CAFRITZ CONTROVERSY
ON THE ROOFTOP
SURVEY RESULTS
Plus updates on University Town Center, J. Marie’s, Tara Thai and more. PAGES 5-7
Local police ascend Dunkin’ Donuts to raise money for Special Olympics. PAGE 3
This summer, a randomly selected sample of Hyattsville residents rated the city on trash, traffic and parks. Learn more about it. PAGE 12
Weather hits area schools’ calendars the hardest by Susie Currie
Before August 23, many area residents had never experienced an earthquake. So it was understandable that they were shaken in more ways than one that afternoon just before 2 p.m., when the 5.8 magnitude tremor sent shock waves through much of the East Coast. In Hyattsville, shuddering floors and swaying light fixtures sent several neighbors outdoors, where the bright sunlight belied the disastermovie feel as they asked each other “Was that …?” and “Did you feel …?” others turned to social media sites for confirmation, especially after overloaded phone lines rendered both cell phones and land lines temporarily useless. locally, the biggest casualties seemed to be part of a brick chimney and some fragile household items. though two aging apartment buildings in temple Hills were condemned, no serious injuries and only 34 power outages were reported in the county. It was a different story that
Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 8 No. 9
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
City council has long to-do list by Paula Minaert
At the initiative of Mayor Marc tartaro, the city council (with staff input) is developing a list of priorities for the near future. tartaro said he thinks it’s the most important task facing the council.
“Until we start working through what we have to do, we’re playing catch up.” Councilmember nicole Hinds Mofor (Ward 5) sees the list as a good idea. “I think we’re in the process of shortening the list to make it achiev-
able. Having a list, it gives us goals to achieve. that way we’re not doing everything that comes across our desk.” While the list is being finalized, here are some major projects the council has been working on.
HIrINg A HuMAN rESOurcES MANAgEr Several council members put this item at the top of the todo list. last month’s Hl&t council continued on page 12
tHE SHoPPES At ARtS DIStRICt HYATTSVIllE
Center to add frame shop, more dining by Susie Currie
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601
WEATHER continued on page 13
shirley fisher
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
September 2011
DIGGING IT:
A look at the community garden’s first season
Camille Fabiyi, Tyler Cahall and Jan Martinez reach for a squash grown in the community garden. See more pictures on page 11.
This month, the big news at this retail area at the intersection of Route 1 and Jefferson Street will be the Fourth Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival on September 24 [see Community Calendar, p. 8 for details]. But under the radar, the center continues to make news as more shops join the mix and sign on as tenants. August 29 was the grand opening of the long-awaited Yes! Organic Market. With good lighting, clean floors, beautiful produce and a large selection – the list of fermented beverages includes kombucha, beer and wine – it should appeal both to co-op and chain grocery shoppers. Also open in August was The Big Bad Woof, offering, according to its motto, “essentials for the socially conscious pet.” They don’t sell actual pets, as some fishseeking local children were disappointed to learn, but do team up with local shelters to promote adoption. The next event, with a Greenbelt animal shelter, is
DEVELOPMENT IN HYATTSVILLE scheduled for September 24 and helps kick off the shop’s Grand opening Week, with giveaways, product demos and special events through october 1. By the time you read this, Tara Thai may be open for business. It will be the 11th branch of the restaurant in the Washington metropolitan area, and the first in Prince George’s County. “The county is underserved with ethnic food,” says owner nick Srisawat, a native of Thailand. County permits and inspections have delayed the launch for “three or four months,” he says, but the restaurant should be in business by mid to late September, “unless something unexpected comes up.” The next business on the horizon is Frame Savvy, right beside Essential Day Spa. “We hope to open by the end of october,” says owner Cheryl Fountain of Mount ADH continued on page 5
Included: The September 14, 2011 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
FromTheEditor
POSTCARDS FROM THE PAST
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 9,000. Hl&T is a member of the national newspaper Association.
Let’s have less heat, more light by Paula Minaert
There seems to be no real middle ground when people talk about or write about the proposed Cafritz Corporation development in an area just north of Hyattsville. Some of them are really excited about the prospect of a Whole Foods store coming to the area and see it as an unmitigated good. They maintain that it will make good food more accessible and may help make for a more walkable neighborhood, as well as bring in revenue. It will be a major plus for Prince George’s County to have such a high-end store, they say, and a sign that we’ve arrived. People on the other side of the issue are concerned about the development’s effect on the already heavy traffic in the area. They point out that the Route 1–East-West Highway intersection is already a failed one. What will happen, they ask, when you add more people going to more stores (not just Whole Foods) plus a large number of apartments and townhomes? And they worry about the impact on schools and other infrastructure: How will they handle all these new people? And they add to this what they see as the negative environmental effects of removing a rare piece of woodland in our midst. With the hope of moving the discussion forward a little, My two Cents this month offers
some of these divergent viewpoints, voiced by Hyattsville residents. Have a look at page 6. In my opinion, this matter is not simple. It’s about more than one store. It deserves to be treated as the complex, many-layered issue it is. Among other things, it touches on how we live with each other. It’s never easy to live together, whether it’s in a family or a neighborhood or a town or a county. We’re going to bump into each other and there’s bound to be friction when we do. Sometimes there are sparks. And sparks tend to create heat rather than light. What we need is light: good information, transparency, discussion and mutual respect. Elsewhere in this issue, we’ve taken a look at the various retail areas closer to home. We introduce you to new businesses at Arts District Hyattsville, and detail the foreclosure of University town Center, which once held such promise. You’ll also find out what other major retail area was auctioned off earlier this year, and which business wants to give one lucky school $5,000. There’s an article about what our local government hopes to tackle in coming months. Finally, we talk about the results of the first community survey taken in Hyattsville. It gives us some good information as we decide how to live and work together. Everything around us affects us.
of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking you're doing well! of you! hope hope you'rexxxxxxxxxthinking of you! xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Grocery shopping without a vehicle by Peggy Dee
sUsie CUrrie The Regale Royale 14 anchors University Town Center, one of several developments in (and around) Hyattsville.
thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well ! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well ! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking of you! hope you're doing well ! thinking of you! hope you're doing well! thinking
late one summer afternoon, I had a very interesting chat with louise, who lives on Hamilton Street and who is 100 years young. She and her late husband moved to this house in 1937 and she remains there today. In those days, Hamilton Street was known as owens Avenue. There were a few houses across the street, as the WSSC building was not there. Having raised five children here, louise had a few interesting stories to tell. During the 1940s, her children attended the Hyattsville Elementary School, which at that time was located on Gallatin Street, between 42nd Place and 43rd Avenue. The original Hyattsville High School was located at 42nd and oliver, where the middle school is today. northwestern High School was built in 1951 and her children went there to high school. louise remembers those long, hot Hyattsville summers when there was no air conditioning. She had a screened-in front porch and many of her neighbors would gather on her porch at night after the children went to bed. She also remembers that she and the other mothers would park their baby carriages out on the screened porches during the day, where the sleeping babies were perfectly safe. Most of the women, in those days, were not employed outside the home. There was a small Safeway grocery store on Gallatin Street across from the elementary school, where most of the ladies would shop during the day. As most of the families had only one car, which the husbands took to work, each housewife would complete her shopping by labeling each bag with a number and her name. The husbands on their way home would stop by the Safeway and pick up the bags. She has special memories of the activities at Magruder Park, including family picnics. Each
July 4th, her family members and friends would gather on her front lawn and porch to watch the fireworks. on Easter Monday, there was an egg hunt, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. The children were given money for each egg that they found. If they found a golden egg, they would receive $5.00. Each family had a fencedin yard and the children would play in each other’s yards. Halloween evenings were especially nice, when the kids safely went door to door. The contest of guessing the identity of each costumed child made for a lot of fun. Monday was always the day for washing clothes and most of the housewives used wringer machines. louise laughed when she said that there was a real competition among the ladies, as to who could get their clothes out on the lines first. Then tuesday was always the day for ironing. Walking down to Route 1 and shopping at Woolworth’s, Deitz Department Store and tony George’s Deli is something that louise will never forget. The deli was known for its delicious bakery products and homemade candies and was a favorite neighborhood gathering place. Several doctors and dentists were also located on Route 1. Dr. Sylvan Deitz – the brother of Aaron Deitz, who owned Deitz Department Store – had an office on Gallatin Street. She remembers making many trips to the old Peoples Drug Store between Gallatin and Jefferson streets, and Dudrow’s Drug Store, which was just across the street. The piped-in Christmas music and the decorations in December is a memory that she will always treasure. I had such an enjoyable afternoon chatting with louise on how life in Hyattsville used to be. I learned so much and it brought a sentimental tear to my eye. I wish louise the very best and hope that she has many more birthdays.
Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD
6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20783 Tel: 301-403-8808 Fax: 301-403-1341
School Physicals • Immunizations • Sport Physicals • Minor Emergency Care • Ear Piercing • Urgent/Sick Child Visit • CPR/First Aid Class
M-F 9 - 6 p.m. • Evening & Saturday hours by appointment Same day appointment available *Most Insurance Accepted*
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
Page 3
T i g e r L i l l y F l o r i s t & T h e B a s k e t G o u r m e t S h o p
Full Service Florist • Gift Baskets • Balloon Decorations • Gifts
3 0 1 - 6 9 9 - 8 3 1 2
5101 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20781 www.basketgourmetflorist.com • Local & Worldwide Delivery
10% OFF In-Store Purchase
Exp 9/30/2011
bill JeNNe Pictured (L-R): Officer Tom Bergling of Hyattsville Police Dept, Officer Eddie Murphy of Mt. Rainier Police Dept., Officer James Denault, Hyattsville Police Dept., Mayor Walter James, Town of Bladensburg, and Chief Doug Holland of Hyattsville Police Dept. take part in the Cops on Rooftops fundraiser.
Police go to great heights by Bart Lawrence
Chief Douglas Holland of the Hyattsville Police Department (HPD) seems like an honest guy. So we have to believe him when he says, referring to the glazed pastry in his hand, “I think this is my first doughnut in five years.” Holland was outside a local Dunkin’ Donuts, but he wasn’t seeking snacks. He was leading a 30-hour occupation of the restaurant as part of Cops on Rooftops, a fundraiser for Special olympics Maryland (SoMD). Held at (and on) the Dunkin’ Donuts at 3030 Queens Chapel Road,
the event was one of eight throughout Maryland on August 20 and 21. Approximately 25 police, between 10 and 15 of them HPD officers, spent the event manning the drive through window or perched on the rooftop, even playing Wii in the early morning hours. With the support of officers from nearby departments — including Bladensburg, Mount Rainier, and Riverdale Park, as well as Prince George’s County — the Hyattsvillearea location raised $5,381.40 for SoMD, largely made up of donations from store patrons, residents, and police officers. officers also sold law Enforcement torch Run
officer Jimmy Denault of HPD’s Community Action team organized the Hyattsville-area Cops on Rooftops event. He took a few moments away from the rooftop to answer some important questions. Q: What’s the best part of these fundraisers? A: “The money and support for Special Olympics, and the smiles on the athletes’ faces.” Q: Are you afraid of heights? A: “No. Rollercoasters, yes.” Q: How many doughnuts can you eat in one sitting? A: “Five. Easily.” Q: Given the choice between a 1 percent drop in the annual property crimes rate or a year’s worth of free crullers, which would you choose? A: “The drop in crime rate.” Q: Are you a doughnut man or a doughnut-hole man? A: “Doughnut man.”
t-shirts and raffled off Giant Food gift certificates, a mountain bike, an iPod, and a Harley Davidson. The money raised will support the more than 10,000 SoMD athletes in training and competition. Patricia Miles, the county’s Special olympics director, noted that “events such as these help teach people about the [all-volunteer organization] and the support we need.” When approached by HPD, restaurant owner Ray omar was eager to get involved. “He opened his arms to us with his full support and a $500 donation,” said Holland. Cops on Rooftops isn’t the only area Special olympics fundraiser. on october 9, Hyattsville’s Arrow Bicycle and Route 1 Velo will hold the third annual Hyattsville Cyclocross Race at Magruder Park. Having raised $8,500 over the past two years, this event has become the largest single contributor to the Prince George’s County Special olympics. Registration is now open at bikereg.com. This year, even non-cyclists can get in the game; buy a commemorative Hyattsville CX pint glass for $6 and get a free beer on race day. With doughnuts and beer, the Special olympics seems to have the tastiest — if not healthiest — fundraisers in town.
OPEN MIC POETRY OETRY EVERY THURSDAY NIGHT
9 PM – 11 PM
//
$4 COVER
Your warm-weather yarn headquarters Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11–7, Saturday 11–6, Sunday 1–5 Closed on Monday
301-779-3399 5200 Baltimore Ave. (Rte. 1), Hyattsville, MD 20781 Across from Franklin’s, entrance on Gallatin Street www.atangledskein.com
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.
It’s one thing to have a have a job – it’s another to have a career. MV Transportation offers its employees an opportunity to learn, grow, and enjoy their jobs. And the personal rewards far exceed a paycheck. For example it’s the smile on their passengers face when they bring them to their destination safely. For others it’s seeing the cleanest bus on the road – an MV bus. But whatever it is, it’s the reason the MV family has grown to more than 13,000 employees strong.
Are you ready to start your career with MV? MV Transportation is looking for talented professionals to fill the following career opportunities: Supervisor Trainee Data Entry Manager Road Supervisor Payroll Manager HR Coordinator Para-transit Operator (Driver) Scheduler In-bound Customer Service Weekend Agent – FT & PT
Weekend Dispatcher – FT and PT Operations Supervisor Asst. Dispatch Manager Reconciler (Data Entry) Behind-The- Wheel Trainer Quality Assurance Monitor
Find your path to success with MV by sending your resume to: mvrecruiter108@mvtransit.com
hyattsville 5331 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD //
BUSBOYSANDPOETS.COM
You may also apply in-person at our Hyattsville, Maryland office Tuesday through Thursday from 10am to 2pm. MV Transportation 6505 Belcrest Road, Ste. 502 Hyattsville, MD 20782 www.mvtransit.com
Page 4
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
Average annual savings of
MissFloribunda
$426*
Dear Miss Floribunda,
I’M THERE
™
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.® Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® 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
Scrubnik Lawn Care, Inc. Quality Service since 1985
Annual Maintenance Contracts For As Low As $100 per Month Governmental, Commercial and Residential Accounts Clean-ups, Mulching, Hand weeding, Fertilization, Aeration, Seeding, Sodding, and Flat Flagstone Installation
Quality trees, plants and flowers delivered and installed. Professional landscape design.
301.864.6020 scrubnik@verizon.net |www.scrubnik.com
Scrubnik also delivers bulk red and brown shredded mulch. Free estimates. 10% discount for new customers w/coupon.
HomoConstruction, Habilis LLC* REMODELING
2 million years of experience wrapped up in one small company!
Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Additions, Handyman, Repairs…
Peter J. O’Day
3811 Nicholson Street Hyattsville, MD 20782
240-441-2792 oday.homohabilis @gmail.com
*Ho-mo hab-i-lis, n. (Handy Man, Skillful-Man) A species of humans considered to be an ancestor of modern humans and the earliest hominid to make tools. This species existed between 1.5 and 2.0 million years ago.
cherry, and the prunus serotina, or black cherry. These are both I like birds and would never put poisons native to north America and on my plants, but I am feeling very, very birds much prefer their fruit to frustrated after seeing my feathered that of the varieties we grow for friends devour everything edible on my our own consumption. blueberry bushes and my cherry tree Though it can be a pest if you this summer. I put netting on the bushes don’t control seedlings, a mulbut those little pointy beaks seemed to berry tree is a bird magnet. This have no trouble getting through. The is easy to grow and most birds aluminum pie pans and CDs in the love mulberries – especially your cherry tree may have kept some birds “kamikaze” catbirds. Birds also away, but not enough of them. Some of prefer our native huckleberries, the jays and catbirds went kamikaze on serviceberries, beautyberries and my cat while other birds feasted. What chokeberries to blueberries. They can I do next year that is humane? Or enjoy the seeds of redbud and silshould I just give up? ver maple trees as well. taking less space are coneflowBerry Bereft and ers, rudbeckia and sunflowers, About to Quit on Queensbury and their numerous seeds will keep our beaky little buddies ocDearBerryBereftandAbouttoQuit, cupied and away from the cherry tree. Although I’ve recommended Please don’t quit, but follow up summer-bearing plants for diveryour good feelings for the birds by sionary purposes, there are also planting berry-producing plants autumn-bearing plants that would they prefer even to blueberries please the birds and keep them in and cherries. once again, our your garden. They love the berries own native plants will be helpful. on viburnum, dogwoods, inkberry You don’t say how large your and various holly varieties. yard is, but if you have room you They even enjoy berries of plants might plant a wild cherry tree toxic to us, such as poison ivy and that would attract the birds away Virginia creeper, but I think it from your favorite. I’m thinking would be going a bit far to stock of the prunus virginiana, also your garden with those! But do known as bird cherry or choke- include bird favorites in your gar-
den and you will find they will show much less interest in the fruits and berries you want for yourself and your family. My brother-in-law Papageno Vogelfanger is of the opinion that it is thirst rather than hunger that makes birds go for the fat, succulent blueberries and cherries we like to grow. He claims that a birdbath near your berries will draw birds away from them, especially if you add a fountain feature that will attract them with its musical sound. If nothing else, it will certainly lend charm to your garden. For more information on this and other garden challenges, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society at the Hyattsville Municipal Center, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 17. Please send questions to Floribundav@gmail. com.
Hyattsville’s
Good Vibes Music Studio offering violin, guitar, and piano lessons for ages 3 and up
Thirty-five years’ experience in jazz, pop and classical -- solo and ensemble
Contact Ann Palmer, B.A. in piano performance, at 301-779-0457 or jazz5onfriday@yahoo.com
Hyattsville Farmers Market at Queens Chapel Town Center Fresh local produce — the best from Southern Maryland farms
Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. A Community-Sponsored Enterprise
Cookbook giveaway and exchange! Casual, relaxed environment Plenty of parking in the rear S p o n s o r e d b y t h e S o u t h e r n M a r y l a n d A g r i c u l t u r a l D e v e l o p m e n t C o m m i s s i o n
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
Page 5
UnIVERSItY toWn CEntER
Foreclosure leads to auction by Karen J. Riley
Portions of financially-strapped University town Center were recently forced into foreclosure, raising questions about the future of the mixed-use Hyattsville complex. on August 10, six UtC parcels were sold at auction to the banker, Wells Fargo, for $25.1 million. The parcels included two residential buildings, a vacant lot, and the buildings that currently house Qdoba, Five Guys Burgers and Fries and
DEVELOPMENT IN HYATTSVILLE
sUsie CUrrie The marquee at University Town Center.
the Carolina Kitchen Bar & Grill. on August 16, UtC’s oldest building, Metro I, was sold to CWCapital for $16 million, according to the Washington Business Journal. Erected in 1963, the 288,955square-foot building is 63 percent
Grand Opening! september 24th -Oct 1st Get your party hat on and join us for our week-long Grand Opening celebration with daily deals and special events for you and your pet companion including give-aways, tastings and more. Visit our Facebook page for scheduled events. Don’t miss the fun! New Store!
Arts District HyAttsville
Mon-Sat 10-9 & Sun 10-6 5501 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD 301-403-8957
www.theBigBadWoof.com
OlD tAkOmA
M-F 10-8 & Sat–Sun 10-6 117 Carroll St. NW, DC 202-291-2404 Be in business for yourself. Check out our Woof Franchises. call 202-747-3434
leased to Prince George’s Community College and other tenants. Many of the tenants are viable businesses, offering a reliable payment stream for their new owners. The 56-acre University town Center, originally developed 50 years ago by owner Herschel Blumberg, was designed by Kennedy Center architect Edward Durrell Stone. The original phase included four commercial office buildings with 1.4 million square feet of space and 3,500 surface parking spaces. late in the last decade, Blumberg launched an ambitious new phase to the development that was hailed as a sign of hope for Prince George’s County. UtC added the 14-screen Regal Royale 14 Theatre, retail shops and restaurants, up to 1,500 residential units and a 910-bed new student housing facility. But the recession and financial meltdown of the past few years have not been good for UtC. Housing did not sell. Restaurants shut down and a planned “lifestyle Safeway” was never developed, leaving tenants and residents alike wondering what the next chapter holds.
Mount Rainier
Stop in and explore business services, live performances,wine tastings and boutique shopping.The farmers’ market greets you each Saturday, 10 -2! Experience our new cafes. Something for every taste and fancy awaits you in Mount Rainier. el
Visit MountRainierBusiness.com for more information and a complete business listing.
Ro
p ha
sC
en
e Qu
34th Stre et
Our services include:
BRING IN THIS AD AND GET 20% OFF!
• Hand-finished dry cleaning • Shirts laundered • Draperies • Leather and suede
• Wedding-gown preservation • Area rugs • Same-day service(Drop-off by 9:00am, Pick-up by 5:00pm)
http://www.chapelwaycleaners.com chapelway@verizon.net
3024 Hamilton Street Hyattsville 20782 Phone: 301-559-3232 Fax: 301-559-2632
.
nd
e Av
la
e od
your friendly neighborhood dry cleaners We have been in business since 1990, and we pride ourselves on providing our customers with high-quality fabric care and personal service.
Rainier. The store will offer custom framing, photo restoration and canvas printing. Spice 6, described by the developer as “a fast casual Indian restaurant,” is expected to join the lineup of tenants by the end of March. But owners have already run into at least one delay: The earthquake pushed their August 23 liquor-board hearing back to September 14. As for additional parking, one solution is to allow reverse rush-hour parking along Route 1, similar to the stretch a few blocks south between Farragut and Gallatin. officials at the Maryland State Highway Administration, which maintains Route 1, have indicated that they would allow the change if the city requests it. “We’re exploring the possibility,” said city spokesperson Abby Sandel, “But in limited trials [in front of the EYA townhomes], cars that parked there kept getting hit.”
Discover
ad
Chapel Way Cleaners
ADH
continued from page 1
Is
Rh
Circa34 Consignment Shop Unique art and vintage fashion. Receive 30% off when you become a preferred customer. 301.779.1506
Yulonda 4Hair Salon Back-to-school Special til Sept. 30th. Touch-up, deep conditioning and trim - $60. 301.209.0500
Mount Rainier Business Association P.O. Box 213 Mount Rainier, MD 20712 p.301.358.5111 Joe’s Movement Emporium Community performance center. For more information visit Joesmovement. org
ALSO, STOP IN AND VISIT:
Nisey’s boutique Think holiday shopping! Deep, deep sales at Nisey’s Boutique Niseys Boutique.com. Call 301.277.7977 for hours.
Thrifty Car Rental, Mingus Communications, Urban Eats, Glut Food, Party Time Liquors, Island Style Ice Cream
Page 6
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
MyTwoCents
All about Whole Foods?
For and against the proposed development of the Cafritz property one of the big issues people are discussing these days is a proposal to build a large mixed-use development in what is now a wooded area on Route 1 just north of Hyattsville. located in Riverdale Park and across from University Park, the parcel is owned by the Cafritz Corporation, which has announced plans to put retail stores, apartments and town homes there in the not-too-distant future. The anchor would be a Whole Foods store and would also include 160,000 feet of additional retail space, 640 apartments and 100 town homes, among other things. The parcel is currently zoned to allow for about 250 single-family homes, so a zoning change would be necessary.
Arts District Hyattsville resident Kristina Iverson sent a letter to local elected officials on August 26, and it was signed by some other ADH residents. That part of Hyattsville, also on Route 1, is likely to be especially affected by the proposed development. Below are excerpts of that letter. The residents of the Arts District Hyattsville neighborhood are joining in united support of the Whole Foods development proposed at the Cafritz property in Riverdale. In light of the economic downturn over the last few years, many of us have seen
the effects of decreased property values, closed or foreclosed retail ventures, delayed openings in our own Arts District, among other things. Through all of this Arts District Hyattsville is proof that if a neighborhood is supportive, involved, and determined that it can prosper and become a lively, walkable community. We have seen the benefits firsthand of a well-planned and well-executed community come to fruition – even in the midst of a recession (and possibly second downturn). It is because of this that we support the well-planned
community WF and Cafritz is proposing. Bringing healthy, wholesome shopping options to our area, less than five miles from DC, is a great benefit to the residents and community. Hyattsville, Riverdale, University Park and College Park deserve to have these opportunities and as your neighbors we applaud your project. Here is the opinion of Tim Hunt, Ward 3 councilmember for Hyattsville. It’s not about Whole Foods. If Whole Foods wants to come to Prince George’s County, there are many places that are zoned for something other than residential housing that would almost certainly embrace their arrival. The developers of the Cafritz property in Riverdale Park are seeking to expand the boundaries of the College Park transit District overlay Zone (surrounding the Metro station) to include their property, which is currently zoned for around 200250 homes. Underlying zoning provides a way for a property owner and a surrounding community to exercise their rights as to their ability to develop and
determine the character of their neighborhood. It should not be taken lightly and significant changes should only happen after thorough review from the entire community. Unfortunately, the developer has come to the community with admittedly outdated market studies, plans lacking in detail for the residential portion of the project and statements such as “something needs to be done about the [Route 1/MD 410] intersection,” which is currently failing. Yet, they want the county to approve their request for a zoning change for the entire 36acre parcel in short order. There are other, established tDoZ’s in the area from Greenbelt to West Hyattsville that are under-developed and could benefit from this type of development and Whole Foods could consider them. With the anticipated East Campus development at Route 1 and Paint Branch Parkway, Hyattsville’s Arts District and the Prince George’s Plaza tDoZ all within a mile or so of the Cafritz property, how is such a significant zoning change justifiable to the community? How can the developers show that their request
will not harm what has already been established by many years of planning and community development work at the municipal and county levels? Using current market studies would be a good place to start. The Hyattsville City Council is now considering commissioning such a study, ideally in conjunction with neighboring municipalities. This would be done in order to both determine the impacts of the potential Cafritz proposal and other current and proposed developments in the region as well as to plan for future development capacity and character. one specific retailer should not be the primary consideration driving this zoning decision and, in fact, the Whole Foods is only a small portion of what is being proposed. What is being asked for will affect the community through demands on our infrastructure and market capacities in big ways and small, known and unknown. It seems, though, that the topic is being manipulated to “how do we get Whole Foods into our community now” where it might be prudent to not “jump first” and figure the rest out later.
Helping Sell Hyattsville
And our Neighboring Community
Ann Barrett, Realtor®
FOR SALE 4111 Crittenden Street, Hyattsville $260,000 White picket fence, front porch, lovely brick paths, well planted garden and gracious rooms sizes throughout. In need of updating to bring out its glory. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Unfinished, walk-up attic could be a master suite. Near park/bikepath. Sold as-is.
6902 Calverton Drive, Hyattsville $395,500 Spacious with 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. 4 finished levels includes 2 master suites, 3 fireplaces, living room, large family room and an office. Gracious fenced rear yard with french doors from the dining room that lead to the patio. Gorgeous kitchen with sile stone counters, large island and bay window. Nice Condition!
Salesperson, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 9094 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740
cell: 240-938-6060 office: 301-441-9511 ext. 261
email: annbarrett@ longandfoster.com web: ANNBARRETT.LNFRE.COM
Honored As: Top Producing Agent Long & Foster College Park 2009 & 2010!
FOR SALE
If you would like to discuss the market and/or how to prepare your home for sale please call me!
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
Page 7
Metropolitan Shops at Prince George’s Station
Former Belcrest Center has new owner and name by Susie Currie
This is the name the new owners gave what used to be called Belcrest Center. It’s the four-story building on East-West Highway between Mosaic at Metro and Giant Food. Adjacent to Prince George’s Plaza Metro station, it connects to the Mall at Prince George’s by a pedestrian bridge. This new name – Metropolitan Shops at Prince George’s Station – sounds a lot like the one on the development across Belcrest Road, The Shoppes at Metro Station, which is anchored by Starbucks and CVS. That property is now being managed by
DEVELOPMENT IN HYATTSVILLE StreetSense, the outfit behind the thriving Arts District retail area. Virginia-based Rosenthal Prop-
“There are a lot of incomplete developments ... that impede the overall success of Hyattsville businesses.” — Jeaneva Fox restaurant owner erties changed the name after acquiring the property in a fire sale at the beginning of this year. It’s unclear what plans the company has for the center, since at press time the shops had yet to be included in its web portfolio. But problems there date to at least 2009, when one of its original anchors, Circuit City, filed for bankruptcy. More recently, another of its tenants, J. Marie’s, which offered live jazz and American Cajun Creole cuisine, closed at the end of July. Calls to the business line reach a
recording that says the restaurant has “temporarily closed pending its relocation to another site,” which sources say is in Silver Spring. “Hyattsville, University Park, College Park and Greenbelt all have great communities of people who are extremely invested in the success of [local] businesses,” said owner Jeaneva Fox. “However, there are a lot of incomplete developments, overpriced retail units, and stateand municipality-sanctioned fees and taxes that impede the overall success of Hyattsville businesses.” The property is currently anchored by Staples, Bally Total Fitness and Bob’s Discount Furniture, which took Circuit City’s place in May. Already popular with the school-age set for the free candy, cookies and ice-cream buffet, Bob’s will awarding $5,000 this fall to one Maryland school for cultural arts programming. For more information about the Sixth Annual Celebrate the Arts contest, visit the store or www. mybobs.com/celebrate_arts. All entries must be submitted by September 26.
QUEENS CHAPEL TOWN CENTER
Yawd Style disappears from center, Mi Patio takes space by Susie Currie
Normally at this time of year, organizers would be putting the finishing touches on plans for the annual International Festival, held every September at Queens Chapel Town Center. This year, though, the city’s 125th anniversary celebration is scheduled for that weekend instead of the festival. Acting recreation director Abby Sandel said she expects it to return same time, next year. In April, Chapel Way Cleaners opened in the location that Hamilton Cleaners closed in August 2010. Manager Emmanuel Sogah says that although the ownership has changed, the
DEVELOPMENT IN HYATTSVILLE store retains “the same 15-year experienced staff.” Over the summer, the shopping center at the intersection of Hamilton Street and Queens Chapel Road lost Curves, which consolidated with the Takoma Park location. And Yawd Style Caribbean Cuisine gave way to Mi Patio, serving Dominican cuisine. One thing that hasn’t changed is the Tuesday farmer’s market. Held in the shopping center parking lot, continues to draw a regular crowd, and probably will until the end of the growing season.
AdirondAck Tree experTs Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996
Recipient of Checkbook Magazine’s “Check of Quality”
REMOVAL • PRUNING TRIMMING
OLD DOMINION B
REWHOUSE
& RESTAURANT
Free Estimates! Karaoke every Wednesday night!
301-595-2827 On-Line Coupons
www.adirondacktreeexperts.com FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts • Visa and Mastercard Accepted
University Town Center • Next to PG Plaza 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD
1 5 % O F F
E n t i r e D i n n e r C h e c k ( M i n . $ 2 0 )
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
Daily Happy Hour Specials Mon. - Sat. 4-7 pm Appetizers as low as $2.00 Come enjoy all the games on our 25 HDTVs!
301-887-1818
all you can eat
china buffet
V a l i d o n l y a t O l d D o m i n i o n B r e w h o u s e . D i s c o u n t d o e s n o t a p p l y t o d a i l y s p e c i a l s o r h a p p y h o u r . C o u p o n m a y n o t b e c o m b i n e d w i t h a n y o t h e r o f f e r . E x p i r e s 9 / 3 0 / 1 1
1 5 % O F F
E n t i r e D i n n e r C h e c k ( M i n . $ 1 5 )
C o u p o n v a l i d o n l y a t T o k y o S u s h i a n d C h i n a B u f f e t . C o u p o n m a y n o t b e c o m b i n e d w i t h a n y o t h e r o f f e r . E x p i r e s 9 / 3 0 / 1 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
Hyattsville R Page HR1
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
the
No. 224• Septembe
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
GOING GREEN IN 2011:
Walk To School Day This is the ninth 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, and more. This month’s installment addresses the planet-friendly habits of our youngest residents. If you have kids, getting them to and from school is part of your daily routine most of the year. Once upon a time, we all walked to school (uphill, both ways, in the snow!) but younger generations often have a different experience. They pick up their backpacks and hop in the backseat, while mom or dad maneuvers the school drop-off line. Not every parent has the option of walking their kids to school, but many of us in Hyattsville can at least consider the possibility. The City will take part in International Walk to School Day on Wednesday, October 5, 2011. Volunteers will be present at the intersections of Ager & Nicholson and Jefferson & 43rd to hand out balloons during morning hours to celebrate the day. Why walk or bike to school? • Walking and biking saves money. Bus transportation per student averaged over $850/year in 2007-2008. That’s up from $490/year in 1980-81. • Walking and biking to school offers an opportunity for children to get physical activity as part of their daily routine. • The environmental benefit is real, too. According to the National Center for Safe Routes to Schools, the sponsor of International Walk to School Day, air quality is measurably better at schools placed in neighborhoods with integrated street and sidewalk networks, and these schools have more students arriving by bicycle and on foot. Walking and bicycling to school provide opportunities for children and families to reduce their carbon usage and contribute to the health of the environment. If you’d like to volunteer for the morning, please contact the Office of Volunteer Services at 301/985-5057. The easiest way to get involved is as simple as lacing up your walking shoes and helping your kids get to school the old-fashioned way. For more about International Walk to School Day, visit www.walktoschool.org.
Happy Birthday The City of Hyattsville was incorporated in April 1886. That makes 2011 our 125th anniversary! A special anniversary party is in the works for Friday, September 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. The event will take place at the new Arcade at 4318 Gallatin Street. The cornerstone for the building was laid in 1886, the same year at the City’s founding. The site was originally the home of Pinckney Memorial Church. The church’s foundation walls and slabs are at least 125 years old. The building has been used as a silent movie theater, bowling alley, and early shopping mall over the years. Today 4318 Gallatin is a contributing resource to the City’s National Register Historic District. Tickets are available for $125/couple. Residents who have been in the City for twentyfive years or more are the guests of the Mayor and Council. Reserve your tickets using the online form found at http://www.hyattsville.org/125, or call 301/985-5006.
IN OTHER NEWS... THANKS TO THE OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE We’ve just wrapped up the City’s Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam concert series. We send our sincere thanks to Gregory Kithcart and his team from the Outback Steakhouse at the Mall at Prince George’s Plaza for their generous support. Over the years, the event has grown into a staple of the summer season, and we could not do it without their unwavering support.
PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM RETURNS TO MAGRUDER PARK The best playdate in the City returns on Tuesday, September 13 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 301/985-5020 for details.
DOWNTOWN HYATTSVILLE ARTS FESTIVAL TAKES PLACE SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 The Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival is back, and the fourth celebration moves to a new location – the new retail plaza at the intersection of Baltimore Avenue and Jefferson Street. The event runs from 11:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Artists and artisans will sell jewelry, home décor, photos and paintings, handmade dolls, purses and other accessories, handmade soap and much more. The entertainment schedule includes: 11:30 AM JP McDermott and Western Bop (rockabilly) 1:00 PM Yellow Submarine (Ska spin on the Beatles) 2:30 PM Cheik Hamala Diabate (Afro-pop) 4:00 PM Jayamangala (Bharat Natyam traditional Indian dance) 4:30 PM Joe’s Movement Emporium (Pan-African step group) The event is free and open to the public!
SENI SET F
Senior vited 6:00 P Bever or shi Aging helpin in the the po call 3 gmail
KAR AT M
High Magru day ev oke! Thurs for inf
2ND COM HEA
The 2 cultur
Reporter Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
er 14, 2011
y, Hyattsville!
IOR POTLUCK FOR OCTOBER 1
ors, along with their families and caregivers, are into a potluck on Saturday, October 1 from 2:00 to PM at Magruder Park. Please bring a dish to share! rages will be provided. The event takes place rain ine, and is sponsored by the Hyattsville g in Place committee, committed to ng Hyattsville residents over 60 to stay eir homes. For more information on otluck or the Aging in Place group, 301/779-0256 or email caffeinetoo@ l.com.
RAOKE NIGHTS MAGRUDER PARK
schoolers are invited to come to the uder Park Recreation Center on Thursvenings from 7:00 to 8:30 PM for karaThe event is free of charge. Begins on sday, September 15. Call 301/985-5027 formation.
D ANNUAL HYATTSVILLE MMUNITY MULTICULTURAL ALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR
2nd Annual Hyattsville Community Multiral Health and Wellness Fair will be held from
Page HR2
CALENDAR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 Sept. 15, 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Karaoke Nights for High School Students Magruder Park
Sept. 19, 8:00 PM City Council Meeting
Sept. 20, 7:00 PM
Planning Committee Meeting
Sept. 23, 6:30 - 8:30 PM City’s 125th Anniversary Party 4318 Gallatin Street
Sept. 24, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Fourth Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival Jefferson Street & Baltimore Avenue
Sept. 25, 2:00 PM
Burlington Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 46th Avenue & Burlington Road
Sept. 26, 8:00 PM City Council Meeting
Oct. 1, 2:00 - 6:00 PM Aging in Place potluck Magruder Park
Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. cally, call the City at 301/985-5000 or email info@hyattsville.org.
FALL FEST AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 17 at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, located at 6201 Belcrest Road. This free event of health screenings, demonstrations, education and training, information dissemination – and lots of fun – will help you to tune in and tune up your body and your mind! The event is sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville (FUMC), the United Methodist Men, the City of Hyattsville, the City of Hyattsville Police, and Kaiser Permanente. Feel free to pre-register on the FUMC website, http://www.fumchy. org/; email carterwilli@theisgrp.com; or call 301/927-6113.
BURLINGTON PARK PLAYGROUND UPGRADES & RIBBON CUTTING New playground equipment is on the way for the City park at the intersection of 46th Avenue and Burlington Road. We’ll hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, September 25 at 2:00 PM to celebrate!
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 www.hyattsville.org, or watch for an overview of results in future edition of the Hyattsville Reporter. To receive a copy electroni-
The First Baptist Church of Hyattsville is planning a community Fall Festival on Saturday September 17 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 5701 42nd Avenue. Food, entertainment, activities, and games for all ages. For more information, call 301/927-0545.
OCTOBER EVENTS Three major events return to the City this Fall! Hyattsville Cyclocross returns to Magruder Park on Sunday, October 9. And the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department’s 5-Mile Run will take place throughout the City on Saturday, October 22. Look for more information about all of these events in the next edition of the Hyattsville Reporter.
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 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
Save the date for a
spooktacular Halloween event
Spooky Fest
Saturday, October 29, 2:00 to 4:00 PM Pumpkin decorating, costume contest, a monster mash dance party and more! Check back for more information in the next edition of the Reporter!
COMMUNITY Through September 30
Have some new or gently used sneakers lying around that you never wear? Take them to any Prince George’s County community center for the Xteme Teens: Give the Gift of Fitness Sneaker Drive. Organizers hope to collect 600 pairs for the Perpetual Pumps for Prosperity Foundation, which benefits families in Africa. 301.408.4329 or tarik.brown@pgparks.com.
September 14
Learn more about the local currency Anacostia Hours in How to Use an Hour, a potluck gathering for current and prospective members alike. Free. 7 to 9 p.m. 4104 32nd Street, Mount Rainier. 443.722.0528 or anacostiahours@yahoo. com.
September 17
Enjoy the waterfront view at the 15th Annual Port Towns Day, uniting the neighboring towns of Bladensburg, Colmar Manor, Cottage City and Edmonston. The festival includes concerts, boat tours, prizes, food and more. Free. Noon to 9 p.m. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371. See what entertainment the new season will bring during the Publick Playhouse Open House, complete with African drummers, belly dancers, salsa and hiphop dance lessons, and plenty of children’s activities, such as a skatemobile, magicians and face painting. Free. 1 to 4 p.m. 5445 Landover Road. 301.277.1711.
The City of Hyattsville celebrates our...
September 23
125th
anniversary
on Friday, September 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
with a cocktail party and tour of our newest project.
4318 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville MD Tickets are available for $125/couple.
Residents who have been in the City for twenty-five years or more are the guests of the Mayor and Council. Reserve your tickets at http://www. hyattsville. org/125 or call 301/985-5006.
If you’ve lived here for at least 25 years, your tickets to the city’s adults-only 125th Anniversary Party are on the house. (For the rest of us, it’s $65 each or $125 per couple.) The cocktail party will include a hard-hat tour of the Arcade building, which is being renovated for public and civic use. For ages 21 and up. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Arcade, 4318 Gallatin Street. 301.985.5006.
September 24
Support your local artists, musicians and restaurants at the Fourth Annual Downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival, featuring concerts, local food and dozens of handmade wares. Free. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts District Hyattsville, Route 1 and Jefferson Street. 301.985.5020 or hyattsvillearts. com. Bring out your inner rocket scientist at the College Park Aviation Museum’s Model Rocket Workshop. You can design and build your own unique model rocket with all the materials provided by the museum. Free with museum admission of $4 for adults ($2 for children). 1 p.m. 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. Pre-register by calling 301.864.6029. Today, the rest of the country gets a taste of what locals have loved for years: free admission to stellar museums. As part of Smithsonian Magazine’s Annual Muse-
um Day, hundreds of cultural venues nationwide won’t charge an entry fee to visitors who present a special admission card, downloadable at smithsonianmag.com/ museumday. One card per household serves as a pass for two people. Local participating sites include the College Park Aviation Museum and Riversdale House Museum, with dozens more in Baltimore and Washington. Check the website for a complete listing. Pitch in to help clean up your local parks on National Public Lands Day. More than 1,400 sites across the country are registered at www.publiclandsday.org; locally, volunteers will concentrate on the University Hills Duck Pond (3400 Stanford Street), as well as locations in Greenbelt and Washington, D.C. Contact brooke.westby@pgparks.com or call 301.627.7755.
September 26
Over 60? Bring your tennis shoes for the Silver Sneakers Walk, Peddle or Paddle at Lake Artemesia. Non-walkers can select a kayak or regular, tandem or three-wheeled bicycle for a trip around the lake. Free. 9 a.m. to noon. 8200 55th Avenue, Berwyn Heights. Register at 301.446.3400.
October 2
Needing to brush up on those culinary skills? The Riversdale Kitchen Guild hosts From Field to Forest, this month’s Seasonal Selections event based on fresh produce from an early 19th century farm schedule. Free. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.
October 9
The Annual Hyattsville Cyclocross Race returns to Magruder Park as part of the Mid-Atlantic Bicycle Racing Association Cyclocross (MABRAcross) Super 8 Series. Proceeds benefit Prince George’s County Special Olympics. Not a biker? Buy a Hyattsville CX pint glass, and you can get a free beer refill on race day. Races in several categories begin at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit hyattsvillecx. blogspot.com or call 505.986.8884.
Ongoing
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 for adults ($2 for children). 10:30 a.m. College Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029. 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 Water-
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
Page 9
CALENDAR front Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371.
pel Road and Hamilton Street. 301.627.0977.
to 4 p.m., 4512 College Avenue, College Park. 301.864.8880.
College Park Farmer’s Market at Linson Pool. This local farmer’s market has a variety of goods including organic vegetables, local crafts and other specialties, and fruit. You can even call ahead to find out what selection will be on hand that particular week. Wells-Linson Complex Parking Lot. Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon. FMNP Checks (WIC & Senior) & FVC accepted. Wells-Linson Complex parking lot. 5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. 301.399.5485.
The producers-only Riverdale Park Farmer’s Market is open for the season, with a variety of local vegetables and fruits, honey, baked goods, meat, jams, flowers and more. Free. Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. 4650 Queensbury Road, Riverdale Park. 301.332.6258.
The Hyattsville library offers a variety of storytimes. Space is limited; free tickets available at the Children’s Desk. Ages 9-23 months with caregiver: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. Ages 2-3: Mondays, 11 a.m. and Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Ages 3-6: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. English-Spanish Storytime for ages 3-6: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.
The Hyattsville Farmers’ Market offers just-picked produce, herbs, plants and more. Tuesdays, 2 to 6 p.m. Queens Cha-
Browse clothing, housewares and more at reasonable prices at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Thrift Shop, Thursdays, 10 a.m.
At the Mount Rainier Farmer’s Market, browse local wines, bread, produce, flowers and more. Free. Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. City Hall Civic Plaza, Rhode Island Avenue and Perry Street, Mount Rainier. 301.332.6258.
Community Calendar is compiled by Susie Currie and Scarlett Salem. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@ hyattsvillelife.com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Deadline for October submissions is September 20.
FREE Hip Hop on Mondays: 6 – 7pm for youth, 7 – 8pm for adult
community performing arts center
ALL YOGA CLASSES $5
CLASSES: NEW Family classes in Zumba and Hip Hop, childcare during Thursday’s Zumba class
Emotional distress?
We can help you break free.
Healthy Choices Hypnosis Center Robert Minaert, CHt Consulting Hypnotist 301-335-9376
Call us for a Friendly, FREE Consultation
Visit us online at www.healthychoiceshome.com
Dr. Mark H. Sugar, Dr. John R. Hawkins, IV and the Belcrest Surgery Center practicing podiatry in Hyattsville since 1975
are happy to announce a new treatment for foot and ankle pain. We now have a new infra-red therapy laser which is a painless method of treatment for pain associated with arthritis, tendonitis, fasciitis, nerve disorders and sports injuries.
www.joesmovement.org 301-699-1819 Located at 3309 Bunker Hill Road, right off of 34th Street in historic Mount Rainier, MD
“Franklins is awesome!”
–Pubcrawler.com
Visit Hyattsville’s most unusual restaurant and enjoy our own microbrews on tap, fine wine and good food.
Franklins
5123 Baltimore Ave Hyattsville, MD 20781 301-927-2740
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
Win a year of FREE house cleaning! Just visit www.everlastingpm.com to enter to win a year of FREE house cleaning OR lawn service.
FREE PHONE ESTIMATES!
25% OFF 1st CLEANING!
Everlasting Property Maintenance (202) 705-0331
www.everlastingpm.com · info @ everlastingpm.com
Page 10
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
COMMENTARY & OPINION ON HISTORY & POLITICS
Hugh’sNews
Are we gambling on our future? by Hugh Turley
Pennsylvania national Gaming, a Pennsylvania-based company, is gearing up to lobby the Maryland General Assembly for slot machines, table games or both in Prince George’s County. Advocates of the casino-style gambling at Rosecroft, near national Harbor, argue that it will pro-
vide additional money for state and local budgets, provide jobs and support hospitals. Some believe if the county does not offer additional gambling, citizens will go to another county or state to gamble. This argument was made in Idaho after World War II when slot machines were in the bordering states of nevada, Washington
and Montana. Idaho legalized slots because they imagined money was flowing into the neighboring states. By 1953, Idaho had reversed itself and banned the slot machines. The state budget had benefited from the additional income but there were other costs. Businesses suffered when citizens who gambled away their
NASCAR EVENT Come out to the D&D Tire Company on
September 28th and 29th 10:00am to 4:00 pm and see the Goodyear Nascar Show Car. If you are a fan of Nascar or just like cars in general, D&D Tire is the place to be! There will be food, fun and games, door prizes which includes a chance to win a set of 4 Goodyear Eagle GT tires FOR FREE! Also there will be great deals on tires & service.
4919 Kenilworth Ave Hyattsville
301-277-TIRE
Test your tire changing skills with the Pit Crew Challenge.
money had none left to patronize local restaurants and stores, or pay their dental and doctor bills. one need not look as far away as Idaho to discover the disadvantages of gambling to a community. During the 1960s, slot machines were outlawed in neighboring Charles County. The Baltimore City Paper (12/1/2004) in a sub-title to “little Vegas” asked the question, “What can Maryland’s troubled history with slot machines tell us about the odds for the future?” Maryland State Senator Paul G. Pinsky (District 22) told the Hl&t that he opposes “gambling, including slots and table games in both our state and county.” Pinsky said he believes, “expanding gambling operations is bad public policy that harms vulnerable citizens by promoting addictive behavior.” The proper role of government is to serve and protect the people. When government encourages casino-style gambling it does neither. Gambling is opposed to human reason. Adam Smith noted in The Wealth of Nations that the more lottery tickets you purchase, the greater your chance of losing. to see why this is so, just think of the person who purchases all the tickets. He is
certain to lose because he will have paid in more than the total value of the prize. Gambling is designed to give participants little or nothing in return for their money. Thomas Aquinas, writing in the 13th century, invoked the Golden Rule when he addressed gambling: “no man wishes to buy a thing for more than it’s worth. Therefore no man should sell a thing to another man for more than it’s worth.” Even winning in gambling is unreasonable because a person gains something of greater value than they paid. Winnings from gambling are at the misery and expense of others who lose their money. taking or trying to take things from others without just compensation is demeaning. Some consider nothing wrong when gambling is legal and participants mutually agree to take part. Aquinas might respond that human laws do not always reflect what is right, but that does not excuse us from being virtuous. People ought to support hospitals and schools out of love of their fellowman and not because they can win something. There are healthier businesses that could be attracted to the county that would not increase selfishness, ruin character, and be harmful to society. In Pinsky’s words, “There are better sources of revenue for the state and more dependable sources of income for citizens.” Why not try harder to attract businesses that manufacture such beneficial things as computer software, medical devices, precision tools, or pharmaceuticals?
Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance
est. 1962
Dance classes for all ages
Register For 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 | September 2011
Page 11
Lawson’s Pharmacy PICK-UP & DELIVERY OF PRESCRIPTIONS Ostomy Supplies, Sr. Citizen’s Discounts Convalescent Aids Sales & Rentals Richard Sabatelli, R. Ph.
301-864-4043
3415 Hamilton St., Hyattsville, MD 20782 HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE top two photos by dave roeder, bottom photo by shirley fisher Planting time, harvest time, and the crew of community gardeners.
Snapshots of a garden by Paula Minaert
The community garden in Hyatt Park (at Hamilton and 36th streets) is celebrating the end of its first season this month, with an impressive harvest of fruits and vegetables. It took a concerted effort by local gardeners over the last two years to get to this point. The push for the garden began in 2009 and required a great deal of research, networking, lobbying and discussion with the city council. The council approved the garden in December 2010. Then a memorandum of understanding between the garden group and the council had to be developed, along with a site plan and rules and bylaws. This spring, the city plowed the ground. The first
Pressed for time?
workday for the gardeners, when they prepared the soil, took place in May. They added lime and compost. Over several workdays, the group measured and marked with stakes the 40 plots that would be allotted to gardeners. They laid out paths and used wood chips to make them. The gardeners arranged with the city to have water installed. The gardeners also cleared a large swath of land in the park that was not part of the garden to improve its appearance and make a place for their children to play. They put up a fence, built compost bins and dealt with squash bugs, a pest that attacked some of the plants. “The garden’s like sharing a house with 40 people,” said Dave Roeder, co-coordinator of the garden. “It takes consideration and a willingness to pitch in.”
Wash & Fold Drop Off Full Service • Same Day Laundry Service Free Pick Up & Delivery or do it yourself at
American Mega Laundromat 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
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
Fleisher’s Jewelers
Celebrating 61 Years in Hyattsville It’s not too early think about the holidays. Start your Christmas shopping now and use our convenient Layaway Plan. Special Orders are never a problem... Bring your tarnished and broken silver hollowware to our Silver Restoration Clinic, one day only September 24th from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. A representative from the company will be on site to give estimates. Diamonds • Gold & Silver Jewelry • Watches and More
FULL SERVICE JEWELER
MASONIC JEWELRY & REGALIA
3108 Queens Chapel Road Hours: Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 M-F: 9:30 - 6:00 301-699-5552 Saturday: 9:00 - 5:00
Your neighborhood jeweler
International Travel Vaccines 6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 (301) 403-8808
Yellow fever, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Polio, etc.
Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
First community survey released by Paula Minaert
Some Hyattsville residents seem pretty happy with their city, according to a just-released community survey. It was done in July and August in a random sampling of 646 people, after an initial 2,000 surveys were mailed out. These people said they’re mostly satisfied with city services such as trash and yard waste collection, police response to emergencies and city parks and recreation programs. They said they are least satisfied with the city’s transportation planning and its management of finances. On September 6, the findings of the 2011 Hyattsville Community Survey were presented to the city
council by Karen Falk of the ETC Institute, which conducted the survey. Two of the services respondents said are most important to them are related to public safety: the city’s crime-prevention efforts and the police response to emergencies. The third item people want the city to focus on is street and sidewalk maintenance. Falk said the survey has a 95 percent level of accuracy. But Councilmember Carlos Lizanne (Ward 4) pointed out that the 2010 census showed that Hyattsville’s largest racial group is African Americans, followed by Hispanics and then whites. The survey respondents, however, were mostly (51 percent) white.
council
continued from page 1
detailed some city staffing problems, particularly high staff turnover and vacancies in senior positions. This has led to the council spending a great deal of time in the last few months dealing with personnel issues in closed session. “Vacancies on the staff are hindering our ability to do the stuff we want to do,” said councilmember Shani Warner (Ward 2). “We have limited resources and spend a lot of time putting out fires and handling time-sensitive issues or issues of losing grant money if we don’t act. Other priorities keep getting pushed off the agenda. It’s a problem.” An HR manager has been in the budget for years but not acted upon, according to Council President Matt McKnight (Ward 3). “A lot of things made it be put off. We really need to do it,” he said. Councilmember Paula Perry (Ward 4) said that when a city staff gets to a certain size, an HR person is needed. “[You need someone] in place who understands benefits and evaluations and also to make sure policies are being followed. At the same time staff needs to have someone they can go to who can be objective.” Former councilmember Bill Tierney is assisting with the hiring process. Street projects Three city street projects have been in the works for years. The Crittenden Street/40th
Place project is intended to improve drainage, realign the roadway and add or widen sidewalks. The effort was slowed by problems in the county’s replacement of an ancient, crumbling storm drain that runs underneath Crittenden Street. Its contractor, C&N Associates, began work in December 2010 but seven months of failed inspections ensued and in July, 71 houses were without water for two days. On July 14, the contractor was replaced by NZI Construction, a city contractor. City spokesperson Abby Sandel says the engineering firm, BAI, has submitted drawings in accordance with the project schedule. “The next step is a discussion at executive committee on September 21,” she said. Another project targets Banner and Buchanan streets and 43rd and 44th avenues and involves installing sidewalks, roadway realignment and base repair as needed. A third will undertake drainage and road improvements in University Hills. McKnight said, “In University Hills, we need to take care of doing a new bond for it. But the engineering work was more complicated than we thought. So we’ll reappropriate funds for existing projects and hold off on Hills work until all engineering work is done.” On August 22, the council assigned responsibility for overseeing these projects to Julia McTague. Tartaro said he expects presentations on those projects in September or October.
Drum Lessons
by Tosin Musik Beginner to advanced levels for all ages
Facilities assessment In July, Hess Construction and Engineering presented an assessment of the five buildings owned by the city: the administration building on Gallatin Street, 3505 Hamilton Street (former BB&T building), the Department of Public Works Operations Center, the Arcade Building and the recreation center at Magruder Park. The report found that the city has a current and short-term space deficit of 21,600 square feet, based on the needs of the various city departments. “[This is] just to maintain existing programming,” said Community Development Manager Jim Chandler. “It doesn’t include our future space needs.” Hess presented two options to meet the city’s needs. The first would move the city offices to 3505 Hamilton Street and the police department would take over the entire current municipal building. The second would move the police to 3505 Hamilton Street and the administration stay in its current building. The public meeting space now in that building would move to the Arcade building. It’s up to the council to accept one of these two options or come up with a different scenario, Chandler said. Tartaro said the assessment was done with staff input but not council input. “[It] projected a certain staffing level. I’ve asked the treasurer to figure out what it would cost to have that staff level. Now we have to ask, can we afford that? The other piece is a needs assessment: what kinds of services are we projecting in the future and at what cost? The assumptions that we need x number of people and space may be valid but [perhaps] we can’t afford it.” Redistricting
For more info, visit www.reverbnation.com/ tosingroove Or email: tosinmusik@gmail.com
Ph: 240-593-1883
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
The city is required by law to go through a redistricting process after each U.S. census. Perry said she puts redistricting second on the to-do list, after hiring an HR manager. Tartaro said that redistricting doesn’t have to be done for a year and the council is on schedule with the process. Speed Cameras This was a major issue for McKnight. “The holdup now is that the county is going to place their cameras on county roads within the city. State law says the city has first say but council continued on page 13
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
the county can put cameras on our roads. they don’t have to get our approval.” He said the city council and Hyattsville Police Chief Doug Holland both went on record opposing county cameras in the city and the council has passed legislation that would allow the city to install speed cameras. He added, “But we haven’t made a decision as to whether we want the cameras. We need to look at the information, hold public meetings, and discuss it. Hopefully within the next couple of months we’ll decide.” Warner said, “Some council members may not support installing cameras but it seems we will have them, especially because the county has listed two or three places in the city [to put them]. Chief Holland asked that they be removed from the list but they weren’t.” She called for more public involvement in the process.
Page 13
WEATHER
continued from page 1
weekend, when Sunday’s Hurricane Irene left tens of thousands without power in Prince George’s County alone. (According to Pepco, it was the hardest hit of the counties surrounding Washington, D.C.) At Dietz Park, dozens of downed limbs closed the park for a week. For residents, the city’s woodchipper made several extra trips through the neighborhood; bundled branches of up to 4 feet will still be picked up during the normal Monday yard waste collection. Perhaps the biggest impact was on the Prince George’s County Public School calendar. Both northwestern High School and Hyattsville Elementary School were closed three of the first six days of the school year, which began on August 22.
Greenbelt Blues Festival
Saturday, September 17th 1-11pm Outdoors in Roosevelt Center New Deal Café - 113 Centerway www.newdealcafe.com
Sponsored by Friends of the New Deal Cafe Arts (FONDCA) with support from the City of Greenbelt
Since much of Hyattsville emerged unscathed from both the earthquake and the hurricane, many parents wondered at the systemwide closings. In a letter to school board representative Amber Waller, the HES PtA requested “a more flexible process” that would take into account conFor one day only, silver restoration expert Melissa Kenis will be at our store to provide free recommendations and estimates on the repairing and refinishing of your sterling and silverplated heirlooms, letting you know if they can be (or should be) restored. Missing parts replaced. Broken pieces soldered.
ditions at individual schools. It went on to explain that “the PtA does not want to see PGCPS seek a waiver from the state to meet the 180-day mandate, as was done in school year 2009-2010.” that year, record snowfall closed schools for nine days – and shortened
the academic year by five days. “We are currently developing a process for making up the missed instructional time,” said PGCPS spokesperson Briant Coleman. “once a decision has been made, we will notify parents, guardians and students.”
Silver Restoration Clinic SAVE 20% - 1 Day Only!
You’ll love entertaining again with your family silver or just having it restored to pass along to the next generation. You’ll also love saving 20% on silverplating and polishing during this 1-day event! So gather up your old silver today!
Sat., Sept. 24 • 10:00 - 4:00 No appointment necessary! 301-699-5552
3108 Queens Chapel Rd (Shops at Queens Chillum) Hyattsville
Fleisher’s Jewelers 25-Year Warranty on Silverplating
Parent & Child Program Fall Semester begins Tuesday, September 13 Magruder Park Recreation Center, 40th & Hamilton Preschoolers and their parents are invited to join us every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for a variety of structured activities, as well free play time. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Pay per session or register for the entire semester! Visit http://www.hyattsville.org/pcprogram or call 301/985-5020 for information.
Page 14
Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2011
“FALL” IN LOVE WITH
HYATTSVILLE
Call Larry Perrin Realtor 301.983.0601 to Buy and Sell Hyattsville Homes! ®
LARRY’S LISTINGS:
SOLD-SOLD-SOLD 2507 Chapman Road $159,995 SOLD-SOLD-SOLD 4415 38th Street $134,995 4111 29th Street $349,995 5401 37th Avenue $269,995 9117 49th Place $199,995 3105 Webster Street $299,000 8718 Delcris Drive $314,995 3817 Newark Street $180,000 3720 Jackson $280,000 4206 Longfellow St. $399,995 9741 52nd Avenue $187,936 The Seville Condominium 2 Bedrooms, 1 1/2 bath From $75,000
Montpelier Village Condominium 2 Bedrooms From $79,995
Greenbriar Condominium
2 and 3 Bedrooms From $101,500
Hunting Ridge Condominium
1 and 2 Bedrooms From $62,995
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.