October 2011 Hyattsville Life & Times by Hyattsville Life and Times

PARK MAKEOVER Ribbon-cutting ceremony at city’s Burlington Park. PAGE 4

New business for West Hyattsville by Paula Minaert

Most of the recent development in the city has happened in the EYA area along Route 1 or around the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station. But a federal contractor bought property in May on Ager Road, across from the West Hyattsville Metro station, and plans to move its headquarters there next October. The city council, at its September 19 meeting, moved to support Executive Technology Solutions, LLC’s request to the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission to add zoning for offices and research to the area’s current townhouse zoning. It also voted to support the company’s site plan. “We are excited to welcome them to our community,” said Jim Chandler, Hyattsville’s director of community and economic development. “We’re certainly hoping the site is one of the seeds that helps facilitate redevelopment at the West Hyattsville Metro area.” Miran Kim, the company owner, said ETS does federal government contracting in two industries: health care staffing and transportation. It currently has offices in both Virginia and in Silver Spring. Most of its more than 100 em-

125 YEARS LATER...

NEW BAKERY TO TAKE REDS SPOT

Hyattsville anniversary party marks its past and looks to its future. PAGES 16-17

It’s bringing breads, cakes and pastries, all made from scratch. PAGE 3

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 8 No. 10

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

ROUND AND ROUND

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601

Council split over Rose departure by Susie Currie

tial units on the upper floors. First, he tackled 4328 Farragut, which some locals still call the Machen Building after the prominent family that had offices there for decades. Now he lives there, above the East Coast branch of the Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle architecture firm he cofounded in Minneapolis in 1981. The owner of the adjoining Edifice Studio, also an architect,

On October 3, the city council accepted the resignation of City Administrator Gregory Rose. Rose’s contract was to expire on January 18, 2012, and he will be paid salary and benefits through that time. But the council voted 7-4 to make his last day in office October 7 rather than January 18. Mayor Marc Tartaro joined six councilmembers in voting for the earlier ending date. The vote came after a closed session that was twice as long as the public one. When the public meeting resumed – after midnight – Councilmember Tim Hunt (Ward 3) sponsored a motion that would have had Rose remain until January 18. Nicole Hinds Mofor (Ward 5), Shani Warner (Ward 2) and Candace Hollingsworth (Ward 1) supported that motion. Rose came to Hyattsville in January of this year, at a starting salary of $110,000. “I think the council made an incredibly unwise decision not to have Mr. Rose work the remainder of his contract,” said Hunt later. “We’ll be paying him for those 3 months — that’s close to $40,000 that we’re just throwing away.” Still, this buyout pales in comparison to what one observer called “the platinum parachute” Rose got as city manager of North Las Vegas, a job he held for six years beginning in October 2003. In June 2009, a divided North

ROCKCASTLE continued on page 12

ROSE continued on page 14

CYNTHIA MITCHEL A young visitor to the 4th Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival on September 24 wonders if using the hula hoop is as easy as it looks. Held near the intersection of Jefferson Street and Baltimore Avenue, the festival included live music, childrenʼs activities, and the work of more than 50 artists.

ETS continued on page 10

Another piece of Arts District falls into place by Susie Currie

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

October 2011

Most art openings do not include the opportunity to tour soon-toopen living spaces in historic buildings. But for architect Garth Rockcastle, the pairing is a natural one. When Rockcastle moved here in 2004 – to become the dean of University of Maryland’s architecture school, a position he left last year – he already had plenty of experience in adaptive reuse,

or using old buildings in new ways. A hallmark of the Gateway Arts District, it’s a key component of smart growth. He’s done it again with a pair of 1912 buildings on Farragut Street that originally served as Hyattsville’s first municipal building and fire station. His vision was the same for each: commercial space on the first floor for what he calls “creative-culture enterprises” that are a natural fit for the arts district, with residen-

Included: The October 12, 2011 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

FromTheEditor

Were they the ‘good old days’? by Paula Minaert

A catalogue called Good Old Days came to our house the other day. It sold things I remember from my childhood but haven’t seen in years: Fizzies tablets to drop in water, metal ice-cube trays with levers you have to pull to get the cubes out, Sugar Daddies, a Fiddlestix construction set, Cherry Ames books, Emeraude cologne. We get other catalogues selling things like socks to promote circulation, magnifying glasses and cell phones that have big buttons and are just

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., e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com. Executive Editor Paula Minaert paula@hyattsvillelife.com 301.335.2519 Managing Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 Editorial Intern Scarlett Salem Production Ashley Perks Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Hille, William Jenne, Bart Lawrence, Valerie Russell, Kimberly Schmidt, Hugh Turley Board of Directors Julia Duin - President Chris Currie - Vice President Joseph Gigliotti - General Counsel Paula Minaert - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley Susie Currie - 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.

phones. My first reaction is annoyance that the advertisers are targeting us. They know what demographic we’re in and adjust their pitches accordingly. Just another example of our consumer society, I grumble. It’s all part of my tirade about big business and how it tries to control our lives and limit our choices in the name of profit – their profit. Here’s part of the tirade: In the past, people actually made things. Families were producing units, not consuming units. They grew their food

and made their clothes. That’s operating on a higher plane than people do these days, where our purpose is to spend enough money and acquire enough things to support the economy. Besides, we’ve lost a lot of skills along the way. How many people today can bake bread from scratch or make a pie crust? Businesses pay less attention to my demographic (60+) than to younger ones because we don’t have growing children at home so we’re past the stage where we buy a lot of things. And we don’t eat out

often. Many new retail businesses have come to Hyattsville, but my first reaction isn’t to think how great it is to have a Thai restaurant or a furniture store nearby. I worry about the increased traffic and how we’re losing our small-town feel. But I had a revelation recently. I realized that I am much freer to do the things I enjoy than I would be if I’d lived, say, a hundred years ago. I have much more time. I don’t spend my days carrying water indoors from a backyard pump or smoking meat or washing clothes on a washboard.

When I thought about it, I knew I don’t want to be a producing unit. I’d rather not spend all my time just surviving. Yes, I can bake bread and make pie crusts but most of the time I don’t want to and I’m grateful I have the choice. So my attitude is more balanced now, I think, and not so one-sided. Not so much a tirade. There is a lot of good in the way things are today. I can use my free time to try to change the things I don’t think are good. And I think I’ll take my husband out for Thai food.

City supports bed-and-breakfasts by Paula Minaert

Bed-and-breakfasts now have officially become a part of Hyattsville life. At its October 3 meeting, the city council moved to regulate these establishments by adding them to the city charter, the document that outlines all the rules for living here. In addition to approving the rules, the council voted to send a letter to the Prince George’s County council in support of B&Bs, because the zoning for the Gateway Arts District – which encompasses most of Hyattsville – does not list them in its table of uses. So B&Bs are not allowed in most sections of the city and only the county council can change that. The motion to send the letter to the county council came at the behest of Councilmember Shani Warner (Ward 2), who drafted it. “As a council we spend so much time dealing with massive issues like road improvements or time-sensitive matters. The things people elect us to do often involve these small matters that don’t affect lot of people but for those people it’s a big issue,” she said. “I’m glad we found a chance in our crazy schedule to shoehorn in an issue that affects people in our community who are trying to make Hyattsville better.” There is currently nothing in the city charter about B&Bs. Chris Giunta, senior code inspector, said, “It only recently came to our attention that we had a few operating here.” The whole issue surfaced last year, said Giunta, with a complaint made to his office about a parking problem. They investigated that complaint and discovered a B&B there, and later found others. In response, Councilmember Tim Hunt (Ward 3) moved that the city council ask the Prince George’s County Council to amend the arts district zoning to include B&Bs. De-

More signs like this one may be appearing in Hyattsville soon, if the County Council agrees to the zoning change the city requested.

spite the endorsement of both the Planning Committee and the Code Enforcement Advisory Committee, the city council decided in November not to do so. The council’s current motion to regulate B&Bs will apply only to the part of the city that currently allows them, which is primarily University Hills. According to Giunta, the motion takes the definition and restrictions for B&Bs listed by the county and adds them to the business licensing section of the city charter, while making some minor changes. It also sets the annual fees for them: $50 for one room, $100 for two or three rooms and $200 for four or more. “The fees are lower than most business li-

censes because we realize that owners aren’t doing it as a major source of income,” said Giunta. The council also passed an amendment to the city’s existing policy on variances for lot coverage. It said the city will generally not support requests for more hardscape [paving] for parking purposes. The B&B ordinance requires one off-street parking space per rented room, but another city ordinance states that no more than 25 percent of a front yard can be paved. “The council didn’t want a bunch of variance requests asking for a waiver of the 25 percent restriction because people want to add another rental room,” said Giunta.

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

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Bakery replaces Rhode Island Reds by Paula Minaert

If you’ve traveled down Rhode Island Avenue lately, you’ve probably noticed that the much-lamented Rhode Island Reds is now the Shortcake Bakery & Café. Many people mourned the closing of Reds on June 30. But fans of the pizza served by Reds owner Christopher Brophy will be happy to know it will stay on the menu. So will “his awesome apple Amaretto thingies,” according to café owner Cheryl Harrington. Brophy is helping her with the transition. The café, she said, will open sometime in October with a different look. While Reds was “beautifully decorated,” she plans to change the color scheme to better reflect her Caribbean heritage. All the baked goods will be made from scratch and some of them will be organic. The café will have international breads and specialty cakes and Harrington hopes to have a “bread of the day.” If her name sounds familiar, that might be because of her husband, David Harrington, who is the former mayor of Bladensburg and was appointed to fill Gwendolyn Britt’s seat on the Maryland

All of the baked goods will be made from scratch and some of them will be organic. The café will have international breads and specialty cakes and possibly have a ‘bread of the day.’ State Senate. She herself worked as County Councilmember Peter Shapiro’s legislative aide for five years and also worked briefly with Councilmember Will Campos. But, she said, baking was always her passion. She grew up working in her family’s bakeries in Massachusetts and often returned to it as a hobby. “After I left the county council, I worked as a lobbyist [for Upper Marlboro-based G.S. Proctor & Associates, Inc.] and often found that at the end of the day, I’d come home at 8 or 9 and couldn’t sleep. So I’d turn on ’70s music and bring out flour and sugar and butter and bake, and it would calm me down. In a

way, it’s a natural switch.” Stuart Eisenberg, who owns the building where the café is located, said, “I’ve sampled her work and she’s a good baker. It will add a new dimension to the retail in Hyattsville. I’m looking forward to it.” Harrington is applying for a transfer of the Class B wine and beer license from Reds and the request is on the November 22 agenda of the board of license commissioners. She said it’s more common than people think for bakeries to have licenses because they often serve dessert wines. The café will open at 6 a.m. and will close at 6 p.m. It will serve breakfast and some lunch items but not dinner at the present – though Harrington is hoping people will stop by on their way home from work to pick up that bread of the day. “I’d like to build up the more traditional bakery items, like breads, first,” said Harrington. “There’s a void in this area for good bakeries. The Retail Bakers of America determined it takes 3,000 families to support one bakery. Here in Hyattsville, Brentwood, Cheverly, I believe we have more than 3,000 families. But we don’t have a bakery.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, I am thinking of bringing my house plants back inside after their summer vacation outside. In the past I didn’t worry about insect pests. I used plant food sticks containing a systemic insecticide and never had any trouble. Then I had a baby, now a toddler. I am very careful about not having anything poisonous around. I gave away my dieffenbachia and philodendron. Last year I just used regular fertilizer and no chemicals on my remaining plants but they were a sad sight by spring. My Norfolk Island pine had webbing on it and most of the needles had fallen off; gooey, cottony little things clung to my dying jade plant; the leaves on my well-watered hibiscus, ficus and orange trees had turned yellow and dropped off; and the ficus and orange trees had brown warts on their stems. There were teensy gnats flying about. The plants recovered after going outside, but I’m afraid they will not do well again inside. What do you suggest? Not Optimistic on Nicholson Street Dear Not Optimistic, You are right to assume that your indoor plant troubles will recur if you do nothing. I shared your letter with my friend, Posy Potter, who keeps a flourishing indoor garden all winter. She advised you to wash your plants well, especially in the leaf nodes, and repot them in new sterile potting soil before you bring them inside. You should first soak their pots and saucers in a solution of water and 10 percent bleach for a minimum of 15 minutes before the

plants in their new soil go back into them. As a preventative, Posy sprays some of the repotted plants with mouthwash having a high alcohol content, some with hot pepper wax, and some with both before bringing them back inside. It depends on the susceptibility of the plant, she says. Aphids, mealy bugs, and spider mites hate alcohol. Scale and whiteflies are “burnt up” by hot pepper, she says, and the wax spray suffocates larvae as does horticultural oil. Posy informed me that your jade plant had mealy bugs, and that you should spray it with the alcohol mouthwash from week to week. Your ficus and orange trees are susceptible to scale — those “brown warts” — and the hot pepper wax spray ought to prevent that. If it does reoccur, weekly spraying should control it. If you are afraid your toddler will accidentally taste the hot pepper and suffer an unpleasant learning experience, then spray the plant with a nontoxic horticultural oil. Posy diagnosed the malady of the Norfolk Island pine as an infestation of spider mites. She suggests you spray it with alcohol weekly. If the mites recur nonetheless, you could also introduce a predatory mite known as phytoseiulus persimilis, which will devour its rival and yet not harm the plants. Posy uses this method because she has a veritable miniforest of bonsai susceptible to spider-mite infestation, but she hopes the alcohol will suffice for your one tree. Your hibiscus tree probably has whiteflies, which are those “teensy gnats.” Posy hangs little

yellow cards near her hibiscus and smears them with petroleum jelly. The mealy bugs are attracted to the color yellow, and then of course are trapped in the jelly. (If this seems as ghastly to you as it does to me, then horticultural oil sprayed directly on the tree is a good alternative.) Another possible culprit is the fungus gnat, which will attack the roots of your plants. In that case, you might drench the soil of the plant with neem oil. Posy emphasizes that the best all-around way to keep your plants pest-free is to make sure you don’t overfeed or overwater them. Succulent new growth and soggy soil will encourage insects and disease. However, humidity around the plants should be high. What you need, Posy declares, is “dry soil and moist air.” It would be worth your while to spray your plants with water frequently or have a humidifier nearby. To discuss these and other topics, as well as to participate in a potted plant exchange, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 15, at the home of Joe Buriel, 3909 Longfellow Street.

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On September 25, the City of Hyattsville held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Burlington Park. But wait, hasn’t Burlington Park been open for years? Well, yes. But it recently received a much-needed makeover from the city. Located at 46th Avenue and Burlington Road behind Gasch’s Funeral Home, it happens to be the only park that is walking accessible in that part of Hyattsville. But it had seen better days. The tables and benches remain in the small commu-

nity park, but there is now a brand-new slide, new seats for the swings, and other colorful playground equipment. Orange plastic fencing protects some of the upgrades and soft wood chips surround the equipment as a safety precaution. Ward 1 councilmembers Candace Hollingsworth and Eric Wingard were on hand to cut the ribbon around the park. Free balloons and cookies were handed out to the crowd of children who came out for the celebration, ready to put the new equipment to use.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Page 5

Celebrate

Fire Prevention Month

with the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department

a fun-filled day of community activities

Second Annual Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department

mile RUN

Race-day registration: 6:00-8:00 a.m. Race begins 8:15 a.m

October 22

Starting and ending at the firehouse, runners and walkers alike will complete the course which loops through all five wards of the City of Hyattsville. The course showcases the city’s small-town atmosphere with tree-lined streets and diverse neighborhoods, from historic homes to the newly developed Arts District. All proceeds from the race go towards the department’s fire prevention programs and volunteer fire/EMS operations. Individual registration: $25 until Oct. 21 / $30 race day Team registration: $60 until Oct. 21 / $70 race day Prizes for top 3 male and female runners overall, top 2 male and female masters, and top team. More information about the race, including registration, is available online at http://www.hvfd.com/race.

Annual Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department Open House 9:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Featuring:

Kids Fire Safety Adventure Course: While completing the course, kids will learn life-saving fire safety and prevention information with a chance to win great prizes. Everyone who attends can explore fire trucks and the station up close, learn about volunteer opportunities and watch exciting firefighting and rescue demonstrations by HVFD volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel. Free! New! Kids Fun Run: Kids line up with firefighters to race them to the finish line. The Run will begin at 11 a.m. and is available for a donation of $10. Every child that participates (up to 12 years old) will receive a fire department tee shirt, a gift certificate for a children’s meal at Olive Garden and a sticker.

Bring the whole family for an action- and education-packed day! The Hyattsville fire station is located at 6200 Belcrest Road at Queens Chapel Road, a block east of Prince George’s Plaza and a one-block walk from the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

COMMENTARY & OPINION ON HISTORY & POLITICS

Hugh’sNews

Ten years later, questions still linger by Hugh Turley

Summing up his creative exploits as a young reporter in Baltimore, where he and his colleagues wrote made-up news, H.L. Mencken once said with straight-faced understatement, “Journalism is not an exact science.” Mencken’s droll observation, made in a chapter of his autobiography called “The Synthesis of the News,” came to mind after a recent exchange of mine with one of the local practitioners of the trade. “Mission Unimaginable” was the title of the extraordinary article on the front page of the

Washington Post Style section on September 9, just in time for the 10 th anniversary of the September 11 tragedy. Unimaginable, indeed! It turns out that staff writer Steve Hendrix had no proof for one of his central “facts,” that is, that F-16 pilots had “orders to bring down United Air Lines Flight 93.” Regular readers of this column may have noticed one of the problems with this story. In September 2009, I reported the contradiction that the military both knew and did not know about Flight 93 before it crashed. My article quoted

U.S. Air Force Lt. Anthony Kuczynski saying he was ordered to shoot down Flight 93 and other Air Force brass confirmed that the Air Force had been tracking Flight 93 even before it went off course. This was a direct contradiction of the 9/11 Commission Report, which flatly stated the military had no knowledge of Flight 93 until after it had already crashed in Pennsylvania. The Post article reminded me that this important contradiction has never been resolved. The recent story by Hendrix claimed two F-16 pilots took off from Andrews Air Force

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Base in unarmed planes to ram Flight 93, Kamikaze-style. Not only does it seem more sensible to intercept an errant plane by attempting less extreme measures first, that is official protocol. Think of a highway patrolman tasked with apprehending a motorist. The steps he follows may be summarized: solicit voluntary cooperation, threaten violence, employ violence. I emailed Hendrix and asked him who gave the order to these pilots to kill themselves and the passengers. I also asked him how the military had learned that flight 93 had been hijacked. He replied, “Don’t know, honestly.” I then informed Hendrix that his story that pilots had orders to bring down Flight 93 contradicted the 9/11 Commission Report statement that the military did not know about Flight 93 until after it crashed. They can’t both be true. Hendrix then responded, “Penney [the military pilot] remembers a warning that a specific plane was suspected to be headed toward Washington, transponder off. I don’t believe they were given a call sign, but I made it United 93. …” To me, this was a stunning admission that there were, in fact, no “orders to bring down United Air Lines Flight 93,” as he had written in his article. Regarding the origin of the

suicide mission, at first Hendrix said, “their remarkable plan” to ram a passenger plane was the pilot’s idea. Then he said, “[Their superiors] knew they were sending them up unarmed…to stop any incoming plane(s) and they knew that ramming it was probably the only way.” Really? The philosopher Rene Descartes said, “It is a mark of prudence never to place our complete trust in those who have deceived us even once.” One must wonder at this point how much of the rest of Hendrix’s story is accurate. His admission that he fudged the facts in this instance also calls the credibility of his employer into question. The Washington Post, we might recall, initially publicized the “heroism” of PFC Jessica Lynch, reporting how she “fought fiercely and shot several enemy soldiers … firing her weapon until she ran out of ammunition” and “continued firing at the Iraqis even after she sustained multiple gunshot wounds” and “was also stabbed.” The decorated Lynch denied being wounded and courageously said she never fired a shot. Lynch was injured when the Humvee in which she was riding crashed into a tractortrailer. I do not know what truly happened on September 11, 2001. Are we likely to find the truth in any newspaper where news is reported in the fashion H.L. Mencken described?

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Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Page 7

Stop by for

Octoberfest Halloween Celebration!

Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2-6 p.m.

• free Halloween bag for each child in attendance! • free gift to every adult who comes in costume!

A Community-Sponsored Celebration

from Harris Orchard, 14-year Maryland State Fair fruit champion

The area’s best apple cider, apple butter, and our famous canned peaches Apple varieties this month: Empire Jonagold Mutsu Fuji Stayman

Winesap Cameo Nittany York and much, much more

Cookbook give-away!

Hyattsville Farmers Market at Queens Chapel Town Center

Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.

Fresh local produce — the best from Southern Maryland farms

Sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission

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Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

The City observes Veterans Day as a holiday. City offices are closed on Friday, November 11, 2011, and there is no trash pick-up. Because of this change, all homes served by the Department of Public Works will have a change to their collection day the week of November 7. If your usual trash day is Tuesday, November 8, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Monday, November 7. If your usual trash day is Wednesday, November 9, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Tuesday, November 8. If your usual trash day is Thursday, November 10, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Wednesday, November 9. If your usual trash day is Friday, November 11, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Thursday, November 10.

Questions? Please call the Department of Public Works at 301/985-5032.

COMMUNITY

October 15

The Park Rangers Fishing Program will teach beginners ages 6 to 10 basics like casting, handling fish, safety and rules. $5. 9 to 11 a.m. Lake Artemesia, Berwyn Road & 55th Avenue, Berwyn Heights. 301.627.7755. At the Renaissance Square Artist Community Fall Festival, you can browse paintings, photography, wearable art, handmade jewelry and more. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. 4307 Jefferson Street, 301.277.4150.

October 22

Pound the ground in the Second Annual Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department 5-Mile Race, and you’ll see all five wards of the city on a course that starts and ends at the fire station. Then, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., bring the family to the free HVFD open house. Race begins at 8:15 a.m. Registration is $30 per person ($25 in advance) or $70 for a team of up to four people ($60 in advance). Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, 6200 Belcrest Road. 301.927.5770 or www. hvfd.com/race. Mystery enthusiasts will love this Historic Whodunit about a Frenchman who visited Riversdale in 1805, insulted everyone and was then found dead. You’ll meet the victim during dessert, then, working in teams, collect the clues to solve the puzzle of who killed him. For ages 18 and up. $25; registration required. 6:30 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, Maryland. 301.864.0420.

October 29

Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday, Oct. 29 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Residents can drop off expired, unwanted, or unneeded prescription drugs on Saturday, October 29, between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the City Municipal Building, Hyattsville Police Station (2nd Floor). The Drug Enforcement Administration sponsors Take Back Day to help ensure that prescription drugs are disposed of safely. Take Back Days take place every six months. For more information, visit www.dea.gov.

The nonprofit group Trails for Youth is hosting a Kids Trail Ride in Magruder Park. Parents are welcome, too! Begins at 9 a.m in the park, 40th Avenue and Hamilton Street. Free, but preregistration required. Call 301.985.5020 or find the registration form on the city website under Recreation & Arts. At this year’s Flight Fest, the lineup includes a costume contest, pumpkin bowling, crafts and hayrides. Free with museum admission of $4 ($2 for children). Noon to 4 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029. More Halloween family fun can be had at the city’s annual Spooky Fest, which has moved from Magruder Park to University Town Center this year. It will feature a Monster Mash Dance Party with DJ Kurt, pumpkin decorating, a costume contest and a trick-or-treat trail. Free. 2 to 4 p.m. University Town Center, 6525 Belcrest Road. 301.985.5000.

October 31

Kids, ever wonder what life was like before computers? Then check out Handson History: The Writer’s Apprentice, where children ages 8 to 12 can make paper, write stories with quill and ink, create illustrations, and more. $15; regis-

Farmers’ Markets

Many area farmer’s markets are closing for the season soon, so visit while you can.

Through October 25:

The Hyattsville Farmers’ Market, Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Queens Chapel Road and Hamilton Street.

Through October 29:

The Mount Rainier Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. City Hall Civic Plaza, Rhode Island Avenue and Perry Street.

Through November 17:

The Riverdale Park Farmer’s Market, Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. 4650 Queensbury Road.

Through November 19:

College Park Farmer’s Market at Linson Pool, Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon. Wells-Linson Complex parking lot, 5211 Paint Branch Parkway. tration required by October 17. 10 a.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, Maryland. 301.864.0420.

November 4

University of Maryland Wind Orchestra will perform Apotheosis with Michael Votta conducting a program to celebrate composer Karel Husa’s 90th birthday. $27. 8 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park. 301.405.2787. The Anacostia River Trail Official Opening marks the completion of the Prince George’s County section, from Bladensburg Road to Route 50. A dedication ceremony will be followed by bike rides of both 2 and 12 miles. Free; RSVP to 301.446.3300. 10 a.m. 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg.

November 4 and 5

Ten Thousand Villages is a fair-trade retail merchandiser offering jewelry, weavings, pottery, carved wood, toys, and holiday decorations from artists around the world. You can support them by getting a head start on your holiday shopping at the 26th annual International Craft Sale. Friday, 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hyattsville Mennonite Church, 4217 East-West Highway. 301.927.7327.

November 5

Ever wondered if your attic contains Jewels or Junk? The Hyattsville Preservation Association hosts Tom Weschler, a representative of Washington, D.C.’s only auction house, for a morning of appraisals of

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Page 9

CALENDAR up to two items per household. (No firearms, stamps, books or foreign coins.) $10; $5 for HPA members. 9 a.m. to noon. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. For reservations, contact 301.699.5440 or hpahyattsville@hotmail.com.

November 6

Just in time for holiday entertaining, the Riversdale Kitchen Guild hosts a Harvest Feast cooking demonstration. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Free. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.

November 12

There will be thousands of books to choose from at the Hyattsville Elementary School PTA annual Used Book Sale Extravaganza. Other materials such as CDs, DVDs and more

will be available, too. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hyattsville Elementary School, 5311 43rd Avenue. For information or to donate books, call 301.312.9170.

Ongoing Events

enue. This is a 32-mile, moderately paced ride that emphasizes group-riding techniques. New group riders welcome. The route can be found by searching “arrow hyattsville” at www.mapmyride.com. 301.531.9250.

Through December, Pioneers on the Paint Branch: The Soldiers and Pilots of the First Army Aviation School highlights the men who created the first Army Aviation School 100 years ago. There will be an interactive display so that visitors can compare the pioneers’ rival aircraft: the Curtiss Pusher and the Wright Model B. Free with museum admission, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, the Peter Pan Club for preschoolers starts at 10:30 a.m. and includes storytime and hands-on craft activities. And on Fridays, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., Afternoon Aviators hosts hands-on aviation-themed activities for ages 5 and up. Free with museum admission of $4 ($2 for children). 10:30 a.m. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

A group bike ride starts every Sunday at 9 a.m. from Arrow Bicycles, 5108 Baltimore Av-

Free 45-minute Anacostia River Boat Tours are held Tuesdays through Fridays at noon and

weekends at 5 p.m. All ages are welcome to join a park naturalist on a pontoon boat to search for birds and other wildlife. Free; registration required for groups of 12 or more. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371. The Big Bad Woof hosts Greyhound Welfare from 6 to 8 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. This is a chance for the public to meet both greyhound owners and adoptable greyhounds. The Big Bad Woof, 5501 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 106. 301.403.8957. www.thebigbadwoof.com.

Learn Tai Chi & Qi Kung exercises every Saturday at University Park Church of the Brethren. Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes and flat comfortable shoes. No experience or registration required. Free. 8 to 9 a.m. 4413 Tuckerman Street, University Park. 301.466.5894. Community Calendar is compiled by Scarlett Salem and Susie Currie. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@ hyattsvillelife.com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Deadline for November submissions is October 20.

Join us at Joe’s Movement Emporium in the month of October for innovative and diverse performances: October 13-15 Art Creates Life in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday

community performing arts center

ALL YOGA CLASSES $5 www.joesmovement.org 301-699-1819

October 22-23 Somapa Thai Dance Company in “Pralor: A Magic Tale of Love & Fate” October 28-29 NonaLee Dance Theatre in “Mo’Hop Funk: Visions in Blue”

Don’t forget that Joe’s offers over 20 ongoing classes including Yoga, Zumba and even a Free Hip Hop class on Mondays. Visit www.joesmovement.org for more information on Classes or Performances.

Located at 3309 Bunker Hill Road, right off of 34th Street in historic Mount Rainier, MD

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Dr. Mark H. Sugar, Dr. John R. Hawkins, IV and the Belcrest Surgery Center practicing podiatry in Hyattsville since 1975

Are you experiencing heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, fungus toenails or any conditions associated with arthritis, tendonitis, nerve or circulation disorders or sport-exercise injuries? We treat any and all foot problems both conservatively and surgically. Our hours are flexible and we accept most insurance plans. Feel free to contact us for any questions or information. The Belcrest Surgery Center is fully accredited and certified and offers convenient and comfortable treatment for out-patient foot surgery.

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Hyattsville Reporter Page HR1

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

the

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

No. 226• October 12, 2011

TIRED TIRES? PLEASE CALL FOR A PICK-UP

Attend a Clean Water Forum

The City picks up worn out tires from City residents served by the Department of Public Works on an as-requested basis. Please call 301/985-5032 to make a request.

This is the tenth in a series of stories about how City residents can make small changes to have a positive impact on our environment. We’ve covered alternative transit, rain barrels, walking to school, and more. This month’s installment addresses that ever so precious resource, clean water.

MARY PRANGLEY CLEAN-UP DAY IS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

Prince George’s County has adopted a new, muchneeded Watershed Implementation Plan. Many City residents have taken part in clean-ups both in the City and in the surrounding area. If you’ve volunteered, you know first-hand how much critical work remains to be done.

If your address is served by the Department of Public Works, you’ll receive an extra trash pickup on Saturday, October 15. The clean-up day is intended for bulky items or the result of Spring/Fall cleaning, but we will pick-up any household trash that is placed curbside by 9:00 AM the morning of collection.

Two upcoming events will address clean water issues in Prince George’s County:

Prince George’s County Forum on Clean Water

PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM RETURNS TO MAGRUDER PARK

Learn about the County’s Implementation Plan and share your ideas. Tuesday, October 18, 2011 4:30 to 8:00 PM Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex 8001 Sheriff Road Landover, MD 20785

The best playdate is back at Magruder Park. The Parent and Child Program invites parents and other caregivers to bring preschoolers to the Recreation Building at Magruder Park for playtime and crafts. The program features both free play and structured activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program runs Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, through the school year, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Pay $3 per session on a drop-in basis, or register by the semester. Call 301/9855020 for details.

For more information about the October 18 forum, please contact Carol Terry at 301/883-5961. You can view the plan, as well as past meeting notes, here: http://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/Government/AgencyIndex/DER/ESG/watershed-plan.asp

Prince George’s County Clean Water Forum

Thursday, November 10, 2011 6:00 to 8:30 PM Forest Heights Mayor’s Office 5508 Arapahoe Drive Forest Heights, MD 20745 For more information about the November 10 forum, please call 301/277-7111 or visit www.maryland. sierraclub.org. Want to take part in a clean-up project? There are a number of opportunities. Contact the City’s Office of Volunteer Services at 301/985-5057 or visit http://www.hyattsville.org/volunteer. Area nonprofits coordinate clean-ups, too, including the Anacostia Watershed Society: www.anacostiaws.org.

Spooky Fest moves to University Town Center The City’s annual kids’ Halloween party is on the move! This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 29 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the University Town Center plaza, located on East-West Highway at America Boulevard. The fun starts with our Monster Mash Dance Party featuring DJ Kurt. There will be plenty of

pumpkins to decorate, too. All kids are encouraged to come in costume for the Annual Costume Contest, complete with prizes for kids from ages newborn to 12. Parents are encouraged to dress up, too! The local businesses at University Town Center will form our Trick-or-Treat Trail. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is free for

the first two hours in the University Town Center parking garage. Visit www.universitytowncenter.net for parking maps and directions. More information can be found at http://www.hyattsville.org/ spooky, or call 301/985-5020. A very special thanks to University Town Center for serving as our host!

ing http://www.hyattsville.org/ trails. For more information on Trails for Youth, please visit http://www.trailsforyouth. org/

HOLIDAY TRASH CHANGES The City observes Veterans Day as a holiday. City offices are closed on Friday, November 11, 2011, and there is no trash pickup. Because of this change, all homes served by the Department of Public Works will have a change to their collection day the week of November 7. If your usual trash day is Tuesday, November 8, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Monday, November 7. If your usual trash day is Wednesday, November 9, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Tuesday, November 8. If your usual trash day is Thursday, November 10, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Wednesday, November 9. If your usual trash day is Friday, November 11, your pick-up will take place one day earlier on Thursday, November 10. Questions? Please call the Department of Public Works at 301/985-5032.

HCPD HOSTS PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY ON OCTOBER 29

The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department will host its second annual Five-Mile Run on Saturday, October 22. The race starts at 8:15 AM in front of the fire station at 6200 Belcrest Road, at the intersection with Queens Chapel Road. Registration is open now. Find the link through www.hvfd.com/race. Drivers, please expect temporary lane closures and other disruptions throughout the morning.

Trails for Youth will host a Trail Ride on Saturday, October 29 in Magruder Park at 9:00 AM. The ride is designed for kids ages 5 to 12 who want to improve their skills and learn more about good riding habits. Parents are welcome, too. All riders should have a bike in good working condition and be prepared to ride approximately two to three miles. The ride is free of charge, but please register in advance by calling 301/985-5020 or visit-

CALENDAR OCTOBER 2011 Oct. 15, 9:00 AM

Mary Prangley Clean-up Day, City-wide Beginning at 9:00 AM

Oct. 17, 8:00 PM Oct. 18, 7:00 PM

HVFD’S 5-MILE RUN TAKES PLACE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 22

TRAILS FOR YOUTH TO HOST TRAIL RIDE IN MAGRUDER PARK

Page HR2

City Council Meeting

IN OTHER NEWS...

GOING GREEN IN 2011:

Hosted by the Sierra Club Clean water experts will discuss the causes of flooding and polluted rivers, as well as solutions; the benefits of addressing water pollution; and laws and regulations that can help reduce flooding.

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Planning Committee Meeting

Oct. 19, 7:30 PM

Hyattsville Environmental Committee Meeting

Oct. 22, 8:15 AM

Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department 5-Mile Race, City-wide Race kicks off at 8:15 AM at the HVFD Station 6200 Belcrest Road

Oct. 24, 7:30 PM

Public Hearing: Establish Residential Parking Zone (5600 Block of 36th Place)

Oct. 24, 8:00 PM City Council Meeting

Oct. 29, 9:00 AM

Kids Trail Ride with Trails for Youth Magruder Park

Oct. 29, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

National Take Back Initiative for Prescription Drugs City Municipal Building, Hyattsville Police Station (2nd Floor)

Oct. 29, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Spooky Fest at University Town Center (East-West Highway at America Boulevard)

Oct. 31, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Trick or Treat Night City-wide

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. place every six months. For more information, visit www.dea.gov.

SURVEY RESULTS ARE IN The City’s first Resident Satisfaction Survey is complete. Thank you to everyone who participated. The results can be viewed at http:// www.hyattsville.org/survey.

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.

RECREATION NEWS IN YOUR INBOX The City’s Department of Recreation and the Arts offers a yearlong calendar of programs for the whole family. To stay up-to-date, residents can now subscribe to the Department’s monthly eNews. Packed with details on upcoming events, it is a must-read if you’re looking for affordable family fun in Hyattsville. Visit http://www. hyattsville.org/eNews to subscribe.

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Your

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Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance

est. 1962

Dance classes for all ages

www.eleanorperniadance.com

301-937-4230

10434 Baltimore Ave • Beltsville, MD 20705

courtesy of ets Site plan of ETS property, scheduled to open next year in West Hyattsville.

ETS

continued from page 1

ployees work remotely, though 50 percent are in the D.C. metro area, and 80 percent of that group lives in Prince George’s County. The number of staff working in the Hyattsville office will be about eight, providing office support, human resources, payroll and financial management, and project management functions. Councilmember Paula Perry (Ward 4) lives near the site, though it is located in Ward 5.

She, too, is happy about ETS moving in. “I’m hoping it’s going to jumpstart other viable businesses on Ager Road. It’s an old area that needs to be revitalized. I think that would help tremendously,” she said. “People here are thrilled to see something nice going up.” She also pointed out that ETS talked to people in the area around the site about their plans and said she thinks the company really has shown respect for the neighborhood. Chandler agreed. “They went

door to door and solicited feedback from neighboring properties, saying, here’s who we are and here’s what we’re looking to do,” he said “They really did their homework in trying to figure out what they can do and how to make it work [for both parties].” Stuart Eisenberg, director of the Hyattsville Development Corporation, said that it’s “refreshing” to have a property owner who works with the community upfront rather than after it has an idea, as so often happens. In contrast, Eisenberg said Caf-

ritz Corporation, which is trying to develop property in Riverdale Park, has an approach that is “backwards” because it didn’t come first to the adjoining towns. Kim said Hyattsville has been welcoming, with enthusiastic neighbors often stopping by to talk to ETS staff when they are on site. And ETS, in turn, likes to promote being part of the community with an annual outreach day “where we pay employees to get involved in the community,” she said.

Dance School Expands to Serve Community Better Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance expands into new, renovated facility and adds additional instructors. Busy families in Prince Georges and Montgomery Counties benefit from extended hours and additional, convenient class times. Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance has expanded into a new, renovated facility to offer more diverse programs and convenient class times to residents of Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties. According to School Director Olga Gracheva, the school has grown faster than anticipated. The fast growth is due to a dedication to providing convenient, top quality instruction to its students. The school has many evening and weekend class times to accommodate more students in “first choice” times. Between the pressure of homework, sports and family time, a lot of parents can be overwhelmed trying to fit in all the activities. The Eleanor Pernia Studio of dance has added new teachers to its staff for the fall. All of the dance teachers hold university degrees in dance and education. The dance school handles everything from 3-year-old beginners to extremely advanced professional-level students. Because of the high number of teachers on staff, the students can be matched up with teachers that best meet their needs and who relate well to them. The school dance program offers everything from hip-hop and jazz classes to tap dance. The school also offers a classical ballet program. Additionally, the school offers a large program for adults from ballroom, salsa and belly dance to currently added ZUMBA® classes. This past spring the school’s competitive dance team did very well in competition. This year with the additional class times, new bigger dance studio and new dance teachers, the school is offering more of its most popular classes such as 3-5 yearsold dance programs and evening adult classes. One of the most important features of a dance studio is the type of flooring used, The Eleanor Pernia Studio of dance uses floating Marley Floor that absorbs the im-

pact of dancing and help keep the teachers and students energized. It is also a great form of injury avoidance. Students are encouraged to have fun while expanding their skills. Dance also provides a fun way to encourage physical activity. Due to the expansion of teaching times, additional studios and staff, the Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance will be accepting new registration now and throughout the fall. For more information contact the school at 301 937 4230 or visit www.eleanorperniadance.com for helpful information on getting started in dance classes.

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Page 11

NatureNearby

Our batty friends by Fred Seitz

As dusk sets in, an aerial ballet begins in the sky over Magruder Park and the Northwest Branch. Birds are retreating to their evening roosts and a nocturnal cast of flyers take to the air. A few swallows skim along the grass in the park. Evening walkers along the bike path become acutely aware of the annoying bites on their arms from dozens of mosquitoes that seek them out. But if conditions are right, the walkers may also notice larger flyers circling lampposts or making erratic patterns among the trees and near the water. These are some of the benevolent bats that inhabit the trees and some attics or other buildings in the area. Bats are the world’s only flying mammals. (Flying squirrels are gliders, and do not actually fly.) Much misunderstood and maligned, bats are not only remarkable because of their flying and hunting abilities, but also because they are a very important method of natural pest control for both mosquitoes and serious agricultural pests like moths. (Paul Cryan, a USGS Biological Survey scientist recently estimated that bats save U.S. agriculture $53 billion through their pest control.) Bats are not rodents, as often thought; in fact, their bone structure is more similar to humans. There are 10 species of bats that live in Maryland; of these, at least three types live in the Hyattsville area. Early risers – in the evening, that is – include the beautiful red bat, which often circles lampposts in the early evening, and the little brown bat, who will flitter through trees and along hedges. The third is the big brown bat, which is a separate species from the little brown, despite the similarity in the common name. Other Maryland species may also live in the area, but they are somewhat less common (or at least less noticeable, as their night shift begins later than these three). The red bat lives in trees and overwinters in the area, due to a natural antifreeze in its blood. If you enjoy corn on the cob, this is your bat, as it preys on corn borer moths and their caterpillars, who often ruin the appearance and edibility of corn. The little brown bat also eats moths, but is a big fan of mosquitoes as well. Little browns

Pressed for time?

will often get into attics or chimneys and are the bat most likely to occupy bat houses. They usually migrate in early fall and will hibernate in cooler areas (caves, rock overhangs or abandoned houses in cooler areas). If little browns do occupy your attic or garage in summer, simply wait for them to emerge in the evening and then place screen over their exit hole. This is a much better (and cheaper) way of addressing a “bat problem” than hiring an exterminator. If one gets in the house, place a plastic bowl over it and slide cardboard underneath the bowl and release the bat outside: a simple way of evicting your batty guest. Much of bats’ maligned reputation comes from film and media portrayals of bats as rabid vampires. All bats in Maryland eat insects, and they do a service to folks by eating the mosquito vampires that are far more common and carry a myriad of diseases dangerous to humans. Bats, like all mammals, may carry rabies, but humans are far more likely to be bitten by raccoons or feral cats, which are significant rabies vectors. Indeed, in the past 50 years only 40 people in the U.S. have died from bat strains of rabies; the last human death from a bat strain of rabies in Maryland was in 1976. Like most animals with rabies, bats will not behave normally if they are infected. Not handling a bat on the ground is your best protection, but being wary of raccoons or feral cats is also prudent. Unfortunately, our benevolent batty friends are suffering loss of habitat and from a fungus-borne disease (white nose syndrome) that has seriously diminished their numbers. Indeed, nightly walks in Hyattsville seem to reveal fewer bats in the sky than in previous years; though the local explanation for this is uncertain, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has suggested that white nose syndrome may be the cause. More about these fascinating animals and their remarkable echolocation and lifestyles can be learned on the DNR website, dnr.state.md.us, or at batcon. org, the website of Bat Conservation International (BCI). And since this just happens to be BCI’s International Year of the Bat, what better time to get to know these unique Hyattsville residents?

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Page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

susie currie Garth Rockcastle bought the city’s original municipal building and fire station (top). He hopes to finish converting the tan building into part of Firehouse Lofts condominiums this month. Units there will incorporate exposed brick into the design. A three-story addition behind it holds the rest of the condos, some with walls of windows.

ROCKCASTLE

continued from page 1

moved into the second upstairs unit last year from Bethesda. Rockcastle is passionate about the idea of mixing commercial and residential properties, calling the “modern segregation” of the two “unnatural.” Acknowledging that the mix has not always been a harmonious one in Hyattsville, among other places, he insists that this is the ideal situation for an urban lifestyle. And, he added, Gateway Arts District zoning excludes any commercial use that adds high levels of noise and pollution to

the neighborhood. “Look at the success of 14th Street [in Washington, D.C.],” he said. “Or look at any major European city. They all do it this way.” Taking that idea further, he designed his office to coexist with an art gallery. Desks are in the middle of the room instead of against the wall, leaving a path for visitors to view the exhibit. On October 15, a reception from 6 to 8 p.m. will mark the opening of A\Work Gallery’s second show, “Intellectual Property,” by Silver Spring artist Courtney Miller Bellairs. That’s also when the public can get a sneak peek at what Rock-

Renaissance Square Artist Community Fall Festival 2011 4307 Jefferson Street, Hyattsville Multicultural Shows, Paintings, Photography, Wearable Art, Crafts, Drawings, Handmade Jewelry, Poetry, Music, Dance, Kids Face Painting

October 15, 2011 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 pm

Admission free!!!

castle has done next door, in the tan brick building across from the Prince George’s County Justice Center. The first-floor commercial space is still very much a work in progress – his goal is to have it finished by late November – but upstairs, the seven condominiums of Firehouse Lofts are close to completion. That night, some of them will be open for what Rockcastle calls a “construction preview.” Four are in the old firehouse, including a two-story, three-bedroom unit with 19-foot ceilings and exposed brick. “I try to leave traces of the history in each project [in historic buildings],” said Rockcastle. A three-story addition along Church Alley holds three smaller units, some with two walls of windows. All have access from both Farragut Street and Church Alley, where a new sidewalk has been installed. Six parking spots in a heated garage will be available to rent from the condo association. As for parking for guests and clients, Rockcastle said he has asked that that the city allow street parking designated for “local commercial and residential use only,” to encourage Justice Center visitors to use its parking garage. Currently, “No Parking” signs line that block of Farragut.

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Page 13

Being “Mom” to dozens pectations that I might one day adopt her. I wondered what the implications were, what she would When Duyen, an 11-year-old orphan in Vietnam, expect of me. But I’ve since changed my mind about asked me if she could call me Mom, I was a little being not only her “Mom,” but Mom to about two freaked out. My friend Bonnie (from Tampa, Fla.) dozen children in Vietnam. and I were visiting Ham Tan Orphanage in Viet- Here’s what did it. One of the older boys, Son Lon, nam in 2008 with our other friend, Rebecca (from told me in his limited English that he had an AmeriHyattsville), who was there to adopt Thai, now five. can father. I was a little perplexed and wondered if he Rebecca had also adopted Thai’s sister Lina, now literally meant a biological father, thinking maybe his ten, as a baby in Cambodia. dad was a Vietnam vet. Then Son Lon But I fell in love with Duyen. Adopasked me if I wanted to see a photo. He “It is so important tions between the U.S. and Vietnam proceeded to show me not only a phowere about to close, and at her age I for children to have to, but retrieved a very worn manila knew the chances of Duyen’s ever someone to call envelope filled with letters from his being adopted were slim to none. Mother or Father. ... “father,” Richard. Richard and his wife Bonnie had a similar heart connecadopted a child from the orphanage tion with two girls, Hang and Hong, Even if that person several years back, and I guess Richard 16 and 14. We promised them we’d lives on the other made a connection with Son, much come back to see them one day. like I did with Duyen. side of the earth.” Little did I know that would lead At Son’s encouragement, I read one to us co-founding our own nonof the letters. Richard was encourag— Cynthia Way profit, Big Big World Project, Inc., ing him, assuring Son of his love for Big Big World Project, Inc. him, asking Son about school, etc. Son and that we would return the very next year, fall in love with all the was so proud and so happy to have kids at the orphanage, and in effect, someone he called Father. I got the “adopt” the whole orphanage! impression that Richard was a huge motivating force Big Big World sponsors the orphanage with the for him and a source of love and endearment. goal of helping the children lead successful, happy I thought, “Wow, it is so important for children to lives by providing for their social, emotional, edu- have someone to call Mother or Father. Someone cational, medical and basic needs. Just last month, they know loves them. Even if that person lives on the we partnered with an international medical relief other side of the earth, and in the case of Son, only met group that will provide medical, dental and eye care in person once.” I am getting goose bumps as I write to them and other needy children in nearby commu- this. One of the boys calls me M.O.M., which he says nities. On October 29, we’re hosting a “Party With stands for “My Other Mother.” I love it! a Purpose” fundraiser for their benefit, in Arlington. So now I embrace being Mom – or in VietnamSo back to Duyen. I didn’t want to set up false ex- ese, “Me,” pronounced Meh. I tell the children by Cynthia Way

courtesy of cynthia way Hong, Hang, Cynthia and Duyen at Ham Tan Orphanage in Vietnam.

how much I love them, how I love them like they are my family/ my daughter/my son. And it means the world to them. It’s a little scary, too. It comes with responsibility: responsibility to keep the connection, to keep the promises, to keep the words of love coming, to stay in touch. It’s a responsibility I am deeply honored to have and that I carry forward with the work I do now as president of Big Big World Project, Inc. Cynthia Way is a 10-plus year resident of Hyattsville. She celebrated her 50th birthday this July with the children of Ham Tan Orphanage while on her fourth trip to Vietnam. For information about the nonprofit or the “Party With a Purpose” on Saturday, October 29, contact her at Cynthia@bigbigworld.org, or visit www.bigbigworld.org.

SpookyaFest spooktacular Halloween event

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Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

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ROSE

continued from page 1

Las Vegas City Council voted to extend his contract for four years. But by mid-November of that year, he was taking a 30day leave of absence for reasons that were never made public. During the leave, that council voted 4-1 to accept his resignation and approved a $337,000 severance package in exchange for his releasing any employment claims against the city. It also provided Rose and his family continuing health, dental and vision insurance for one year. At press time, it wasn’t clear who would be in charge until a new city administrator is found for Hyattsville. The recent practice has been to appoint a staff member to temporarily fill the slot, as when communications manager Abby Sandel was named acting recreation director this summer. “We’re committed to get the work of the city done,” she said. “A lot of us [city staff ] live here.” In the letter, dated October 1, Rose expressed a desire to return to Texas to be with his wife and family. During the council meeting, he gave no hint that he intended to resign, presenting a quarterly report that included, among other things, progress in filling the newly created position of senior-services coordinator. But several councilmembers

voiced much more concern about another vacant position: the human resources manager. With at least three other highlevel positions vacant, this had been identified as a priority at various meetings since at least January. After a 60-day hiring freeze, the position was advertised on the city website beginning in March. During the May 9 council meeting, Rose predicted it would be filled by mid-September.

“I’m ... meeting with council members individually ... about Mr. Tierney’s presentation [and the HR] job description.” — Gregory Rose former city administrator Over the summer, two more employees left: Steve Yeskulsky, director of recreation and the arts, and Assistant City Administrator Vincent Jones. Jones dealt with personnel matters as part of his job. He had, said Sandel, “the greatest depth of [HR] knowledge of anyone on the staff.” By August, with the hiring process apparently stalled, the mayor asked former Ward 2 councilmember William Tierney to head a search committee.

OLD DOMINION B

As a longtime deputy director of personnel for the U.S. House of Representatives, Tierney had experience that Tartaro thought would help move the process forward. On August 22, the council approved Tierney’s appointment in a motion that included a three-month timeline for hiring a human-resources manager. Following that schedule, he brought some ideas to the next meeting, on September 6. “I’m making the following recommendations to council and these will be council decision points,” he said. Among his suggestions: have the city’s longtime human-resources consultant, Karen Lehr, revise the job description; make this a contractual position hired by and accountable to council rather than the city administrator; and appoint at least two councilmembers and two employees to the search. As of the October 3 meeting, the committee consisted of Tierney and three staff members: Rose, Sandel and Treasurer Elaine Stookey. The job description had not been revised. Instead, Rose told the council, “I’m working on meeting with council members individually regarding their thoughts about Mr. Tierney’s presentation as well as the existing job description.” “So basically, we haven’t even … started the hiring process,” said Councilmember Paula Perry (Ward 4). Councilmember Ruth Ann

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Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

Frazier (Ward 5) said, “I don’t understand why it’s now on hold while we express our opinions to you before anything’s getting done. It’s just frustrating to me that we’re not

“It’s just frustrating to me that we’re not further than we are – which is nowhere.” — Ruth Ann Frazier Councilmember, Ward 5 further than we are – which is nowhere. ” Rose defended the individual meetings. “It’s important for everyone to have input into the shaping of the position description,” he said. But Tierney, speaking during public comments, said that revising the position description should be left to the HR consultant, to ensure that the required professional standards

Page 15

are met. And, said Tierney, “if what you’re discussing [individually] are specific tasks associated with annual goals and objectives … that’s a separate discussion, and, frankly, that is something that should be discussed as a body in this chamber” for transparency and efficiency. Otherwise, he said, “you’re not all hearing the same things at the same time and … you’re losing the ability to have an exchange with each other. … I really ask you to consider whether that’s an appropriate way of doing city business.” He went on to express concern about Rose’s practice of meeting individually with council members “on a variety of issues, not just this one.” Tierney, who was a councilmember when Rose was hired, said one reason Rose got the job was that “he represented himself as someone who could do these kinds of things expeditiously and would be a leader and transformer in this gov-

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Anniversary Page 16

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

at the Arcade City celebrates 125 years

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker and Del. Anne Healey. City staff transformed the Arcade Build- Healey, a longtime resident, served on the ing from a construction zone into what one Hyattsville City Council before being electguest called “a fairyland” for Hyattsville’s ed to the Maryland House of Delegates in 125th Anniversary Party on September 23. 1991. Most of the current councilmembers About 120 guests made their way around were also in attendance. In addition, a repreextension cords and orange cones into sentative from Congressman Steny Hoyer’s 4318 Gallatin Street, a twooffice presented Mayor Marc story structure nearly as old “We have to get Tartaro with a framed page as the city. Traces of its his- the Arcade Building from the Congressional Retory were apparent in the ex- finished. It will be cord marking the anniversary. posed brick walls; one is all Later, CDC Executive Dithat remains of the original a huge asset to rector Stuart Eisenberg gave structure, Pinckney Memo- have the finished a brief history of the buildrial Episcopal Church. Over community space ing. For Tartaro, it has a pivthe years, it has housed a siotal role in the city’s revitallent-movie theater, bowling for performances ization. lanes and restaurants, among and meetings, as “We have to get the Arcade other things. Building finished,” said Tarwell as the ability Now, the Hyattsville Comtaro. “It will be a huge asset to televise them.” munity Development Corto have the finished commuporation is managing the nity space for performances — Mayor Marc Tartaro building’s renovation into and meetings, as well as the an anchor of the Gateway ability to televise them.” Arts District. For one night, Farrell McGlynn Architects though, it served as a gateway between past is scheduled to present three design alterand future. natives to the Hyattsville City Council later The first floor had been adorned with this month. All are expected to incorpotulle, balloons and a display from city ar- rate such uses as a performing-arts space, chives. In the cavernous main room, groups a cable TV recording studio, community gathered at round tables, mingled at the meeting rooms, staff training facilities, Anlong buffet table, and listened to remarks acostia Trails Heritage Area offices and the from several elected officials, including Heritage Tourism Visitors Center. by Susie Currie

bill jenne County Executive Rushern Baker and Hyattsville Mayor Marc Tartaro at the city’s anniversary party.

Want to search a back issue? E-mail an article to a friend? Find an advertiser? See current and archived editions of the Hyattsville Life & Times at www.issuu.com/ hyattsvillelifeandtimes IS THAT TRASH

OR TREASURE? get their heirlooms Local residents version evaluated at Hyattsville’s Roadshow. of the Antiques PAGE 2

Subscribe for free and get notified of each monthly issue before the Hyattsville print version arrives in your mailbox! AT THE DRIVE-IN

the days the Past talks about were Postcards from movies and restaurants when drive-in PAGE 5 popular in Hyattsville.

PAVED A STREET WITH GREEN is the

Hyattsville

in Edmonston Decatur Street the East Coast, and on greenest street U.S. PAGE 3 maybe even the

Life&Times

All work and all play

Atteberry by Krista the job, one week on With less than the city’s new RecSteve Yeskulsky, Arts Director, hit the reation and helping out running by Fire 7 the ground sville VolunteerOcto- Vol. on at the Hyatt 5-mile run Department’s impressed with the was and the ber 23. He 60 volunteers annual more than first spirit at the runners community dozens of event, in which competed. ages 10 to 75 to Hyattsville, Before coming as a program coYeskulsky servedyears with Florida’s six Parks ordinator for Government Sarasota CountyDepartment, where and Recreation things . . . includhe “did a thousand larger special overseeing ing mostly events.” Diego, he from San Originally Diego State from San graduated Bachelor of with two and culUniversity in art history time Arts degrees During his in tural anthropology. he was instrumental “Salon in San Diego, an art exhibition, funds organizing to help raise also de San Diego,” charity. Yeskulsky for an AIDS for the Parks & Rec ed enjoys writing and is a certifi Business magazine Professional Recreation Park and Inspector. ing accliand Playground agenda is gett more First on his area and meeting once mated to the Also, community. city’s folks in the approves the the city council which is expectPlan, Parks Master DIRECTOR continued

on page 12

Community

Hyattsville’s

No. 11

Newspaper

future, the In the not-too-distant at Prince the Mall area around Northwestern High Georges and look very different, School could major development because some the works there. in projects are projects are within Some of these and some fall just the city’s bordershave an impact on will outside. All sville. life in Hyatt

Property 1. The Landyby Marvin Blum-

SPOOKYST

party annual Halloween ages. The cityʼs 200 people of all drew about ON PAGE 10 MORE PHOTOS

Life & Times Hyattsville PO Box 132 MD 20781 Hyattsville,

an arts community, identified as lives both is frequently of wildlife that actively Hyattsville have also a community Some residents but there is and backyards. participating in the National in our parks this by Habitat program. worked to encourage Certified Wildlife and help wildlife Wildlife Federation’sprogram in 1973 to world,” acthe with the natural NWF started a way to connect a NWF wildlife biologist. “give people have been David Mizejewski, across the country cording to 135,000 homes Hyattsville has 23 of them. Since then, wildlife habitats. certified as on page 12 HABITAT continued

The November

10, 2010

Issue of

Landy is owned the Washdeveloper in berg, a major He owns a 33.94ington region. land located south of and acre parcel High School of Northwestern Most of this land mall. north of the lies outside the city and is wooded portion at for a small limits, except corner. the northeast Council – which in The District for development is the arbiter County − recently Prince George’s proposal for a Landy approved on part of construction residential building of apartment that land: an that would be on the about 400 units Belcrest Road. the street line of would include The building that is within the land on portion of led to discussion city. This has of the city annexthe city council portion so be ing the unincorporated building would member that the entire said council in Hyattsville, ward bor(Ward 3). His Hunt develTim of the proposed portion ders the area includes the opment and and within the city. One of the project This is Phase

are

by Fred Seitz

Included:

2010

Minaert by Paula

things Where the wild

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601

November

Mall at Prince Georges area planning for new, major development

FRED SEITZ

Nicola Hainʼs

small pond

is part of a

The Hyattsville

DEVELOPMENT

certified habitat.

Reporter

— See Center

continued on

page 13

Section

A STREET PAVED WITH GREEN

Decatur Street greenest street in Edmonston is the maybe even on the East Coast, and the U.S. PAGE 3

AT THE DRIVE-IN

by Krista Atteberry

With less than Steve Yeskulsky,one week on the city’s the job, reation new and the ground the Arts Director,Recrunning at the by helping hit Hyatt Department’s sville Volunteer out Fire 5-mile run ber 23. on OctoHe Vol. more than was impressed with the community 60 volunteers and the event, in spirit at the first annual which dozens ages 10 to 75 competed. of runners Before coming Yeskulsky to Hyatt served as sville, ordinator for six yearsa program coSarasota with Florida’s County and Recreation Government Department, Parks he “did a thousand where ing mostly things . . . includoverseeing events.” larger special Originally graduated from San Diego, he University from San Diego Arts degreeswith two BachelorState in of art tural anthropology. history and in San Diego, During his cultime organizing he was instrumental an art exhibition, in de San Diego,” “Salon to help for an AIDS raise funds enjoys writingcharity. Yeskulsky for the Parks also Business magazine & Rec and is a Park and certified Recreation and Playground Professional Inspector. First on his agenda mated to is getting the area and meeting acclifolks in the community. more the city Also, once council approves Parks Master Plan, which the city’s is expectcontinued

on page

y Newspape

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

2010

Mall at Prince Georges planning area new, majorfor development

continued

Issue

November

by Paula Minaert

In the not-too-distant area around future, the the Mall Georges at Prince and Northwestern School could look High because some major very different, projects development are in the Some of these projectsworks there. the city’s are borders and some within outside. All fall life in Hyatt will have an impact just sville. on

on page

of The

Nicola

1. The Landy

Property Landy is owned by berg, a major Marvin Blumington region.developer in the WashHe owns acre parcel a 33.94of land of Northwestern located High Schoolsouth north of the is wooded mall. Most of this and and lies land limits, except outside the the northeast for a small portioncity at The Districtcorner. is the arbiter Council – which Prince George’sfor development in County approved − recently residential a Landy proposal for that land: construction on part of an apartment about 400 building units that of street line would be of Belcrest on the The building Road. would include portion of city. This land that is within the has led to discussion the the city council on of the city ing the unincorporated annexthat the entire building portion so in Hyatt would be sville, said Tim Hunt council member (Ward 3). ders the His ward area of the opment proposed borand includes develwithin the the portion city. This is Phase One of the project and

FEST

Where the wild

HABITAT

Local residents get their heirlooms evaluated at Hyattsville’s of the Antiques version Roadshow. PAGE 2

le’s Communit

by Fred Seitz Hyattsville but there is frequently identifi is in our parks also a community ed as an arts community, of wildlife worked to and backyards. Some residentsthat lives both encourage Wildlife Federation’s this by participating have actively NWF started Certified Wildlife in the National Habitat program. “give people the program in 1973 a way to to help wildlife cording connect to David and Mizejewski, with the natural Since then, world,” aca certified 135,000 homes acrossNWF wildlife as wildlife the country biologist. habitats. have been Hyattsville has 23 of them.

r 10, 2010

OR TREASUR

Hyattsvil

The cityʼs annual drew about Halloween 200 people party MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE of all ages. 10

Included : The Novembe

TRASH

Life&Times

7 No. 11

SPOO KY

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601

DIRECTOR

IS THAT

Postcards from when drive-in the Past talks about the popular in movies and restaurants days Hyattsville. were PAGE 5

All work and all play

things are

Hainʼs small

Hyattsvi

pond is

part of

a certified

lle Reporte

FRED SEITZ habitat.

r — See

DEVELOPMENT

Center

continued

on page

Section

Page 18

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2011

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