2011. In 2012, Cops on Rooftops in Maryland raised over $40,000 at seven locations. This year, the Hyattsville event, which raised

$4,400, was one of four held in the state. The first, on Aug. 17 in College Park, raised $5,500.

On Sept. 19, Westminster police raised $8,500. The final one, in Laurel on Nov. 2, netted $5,200.

In addition to law enforcement officials, athletes who benefit from the fundraisers are also on hand at the doughnut shops. “Our athletes are obviously our best advocates for their program,” said Betsy Jiron, senior director of special events for Special Olympics Maryland, “and it’s nice to get them out there.” Among the athletes at the Hyattsville location were Desiree Holland, the police chief’s daughter, who competes statewide in swimming and cycling and participated in the 2006 Special Olympics in Beijing. Joining her there was Michael Heup, the Law Enforcement Athlete Ambassador, who participates in sports ranging from soccer, floor hockey, track, powerlifting and cycling. “I practice every day,” said Heup. “It takes a lot of practice and hard work.” According to Jiron, Maryland law enforcement is number one for Special Olympics fundraising in the world, a feat which includes police forces in 43 countries. In 2012, police raised over $3 million through events like Cops on Rooftops, the 5K Fort McHenry Tunnel Run, and the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Plunge.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

team was The Bravest, turned out far more players and easily outmanned their opponents. “I don’t remember the exact scores, “ said Davis, “but I know it’s not been close.” But the police had a strong showing this year, fielding 23 players as opposed to 15 to 17 in the years past. “We finally have some ability to move players around,” said Davis. The Fire Department was equally motivated to defend their title. “We’re hoping to retain that championship this year,” said Tom Falcone, president of the Hyattsville Fire Department, be-

“I was hoping we would win this thing. I mean, we designed the trophy, but we’ve never been able to take it home with us.”

mike persley Hyattsville police officers and firefighters regroup during the 2013 Heroes’ Bowl, which netted gifts and other donations for the Sonny Frazier Toy Drive.

City police win the 2013 Heroes’ Bowl by Mike Persley

On Saturday, Nov. 9, members of the Hyattsville police and fire department squared off in the much anticipated 2013 Heroes’ Bowl, the annual flag-football game played as a fundraiser to collect toys for underprivileged children for Christmas. The police, after two years of

futility, finally took home the Heroes’ Bowl trophy with a resounding 25-6 victory. “I was hoping we would win this thing,” said police officer Jerry McCauley, “I mean, we designed the trophy, but we’ve never been able to take it home with us.” The Bowl began in 2010, when a group of Hyattsville police officers and firefighters had an idea.

Dr. Mark H. Sugar

at the Belcrest Surgery Center AN OPEN LETTER TO MY PATIENTS AND COLLEAGUES On November 1, 2013 I will be retiring from private practice in Podiatry and Podiatric Surgery. Since 1974 it has been my honor and pleasure to provide the highest quality of foot care to my patients in both my office and the Belcrest Surgery Center. I am humbled by the loyalty and praise that many of you have bestowed upon me and can only say thank you to all. I have been blessed to meet so many wonderful people and consider all of you as friends and family. On November 1st, I am happy to introduce Dr. Johny Motran who will be taking my place as owner and director of my practice and Surgery Center. Dr. Motran is an extremely well-qualified Podiatrist who is Board Certified and has had exemplary training and experience. After an extensive search, I have found him to be dedicated, hard working and compassionate. I am confidant this transition will be smooth and uneventful. Contact information will remain the same (phone and address) and if there are any needs or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, Dr. Mark H. Sugar

6505 Belcrest Road, Suite One Hyattsville, 301-699-5900

“I can’t tell you who it was, and it’s probably something that everybody would have an idea about,” said Andrew Davis, president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #119. The two groups, recognizing their natural but friendly rivalry, wanted to play a football game against each other. But they didn’t want to play just for bragging rights. “It was one of those things of ‘Let’s see who’s the best, and let’s do it in the form of football,’ ” Davis explained, “‘but let’s make this a charity event.’” And so the group searched for a charity, finally deciding on the

Life’s too

— Jerry McCauley police officer

Sonny Frazier Toy Drive, a nonprofit organization, run by former Ward 5 city councilmember Ruth Ann Frazier that collects toys for underprivileged children. “When the police approached me and asked if I’d be interested, I said ‘Of course we would be,” said Frazier. “Suddenly there were ten women in charge of putting on a sporting event.” The first one, in 2011, was a success, collecting over $1,200 in donations and even more in toys. In 2012 the event earned around the same or slightly more. As in past years, the 2013 Bowl was held at Magruder Park, although the fundraising tally was not available at press time. This year’s bowl, which took place in Magruder Park, came with high expectations. At stake was the pride of the police, who made up The Finest team. In the first two years, the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, whose

fore the game. From the beginning, the speed of the police was too quick for the fire department to handle, as they scored on their first drive and intercepted passes from the fire department on their first two possessions. In the end, The Finest never looked back. Most importantly, of course, were the toys and money that were collected. “All of the spectators bring stuff,” explained Falcone. Admission to the game was either a new, unwrapped toy or a monetary donation, and all money from food or drinks supported the toy drive as well. The city even offered to match the first $1,000 collected. “When the parents are as happy as the kids then you know you’re doing something right,” said Frazier. “People are so generous. It’s really unbelievable.”

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Thanksgiving basketball tournament renamed to honor coach Dick Brown basketball coach, thinks adding Brown’s name to the tournaIf you’ve been coming to the ment is a fitting tribute. Turkey Shootout in Hyattsville “For somebody who has had since it started in the mid-1990s, a very strong impact on a lot of you’ve seen some players who young men and is already rehave developed into premier membered in many ways,” Jones athletes. Another crop of rising said, “this is just another way to stars is set to compete when the honor him and his legacy.” action gets underway the day afSego is expecting more than ter Thanksgiving (Nov. 29), con- 40 JV (12 and under) and varcluding on Sunday, Dec. 1. sity (14 and under) teams to Tournament director Joe Sego participate. Each is guaranteed has once again assembled a strong to play at least two games. Parfield of local Catholic Youth Or- ishes pay a $240 entry fee per ganization (CYO) boys and girls team; after scorekeepers and teams. What’s referees are paid, different this DeMatha and year is the name: St. Jerome share The Coach Dick the proceeds. Brown Memorial St. Jerome’s porTurkey Shootout tion helps to will honor the fund other parish former St. Jerome sports, such as and DeMatha soccer, track and Catholic High baseball. Under School coach Armour donated who died in 2006. the tournament robert mayer, usa today sports T-shirts. “Dick Brown spent his entire The Turkey life coaching at Shootout began St. Jerome and at St. Mark the DeMatha,” said Evangelist School Sego, who sucin Hyattsville in ceeded Brown as 1996 and brings St. Jerome boys about 1,000 varsity basketball people into the coach seven years city. Unlike many ago. “So what betCYO tournater way to honor ments, admission him than with a is free. Howard Smith, USA Today Sports huge tournament “It’s Thanksin Hyattsville?” giving time,” Usually, both Sego said. “This schools host the is the tournaevent. But bement where you cause St. Jerome bring grandma, Academy’s gym grandpa, aunts, floor sustained uncles, friends, severe water damneighbors. This age in September, is the one you all the games are can invite everyat DeMatha this body and not year. The Stags have to worry getty images about [paying to began co-hosting Players in previous years in 2007. get in]. I have to Brown coached include (from top) Cameron warn my parents at St. Jerome Wake, now a Miami Dolphin; that some tourfrom 1966 to Quinn Cook, a rising star in naments charge 2006, guiding Duke basketball; and Victor $6 or $7 at the the Jaguars to Oladipo, now in his first seadoor. two CYO city son with the Orlando Magic. “We charge a championships. team fee and He was also a DeMatha football that’s it. We’re not going to nickassistant coach for 36 seasons, el-and-dime you. And that way and was the Stags’ head junior we get a good crowd here.” varsity coach at the time of his Jones, who also works in the death. Tom Ponton, director of DeMatha Admissions Office as DeMatha’s Development Office, director of recruitment, likes seeplayed on Brown’s first title- ing so many area students come winning team. to the school. Mike Jones, who’s entering his “From an admissions stand12th year as DeMatha’s head point, it’s a great opportunity for by Chris McManes

us, just to have those guys in our facility and on our campus,” he said. Past Turkey Shootouts have showcased players such as Roy Hibbert, starting center for the Indiana Pacers; and DeMatha grad Cameron Wake, an All-Pro defensive end for the Miami Dolphins. St. Jerome alumni include Victor Oladipo, selected second overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2013 NBA Draft; Douglas Dutch, who played football at Michigan and was on the Washington Redskins practice squad;

Marcus Derrickson, a Paul VI High School junior who has orally committed to Georgetown; and Quinn Cook, Duke’s starting point guard. Cook and Oladipo later starred at DeMatha. Sego, a 1994 DeMatha grad, has built a highly successful program at St. Jerome. His club won the CYO city title in 2008 and 2011, and was runner-up last year. He was named 2010 CYO Coach of the Year. “He pretty much has a different team every year,” said Jones, “and for him to consistently have them in the discussion to be the best team in the city, that’s impressive

and shouldn’t be overlooked.” Sego begins working on the event in earnest in early October. He was asked how he handles his administrative and coaching duties on game days. “I never schedule my team to play the first game on any given day,” he said. “I run around crazy that first hour worrying about if my scorekeepers and referees are going to show up. Once they do, I can take a deep breath and say, ‘OK, we’re good to go.’” Chris McManes has two children at St. Jerome Academy.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, My wife is from Vermont and she thinks that the autumns in the Washington area are not comparable in beauty to those in New England because there aren’t enough sugar maples. After a drive through Rock Creek Park, she suggested we buy some sugar maple seedlings and plant them there, but I am not willing to risk arrest. She suggested another guerrilla gardening tactic and wants to make green grenades containing these and seeds of other plants she fancies and toss them around area woodlands. Do you think this is a good idea? Jittery on Jefferson Street Dear Jittery, The law that you should probably be most jittery about is the law of unintended consequences. When I was growing up in Louisiana the waterways were choked by the gorgeous but fish-smothering water hyacinth. They were introduced by bayou beautifiers after the Brazilian blooms were given away as mementos at an international exhibition in New Orleans. It took the Army Corps of Engineers many years and millions of dollars to control them. Examples closer to home include the once-popular Bradford pear, no longer the official tree of Prince George’s County, which has become recognized as

a pest. Developed from Chinese ancestors, it was thought to be sterile — yet it has become dangerously invasive. And of course all of us who do not own pandas find bamboo uncontrollable. Although the sugar maple is native to the northern U.S. and Canada, I would consider it prudent to plant it on your own property where you can admire it with impunity. For an expert answer on all matters legal and ecological, you can question the guest speaker at the next program of the Hyattsville Horticulture Society: Marc Imlay, conservation biologist and Non-native Invasive Plantcontrol Coordinator of the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission. He and his volunteers, the Friends of Magruder Park, have been working hard all year to weed out bush honeysuckle, English ivy, and other invasive plants from our parks. Birds are probably the guerrilla gardeners dropping seed bombs in Magruder Park, so even planting certain non-native plants in our home gardens provides them with the seeds to spread. Our responsibility to the rest of the environment is great. The Q&A program with Mr. Imlay will take place at the Hyattsville Municipal Building at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 16. Light refreshments will be served.

City council votes to scrub plans for car wash by Susie Currie

The Hyattsville City Council has voted to go on record against a car wash being added to the Zip-In gas station at the corner of Belcrest Road and East-West Highway. But the ultimate decision rests with the county, and Hyattsville’s request may or may not influence the decision. County officials already approved the car wash back in 1989, as part of the then-owner’s site plan. But it was never built. Since then, the area has been designated a Transit District Overlay Zone (TDOZ), which has requirements encouraging transit-oriented development. Gas stations are prohibited in the TDOZ, but this pre-existing one got an exception. In 2011, Sajid Chaudhry bought the station, located at 3599 EastWest Highway. And he wants to fulfill the original plan. “Customers tell me they want a car wash,” he explained during one of two appearances before the Hyattsville Planning Committee. He had wanted to add the car wash based on the original approval of the site plan, now 24 years old. But since it’s not permitted in the TDOZ, he needs an exception granted from the county. He has submitted a new detailed site plan to county zoning authorities, including the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) and the District Council. Meanwhile, Chaudhry and his lawyer, land-use attorney Mi-

chele La Rocca, began presenting the new plan to Hyattsville groups. They appeared before the Hyattsville Planning Committee in March 2012, and then again in July 2013, when the committee voted unanimously to support the project with two minor conditions. When it came before the Hyattsville City Council in October, several more conditions were proposed, including limiting hours of operation, adding stop signs at both exits and landscaping with native plants only. Presentations and discussion took up part of three meetings, finally resulting in a vote at the Nov. 4 meeting. After much discussion, amendments and substitute motions, the council voted 7-3 to send a letter to the county planning board opposing the car wash, “as [it] is inconsistent with the pedestrian- and transit-oriented intent” of the new zoning. Voting against the motion were Council President Candace Hollingsworth (Ward 1) and councilmembers Tim Hunt (Ward 3) and Clayton Williams (Ward 5). Mayor Marc Tartaro was absent. Before it came to a vote, however, a spirited conversation on local listservs had highlighed opposition to the car wash on everything from environmental to aesthetic grounds. Some councilmembers questioned the relevancy of the online discussion. “[It] devolved into ‘What would be the coolest thing [to have on that site]?’ ... which is not the question before us,” said Pat-

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rick Paschall (Ward 3). Though he ultimately voted against the car wash, he called it a “difficult decision.” Williams, who had opposed several of the conditions offered by his colleagues, said that “we don’t govern by listserv,” and added that residents he had heard from all supported the car wash. This was in part a response to Eduoard Haba (Ward 4), who said that feedback he had gotten about the proposal was entirely negative and that he couldn’t support “an exception on top of an exception.” “I want the city to adhere to the regulations we have in place,” he added. According to an internal memo dated October 28, the Prince George’s County Planning Department, a branch of the MNCPPC, found that that the car wash “poses issues with ... the general goals of the TDO Zone, and is not consistent with excellent TOD, not appropriate for the location, and should be eliminated from the plan.” The matter is scheduled to come before the M-NCPPC at a hearing on Dec. 5. Afterwards, it will be heard by the Prince George’s County Council, which sits as the District Council when making planning and zoning decisions. That is where the fate of the car wash will be decided. In making development decisions, the District Council is not obligated to accept the recommendations of either the county planning board or the affected municipality.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

Page 7

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

November 16

All are welcome to join the discussion of Jacqueline Kelly’s book The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, the story of an 11-year-old naturalist at the turn of the 20th century. 3 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

November 16 and 17

Arachne Aerial Arts and collaborating guests perform We Fly, an evening of aerial dance, theater, circus arts, music and poetry in Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. $20; discounts for children and seniors. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier. 301.699.1819. For tickets, visit www.joesmovement.org.

November 18

Closing out the fall Independent Film Series at the Hyattsville Library is The Lesser Blessed, centering on the lives of aboriginal Canadian teens. Free. Doors open at 6:45 for the screening of the 90-minute film, followed by a discussion of it. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

November 23

Connect the Dots Dance Company, a local group that performs for children in schools and hospitals, brings a

dance workshop for the under-8 set to College Park Arts Exchange. Free; donations appreciated. 4 p.m. Old Parish House, 4711 Knox Road, College Park. 301.927.3013 or info@ cpae.org.

November 29

Don’t want to mob-shop on Black Friday? Opening today is the 27th Annual Winter Festival of Lights, the popular holiday display featuring over a million twinkling 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 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. until January 2. Watkins Regional Park. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456.

November 30

The bricks come out for LEGO® Time, a program for children ages 3 to 13 and their families. (Parents must accompany children 8 and younger.) Free. 2 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

December 6 and 7

The city marks the season with two an-

Address: Phone: E-Mail:

Green Award

December 7

A history-themed gathering with the Christmas icon happens the same morning at Breakfast With Sint Niklaas, children ages 3 to 10 will meet the Flemish forerunner of Santa Claus and hear about the origin of traditions like hanging stockings by the fireplace. A Belgian-inspired menu will be presented at two seatings, 9 and 11 a.m. and reservations are required as walkins will be turned away. Adults, $7; children, $10. Riversdale House Museum. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.

tinues today with the St. Jerome Academy Craft Fair and White Elephant Sale. Looking for great deals on books, toys, household items and more? Head to the cafeteria for the White Elephant sale. Then head to the Gold Room to browse handmade crafts, fiber art and more. Free. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 5205 43rd Avenue. 301.277.4568. Browse jewelry, purses, toys, fragrant soaps, holiday ornaments and more from dozens of local artists at the Mount Rainier Craft Fair. Free, but vendors accept cash or checks only. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mt. Rainier. 301.655.5274. Reindeer are old school; nowadays, the man in red uses more advanced transportation. During today’s Santa Fly-In, children can watch him land via helicopter at the historic College Park Airport and take a picture with him. Crafts and other children’s activities round out the afternoon. Noon to 4 p.m. Free with regular museum admission of $4, with discounts for children and seniors. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

A longtime neighborhood tradition con-

The City of Hyattsville Department of Community Services Presents

Holiday Decorating Contest Entry Form

Holiday Decorating Contest

Claus Applause

Name:

nual events this weekend. The Christmas Tree Lighting is set for Friday at 7 p.m. in Magruder Park. Then, on Saturday, the Municipal Building hosts two seatings of Dining with Santa: a continental breakfast from 9 to 10:30, and lunch from noon to 1:30 p.m. The tree-lighting is free. Both Saturday events have an admission charge and require registration. 301.985.5021 or www. hyattsville.org.

______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Preferred Alternate

____________________________________________ ____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________ Yes

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.

CALENDAR continued on page 8

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 | November 2013

the

No. 276 • November 13, 2013

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Leaf vacuuming tips! Households served by the Department of Public Works will receive leaf vacuuming services beginning the week of Monday, November 4. The schedule is unchanged from previous years, and can be viewed at www.hyattsville.org/leaves. Residents may also check their collection date by calling 301/985-5032. Help us help residents remove as many leaves as possible by: Rake your leaves to the grassy area between the sidewalk and curb, not on to the street. If this is not possible on your property, please rake them to the curbline. Have your leaf piles in place by 7 AM the morning of collection. Times of collection will vary and we cannot return to an address.

Avoid parking in front of leaf piles on collection day, or rake your leaves to a place at will not be used for parking. The leaf vacuum hose does not reach around cars. Please do not mix in limbs, branches or other debris. These items will damage the leaf vacuum hose and equipment, and can prevent us from completing a route. For residents of the 3100 block of Rosemary Lane: In order for our vacuum equipment to enter your block and safely collect leaves, we are requesting at no vehicles park on the 3100 block of Rosemary Lane on Fridays during the leaf collection season from 8 AM – 9 AM If vehicles are parked on the 3100 block of Rosemary Lane when our

equipment arrives to collect leaves, DPW staff will be unable to collect leaves and will attempt to collect them on the following Friday. For residents of the 5800 block of 30 Avenue (odd side): In order for our vacuum equipment to enter your block and safely collect leaves, we are requesting at no vehicles park on the odd side of the 5800 block of 30 Avenue on Mondays during the leaf collection season from 8 AM – 9 AM. If vehicles are parked on the odd side of the 5800 block of 30 Avenue when our equipment arrives to collect leaves, DPW staff will be unable to collect leaves and will attempt to collect them on the following Monday.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

For residents in the 5900 block of 34 Avenue: In order for our vacuum equipment to enter your block and safely collect leaves, we are requesting at no vehicles park on the 5900 block of 34 Avenue on Mondays during the leaf collection season from 8 AM – 9 AM. If vehicles are parked on the 5900 block of 34 Avenue when our equipment arrives to collect leaves, DPW staff will be unable to collect leaves and will attempt to collect them on the following Monday. If you miss your leaf vacuum day, you may also bag your leaves and put them out for collection as yard waste on Mondays. The City will collect up to ten bags of leaves from each address.

Join us for Happy Hyattsville Holidays in December!

The City will light the Magruder Park tree on Friday, December 6 at 7 PM at Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. Please join us for holiday music and a visit from Santa. Refreshments will be served. Free and open to everyone! Santa sticks around for two events on Saturday, December 7: Breakfast and Lunch with Santa at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Join us for a continental breakfast from 9 to 10:30 AM or a light lunch from 12 to 1:30 PM. Space is limited, and reservations are suggested. $5 per person. Kids 2 and under free. Pictures are available - $3 for a print from us,

or no charge to take your own. To make a reservation, visit www.hyattsville.org/ breakfast or call 301/985-5021. Deck the halls! Nominations for the Claus Applause holiday decorating contest open on Monday, November 25 at noon. Nominate your friend, neighbor, or that great house around the corner! Use the nomination form in this paper, or online at www.hyattsville.org/applause. More interested in oohing and aahing? The City is also recruiting judges. Judging takes place on Wednesday, December 18 beginning at 6 PM. Use the form at www.hyattsville.org/ap-

plause or call 301/985-5021. Judges hop on the City’s bus or van at the City Municipal Building. It takes between two and three hours to complete the judging process. Seniors, we’d love to see your smiling faces at the Senior Holiday Social on Thursday, December 19 from 6 to 8 PM in the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. For further information on any of our seasonal events, please contact Cheri Everhart, Recreation Events Coordinator, in the Department of Community Services by email to ceverhart@hyattsville.org or phone at 301-985-5021.

IN OTHER NEWS... If your regularly scheduled collection day is Friday, your trash will be collected two days early, on Wednesday, November 28. The City is closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Maryland State Highway Administration will host a workshop on their MD-500 project on Thursday, November 14 from 6 to 8 PM at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street.

BUILDING BRIDGES BOOK CLUB

CHRISTMAS TRASH PICK-UP SCHEDULE CHANGES

The Building Bridges Book Club will meet in the City Municipal Building on Thursday, November 14 at 7:30 PM to continue their discussion of The New Jim Crow. Participation is free and open to the public. Questions? Please call Council Member Robert Croslin at 240/460-1827.

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. Payment in full is due by December 13. 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.

SENATOR PINSKY TO HOST TOWN HALL MEETING ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

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.

CALENDAR NOVEMBER 2013 Wednesday, November 13

Environmental Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Thursday, November 14

MD-500 Informational Workshop, 6 to 8 PM Building Bridges Book Club Meeting, 7:30 PM

Friday, November 15

Ageless Grace senior exercise class, 10 to 11 AM Magruder Park Recreation Center, lower room (Enter rough blue door in Courtyard)

Saturday, November 16

Volunteer Opportunity: Non-native Invasive Removal, 9 AM to 1 PM Magruder Woods, 3911 Hamilton Street

Monday, November 18 Council Meeting, 8 PM - 10 PM

Wednesday, November 20

Hyattsville Environmental Committee meeting, 7:30 PM

Friday, November 22

Ageless Grace senior exercise class, 10 to 11 AM Magruder Park Recreation Center, lower room (Enter rough blue door in Courtyard)

November 25 - 29

Trash collection changes for Thanksgiving week, City-wide See information in this newsletter

Tuesday, November 26

MD-500 INFORMATIONAL WORKSHOP

WINTER BREAK CAMP AT MAGRUDER – REGISTRATION IS OPEN

Page HR2

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: • 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!

THANKSGIVING TRASH PICK-UP SCHEDULE CHANGES

This year, the Thanksgiving holiday falls on Thursday, November 28. There are changes to the trash collection schedule for the entire week. There will be no Yard Waste collection, City-wide, the week of November 25. In addition: If your regularly scheduled collection day is Tuesday, your trash will be collected one day early, on Monday, November 25. If your regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, your trash will be collected one day early, on Tuesday, November 26. If your regularly scheduled collection day is Thursday, your trash will be collected one day early, on Wednesday, November 27.

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 26. If your regularly scheduled collection day is Wednesday, your trash will be collected one day early, on Tuesday, December 26. 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 at consists of 21 simple exercises designed to improve healthy longevity. The exercises are designed to be performed in a chair and almost 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 Fall Semester ends on November 22nd, and 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.

PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM AT MAGRUDER PARK CONTINUES ROUGH DECEMBER 19

The City’s best play date is back at Magruder Park is Fall. The Parent & Child Program allows parents and other caregivers to bring preschoolers to the Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street, for playtime and crafts. The program features both free play and structured activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program meets Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the school year, from 9 AM to 12 noon. For Fall 2013, we’ve rolled back

our tuition to just $50/semester. Register after the mid-point of the semester, and pay just $30. For more information, visit www.hyattsville. org/pcprogram or call 301/985-5021.

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 Jonaan Alexander, the City’s cable coordinator, at jalexander@hyattsville.org or 301/985-5028.

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, November 16 and Saturday, December 20. 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 eir maps to see the status of current projects. Maps can be accessed on WSSC’s website: http://gisweb.wsscwater.com/InYourNeighborhood/

CAR SEAT SAFETY CHECKS

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 at as many as seven out of ten kids are not buckled in properly.

Planning Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

Thursday, November 28

HOLIDAY - Thanksgiving Day, City administrative offices closed

Friday, November 29

HOLIDAY – City administrative offices closed

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.

NIXLE

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. New to Nixle? Register at www.nixle.com or enroll using the widget online at http://www.hyattsville.org/stayinformed.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Are you on Facebook? You can now keep up with City events and happenings at www.facebook.com/cityofhyattsville. When you see Vainglorious, the silver metal bird sculpture at Centennial Park, you’ll know you’re in the right place. He is kind enough to serve as the City’s wall photo.

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

CALENDAR

continued from page 7

December 7 and 8

For a one-of-a-kind gift, why not make a glass ornament? This weekend, DC Glassworks will match you with an instructor who will help you through the process. One-hour slots from 1 to 4 p.m. are available each day; choose one when you register at www.dcglassworks. com. $45. 5346 46th Avenue, Edmonston. 301.927.8271.

December 8

Hyattsville Mennonite Church invites community members to join them for their annual Messiah Sing-a long. While there will be some copies of the music available, bring your own scores if you have them. Also feel free to bring Christmas goodies to share after the singing. Free. 7 p.m. 4217 East West Highway.

Ongoing

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.

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. 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 December submissions is November 23.

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NatureNearby

Dark shadows overhead by Fred Seitz

A casual walk along the bike path or around Magruder Park might provide a view of a large shadow soaring overhead. Initial inclination might prompt the viewer to remark about the “dirty, diseasecarrying” buzzard. This unfortunate and incorrect stigma is sometimes applied to some common large birds in our area, who don’t deserve the disdain. The turkey vulture and black vulture are two of six species of New World Vultures. Turkey vultures are a fairly common sight over Magruder Park (I often see them contemplating groundhog and other carcasses). I have only seen black vultures near Paint Branch Park and Lake Artemesia. In both of these other locations, the turkey vultures appear to be more common. The turkey vulture is easily recognized due to its bright red, bald head, which resembles a wild turkey’s, and its large size. By contrast, the black vulture is a bit smaller with a grayish-white head. Its wingspan is about 5 feet, about a foot smaller than the turkey vulture’s. In flight, the turkey vulture displays a V-shape with its wings; the black vulture’s wings will be flatter. Since both use thermals (rising warm air masses) to fly, they are less likely to be seen on rainy days, as the thermals do not develop in the cooler, overcast days. Neither bird is a “buzzard” as this name was mistakenly carried over from large hawks called “bu-

FRED SEITZ Contemplating the carrion: A turkey vulture at Magruder Park.

teos” and referred to as buzzards in Europe. Both types of vulture are carrion connoisseurs and use their exceptional senses of smell and eyesight to find dead animals in wooded areas and along roadsides. Their attraction to roadkill makes automobiles one of the major sources of their premature demise. In addition, horned owls and some hawks may occasionally attack and kill the adult vultures, though it is more common for the vulture chicks to be taken. If spared the ravages of autos and owls, turkey vultures may live for up to 14 years. Both types of vultures are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty of 1918. Part of the rationale for protection of both species is their important role in carrion disposal. Their “clean-up” of dead animals may help reduce the spread of dangerous bacteria that may reside in the carcasses. The vultures’ hearty digestive tracts destroy the bacteria. Walking through the carcasses exposes

the birds’ feet to the bacteria, but they urinate on their toes. Not only does this sterilize their feet, it also cools them on hot days. Among their other endearing characteristics, the vultures are limited to a repertoire of hisses and grunts rather than serenading passersby, as songbirds do. Also, if alarmed, they will vomit at the perceived threat. Despite their challenging manners, both vultures are fairly gregarious and may share roosts on bare limbs in wooded areas. They do not build obvious nests, but may simply scratch a space on the ground to lay one or two eggs. Both Mom and Dad share incubation and feeding of the chicks. Both vultures are quite picturesque when circling in the sky and are commonly seen during migration in late September and October. Both Washington Monument State Park, near Boonsboro, and Hawk Mountain in Pennsylvania are excellent locations for watching vultures and hawks during spring and fall migrations.

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Page 9

Bike Maryland comes to Hyattsville by Clarice Silber

Residents and local officials came together for Bike Maryland’s community and business workshop at the Hyattsville Branch Library on Oct. 29. Bike Maryland is a nonprofit that promotes bicycling and safety for riders. The workshop provided a forum to discuss ways to make Hyattsville a better place to ride. “The main goal for us is to be a voice of all the bicyclists in Maryland and that’s a big challenge,” said Carol Silldorff, executive director of Bike Maryland. According to Silldorff, the organization works to create changes on both a state and local legislative level. The evening workshop in-

cluded informative presentations, remarks from local officials, and interactive discussions between local residents that attended. The event sparked a discussion on educating cyclists and drivers alike. “Driver education, I can’t say it enough,” said Kevin Ware, an Upper Marlboro resident and member of both Bike Maryland and the League of American Bicyclists. Ware complained that drivers on the road are inconsiderate of biking commuters and often fully occupy lanes. Tiffany Williams-Jennings, an employee of the MarylandNational Capital Parks and Planning Commission, believes that cyclists themselves need to be more educated as well. She explained that many

cyclists ride against traffic and are unaware they should be cycling with the flow of traffic. She is also a co-chair of the Pedestrian Safety Work Group, which works to decrease the number of pedestrian and cyclist injuries and fatalities in Prince George’s County. “I was born and raised in Prince George’s County, so I’m really passionate about trying to improve pedestrian and cyclists education in the county,” said Williams-Jennings. Proper funding and infrastructure were among the challenges raised by, among other attendees, Hyattsville Assistant City Administrator Jim Chandler. According to Chandler, most places do not emphasize the importance of bike riding.

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“There are certain areas that prioritize bikes, but predominantly [they’re] prioritizing cars, and that’s pretty clear in 90 to 95 percent of the county,” Chandler noted. He also explained that although Hyattsville does not directly fit into this mold, with two Metro stations for pedestrians and committed funds towards bike riding initiatives, it too some-

times struggles. Katie Lupo, the Bike Maryland Program Coordinator, said the organization chose to hold the workshop in Hyattsville because of the boom in the biking culture. “In comparison to a lot of towns, the public [here] is very involved.” Lupo said. But, she added, “there always can be more involvement.”

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Friday, November 22, 2013 (10AM-5PM) Interested Artists and Craft Vendors Vendor Space: $35.00 Contact: Ethel Lewis, Program Manager (301) 277-1402 or elewis@pgahc.org

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST

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New friends with old memories The Maryland National Guard Armory on Route 1 at Jefferson, was the scene of many social activities. The residents participated in roller skating and dances. After Pearl Harbor was attacked in 1941, the Armory was the scene of a large civil-defense rally, which also included a visit from Maryland governor Herbert R. Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Conor. After the

by Peggy Dee

I recently had the pleasure of meeting a delightful 88-yearsyoung gentleman, John Small, who grew up in Hyattsville. Although he now resides in Montgomery County, his heart remains here. As he was born in 1925, John saw the effects of the Great Depression. His father was out of work for several years, so the family moved several times in our city before finally settling on Arundel Avenue (now 42nd Avenue). John attended the Hyattsville Elementary School and the old Hyattsville High School. While he was in high school, World War II began. John enlisted in the Navy and did not graduate with his class in 1943. He returned three years later and became a resident of Nicholson Street. He received his high school diploma from McKinley Tech High School in Northeast Washington. He has such fond memories of taking the old Potomac Park/Branchville streetcar into school each day. In 1947, he began working at an insurance company in Washington. He met his future wife, Betty Jean, on his first day there. They were married in 1948 in the old Hyattsville Presbyterian Church located on Farragut Street at 42nd Avenue. John took me on a delightful trip down Memory Lane as he discussed his happy childhood days here in Hyattsville. He took his first date to the opening night of the Hyattsville movie theater

COURTESY OF PEGGY DEE An undated photo of the Hyattsville movie theater, which opened on Baltimore Avenue in November 1939.

on Baltimore Avenue, in November 1939. And before this theater opened, John spent many a funfilled Saturday afternoon at the old Arcade theater on Gallatin Street. This building was purchased by our city a few years ago. Neighborhood kids arrived at noon each Saturday, where they saw two films and a cartoon for a mere 25 cents. In between the films, the children were invited on stage to perform. Each child was given a free gift. The popular Dave Ginsburg was always the master of ceremonies. In the basement of the theatre was a pool room and a bowling alley. Spending summer days at activities in Magruder Park is also a vivid memory for John. There was a full-time attendant at the park each day and the kids participated in softball, shuffleboard and badminton. When it snowed, the City blocked off Jefferson Street from 40th to 42nd so the children could sled down

the hill. To get warm afterwards, the kids headed down to Baltimore Avenue, where they enjoyed treats at the Federal Diner or Tony Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Confectionary Store. The old Woolworthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Five and Dime Store was also a popular spot. John worked parttime there when he was just 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which, In those days, was the minimum age for employment. Seeing so many friends and neighbors coming in for holiday shopping, delighted John. In addition to the old Branchville/Potomac Park streetcar line, the Greyhound Bus traveled along Route 1, with service to Washington and Baltimore. Dudrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Drug Store, which was in the 5300 block of Baltimore Avenue, was the official Greyhound stop for Hyatttsville for points heading north. Tickets could be purchased at Dudrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Peoples Drug Store, directly across the street, was the stop for points heading south or into Washington.

happenings at the Armory, the participants walked across the street to the old Hot Shoppes restaurant where they warmly completed their evening. I enjoyed so much my afternoon with John Small and hearing how life was lived here in our dear city in days gone by. He had many pictures to show and stories to tell. Even though they did not have computers, many cars on the roads, or televisions, life seemed fulfilling in so many other ways.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

Page 11

Farm celebrates Food Day by Scarlett Salem

On a windy yet sunny afternoon, about 300 people visited ECO City Farms for a Food Day Festival. Held on October 26, the free event included a farm tour, face painting, music, cooking demonstrations, hula hooping and ECO’s famous smoothie bike, featuring a bicycle-powered blender. “For us, it’s like a harvest festival[,] a celebration of what the earth gives us and what we give each other,” explained Margaret Morgan-Hubbard, founder of the nonprofit urban farm in Edmonston. It was one of an estimated 4,000 events held nationwide on or near Food Day (October 24), an initiative started three years ago by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI). The Washington, D.C.-based CSPI is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization focusing on food safety and nutrition. Executive Director Michael Jacobson saw a national Food Day as a way of promoting “healthy, affordable and sustainably produced food and a grassroots campaign for better food policies,” according to the CSPI website. That was a natural fit for ECO

scarlett salem ECO City Farms’ smoothie bike, with its pedal-powered blender, was a hit at the Food Day Festival on Oct. 24.

City Farms, which has been rapidly diversifying its plot of land, just over acre along the Northwest Branch of the Anacostia River, since breaking ground in early 2010. One of the farm’s primary goals is agricultural education, which is evident in the permaculture (ecology-based gardening), vermiculture (using worms to compost), hoop houses (a type of

greenhouse) — even the processing kitchen, which is made from a new shipping container. ECO is primarily grant-funded and pulled off the Food Day event with a $5,000 grant from the Port Towns Community Health Partnership. Morgan-Hubbard says that many areas in the Port Towns — Bladensburg, Edmonston,

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Cottage City and Colmar Manor — are considered food deserts, which the USDA defines as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, affordable food. “Seventy percent of Prince George’s County [residents are] overweight and obese,” she said, in part because “mostly fast food is available. We want to show people that food can be fast and good as opposed to fast and greasy.” The festival food reflected that philosophy, with chai tea, homemade pumpkin pies, and other healthy snacks on the menu instead of typical fair food like soda, cotton candy and hot dogs. On the late October afternoon, small groups gathered for vegetable-cooking demonstrations while about 60 people toured the farm with its manager, Christian Melendez, who highlighted all the various agricultural activities. Still other attendees browsed information booths that tied into the theme of the day. The Prince George’s County Health Department booth featured giveaways promoting its new website, www. mypgchealthyrevolution.org, aimed at helping residents get and stay healthy. At the Riverdale Farmers Market booth, Market Coordinator Jim Coleman wanted to get the word out that the market now accepts SNAP and WIC. “We

can help [people] have access to foods they can’t get at the grocery store,” stated Coleman. Among those foods: produce from ECO City Farms, which is regularly available at the weekly market. “It is important to reach out as much as we can to the people who live, work and study here and show them what is possible,” said Morgan-Hubbard. For more information on ECO City Farms, visit www.ecoffshoots.org.

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Page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

municipalities are “tied together.” The local cycling community was also out in force. Hyattsville’s own Chris Militello, coowner of Arrow Bicycle, was there, along with Mount Rainier resident Phil Koopman, proprietor of D.C.’s BicycleSPACE, and representatives of the Mount Rainier Bike Co-op. For Militello, who toured the proposed and fully funded site with officials six years ago, the slow speed of progress has been frustrating. Reflecting on the speechifying, he said, “Everybody mentioned the health and community benefits of the trail. Nothing was said about the economic impact. Yet, it is clear when you enter or exit Franklins on a Friday night that the ability to bike or walk to local businesses can be an economic

driver. This trail is going to open up these opportunities even more.” Ultimately, the Riverdale Park section will connect to the College Park trail creating a contiguous 3.9 mile route. However, completion of a key portion along the Cafritz property is dependent upon the developers for construction. A recent County Council vote moves Calvin Cafritz Enterprises’ efforts forward, along with hopes for faster completion of the trolley trail. Completion of the Cafritz section would allow Hyattsville and Riverdale residents to take advantage of the new upgraded bike and pedestrian crosswalk on Paint Branch Parkway that connects to trails leading to Lake Artemesia.

susan hines Several elected officials from the city, state and county gathered to break ground on a trail that will connect Hyattsville to Riverdale Park.

trail

continued from page 1

in both directions, north to Queensbury Road in Riverdale Park and south to Farragut Street in Hyattsville. While no formal connection is planned, from Farragut Street it is a quick spin or stroll to Armentrout Drive which provides convenient access to various destinations along the Anacostia Tributary Trail System. Phase Two will further extend the trail from Queensbury to Tuckerman in Riverdale Park, allowing residents to avoid the busy intersection of Route 1 and East-West Highway. Hyattsville and Riverdale Park have jointly committed to monitoring and maintaining the trail.

The ceremony took place in Riverdale Park near the old trolley depot that houses the Archie Edwards Blues Foundation. Guests included all of Hyattsville’s state representatives, including Sen. Paul Pinsky and delegates Anne Healey, Tawanna Gaines and Alonzo Washington. Also among the “Honorables” were county councilmembers Eric Olson (District 3) and Will Campos (District 2) as well as mayors Vernon Archer (Riverdale Park) and Marc Tartaro (Hyattsville). Presiding over the event was Prince George’s County Planning Board Chair Elizabeth Hewlett, who made sure that supporters were acknowledged whether they were speaking from the podium or not. Interrupted by the roar of in-

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coming and outgoing commuter and freight trains, the speakers universally hailed high level of collaboration between multiple agencies and jurisdictions necessary for the project to move forward. Acknowledging the slow pace of development, Olson called the groundbreaking “an incredible day, one that many thought would never come.” Archer reminded those in attendance that the idea for a trolley trail surfaced in Riverdale Park in the late 1990s. At that time, the concept received a surprising amount of negative pushback from residents. The mayor heralded the changed atmosphere along the now-booming Route 1 corridor as one of “warmth and neighborliness,” and a growing recognition that the various

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goats

continued from page 1

more common, it continues to be rare in an urban environment. The security guard at the Nicholson Street job earned his pay when a driver under the influence “of something” spun off the road at 3 a.m. Sunday morning, Nov. 3, taking down a portion of the electrified fence that keeps the goats inside the area and the people out. By the time Knox arrived, the vehicle was being towed, and the fence was quickly repaired. No goats were injured. A few hours later, he was called again by a resident who reported that one of the goats had just given birth to twins. Knox immediately came to pick up the kids, now named Ashton and Mary, and their mother Princess and take them back to Garden Farms of Davidsonville, Md. In all likelihood the kids would have been fine where they were, but Knox notes newborn kids move quickly from toddling to scampering, and at even a few days old are more difficult to corral into the truck. This is not the case for the oth-

er approximately 30 members of the herd, who were ready to go home and knew the routine. While the tallest goat, Larry, stood on his hind legs, munching on the last green vine in sight, some 8 feet up in a tree, others had a forlorn and hungry look. Some appeared to gaze longingly at the stunning amount of green kudzu vine just a few feet on the other side of the fence. Others looked idly at the empty bottles of Bacardi and Corona on the ground: not evidence of a goat party but of the kind of pollution under the greenery that the Watershed Society now has a better chance of keeping out of the river. When Knox opened the truck, which had feed inside, the goats practically trampled each other in their eagerness to get on board. The goats will be back in the spring to clear two additional acres on the other side of the creek. The herd may be larger: according to neighborhood observers in addition to the kids who were born it appears that others may have been conceived in Hyattsville.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

Page 13

crime

continued from page 1

Shortly thereafter, near another area of the same woods, he confronted two males and one female on the 3600 block of Dean Drive in Chillum, police said. He pulled the gun out again and demanded they give him their property, police said. He also sexually assaulted the female and ran away, police said. All three victims are students at Northwestern High School to which the wooded area is connected. School parents received a letter informing them of the crimes on the students, said Max Pugh, acting communications officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools. Prince George’s County Police

“We are always looking to provide a safe environment for students.”

— Max Pugh Prince George’s County Public Schools

are handling the investigation and used helicopters and several K9 units in the search for the suspect. Police distributed flyers that described the suspect as a slim, Hispanic male with a medium to dark complexion, standing be-

tween 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches. The flyer said he was last seen in camouflage pants, a dark longsleeved shirt, a red baseball hat with a black or blue brim, Nike tennis shoes, with stubble on his face. On Nov. 8, police handed out sketches of the suspect to the surrounding neighborhoods. They had previously canvassed nearby apartment complexes at least twice, leaving flyers on cars and handing them to people they encountered. “Residents were shocked” to learn of the crimes, said Prince George’s County Police Officer First Class Nicole Hubbard, who helped with the canvassing effort. Since the investigation is ongoing, Hubbard divulged few other details. But she confirmed that one female victim was an adult while the other was a teenager. Police are urging anyone

with information regarding the suspect to contact them at 301.772.4908 or 800.866.4111 (TIPS). A cash reward of up to $25,000 is offered to anyone who provides information that could lead to the arrest and indictment of the suspect. Since the crimes happened outside city limits, Hyattsville police aren’t handling the case. But Lt. Chris Purvis, a longtime Hyattsville officer with a background in community policing and investigation, is familiar with patterns of crime in the city. Describing the area near the Mall at Prince George’s, he said, “a lot of the crimes in that area are theft.” Especially in recent years, he added, the area “doesn’t have much going on” in terms of serious crimes. Purvis did say the wooded area in which the suspect took the female victims is a minor issue for police, property owners, and the Northwestern High School staff. “Kids cut through there and [sometimes] skip school in there,” Purvis said. He said property owners, stakeholders and the school board are trying to come up with a plan to address the issues with the wooded area. Pugh said officials always tell students to walk on well-lit, and well-established pathways no matter where they are. “We are always looking ... to provide a safe environment for students,” Pugh said.

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NEWS BRIEFS BUSINESSES OFFER DISCOUNTS DURING FURLOUGH Sixteen percent of Prince George’s County residents are federal employees, according to a statement from County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. While no similar statistic is available on the city level, there is no question that many residents were affected by the government shutdown that took place from October 1 to 16. As residents worried about their finances, some local businesses stepped forward to offer discounts including The Big Bad Woof, Franklins and Elevation Burger. In addition to taking advantage of such offerings, many furloughed residents used the time spent away from the office to clean out their home and work on long-neglected projects. Despite the extra home improvement projects, the DPW did not see more trash than usual, said Director of Public Works Lesley Riddle. — Amanda Eisenberg BOOKSTORE HOURS CUT Hyattsville is one of seven branches of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) with a Novel Ending Book Store, which sells books that are either donated or culled from the library collection.

Until recently, it was open during most of the regular library hours, across from the lower-level circulation desk. But now the door is locked, with a sign that says it’s closed until further notice. Circulation staff say they can still accept book donations at the desk, although they could offer no insight into the change in hours and messages left with the directors weren’t returned. The change happened at about the same time PGCMLS decided to stop accepting cash at all but five locations. (Three of these, including Hyattsville, are locations with book stores.) For now, the Friends of the Hyattsville Branch will operate the store for a few hours on the first Saturday of the month, following their regular meeting. But a compromise is on the way: The Friends have ordered a lock box so that the store can remain open on the honor system. (Take a book, drop the money in the box). — Susie Currie

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2013

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