October 2012 Hyattsville Life & Times

ELECTION2012 PAGES 6-7 Ross to leave the House of Delegates

by Susie Currie

A surprise announcement by one of Hyattsville’s representatives in Annapolis has stunned colleagues and constituents alike, and opened the door for a political appointment by Governor Martin O’Malley.

In a letter to his district on September 27, Maryland State Delegate Justin Ross (D-22) said that he would step down on November 9 “to spend more time with my lovely wife [and] my four beautiful children, and to concentrate on giving back to Prince George’s County as a private citizen and as a member of the business community.”

Ross was first elected in 2002, a 26-year-old newlywed “full of enthusiasm, energy and a burning desire to serve,” said Del. Anne Healey (D-22), a longtime Hyattsville resident who has represented the district since 1990.

Party leadership soon took notice. In 2007, House Speaker Michael Busch (D-Anne Arundel) tapped Ross to be chief deputy majority whip. Since then, said Busch, “he has been critical to the passage of every piece of important legislation in the House of Delegates.”

Two such pieces will be before voters the week he retires: Question 6, which would make same-sex marriage legal in Maryland, and Question 7,

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

ROSS continued on page 10

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 9 No. 10

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

October 2012

BILL JENNE A 9-year-old keeps her eye on the ball during a recent lacrosse clinic in Hyattsville, part of a fall series scheduled throughout the county to promote the Maryland state sport.

Club hopes lacrosse will stick with county youth

By Scarlett Salem

Lacrosse may be the state sport of Maryland, but in Prince George’s County, high schools are better known for producing athletes who excel at basketball, football, and track and field.

The Prince George’s Pride La-

crosse Club is working to change that, teaming up this fall with the county’s Parks and Recreation Department to offer a series of free lacrosse clinics to area youth.

The clinics provide an avenue for kids to try a sport that otherwise might not be easily accessible. Former college players

and area coaches teach lacrosse basics, such as stick handling and passing, on public fields.

“They supply the expertise and we supply the space,” said Byron Thompson, the department’s sports coordinator. “The most important thing for us is to provide our kids with exposure to la-

crosse. It’s all around outside the county but doesn’t have a strong hold [here].”

The series, which runs through November 3, came to Hyattsville on a warm, sunny September afternoon. The promise of free inLACROSSE continued on page 13

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Parking lot pandemonium near Magruder Park

by Paula Minaert

Swinging metal gates now barricade the drivers’ entrances to the former WSSC parking lot on 40th Avenue, which abuts Magruder Park. Signs on the gates warn: “This lot is closed to vehicular traffic except with specific written owner authorization.”

These were put up in late September by property owner Douglas Development at the request of the city of Hyattsville, and the company has hired a towing company to tow any car that drives over the grass to park illegally.

Different takes on the fence A great deal of controversy preceded that ac-

tion, including angry postings to the HOPE listserv and acrimonious exchanges in city council chambers.

It goes back to January 3, when, according to city Community Services Director Abby Sandel, a woman practicing driving went through FENCE continued on page 12

Included: The October 9, 2012 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

FromTheEditor

Ballot questions should be longer than a tweet

by Susie Currie

Are you registered to vote? And if not, does it matter?

We know, we know: Maryland is a one-party state. In these parts, if you’re a Democratic incumbent in November, odds are that you will continue to be one come January. And sure, watching the presidential debates can be illuminating. But when was the last time Maryland’s electoral-college votes went to a Republican? (Wait, don’t tell me: 1980?)

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, Bill Jenne, Valerie Russell, Kimberly Schmidt, Fred Seitz, Hugh Turley Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Paula Minaert - Secretary Peggy Dee, Bart Lawrence, Karen J. Riley, Valerie Russell 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.

Granted. But you should still do it. Because when Hyattsville voters go to the polls next month, they will be deciding questions that will reverberate through the state and the county for decades to come. In the spirit of public service, we present the texts of all 14 of them on pages 6 and 7, so you won’t be seeing them for the first time on November 6.

On the ballot, questions of statewide significance are numbered 1 to 7, while those specific to Prince George’s County are lettered A to G. Of the seven state questions, the first three are amendments to the state constitution. Questions 4 to 6 are referendums — “public policy laws passed by the General Assembly but successfully petitioned to referendum to allow the voters to make the final decision,” wrote Del. Anne Healey (D-22) in a letter to the constituents she has represented since 1990. (For the record, she supports all seven measures.)

And then there’s (the $25 Million) Question 7.

In an August special session, the General Assembly narrowly passed this bill, which would bring a casino to Prince George’s County and expand gaming in the state’s existing casinos. Millions of dollars have been spent on both sides to persuade you, so we leave it to you to do your research. (If you find out why that is the only question actually written as one, let us know.)

Question 3 seems to be a direct response to the recent turmoil brought to us by certain publicservants-turned-convicted-felons whose names will be forever linked to the county. The amendment would speed up the process for removing from office lawmakers who turn out to be law-

breakers. Under current law, elected officials who plead guilty or are found guilty can (and almost always do) continue to draw a salary until their sentencing date, which may not be for months.

This amendment would suspend the official at conviction rather than sentencing.

Freshman delegate Tiffany Alston (D-24), who represents a district bordering ours, will surely be interested in the answer to that Question. Alston was convicted in June of embezzlement and had her law license revoked by the state in September, but her sentencing will wait until after a second trial this month, on similar charges.

The Maryland State Board of Elections website, www.elections.state.md.us, is a terrific resource for those who aspire to be informed voters. [Digression: Of course, it doesn’t address the Orwellian language of Question 6, The Civil Marriage Protection Act. Is that like the D.C. Statehood Protection Act? It seems apparent that something has to exist to be protected; Question 6 would be more accurately called the Civil Marriage Expansion Act.] The site contains the legislative background and non-technical summaries for each state question.

But no similar information is available for Questions A through G, which will appear only on ballots in Prince George’s County. Compared to the state questions, the county ones leave something to be desired. Like specifics.

All are designated as “Charter Required Referendums,” although what puts them in that category remains a mystery, as does the online whereabouts of the county charter itself.

Great piece on the substitute mail mess [“Mail stashed, trashed by local letter carrier,” September 2012]. We had a similar situation with a substitute last summer.

No mail was delivered to our house for several days, when she wouldn’t cross our porch steps with old Buddy, our black cat, asleep in the sun there — despite [my husband]’s note! And, she abandoned the rest of the route both days, so neighbors down the block also got no mail.

Marianne LaRoche 40th Avenue

Note to County Question Writers: If you can tweet it, it’s too short. Take Question B (please): “To amend the procedure for approval of multiyear contracts by resolution of the County Council upon notice and public hearing.” What procedure? How would it be changed? Your guess is as good as ours.

Other questions, concerning hundreds of millions in bond issues, are vague. Question E provides for “$156,354,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Safety Facilities (including Fire Department Facilities), as defined therein.” Reportedly, this will fund a new fire department for Hyattsville, but you’d never know it.

I vote for making those non-technical summaries of ballot initiatives mandatory for Maryland counties, as they are for the state. In the meantime, for this election, the deadline to register is October 16. See you at the polls!

MyTwoCents A wish list for the new DPW director

by Sam Williams

At the September 17 city council meeting, attendees were given an update on the status of the search for a new head for the Department of Public Works, to replace our former director, Mr. Patrick Ryan.

DPW’s baseline responsibility is to clear the waste and refuse from our residential streets and public spaces.

But as a citizen of Hyattsville, I implore the hiring committee to move beyond searching for a candidate merely capable of relocating garbage from point A to B, within budget. It should instead consider only those with a progressive view

and affirmative track record on motivating our residents and employees to reduce their generated trash towards “zero-waste,” a commonsense approach to municipal waste management that diverts at least 90 percent of reusable items from being buried in a landfill or burned in an incinerator.

My neighborhood has many large apartment buildings and tenants there (like my family and me) are often pushed to dispose of electronics, clothing and furniture in dumpsters because there are no viable alternatives available, especially for those of us who commute primarily by bicycle or Metro. We need an in-

novative Director of Public Works capable of providing us all with comprehensive recycling, e-waste disposal and regular pick-up service for useful goods.

According to the Environmental Sustainability Policy for the City of Hyattsville, our leadership clearly recognizes the need to “use environmentally preferable products, such as those that are repaired, restored, recycled, reusable, recyclable, non-toxic, of low-embodied energy content, and/or renewable.” A broad swath of our residents would actively support the efforts of our human resources department to hire a director who internalizes this

message and is able to develop a city culture conscious of its overall waste reduction efforts (especially if residents and businesses are incentivized to discard less and reuse more).

Our new hire should be willing to work at educating and guiding citizens on sustainability best practices and lowering our carbon footprint.

If, instead, the job goes to someone who is clueless or willfully oblivious on how to implement the city’s own sustainability goals, we will fall further behind in creating a “green” vision for Hyattsville.

Sam Williams is a resident of Ward 1.

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

Page 3

International Travel Vaccines 6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 (301) 403-8808

Yellow fever, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Polio, etc.

AdirondAck Tree experTs Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996 cynthia mitchel Hyattsville Arts Festival vendors included Marissa Molinaro, who fashions hanging planters from old bottles.

Art in all its forms

by Lauren Flynn Kelly

Recycled, repurposed, vintage, handmade and 100 percent eclectic were the themes of the day at the Fifth Annual Hyattsville Arts Festival, which took place on September 22 in the city’s Gateway Arts District on Jefferson Street at Baltimore Avenue.

Organizers estimate that more than 3,500 visitors flocked to the fest to peruse local artists’ wares made of everything from duct tape to beer bottles to old furniture. That’s up from 2,300 last year, according to the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, which coordinated the event with help from numerous businesses and volunteers.

“Feedback from attendees and all involved has been extremely positive,” said CDC Executive Director Stuart Eisenberg. “I’m very proud of my staff, our volunteers, and the artists and performers. They went the extra mile to ensure the festival was a great experience for all.”

Emily Jane Warheit, associate director of the College Park Scholars Arts Program at University of Maryland, brought her students along to experience a connection between the arts and the community.

“They were all really impressed and had a great time,” she said. “We go to a different festival every year, so I’ve been to a lot. I thought the selection of artists and vendors was as good or better than a lot of festivals in the area. It was great to see a whole range, from those doing more craft-type work to fine arts, and we especially enjoyed talking with the artists who were actu-

ally working during the festival so we could experience their process as well.”

Visitors browsed the work of more than 50 artists, including some from other cities in the metro area.

“One of my first shows ever was at the Hyattsville Spring Fest last year and it went really well. Everyone’s been super friendly and I’ve been selling a lot of hanging planters, decoupage and glasses,” reported Arlington-based artist Marissa D. Molinaro, who fashions glassware from new craft and vintage beer bottles as well as tufted memory boards from vintage fabrics.

Meanwhile, accessories designer Jen Athanas was huddled in the corner of her booth icing her foot after sustaining a bee sting. Her eight-year-old line, Jen-A-Fusion, features handbags, laptop cases and other small totes made of vintage and repurposed fabrics.

“I’ve been doing this since I was a kid,” she said. “My mom would say, ‘You want new jeans? Here’s some fabric. Go make them yourself.’ And that always stayed with me.”

Fresh from finishing painting the bright exterior of the nearby Shortcake Bakery, Erica Riggio and Angela Justice of Riggio Design set up a makeshift living room of vintage and repurposed furniture and fixtures, from a striking pair of turquoise, toilecushioned dining chairs to a lilacpainted chandelier that could fit into any funky Hyattsville home.

“We’re both designers by trade, and we use a lot of recycled pieces to a) fit clients’ budgets, b) be green and c) because we think

we can bring a lot of character to them. We like to do a lot of local projects,” explained Riggio, who also staged the Firehouse Lofts on Farragut Street.

Other works included photo prints of nature scenes, raw wood cutting boards, handcrafted note cards, succulent-filled planters, pottery in all shapes and sizes, leaf-adorned Adirondack chairs — even handmade hula hoops.

Children danced to the sounds of live music organized by Joe’s Movement Emporium & World Arts Focus and participated in crafts courtesy of Art Works Studio School, which provided reusable bags for the kids to adorn.

“I really liked decorating those bags,” said 6-year-old Nora Veigas. “It created quite a glitter storm,” added mom Kara Veigas.

There were also dogs up for adoption, thanks to pet-supply store The Big Bad Woof. “My 14-month-old loved the big St. Bernard we saw … and the frozen yogurt,” laughed local mom Anne Baum, who attended with youngest daughter Beatrix York. “I only wish there had been more crafts for sale.”

Spreading hometown pride was lifelong resident Alicia McNeill, who manned the booth for the City of Hyattsville, one of the event’s key sponsors. “I was born and raised here,” said McNeill, who wore a red “I Am Hyattsville” T-shirt. “Our city is changing and I’m excited to be here.”

And what Hyattsville street fest would be complete without a cold one from Franklins Brewery?

Brewer Mike Roy was out pouring Bombshell Blonde, Rubber Chicken Red and Sierra Madre Pale Ale throughout the day.

Recipient of Checkbook Magazine’s “Check of Quality”

REMOVAL • PRUNING TRIMMING

Free Estimates!

301-595-2827 On-Line Coupons

www.adirondacktreeexperts.com FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts • Visa and Mastercard Accepted

BRICK WORK PLUS Specializing in maSonry & Small concrete conStruction FOr yOur cOnStructiOn neeDS, call uS at

301-864-8161 • Fax 301-864-0013

Office: 4318 Hamilton St. #106 • Hyattsville, MD 20781

George W. Reaves, Owner

Taunya L. Jenkins, DDS, LLC

General Dentist 6525 Belcrest Rd Suite 201 Hyattsville, MD 20785 • RCT • Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Bleaching • White Fillings Emergencies Welcome Most Insurances Accepted

Tel 301-779-0522 Fax 301-927-1815 M-Thu 9-5 Sat by Appt.

HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE Home of

THE CLEANERS CORNER Vacuum Cleaner Sales and Service Sewing Machine Repair Janitorial Equipment and Supplies Carpet Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

5219 Baltimore Avenue • Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Tel: 301-277-3553 • Fax: 301-277-7142 e-mail: HyattsvilleVac@aol.com

Page 4

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

NEWS BRIEFS vacaNt cIty StaFF poSItIoNS to BE FIllEd Interviews to fill some of the city’s vacant staff positions are planned for this month, according to Mayor Marc Tartaro. “I hope we’ll have interviews for city clerk, director of Department of Public Works and city administrator by mid- to late October.” He said staff has developed written assessment tools for all three positions and that using them has enabled the hiring panel to come up with a short list of candidates for the clerk position.

“We did it for the clerk and it was amazing the quality of the responses we got back.” The city hasn’t used such assessment tools before, he added.

SExual haRaSSmENt dISmISSal dENIEd The city’s motion to dismiss the sexual harassment case filed against it by a former police officer has been denied. This ruling by Judge Frederick Motz of the U.S. District Court means the case will move to a discovery

Hyattsville but are happening all over the region. “Typically the bad guys go in toward the rear of the house. Sometimes doors or windows are left open. Sometimes they have backpacks and they load up things like laptops.

Sometimes they back cars up into a driveway, load it up and take off.”

StaBBINg oN hamIltoN StREEt

courtesy of jc penney Members of JC Penney’s staff with the more than 1,200 shoes they collected for people in need.

In another incident, one man reportedly stabbed another in the 3100 block of Hamilton Street around 2 a.m. on October 1 and then drove off in a Toyota pickup truck. Hyattsville police are asking for help in locating the suspect.

phase, with attorneys from both sides doing research to support their positions.

cRIttENdEN StREEt RoadWoRk pRoJEct dElayEd agaIN

SuBWay REtuRNINg to hyattSvIllE Subway restaurant is returning to Route 1. Its new location will be next to the Happy Wash car wash and where Alberta’s Thrift

Lawson’s Pharmacy PICK-UP & DELIVERY OF PRESCRIPTIONS Ostomy Supplies, Sr. Citizen’s Discounts

LISTING 301-864-4043 SPECIALIST Convalescent Aids Sales & Rentals Richard Sabatelli, R. Ph.

3415 Hamilton St., Hyattsville, MD 20782

Store used to be.

gives one pair of shoes for every dollar donated.

Jc pENNEy collEctS moRE thaN 1,200 ShoES FoR chaRIty

BuRglaRIES havE RESIdENtS WoRRIEd

JC Penney in Hyattsville staff members collected more than 1,200 pairs of shoes for people in need in the month of September.

The shoes went to Soles 4 Souls, a nonprofit charity that distributes new and gently-used shoes around the world. Team Leader Tim Zielinski offered shipping for all the shoes collected. With bake sales and fundraisers they also collected $120. Soles 4 Souls

A string of residential burglaries in West Hyattsville has residents on edge. On 30th Avenue alone, three homes were robbed from September 29 to October 1. In total, 22 houses in that part of the city were hit between August 1 and October 3, according to official reports.

Sgt. Chris Purvis of the Hyattsville Police Department said the burglaries are not confined to

Drawings for the Crittenden Street/40th Avenue roadwork project will be completed and come to the city for review in November, announced Mayor Marc Tartaro October 1. The final permits are expected sometime in late February or early March and construction should start then. Tartaro also said Acting Department of Public Works Director Julia McTague is no longer project manager and there is no manager currently.

DYLAN HANNA

YOUR HYATTSVILLE NEIGHBOR

RECENT SALES

2302 Chapman Rd - SOLD 5702 38th Ave - SOLD 4909 42nd Ave - SOLD 4015 Quintana St - SOLD 4008 Hamilton St - SOLD 4815 Fox St - SOLD 4530 32nd St - SOLD 3902 Madison St - SOLD 6003 39th Pl - SOLD 3814 Nicholson St - SOLD

6017 Jamestown Rd - SOLD 4113 Shepherd St - CONTRACT 3700 Nicholson St - CONTRACT 3921 Longfellow St - CONTRACT 2205 Ohio Ave - CONTRACT 8501 58th Ave - CONTRACT 6901 Calverton Dr - CONTRACT

202-438-9070 THINKING OF SELLING? dylan@mris.com dylanhanna.com

CALL TODAY!

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

Page 5

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda,

a very good site, www.hgic.umd. edu, that has a special section on lawn care that will tell you where and how to get your soil tested. It even includes a video that shows you just what equipment you need and how to use it. If you wish to hire someone to do the work for you, you might consult with the local experts at this site to find a reputable company.

I read with interest your advice to plant trees and shrubs in the fall. What about lawn repair? I have a lot of bare spots, some of which I covered with wood chips left over after I had a tree taken down. I don’t like all the insects crawling around the mulch and I think the bare spots have actually spread from under it. What do you suggest?

Losing Lawn on Lawrence Street Dear Losing Lawn, Yes, this is the best time of year for seeding your lawn, and for the same reasons given for planting trees and shrubs now. In addition, competing weeds will be dying.

However, you will have a little research to do before taking on the task. For example, it’s important to know what kind of grass you already have so as to get seed or plugs of grass that will pretty much match it.

You also need to get your soil tested. Possibly another reason for the bare patches is that your soil is too acidic and needs some lime. Bad drainage is another possible cause, and you may need to work in more composted organic matter. That wood chip mulch you put down, while organic, is at this point drawing out nitrogen as bacteria and the insects you describe break it down into the soil. Most gardeners agree

How to keep your lawn green and healthy.

that wood chips should be placed only on pathways where you don’t want anything at all to grow.

I always like to interview a handson expert with visible gardening results that inspire confidence and had only to look a few doors down the street. I asked my neighbor Lon Greensward what he does to keep his front yard looking so velvety and viridescent. He told me he feeds the grass three times a year, with specialized fertilizers appropriate to each season. In the fall he aerates the soil with a kind of roller with prongs that lifts little plugs of soil out of the ground. (You could also use a spike rather than a plug aerator.) Lon believes this task is especially important because “the ground has to breathe.�He adds lime and seed as needed. Another important fall chore he advocates is to rake up leaves every single week rather than waiting till they

finish tumbling down at the end of autumn. Even a small quantity of leaves can keep oxygen and wa-

ter from reaching the roots of the grass.

The University of Maryland has

To discuss this and other gardening concerns with the members of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society, and to participate in the autumn plant exchange, please come to our next meeting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 20. It will take place at the home of Joe Buriel and Dave Roeder, 3909 Longfellow Street. Â

h&RANKLINS IS AWESOME v

n0UBCRAWLER COM

7JTJU )ZBUUTWJMMF T NPTU VOVTVBM SFTUBVSBOU BOE FOKPZ PVS PXO NJDSPCSFXT PO UBQ ĂąOF XJOF BOE HPPE GPPE

&RANKLINS

#BMUJNPSF "WF )ZBUUTWJMMF .%

Average annual savings of

$426*

Shagga Coffee & Restaurant

I’M THERE

™

Fine Ethiopian Cuisine

in the Arts District of Hyattsville One call could bring down your car insurance rates—big time. With average annual savings of $369*, $426* no wonder over 4,000 drivers a day shift to State Farm.Ž Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.Ž CaLL MY OFFICE FOr a quOtE 24/7.

M McGibbon Ins and Fin Svc Inc Mark W McGibbon CLU ChFC CASL, Agent Bus: 301-927-5030 Fax: 301-927-6573 www.markmcgibbon.com mark.mcgibbon.nysc@statefarm.com

*Average annual per household savings based on a national 2008 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

P080086 05/08

State Farm Mutual automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

6040 Baltimore Ave. Hyattsville MD 20781 240-296-3030

Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm Sunday 11am-9pm

“Thankfully, Kelem Lemu opened Shagga three years ago and has been offering her vibrant native dishes ever since.� — Washington Post, April 3, 2012

Eat In and Take Out Ask about our catering!

www.shaggarestaurant.com

Page 6

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

ELECTION2012 ThE STaTE QUESTIONS: 1 TO 7 aMENDMENTS TO ThE MaRYLaND STaTE CONSTITUTION: Questions 1 to 3 Question 1: Qualifications for Prince George’s County Orphans’ Court Judges Requires judges of the Orphans’ Court for Prince George’s County to be admitted to practice law in this State and to be a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar. Question 2: Qualifications for Baltimore County Orphans’ Court Judges Requires judges of the Or-

phans’ Court for Baltimore County to be admitted to practice law in this State and to be a member in good standing of the Maryland Bar. Question 3: Suspension and Removal of Elected Officials Changes the point at which an elected official charged with certain crimes is automatically suspended or removed from office.

Under existing law, an elected official who is convicted or pleads no contest is suspended and is removed only when the conviction becomes final. Under the amended law, an elected official is suspended when found guilty and is removed when the conviction becomes final or when the elected official pleads guilty or no contest.

VOTING REFERENDUMS: Questions 4 to 6 Question 4: Public Institutions of Higher Education – Tuition Rates Establishes that individuals, including undocumented immigrants, are eligible to pay in-state tuition rates at community colleges in Maryland, provided the student meets certain conditions relating to attendance and graduation from a Maryland high school, filing of income taxes, intent to apply for permanent residency, and registration with the selective service system (if required); makes such students eligible to pay in-state tuition rates at a four-year public college or university if the student has first

Dream about your wedding...

... then let me photograph it BillJenneWeddings.com 301.787.0826 Mention this ad for a special offer

completed 60 credit hours or graduated from a community college in Maryland; provides

that students qualifying for in-state tuition rates by this method will not be counted as in-state students for purposes of counting undergraduate enrollment; and extends the time in which honorably discharged veterans may qualify for instate tuition rates.

Question 5: Congressional Districting Plan Establishes the boundaries for the State’s eight United States Congressional Districts based on recent census figures, as required by the United States Constitution.

Question 6: Civil Marriage Protection Act Establishes that Maryland’s civil marriage laws allow gay and lesbian couples to obtain a civil marriage license, provided they are not otherwise prohibited from marrying; protects clergy from having to perform any particular marriage ceremony in violation of their religious beliefs; affirms that each religious faith has exclusive control over its own theological doctrine regarding who may marry within that faith; and provides that religious organizations and certain related entities are not required to provide goods, services, or benefits to an individual related to the celebration or promotion of marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.

Question 7: Gaming Expansion Referendum Do you favor the expansion of commercial gaming in the State of Maryland for the primary purpose of raising revenue for education to authorize video lot-

tery operation licensees to operate “table games” as defined by law; to increase from 15,000 to 16,500 the maximum number of video lottery terminals that may be operated in the State; and to increase from 5 to 6 the maximum number of video lottery operation licenses that may be awarded in the State and allow a video lottery facility to operate in Prince George’s County?

Fleisher’s Jewelers non-profit community performing arts center located in the Mount Rainier Arts District

Visit our website for a full listing of performances and events!

www.joesmovement.org 301-699-1819

Fall season highlights Ayanna Gregory – Nov. 10

Jane Franklin Dance – Dec. 2

NonaLee Dance Theatre – Nov. 17 – Nov. 18

Arachne Aerial Arts – Dec. 16

THRILL THE WORLD Rehearsals - 10/7 at 5:30 - 7 p.m.

10/21 at 5:30 - 7 p.m.

10/25 at 7 - 8:30 p.m.

PERFORMANCE: 10/27 at 3 p.m.

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

After 63 years of service to the Hyattsville area, we regret to announce that we will be closing our store this year.

It has been an honor and pleasure to serve your jewelry related needs, and we hope to see you before we close our doors for the last time. We will be running a storewide liquidation sale, so please come in early for the best selection.

3108 Queens Chapel Road Hours: Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 M-F: 9:30 - 6:00 301-699-5552 Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

Page 7

eLeCTion2012 The CounTy QuesTions: A To G

Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD

Library Facilities, as defined therein.

Question A: Proposed Charter Amendment To authorize legislative action on the decennial County Council redistricting plan by resolution upon notice and public hearing.

Question B: Proposed Charter Amendment To amend the procedure for approval of multiyear contracts by resolution of the County Council upon notice and public hearing.

Question C: Library Facilities Bonds An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $45,150,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of

Question D: County Buildings Bonds An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $75,823,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of County Buildings, as defined therein.

Question E: Public Safety Facilities Bonds An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $156,354,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Safety Facilities (including Fire Department Facilities), as defined therein.

6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20783 Tel: 301-403-8808 Fax: 301-403-1341

Question F: Public Works and Transportation Facilities An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $193,383,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Public Works and Transportation Facilities (including roads and bridges, parking lots, and maintenance facilities), as defined therein.

School Physicals • Immunizations • Sport Physicals • Minor Emergency Care • Ear Piercing • Urgent/Sick Child Visit • CPR/First Aid Class

M-F 9 - 6 p.m. • Evening & Saturday hours by appointment Same day appointment available *Most Insurance Accepted*

HomoConstruction, Habilis LLC* REMODELING

2 million years of experience wrapped up in one small company!

Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Additions, Handyman, Repairs…

Question G: Community College Facilities Bonds An Act enabling the County to borrow money and issue bonds in an amount not exceeding $156,047,000 to finance the design, construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alteration, renovation, relocation, rehabilitation or repair of Community College Facilities, as defined therein.

Peter J. O’Day

3811 Nicholson Street Hyattsville, MD 20782

240-441-2792 oday.homohabilis @gmail.com

*Ho-mo hab-i-lis, n.

(Handy Man, Skillful-Man) A species of humans considered to be an ancestor of modern humans and the earliest hominid to make tools. This species existed between 1.5 and 2.0 million years ago.

   

 Near Metro  Sequestered from the Crowds in the Arts District

9 Condominiums from the $300s

FHA Approved!

Lender & Developer Closing Cost Credits!

Contact Christine McGuinness for Sales Ofc Hours & Open House Dates

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed

An RCY Development 2 Units Already Sold!

301.404.3145 C 202.326.1300 O cmcguinness100@aol.com GRI  LICENSED   VA DC  MD

Hyattsville Reporter Page HR1

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

the

No. 250 • October 9, 2012

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Trash schedule changes for fall and winter 2012 If your household is served by the Department of Public Works, there are several important schedule changes to note for the next few weeks. Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.

This information is also available online at www.hyattsville.org, on the City’s cable channel (71 Comcast, 12 Verizon), and in the Hyattsville Reporter.

VETERANS DAY

No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, November 12.

THANKSGIVING

No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, November 19.

If your trash is normally collected on Thursday, it will be collected three days earlier on Monday, November 19.

If your trash is normally collected on Friday, it will be collected two days earlier on Wednesday, November 21.

Tuesday and Wednesday trash collection remain unchanged.

CHRISTMAS

No Yard Waste will be collected on Monday, December 24.

If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday, it will be collected on Monday, December 24.

NEW YEAR

No yard waste will be collected on Monday, December 31.

If your trash is normally picked up on Tuesday, it will be collected on Monday, December 31.

Questions? Please call 301/985-5032.

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

Handmade on Hamilton coming in Nov. The City’s annual fall street festival is reborn as Handmade on Hamilton: An International Celebration of Craft, Food, and Music on Saturday, November 3 on Hamilton Street between Queens Chapel and Ager Roads. The event is free and open to the public. Festivities begin at 12:00 noon. Our grand finale begins at 7:00 PM. Here’s what you need to know to enjoy the day!

Parking

Parking maps will be available online at http://www.hyattsville.org/handmade beginning on October 22. Lots will also be signed on the day of the festival.

Crafters & Artisans

Vendors will be open from 12:00 noon until dark. Over 44 vendors from throughout the region will be represented.

They’re selling everything from cool kids’ tees to jewelry to photographs. Please see the complete listing in our full-page ad in this edition of the Life & Times.

Dining

There are several restaurants and dining options along Hamilton Street. In addition, we’ll have additional food vendors on hand as part of the Festival.

Back by popular demand, the City will offer Electronics Recycling from 8 AM to 12 NOON on Saturday, October 27. Residents may bring up to eight items, including televisions, computers, VCRs/DVD players, and cell phones to the DPW Yard.

The DPW Yard is located at 4633 Arundel Place. There is no charge for this service.

Wednesday, October 17

Hyattsville Environmental Committee Meeting, 7:30 PM

Thursday, October 18

AGES Workshop: Senior Flu Shot Clinic, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saturday, October 20

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

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. and Thursdays at 6 AM, 3 PM, and 10 PM; Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 AM and 9 PM; or Saturdays and Sundays at 12 NOON. We will broadcast the most recent Council Meeting. The City’s channel is 71 on Comcast and 12 on Verizon. Questions? Comments? Please talk to Jonathan Alexander, the City’s cable coordinator, at jalexander@ hyattsville.org or 301/985-5028.

Tot Tartans, one of this year’s 44 vendors.

REDISTRICTING PLAN ADOPTED; FIND DETAILS ONLINE

The City adopted a redistricting plan earlier this month. Find details here: www.hyattsville.org/redistricting. Not sure about your Ward? The City’s interactive map widget is located at http://www. hyattsville.org/map.

CITY BUDGET DETAILS AVAILABLE ONLINE

AGING GRACEFULLY EDUCATION SERIES (AGES) CONTINUES

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

City Council Meeting, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Fall Spooky Fest, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM University Town Center, America Boulevard & East West Highway

IN OTHER NEWS...

All homes served by the Department of Public Works for residential trash collection will receive a special Saturday collection on Saturday, October 20. It is designed especially for bulk items, but regular trash will be collected, too. Please have all items curbside no later than 9:00 AM.

Monday, October 15

Saturday, October 27

Fees

MARY PRANGLEY CLEAN-UP DAY IS OCTOBER 20

OCTOBER 2012

Electronics Recycling, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM DPW Yard, 4633 Arundel Place

The main stage will feature a line-up of local favorites, including Unity Reggae Band, Nayas, and Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, from 12:30 through 7:00. Batala DC, the larger-than-life all women’s Brazilian percussion ensemble, will perform on the street at 3:00 PM. Look for additional performances from Glade Dance Collective and the amazing street theater of Cirque Oya throughout the day. Find the full event schedule in our full-page ad in this edition of the Life & Times, or online at http://www.hyattsville.org/handmade.

The Office of Senior Services will offer a series of workshops and seminars on topics of interest to seniors and their families.

The next session is on Thursday, October 18 from 10 AM to 12 NOON in the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, First Floor Multi-Purpose Room. We’ll be hosting a flu shot clinic. Did you know that adults age 65 and over are more likely to get the flu? But Medicare covers flu vaccines – Protect yourself from the flu this season with a flu vaccination.

Call 301/985-5058 by Monday, October 15 to sign up. Bring your Medicare card for payment. Light refreshments provided.

Questions? Please contact Emily Stowers, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 301/985-5058 or email estowers@hyattsville. org.

CALENDAR

Saturday, October 27

Entertainment

The event is completely free of charge and open to the public. Many of our vendors will have items on sale for $25 and under.

Page HR2

place Saturday, November 10 at 3:00 PM. Bring a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation for entry. All proceeds benefit children in our community who would not otherwise receive gifts at the holidays.

HAPPY HYATTSVILLE HOLIDAYS

The Magruder Park Tree Lighting is scheduled for the evening of Friday, December 7, complete with seasonal music and hot chocolate, plus a very special guest. Have breakfast or lunch with Santa on Saturday, December 8 at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Clause Applause, the annual holiday decorating contest, will be judged the evening of Wednesday, December 12.

Deck the halls, Hyattsville!

PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM FALL SEMESTER SPOOKY FEST RETURNS TO UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER ON OCT 27

Boo! It’s a spooktacularly good time for kids ages 12 and under at the City’s annual costume party. The event will take place from 2:00 to 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 27 at University Town Center, America Boulevard & East West Highway. We’ll have a Monster Mash Dance Party, Pumpkin Decorating, a Costume Contest, and Trick or Treating.

The event is free and open to the public. For parking information, visit www.universitytowncenter.net/parking.htm.

THE HYATTSVILLE HEROES BOWL RETURNS TO MAGRUDER PARK

The annual Hyattsville Heroes Bowl pits the local police against the firefighters in a charity flag football match. This year’s game takes

The Fall Semester of the Parent & Child Program is now underway!

The Parent & Child Program allows parents and other caregivers to bring preschoolers to the Magruder Park Recreation Center for playtime and crafts. The program features both free play and structured activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The program meets on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Fall Semester runs through December 20, 2012. Pay on a drop-in basis, just $3/session, or $75 a semester.

SENIOR SERVICES

Families, caregivers and seniors: Do you have any age-related questions or concerns? Please call Hyattsville’s Senior Services Coordinator, Emily Stowers at 301/985-5058, or email estowers@hyattsville.org.

CHANGES COMING TO CABLE

The City’s cable station is now rebroadcasting City Council Meetings at a variety of times. Tune in on Monday at 10 AM; Tuesdays

The City’s new fiscal year, FY13, began on July 1, 2012. Residents can view documents related to the FY13 budget online at www.hyattsville.org/budget.

VETERAN SERVICES

Looking for counseling, assistance with veterans’ benefits, or other information? The Prince George’s County Vet Center services County residents who have served their country. Services are provided at no charge to the veteran. For more information, visit www.vetcenter. va.gov, or call the Prince George’s County Vet Center, located at 7905 Malcolm Rd., Suite 101, Clinton, MD 21735, at 301/856-7173.

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 that 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 | October 2012

COMMUNITY CALENDAR October 18

Looking for something a bit more adult to do this Halloween? Bit of a fan of the cult horror movie genre? Why trick-ortreat when you can fill your bag with live theatre, a treat to your senses with a bite that will scare your pants off? Hellspawn II is a trilogy of ghostly, mysterious plays, with tales rising out of one of our local haunted statues. Faceless, What Fresh Hell and Grief walk you through local graves, seat you in a gutted warehouse and wake you up with dark midnight performances. Presented by Active Cultures Theatre; runs through November 4 at Riverdale Park Town Center, 4650 Queensbury Road, Riverdale. Tickets $15. Warning: not suitable for young children; recommended for audiences 12 and up.

October 20

Bring the whole family to the 6th Annual Oktoberfest sponsored by St. Jerome’s Knights of Columbus. You’ll find German food, beer and cider; music and dancing; face painting and apple bobbing.

Event supports St. Jerome’s Academy. St. Jerome’s Gold Room, 5205 43rd Avenue, 5:30 – 9 p.m. $8 individual; $25 for a fam-

pumpkins, follow the trick-or-treat trail, enter the costume contest and enjoy the Monster Mash Dance Party featuring DJ Kurt. At University Town Center, American Boulevard & East-West Highway, 2 to 4 p.m. Free.

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; $3 for seniors). Noon to 4 p.m. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

October 28 The 6th Annual Oktoberfest sponsored by St. Jerome’s Knights of Columbus brings German food, beer and cider.

ily of six; $6 children and seniors. Free for children under 2.

October 27

Have a spooky good time at this year’s Spookyfest Halloween Party, sponsored by the City of Hyattsville. Decorate

The brothers Grimm published their first collection of stories in 1812 and the characters in them seldom lived “happily ever after.” In A Grimm Gothick Evening, take a moonlight tour of the Riversdale House Museum grounds, hear selected readings from these fairy tales and enjoy mulled cider by the fire. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather; for ages 12 and up. Walks will be offered at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Advance payment required by October 22; capacity is limited. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. $10; 301.864.0420.

Train Printing

4547 Rhode Island Ave | Brentwood, MD 20722

♦ Offset Printing ♦ Full Color Digital Printing ♦ Wide Format Printing ♦ Copy & Fax Services ♦ Wedding & Social Invitations ~ Rush Service Available ~

Open: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

301-864-5552 fax: 301-864-0740 • email: info@trainprinting.com

www.trainprinting.com

NEW LOCATION FOR 2012

Hyattsville Farmers Market The fall harvest is in! Come see a dozen varieties of apples and much, much more...

Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m.

Cookbook giveaway and exchange!

We accept SNAP, WIC, & senior coupons

A CommunitySponsored Enterprise 3505 Hamilton Street (the former BB&T Building, across from Bestway)

Sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission

Handmade on Hamilton will be like a local Etsy pop-up — only handcrafted, original items will be sold.

November 3

Notice to shoppers and vendors: Handmade on Hamilton: An International Celebration of Craft, Music and Food is coming! Think of it as a local Etsy pop-up: only handcrafted, original items created by local artisans will be displayed. The festival is happening at Queens Chapel Town Center from noon to 7 p.m. For more in-

PawZen

Self-Service Pet Spa Watch your pet receive a spa treatment while you lounge with wi-fi and cable.

Bathing, Flea & Tick treatments, nail clipping, tooth brushing, de-shedding, ear cleaning, and more!

Mon., Thurs., Fri. - 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Sat. - 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m Sun. - 9 am - 5 pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday 4812 Rhode Island Ave Hyattsville MD 20781

301-779-7297 pawzen@yahoo.com www.pawzenpetspa.com

Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance

est. 1962

Dance classes for all ages

Register For Fall Classes Now! Preschool Dance • Tap • Ballet • HipHop • Modern • Ballroom Small class sizes Ages 3 & up

www.eleanorperniadance.com

301-937-4230

10434 Baltimore Ave • Beltsville, MD 20705

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

Page 9

on An International Celebration of Craft, Music, and Food Saturday, November 3, 2012 12 NOON to 7 PM Don’t miss our grand finale at 7 PM

Hamilton Street between Ager Road and Queens Chapel Road Across from the West Hyattsville Metro station Come and shop for handmade crafts from over 40 different artisans!

Visit the booths of: A People United Aiven Art ArtPoet Beach Baby Blue Gator Bougie Boho CooCoo Collage Chick Tod Downey Everyday Quilts Fairy Behind the Door Fearlessthreads Fishneck Tofu Cynthia Gossage Handmade Habitat Handmade Hemp Heaven Brandon Heyer Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance I Choose Love JennaLynnStudios Nelson Kelly KnitBlitz Love Henna Sarah Madrigal

Erica Matifas Delia Mychajluk Nelson Rietske Fine Art Photography Carol Newmeyer Not a Guilty Pleasure Design Notion Images Photo Grid Profusions of Glass Purple Clover randitan Sara Knox originals Second Set Styles Katie Stack Sugar Lilly Hairbows Tailpheathers A Tangled Skien Terraza Stained Glass The Queen’s Gems Tot Tartans Tree To Art Music from: Weim Unity Reggae Band Becky Williams Nayas Yakitoko

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong Batala

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

ROss

COMMUNITY CALENDAR formation, call 301.985.5020 or search “handmade” on the city website, www.hyattsville.org.

November 10

Rosalie Calvert, the mistress of Riversdale, bragged to her father that the cider produced at Riversdale was “almost as good as champagne,” and the drink impressed visitors, including the British Ambassador at the time. Take a step back into the culinary past with the Cider Sampler. Learn about the art and history of cider making while tasting your way through a guided sampling of Crispin Ciders, paired with historically-inspired foods. Based in Minneapolis, Crispin Cider offers a variety of classic hard ciders, as well as artisanal and imported varieties. For ages 21 and up. $15 for residents of Prince George’s & Montgomery Counties; $18 for non-residents. Advance payment is required by November 2. The cost includes all food and drink and a souvenir glass. 2 p.m. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park, Maryland. 301.864.0420; Riversdale@ pgparks.com.

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 veterans 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 October 28, 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 45-minute pontoon boat ride 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.

A group bike ride starts every Sunday at 9 a.m. at Arrow Bicycles, 5108 Baltimore Avenue. This is a 32-mile, moderately paced ride that emphasizes group-riding techniques.

New group riders welcome.

301.531.9250.

OLD DOMINION B

Our own Hyattsville Farmers’ Market is open every Tuesday through the season from 2 to 6 p.m. at its new location, the former BB&T building, 3505 Hamilton Street. 301.627.0977.

The producers-only Riverdale Park Farmer’s Market offers a variety of local vegetables and fruits, honey, baked goods, meat, jams, flowers and more. Free.

Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. Riverdale Park, 301.332.6258.

Community Calendar is compiled

by Susie Currie and Scarlett Salem. It’s 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 November submissions is October 23.

REWHOUSE

& RESTAURANT

Karaoke every Wednesday night!

University Town Center • Next to PG Plaza 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD

15% OFF

Entire Dinner Check (Min. $20)

Daily Happy Hour Specials Mon. - Sat. 4-7 pm Appetizers as low as $2.00 Come enjoy all the games on our 25 HDTVs!

301-887-1818

Entire Dinner Check (Min. $15)

Coupon valid only at Tokyo Sushi and China Buffet. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/31/2012

which would bring a casino to Prince George’s County and expand gaming in the state’s existing casinos.

Both bills passed by the thinnest of margins, with 60 percent of delegates voting in favor.

As one of the whips, Ross was instrumental in rounding up those votes.

He is no stranger to long odds.

In an interview, he recalled that one of his proudest moments in the House came in 2011. His colleagues voted to increase the state alcohol tax from 6 to 9 percent, generating revenue for programs that help the developmentally disabled.

“Everybody said it wouldn’t pass, but we got it done,” he said.

This year has been even busier for Maryland legislators. The regular session lasts 90 days, beginning in mid-January. But over the last year, three special sessions – on redistricting, the budget and gaming expansion– added nearly two weeks to the calendar. They also added logistical challenges to lawmakers trying to balance the work of the state with a full-time job or a young family.

Ross has both. Throughout his political career, he has continued working in commercial real-estate, first as a broker for the Lanham-based NAI Michael Companies and, since 2010, as vice president of the AFL-CIO Investment Trust Corporation.

But it was his four children, he says, who were the deciding fac-

tor in stepping down before his third term ends in 2014. They range in age from 18 months to 8 years.

“There are very few things more important to me than the 22nd District, but my family is one of them,” he said.

Alonzo Washington, chief of staff for County Councilmember Will Campos, said he considers Ross a mentor.

“We’re really going to miss working with him,” he added.

Washington is one of 24 members of the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee, the body responsible for, among other things, nominating a replacement to serve the remaining two years of Ross’ term.

Within 30 days of the seat being vacant, the committee must identify a replacement and forward the name to Governor Martin O’Malley, who will then appoint the successor.

The process can sometimes be divisive as politicians jockey for position. In 2008, after the sudden death of state senator Gwendolyn Britt (D-47), a vote of 12-11 put County Council Chair David Harrington in Britt’s seat.

Asked who Ross would like to see in his seat, “that’s for your next article,” he laughed.

For now, he’ll continue to coach his children’s sports teams and otherwise stay connected to the community. But he hasn’t ruled out a return to politics someday.

“I’m not closing any doors,” he said.

Q: What can a penny buy these days?

Contact 301-531-5234 or advertising@hyattsvillelife.com A: Your ad, in full color, delivered by U.S. Mail to a Hyattsville-area household (and with change to spare!)

Back to school anxiety?

Improve your study habits and ability to focus!

all you can eat

china buffet

Valid only at Old Dominion Brewhouse. Discount does not apply to daily specials or happy hour. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 10/31/2012

15% OFF

continued from page 1

Shrimp • Snow Crab Legs • Sushi Salmon • Mussels • Fish • Salad Fruit Salad • Seafood • Soup • General Tso’s Chicken • Seafood Delight • Ice Cream • Cake • And MUCH MORE!

University Town Center, across from Royal 14 Theaters 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD 301-887-1991

Healthy Choices Hypnosis Center Robert Minaert, CHt Consulting Hypnotist 301-335-9376 Visit us online at www.healthychoiceshome.com

We can help.

Call us for a Friendly, FREE Consultation

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

Page 11

COMMENTARY & OPINION ON HISTORY & POLITICS

Hugh’sNews

A rural education

By Hugh Turley

What follows is a true story, recounted to me by a mutual acquaintance of the man I call “Joe.” Joe and “Bob” were sales representatives who had made their living closing deals on the phone.

They were highly competitive with each other and with the top producers at their company.

They came from large cities on the East Coast and felt smugly superior to other people. Joe, a native New Yorker, often boasted that the best scientists, doctors, lawyers and musicians all shared his particular urban heritage.

After they retired Bob used his phone skills to buy antiques from widows he found listed in the obituaries. He would convince the widow he had been a friend of the deceased and ask if she might sell him some cufflinks as a memento. Once inside a widow’s home, Bob would flash $3,000 and inquire if she might sell something else, perhaps a silver bowl or a watch?

When Joe found out about Bob’s antique business he wanted to get in on the action. They became partners, with Bob doing the buying and Joe the selling. Joe rented a stall at an antiques mall as an absentee seller; other merchants would handle his sales for a commission. Joe only showed up once a month to collect the money, pay the rent, and set out more items to sell.

This arrangement was ideal for Joe, who spent his days in bed watching video and computer screens. He only left home to buy cigarettes, booze, and snacks.

Any visits to friends were combined with his monthly drive to and from the antiques mall.

The operation was a success for the boys, but their lust for money and aversion to labor were not satisfied. Waiting a month to turn over their profit seemed too long. They decided that an auction could sell a whole table of merchandise in one evening.

After scouting several auction houses they found the perfect place in a small community on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The auctioneers got good prices for similar antiques and the commission was less than at the antiques mall.

Bob and Joe viewed the rural people as hayseeds and their inferiors. They were confident they could put one over on the locals and maximize their profits. Bob would deliver their merchandise and Joe would enter the hall later, pretending to be a prospective buyer. Joe would bid up the prices of their items so they would get even more money.

Everything seemed to be going as planned, until one evening the auctioneer called for a break and, with his assistant, summoned Bob and Joe to the office. He informed them that he knew what they were doing and did not appreciate it. At first Joe protested, but the auctioneer told him they had been captured on video tape.

He told them to pack their goods and leave, but Joe protested loudly. “We drove a great distance,” he said, “At least let us sell our merchandise tonight and we promise not to come back.” The auctioneer talked it over with the assistant and agreed to let them sell their remaining merchandise.

Bob and Joe’s entire table of antiques was taken up on the stage.

The auctioneer held up several items pointing out the fine qual-

ity of each. Then he announced, “What do I hear for everything on the table?”

“Six dollars,” someone shouted.

Pressed for time?

Adults: Art After Work – October 18 Metalworking: Make a Bowl – October 20

more online at arts.pgparks.com

Wash & Fold Drop Off Full Service • Same Day Laundry Service Free Pick Up & Delivery or do it yourself at

301-559-0707

MegaLaundromat.com Across West Hyattsville Metro Station Corner of Ager Road & Hamilton St. Open 7 Days a Week 6 am to 11:30 pm

Weekly & Monthly Laundry Service Plans Available

Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community

Ann Barrett, Realtor® Salesperson, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 9094 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

SOLD

BRENTWOOD ARTS EXCHANGE Youth & Families: Teen Open House Night – October 12 Creative Kids Days: Focus on Egypt – October 13 FREE Spooktacular Pumpkin Carving – October 27

were final. Bob and Joe, smarting from the lesson taught by the hayseeds, blamed each other and are no longer speaking.

American Mega Laundromat

October Art Classes/Workshops at the 3901 Rhode Island Ave. Brentwood, MD 20722 tel. 301-277-2863

“SOLD!” The auctioneer banged his hammer down.

“Oh, no, no, no,” cried Joe. All sales at the auction house

4207 Jefferson St. $307,000

cell: 240-938-6060 office: 301-441-9511 ext. 261

FOR SALE

email: annbarrett@ longandfoster.com

$339,000 9004 Acredale Court, College Park 2000+sq ft of space on 3 finished levels. Cul de sac living!

Great condition, great location!

web: ANNBARRETT.LNF.COM SOLD 3116 Upshur Street, Mount Rainier $169,000

Hyattsville is gearing up for a strong fall market with low inventory, low interest rates and lots of pre-approved, motivated buyers! Please call me if you are thinking of making a move. It’s a great time to buy and sell here in Hyattsville!

Honored As: Top Producing Agent Long & Foster College Park 2009, 2010 and 2011!

Honored as Long & Foster’s Top Sales Agent for Southern Maryland/Prince George’s County Region for 2011!

Page 12

FENCE

continued from page 1

the tall chain-link fence that separates the lot from the park and bounced off the fence surrounding the park’s tennis court.

Then, in late August, a section of the fence was bent again, also apparently by a car.

Tim Hunt, councilmember for Ward 3, was concerned about the danger to children playing close to the fence. So he called Acting City Administrator Elaine Stookey. That was when, in his view, things went wrong.

“I was told the owner had 30 days to fix the fence, and it was made clear to me that the city had no intention of [further] contacting Douglas Development,” Hunt said.

So Hunt e-mailed company executives directly to express his concern. And that was when, in the view of Mayor Marc Tartaro, things went wrong. Hunt says he made it clear in his communication that he was acting as a private citizen. Tartaro disagrees.

“Mr. Hunt signed it as a council member and used his city email.

Douglas Development thought he was doing it on behalf of the city.”

So Tartaro sent his own letter to Douglas Development. “[My] intent was to inform the property owner that Hunt was not speaking on behalf of the city.

We wanted to reassure them they weren’t doing anything wrong.”

Things escalated. Hunt vehemently objected to Tartaro’s saying in his letter that the city has “only minimal concerns” about

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

safety on the lot. Tartaro agreed that the letter could have articulated things differently.

“Criticism duly noted,” he said later in an interview. “I have my opinion and others have theirs.

Their opinion is valid just as mine is valid. The job of the city is to look at all sides.”

The discussion continued at the September 17 council meeting and was contentious. Sandel presented a motion drawn up by staff to put up either bollards or a guard rail on one side of the fence, but not all councilmembers liked that solution.

A great deal more discussion ensued. Some councilmembers said the lot has traditionally been used by parents teaching their children to drive. Others expressed concern about commercial driving schools using it.

After several motions failed to pass, the council finally decided that it didn’t need one after all. A majority, with Hunt and Ruth Ann Frazier (Ward 5) dissenting, thought that its direction to city staff on how best to approach Douglas Development about securing the lot was clear enough without it.

Shani Warner (Ward 2) commented, “How complicated we can make simple things. I wish this hadn’t become contentious.”

Resident Jon Shelton, father of two young children, spoke at the meeting. Days later, he was still upset about the way the matter was handled.

“Mayor Tartaro clearly wanted to avoid — at any cost — even asking Douglas Development to manage a serious public safety

tim hunt This fence between the parking lot and Magruder Park, damaged in August, sparked the controversy.

concern on its property,” he wrote in an e-mail to the HL&T. Tartaro said he understands why some people are upset. “I took both my children to the playground and they learned how to ride bikes in that lot.”

What actually goes on in the lot Resident Therese Tirador taught two of her children to drive in the lot and says she never saw problems with that practice.

“Several cars were there and people always made room for other cars. It felt perfectly safe,” she said in an interview, speculating that the recent damage might have been caused by people hanging out there after dark.

“Late at night I’ve seen people drive around the lot who clearly are

CLASSIC CARDIOLOGY We fix broken hearts!

SERVICES WE OFFER: CARDIOVASCULAR EVALUATIONS INTERNAL MEDICINE EVALUATIONS HYPERTENSION DIABETES MELLITUS PRE-OP CONSULTATIONS NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING ECHOCARDIOGRAMS VENOUS SONOGRAMS CAROTID DOPPLERS ARTERIAL DOPPLERS BLOOD SCREENINGS

PACEMAKER ANALYSIS HOLTER MONITORING CHOLESTEROL SCREENING BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING ELECTROCARDIOGRAMS CARDIAC CATHERIZATIONS HEMO DYNAMIC MONITORING PULSE OXIMETRY YEARLY PHYSICAL EXAMS PATIENT HEALTH EDUCATION CLASSES SPIROMETRY

not learning to drive. It’s teenagers just goofing around, laughing, and it sounds like alcohol’s involved.”

Another resident, Kathrin Black, has a different complaint about the lot. She lives close to it and for the last two or three weekends, she said, she has heard motorcycles driving around in the lot.

“Every Saturday and Sunday for hours, the noise was constant and very loud. I called the police and several of my neighbors did, too.”

But after the police left, she said, the cyclists kept riding around and the noise continued.

She’s glad the lot is blocked now because it’s much quieter.

Paul Millstein, spokesman for Douglas Development, said the company tries to be accommodating.

“The city comes to us from time to time for functions and we’re always amenable. We realize people use the lot. We offered to fence it completely a while ago, and were asked not to do it because a lot of people feel it’s an amenity to the neighborhood.

There’s no perfect solution.”

Millstein said that anyone who wants to use the lot should come to them or to the city for permission. “Securing it and opening it on a controlled basis makes more sense.”

PIANO LESSONS Children, Teenagers, Adults • Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Jeanne Olexy, BM, MM

3916 Madison Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 E-mail: pianoteacher@verizon.net Phone: 301-277-9529

RAYMON K. NELSON, M.D. ABIM BOARD CERTIFIED CARDIOLOGY & INTERNAL MEDICINE 6525 BELCREST ROAD, SUITE 220 HYATTSVILLE, MD 20782 (across from PG PLAZA)

OFFICE : 301-779-7525 FAX: 301-779-4997 MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

www.classiccardiology.com PROVERBS 4:23– ABOVE ALL ELSE, GUARD YOUR HEART, FOR IT IS THE WELLSPRING OF LIFE.

Fall into yarn! (Soft landing guaranteed) Hours: TuesdayÐ Friday 11Ð 7, Saturday 11Ð 6, Sunday 1Ð 5 Closed on Monday

301-779-3399 5200 Baltimore Ave. (Rte. 1), Hyattsville, MD 20781 Across from FranklinÕ s, entrance on Gallatin Street www.atangledskein.com

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

LACROSSE

continued from page 1

struction drew 52 children ages 7 to 15 to Heurich Turf Field.

Many brought their own equipment, but Thompson made sure to have sticks on hand for those who didn’t.

“The clinics have been outstanding,” said Jonathan Smith, a coach for the College Park-based club. “We have some solid parents and coaches.”

Lacrosse teams aren’t co-ed, so boys and girls trained on separate sides of the field. Leading the boys’ side was Hyattsville resident Sean Calabrese, who played lacrosse at the University of Delaware and teaches P.E. at DeMatha Catholic High School. He has also coached lacrosse there, and recruited some current players to help with instruction.

“We were expecting a little bit more [of a turnout],” said Calabrese, “but the amount of kids who are new to [lacrosse] is great.” Of the 25 boys, he said, six had never played.

Many of the girls were new, too.

Montgomery County resident Paulette Campbell, observing her 13-year old daughter Ava from the sidelines, said it was her “first time picking up a stick, and I think it’s going good.”

One thing that attracted Campbell was the price. “In Montgomery County, there are several av-

Page 13

enues [for exposure], but those are $300 training programs. I thought this would be an easy way to get exposure but not sign up for a team.”

Running the girls’ side were two representatives from the Prince George’s Women’s Lacrosse Association, director Ashley Russell and program-planning manager Tara Restly. They conducted drills that incorporated lacrosse basics such as shooting.

“Hopefully, [the girls] will spread the word for us,” said Russell, who, like Restly, coaches at a local private high school. Currently, Bowie and Eleanor Roosevelt are the only public high schools in Prince George’s with varsity lacrosse; four others offer it as a club sport.

Before seeing lacrosse sanctioned by more high schools as a varsity sport, both PG Pride and PGWLA would like to see more participation so that more local teams can be fielded and eventually local leagues. Though PG Pride’s home field is Duvall, in College Park, the teams belong to leagues in neighboring counties. “[Duvall] is a mile from a powerhouse team [University of Maryland], and there’s no viable youth program around here,” said club registrar Alex Heitkemper. “It doesn’t make sense.”

bill jenne Above, a youngster runs toward the goal at a September lacrosse clinic. Right, London Hines on the goal during a series of drills at Heurich Field.

November 3 in Fort Washington.

For more information on them or on PG Pride, visit www.pglacrosse. com. To register, visit www.pgparks.com.

The remaining three lacrosse clinics are October 13 in Bowie, October 21 in District Heights, and

“Life is SHORT — have a cupCAKE”

Dr. Mark H. Sugar

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.

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

Stop by Shortcake Bakery today and enjoy our one of a kind cupcakes that will leave you craving for more. Pastries, breads and savory items baked fresh daily.

Call us for more information about catering your next special occasion.

10% off when you mention this ad!

4700 Rhode Island Avenue, Hyattsville www.shortcakebakery.com 301-779-2836

Tuesday-Friday 6:30 am - 6 pm Saturday: 8:30 am - 4 pm Closed Sunday and Monday

Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | October 2012

SELLING YOUR HOME DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SCARY! LARRY’S LISTINGS:

FOR SALE: 3735 Wells Ave $99,995 - SOLD 11380 Cherry Hill Rd $79,995 9309 Jarret Ct $199,995 - SOLD 20222 Maple Leaf $275,000 18089 Royal Bonnet $274,995 8850 Welbeck $169,995 19016 Harkness $425,000 3627 Farragut Street $279,995 4111 29th Street $299,995 3105 Webster Street $299,000 3720 Jackson $260,000 3817 Newark Street $139,995 - SOLD

Call Larry Perrin, Realtor to sell your home!

®

301-983-0601

Hunting Ridge Condominium 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath $125,000 Greenbriar Condominium 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Family Room $108,995

Call

LARRY PERRIN

LARRY PERRIN PROPERTIES ®

Realtor ®

“THE” Hyattsville Realtor since 1977

301.983.0601 • 301.220.2229 Selling Your Home? Free Home Value Estimate!

If your home is currently listed by another Realtor ®®, please disregard this offer. It is not my intention to solicit the offerings of other brokers.