November 2011 Hyattsville Life & Times

CLEANING ELVES Mini volunteers work to clean up Magruder Park.

PAGE 3

New series at Busboys & Poets

by Candace Hollingsworth

A Continuing Talk on Race (A.C.T.O.R.), a monthly dialogue that started in 2006 at the original Busboys & Poets location, has come to Hyattsville.

The series was born out of owner Andy Shallal’s desire to host informal, facilitated discussions on contemporary issues of race and culture in a safe space. Extending the monthly series to the new location was a natural fit.

The idea came to some local residents over the summer, during a discussion on race, culture and stereotypes on the H.O.P.E. listserv. Though that was met with mixed reviews, it revealed strong feelings in the community.

As a result, several residents approached Shallal about hosting the discussion at Hyattsville’s newest hotspot. On September 11, the series debuted with “Islamophobia,” a discussion that drew more than 20 people.

The next one is scheduled for Sunday, November 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Howard Zinn Room. Organizers plan to hold the gatherings on the second Sunday of every other month at the same time and place.

Hyattsville residents Richard and

LIVING LEGENDS AT THE ARMORY

A trip through the first part of Hyattsville’s timeline.

PAGE 7

Fats Domino, Little Richard and Bobby Darin performed in our city. PAGE 10

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 8 No. 11

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

November 2011

Stakeholders discuss how to revitalize East-West corridor

by Susie Currie

On November 1, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously passed County Executive Rushern Baker’s signature initiative, the $50 million Economic Development Incentive Fund.

It was designed to attract and spur development in the county over the next five years. Having

access to EDI funds, said County Councilmember Will Campos, would be essential “in the event that we get another opportunity like HHS.” Campos was referring to the possible relocation of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Earlier this year, University Town Center had been one of three Prince George’s

County locations bidding for the $450 million, 15-year lease; in the end, HHS decided to stay on Parklawn Drive in Rockville.

The EDI legislation comes a month after Campos and Maryland State Delegate Justin Ross hosted a meeting of a handful of elected officials and developers to discuss ways of revitalizing the businesses along the East-West

T O O F BEST D R A W FOR

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

DIALOG continued on page 13

BEFORE OUR TOWN EXISTED

WILLIAM JENNE Melly Kaplan receives an award in the womenʼs category in the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department 5 mile run, held Oct. 22.

Highway corridor.

The October 3 meeting included David Iannucci, one of the architects of Baker’s EDI program; mayors John Tabori of University Park and Marc Tartaro of Hyattsville; and representatives from several properties along the busy highway, including The BUSINESS continued on page 12

County’s first urban farm unveils vibrant mural

by Scarlett Salem and Paula Minaert

On October 21, a crowd of about 30 area residents and elected officials gathered in neighboring Edmonston for the unveiling of a vibrant mural. It was painted for Engaged Community Offshoots (ECO) City Farms to hang at the entrance of its urban farm, located between the end of Crittenden Street and an Anacostia tributary.

The mural, funded by a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, was put together by artist Matthew Gifford (who also painted the mural inside the new Busboys & Poets) and photographer and ECO City educator Sonia Keiner. Both are from Hyattsville.

Gifford and Keiner interviewed nearby residents to get feedback on food, particularly what is available in MURAL continued on page 13

Included: The November 9, 2011 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

FromTheEditor

Can we really listen to each other?

by Paula Minaert

I attend many city council meetings for my job. They can be interesting and they can be tedious.

And sometimes I find them distressing because of the tension I see in the members’ exchanges with each other.

I’m not talking about healthy disagreements over issues. I’m talking about elected officials interrupting each other, bristling at others’ remarks, taking offense and even, on occasion, shouting at each other.

After one such meeting, I thought: They all have the good of the city at heart. I just wish it weren’t so hard for them to

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Interested reporters should send their e-mail addresses to the editor to be reminded of deadlines and receive internal news. Articles and news submitted may be edited. The deadline is the last week of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor and opinions are encouraged. For all e-mail correspondence with HL&T: news, features, tips, advertising and business write to hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail. com. To submit articles, letters to the editor, etc., e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com.

Executive Editor Paula Minaert paula@hyattsvillelife.com 301.335.2519 Managing Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 Editorial Intern Scarlett Salem Production Ashley Perks Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Hille, William Jenne, Bart Lawrence, Valerie Russell, Kimberly Schmidt, Hugh Turley Board of Directors Julia Duin - President Chris Currie - Vice President Joseph Gigliotti - General Counsel Paula Minaert - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley Susie Currie - Ex Officio Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. Mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city. Total circulation is 9,300.

HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association.

hash things out. But then I remembered a friend of mine, who holds views very different from mine. I accept climate change; she doesn’t. She prizes individual responsibility and effort; I value social justice. When we talk about those issues, we tend to get upset. And neither of us has succeeded in changing the other’s mind.

I got some insight recently into why this is so, in a recent article in The Economist magazine. The article explains why we cling so fiercely to our opinions ‒ whether it’s jobs and welfare (on the

macro scale) or traffic and trash (on the micro level). Apparently a very old part of the brain, the amygdala, plays a part.

The amygdala, when presented with new information, actually sends messages to the rest of our brain telling us to resist taking in anything that conflicts with what we already know. It all happens on the unconscious level. In primitive times, it helped us survive.

Today, it’s what makes us react with an automatic “That’s ridiculous!” or “How can you say that?” when we hear something that doesn’t fit into our view of things.

This phenomenon, then, explains in part why it’s often so hard for people to work together.

The council members are different individuals, brought together in a common task. They bring different perspectives to the table. They’re a mixed bag, because they reflect our city. Our residents are all ages and races and ethnicities. They work at all kinds of jobs, from plumbing and painting to clerking and teaching. They are liberals and conservatives, believers and secular humanists, pro-development and not so pro-development.

This variety is one of the reasons I like Hyattsville, by the way. I think all of us need to be exposed to people (and ideas and perspectives) different from our own. Yes, it’s more comfortable sticking with like-minded people, but then we don’t grow as much. We can become rigid, ossified. And we also run the risk of rejecting out of hand an idea or a solution that might be just what’s needed to solve a problem.

None of us has all the answers, so it behooves us to listen to what other people say. Let’s try to switch off the automatic pilot.

MyTwoCents

The blessing of community

by Todd Thomason

One thing I am giving thanks for this Thanksgiving is the gift of community. Living in relation to others (be it in the same house, office or town) can be a challenge, but it’s also a blessing.

I was recently reminded of what a true blessing community can be on the Sunday after Hurricane Irene blew through. I spent much of that day sitting on the “front porch” of First Baptist Church.

A tree had fallen across 42nd Avenue and blocked the entrance to the church’s parking lot, so we had cancelled morning worship.

But my family and I were without power at home, so we brought our twin toddlers over to the church (which, somehow, did have power). That afternoon, there was an amazing calm after the storm: The air was as fresh as a mountain breeze, the skies cleared, the sun came out — and so did the people of Hyattsville.

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 11/30/2011

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.

Of all my memories of that day, the faces and voices of our community stand out most vividly. People were out walking the sidewalks and talking in their front yards. I met neighbors with whom I had never crossed paths.

Passers-by waved, and friends and strangers alike stopped to discuss their hurricane adventures.

I invited the folks across the street who were in the dark to come inside the church to charge their cell phones, enjoy a cup of coffee, use the microwave or anything else our live circuits could provide. But I was hardly the only person offering assistance. It was a wonderful display of community at its best.

Then the lights came back on and we all went back inside, and back to our narrower, more familiar life patterns — patterns that, however unintentionally, often keep us apart.

I think this is especially true in a city as diverse as Hyattsville.

Much has changed for the better in the last few decades, but we still face many of the familiar obstacles to social harmony. These include the differing priorities and expectations of different generations, new ideas clashing with longstanding traditions, and the wedge issues of our wider culture: wealth, political affiliation, religion, education, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation.

That said, I also think Hyattsville is heading in a healthy direction.

The Arts District has generated space not only to eat and shop but also for the city to gather and interact. Elsewhere in this issue, you can read about the A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) series at Busboys & Poets, which is creating opportunity for dialogue about issues central to the health and wellbeing of a diverse community. I’m proud to be a part of it.

There is great potential for everyday Hyattsville to look a lot like post-Irene Hyattsville. The key is for all of us to take advantage of these opportunities, to get out and get involved. One thing I’ve learned about community in my years as a pastor is that its creation and maintenance must be intentional. Passivity can create division as easily as prejudice.

Perhaps we might think about designating a “post-hurricane” afternoon for ourselves once a month: a time to unplug, take a walk, gather in the yard, share our experiences and lend a hand to whomever we happen to meet.

For my part, I plan to spend a few more Sunday afternoons on the “front porch” of the church when the weather is nice. I hope to see you around.

Todd Thomason is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Hyattsville.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

Budding volunteers tidy Magruder Park

by Kate Kowalski

Magruder Park is generally a good place to hear sounds of children happily playing, especially on a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

But on one recent Sunday, a group of nine excited 4-to-6-yearolds resisted the lure of the playground and, instead, spent their park time picking up trash. Led by local parents Marci LeFevre and Katie Ablard, the children first learned about how litter affects land and water habitats, and then set out to make a difference.

Armed with handy trash-grabbers on loan from the city, the group photo by Maureen Vosmek eagerly hunted out as much trash Lara Oerter and son Toby Oerter team up for a trash cleanup orgaas they could find.

These little cleaning elves are nized by the local chapter of Roots & Shoots. members of the Hyattsville chapter of Roots & Shoots, and the the official theme song – Raffi’s local nursing home to be used as October 16 park cleanup is just “Roots and Shoots Everywhere” table decorations. one of the many activities the – led by local songstress (and In the near future, the children group has done together. mom) Audrey Engdahl. will learn how to make birdhousRoots & Shoots, the youth “While I will take credit for pro- es and how to turn items bound program created by the Jane posing the initial idea of a Roots for the recycle bin into beautiful Goodall Institute, has members & Shoots group,” said Vosmek, holiday ornaments. Long term, in over 120 countries. Both en- “it has really been a collabora- there are hopes that the scope of vironmental and humanitarian tive effort among all the fami- the group will grow as the chilin focus, the program provides a lies. Each family has taken a turn dren do. model that can be adapted to any organizing an activity, field trip “I hope that as the kids get older, age group and any community. or service project and each one they can take on a leadership role Each chapter chooses different has been an amazing experience. in determining what activities ways to educate children on the It truly is an incredible commu- they want to do and what ideas needs of the community – both nity of kids and parents!” they want to focus on.” said Voslocal and global – and comes up Wearing matching T-shirts mek. “I love the service-oriented with their own ways of address- and tie-dyed bandannas (deco- aspect of the group, and I hope ing them. What all chapters have rated at their first meeting), that the kids continue to gain an in common is active participa- the Hyattsville Roots & Shoots understanding of good stewardtion by parents to plan and lead members have been seen in all ship and a global perspective.” the group activities. sorts of interesting places. They Magruder Park today, and toHLTOct2011 nuff.qx 9/30/11 1:32 AM Page 1 For the local chapter, that parent have learned about fossils at the morrow … who knows? There involvement started with Mau- Laurel Dinosaur Park, butterflies is a whole world out there, and reen Vosmek, who was looking at Wheaton’s Brookside Gardens, these children are ready to make for a group for her preschool son, and trees at the National Arbo- their mark.

Mason, to join earlier this year. retum in Washington, D.C. The She had heard about Roots & group has a plot at the Hyatts- Kate Kowalski, who has lived in Shoots, so a little more research ville Community Garden, and Hyattsville for two years, has a inspired her to create a group some of the flowers grown there daughter in the local chapter of for him and other local children. were brought by the children to a Roots & Shoots.

Lots of parents were interested, and so were lots of kids: An initial information session at Vosmek’s house last spring produced a roster of 20 children, putting the group at capacity and closing it to new members. (While this is the only branch in Hyattsville proper, a search at www. rootsandshoots.org reveals 13 nearby chapters for students in The holidays are coming! (’Nuff said?) preschool through college, along Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11–7, Saturday 11–6, Sunday 1–5 with information about starting new chapters.)

Closed on Monday All the parents pitched in to 301-779-3399 help start the group and keep the 5200 Baltimore Ave. (Rte. 1), Hyattsville, MD 20781 momentum going, planning acAcross from Franklin’s, entrance on Gallatin Street tivities for every other weekend.

Most meetings aren’t complete www.atangledskein.com without an energetic rendition of

Page 3

AdirondAck Tree experTs Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996

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

Hyattsville Hills $369,923

PRICE REDUCED! OWN FOR LESS THAN RENT! Gorgeous Historic District Victorian.

Built 2004. 3BR & 2.5BA for owner + 1 BR Rental Unit which will pay for over half your mortgage! Central Air. 3 Car Garage.

House and apt. available also for rent.

Call The Levy Team Agents Direct Line: (202)829-9579 Broker Office: (202) 338-8900

www.levyteam.com

Page 4

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Each year my guests for Thanksgiving dinner give me beautiful potted chrysanthemums and each year I plant them in my garden.

Very few survive, and those that do are pathetic scraggly things with few blooms. I look around town and see magnificent mounds of chrysanthemums blooming in

other gardens. They even get bigger each year. I’ve asked neighbors for their secrets but they just shrug and say that chrysanthemums are among the easiest flowers to grow. I know there is something I should know that I’m not being told. Help!

Mum’s the Word on Manorwood Drive

Dear Mum’s the Word, Because your chrysanthemums are gifts, you don’t know where they came from and whether they are hardy. Very few of the beautiful varieties you see in florist shops and at supermarkets will survive outside. This is often true of such other gift plants as azaleas and cyclamen. It is bet-

let us host your holiday party!

events@busboysandpoets.com

202.332.6432

DYLAN HANNA

LISTING SPECIALIST

$287,000 6003 39th Place

THINKING OF SELLING? CALL TODAY!

202-438-9070 dylan@mris.com dylanhanna.com $224,900 3700 Nicholson St.

Office: 301-439-1180

ter to buy your own mums from a nursery with knowledgeable personnel and make sure you get varieties that can overwinter.

Also, the timing of the gifts means that you are planting your mums at the earliest in late November. Truth to tell, the best time to plant chrysanthemums is in the spring so they can be wellestablished before frost. However, the enticing varieties become available only in the fall. Be sure to mulch your autumn-planted mums well, and make sure you place wiring or something else over the mulch to keep it from blowing away. This should keep the roots from freezing.

I showed your letter to Ivan Grozni, a grumpy but expert chrysanthemum gardener whose plants are never leggy or scraggly. He is of the opinion that you are “babying” your plants. He advised an annual discipline of whacking them back in early June to about eight inches high, and then “beheading” them in July. After they finish blooming and it gets really cold, he slashes them almost to the ground.

Alarmed, I asked a kinder, gentler gardener, Flor de Otono, for her advice. She confirmed that cutting back chrysanthemums in summer does keep them in uniform shape and that they flower much better if not allowed to bloom too soon. She even agreed that cutting them back severely after frost is good for them and doesn’t prevent them from coming back luxuriantly the next year.

She would like you to know that while it is true that chrysanthemums are easy to grow (and to

Buy your mums from reputable sources like nurseries.

root from cuttings, she added) they do have two important requirements that you might have overlooked: They like good drainage and good air circulation. She wonders if you planted them too close together or too close to a wall or to other plants.

She agreed with me that winter mulch would help late-planted mums survive the winter.

To hear a lecture by an expert from the Chesapeake Chrysanthemum Society, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 19, at the Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street.

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

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 Life & Times | November 2011

Page 5

We’re there when you need us...

The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department provides round-the-clock fire, rescue and emergency medical service to your community. Last year, we responded to nearly 6,000 calls for service – the majority of which were handled 100% by volunteers. Every month, nearly 75 volunteers give thousands of hours responding to calls, training, coordinating events, providing administrative support and more. Your donations are critical to support our ability to serve the community and to be at your doorstep when you and your neighbors call 911.

Please visit http://give.hvfd.com to make your secure online donation today!

New this year! Thanking You with HVFD Giving Levels $500 or More

$250 to $499

$100 to $249

$25 - $99

• Name on 2011/2012 Annual Giving Plaque inside HVFD Fire Station • HVFD Challenge Coin • Recognition on HVFD.com Website Donor Roll • Thank You Inclusion in a 2012 Issue of Hyattsville Life & Times • HVFD Supporter Car Window Sticker

• HVFD Challenge Coin • Recognition on HVFD.com Website Donor Roll • Thank You Inclusion in a 2012 Issue of Hyattsville Life & Times • HVFD Supporter Car Window Sticker

• Recognition on HVFD.com Website Donor Roll • HVFD Supporter Car Window Sticker

• HVFD Supporter Car Window Sticker

Follow us!

Follow the HVFD on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/hyattsvillevfd or our Website at http://www.hvfd.com for information about: • Making Online or Recurring Donations • Volunteer Opportunities • Special Events • Photos • Incident Updates • Recruitment News • And More

http://give.hvfd.com Or mail the form below with your check to: Hyattsville VFD, PO Box 5275, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Yes, I would like to support The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department!

My donation is (please circle one): $25

$50

$100

$250

$__________

Please make checks payable to Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department or donate online at http://give.hvfd.com.

Name: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________________ State: _________________ Zip: _____________________ Email address: _______________________________________________________________________________ Yes, please send me the HVFD Quarterly Community Email newsletter.

Please contact me about volunteer opportunities.

Page 6

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

HomoConstruction, Habilis LLC*

OPEN HOUSE SURPRISE

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.

Average annual savings of

WILLIAM JENNE Ella Hammett of Bowie and Frances Jenne of Hyattsville enjoy the Hyattsville Fire Department Open House.

$426*

Dream about your wedding...

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

... then let me photograph it BillJenneWeddings.com 301.787.0826

*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

Mention this ad for a special offer

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

Mike Smith Hauling & Junk Removal Complete clean out of houses, garages, construction debris.

Demolition and moving services available.

Call for a free estimate!

Reasonable rates, references available

301-346-0840 or

mikesmith1776@aol.com

Emotional distress?

We can help you break free.

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

Call us for a Friendly, FREE Consultation

A History of Hyattsville Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

Page 7

By

In this special two-part edition of Legend & Lore, we take a look at what happened here up to 1886, when Hyattsville was incorporated.

Check back next month, when the timeline will take us up to the present day.

1608—John Smith sails up the 40-foot deep Anacostia River. He remarks in his diary on the verdant rich soil, the crystal-clear waters and the abundant diversity of fish, game, birds and wildlife.

Pre-1728—Two properties were marked out at the fork of the Eastern Branch (now the Anacostia), “Black Ask” and “New Dumfreeze.” These eventually became early Hyattsville.

courtesy of the city of hyattsville How did we get to Baltimore Avenue? A look at what was here before.

1728—John Beall lays out a settlement at the river’s fork and, demonstrating remarkable creativity, named his village … Beall

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

Kimberly Schmidt

Town. (Wonder what he named his kids?)

1783—The first American stagecoach route passes through our area.

1812—The Baltimore-Washington Turnpike is funded by Congress. It runs through our town, connecting the two cities.

1814—General Ross marches his British forces through the area, meeting American forces at Bladensburg. The Americans, deciding it was time to take a bath, go for a swim in the Anacostia’s then-sparkling waters. Cleanliness, it turns out, is not enough to beat back Ross’s men, and the unkempt Brits go on to pillage and burn Washington, D.C. 1835—The Washington Line of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad is completed and runs parallel to the B-W Turnpike, helping to turn what eventually became Hyattsville from a bucolic country village into a bustling center for trade and commerce.

1837—Samuel F. B. Morse invents the telegraph. He ran the lines along the railroad right-of-way that came through what is now Hyattsville. The historic first message, “What hath God wrought,” was transmitted over these lines.

1845—Christopher Hyatt purchases three acres, once a part of the Black Ask tract, and builds an imposing 32-room mansion. (No bathrooms, though.) He also builds a store.

1859—Hyatt is appointed post master of the region. The post office was housed in his store and he held this position for six years.

1865—The name “Hyattsville” is first used for our town, again demonstrating the remarkable creativity of early residents.

1860s —Residents of Hyattsville enjoy Spa Springs in nearby Bladensburg, an area known for its healthful mineral waters, swimming, boating and fishing. (Imagine that!)

1870s—Many homes in Hyattsville are built close to the railroad tracks, including a small but thriving row of houses to the east. These were modest residences housing white and African-American laborers. Two houses, 5600 and 5602 Rhode Island Avenue, are still extant.

1884—Christopher Hyatt passes away.

1886—Our town is incorporated.

The town boasts four churches, including St. Jerome’s, three grocery stores, three butcher shops, a dry goods and notions store, blacksmith and tinsmith shops, two wood and coal dealers, a livery stable, two town fire halls, and a land office. But no brewpub!

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 Reporter Page HR1

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

the

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

GOING GREEN IN 2011:

We’re dreaming of a green Christmas This is the eleventh in a series of stories about how City residents can make small changes to have a positive impact on our environment. We’ve covered alternative transit, rain barrels, walking to school, and more. This month’s installment covers holidays – and highlights a change coming to the City’s annual decorating contest.

With the holidays just around the corner, many Hyattsville residents are thinking about how to celebrate the season while minimizing environmental impact. The impact can be considerable – household trash is heavy at this time, with some estimates suggesting that Americans generate 5 million tons of garbage from holiday celebrations and activities alone.

No. 228• November 9, 2011

Happy Hyattsville

Holidays!

Here’s a round-up of some of the best thinking out there about eco-issues related to the season.

Real or Artificial?

There’s no easy answer as to which is the more environmentally conscious choice. If you do opt for a real tree, consider one grown locally and remember to put it out for pick-up with Yard Waste after the holidays. (January 2012 Yard Waste pick-up dates are 1/9, 1/23, and 1/30.) Artificial trees have their supporters, too, especially if you opt for one made domestically – and thus shipped many fewer miles.

Half the fun is guessing what’s in the box, and gorgeous gift wrap can have minimal impact. Reusable bags and fabric are two possible options. Alternately, buying recycled content gift wrap and recycling the paper afterwards can work, but it is best to avoid glittery and metallic designs, which typically don’t recycle. Fabric ribbon is another option to reduce trash.

It’s In the Bag – the reusable bag.

Maybe the simplest green act is to resolve to shop with your reusable totes this holiday season – and all year long.

You Shouldn’t Have!

Let There Be Light – LED lights, that is.

If you’re replacing your sparkle, shop for LEDs, which use a fraction of the power required by conventional lights.

Mentioning lights brings us to the City’s annual holiday decorating contest. Formerly known as Light Up the Sky, the contest has been revamped as the Claus Applause awards, a cousin to our Curb Applause awards first announced in Spring 2011. Claus Applause includes a special category for green décor, but you’ll need to tell us what makes your approach to decking-the-halls environmentally savvy. Nominate your home, or a friend or neighbor, by clicking here: http://www.hyattsville.org/applause. Questions? Call 301/985-5020.

Magruder Park Tree Lighting

Our annual tree lighting event takes place at the park courtyard on Friday, December 2 at 7:00 PM. We’ll have seasonal carol singers, hot chocolate, and a special guest or two! The event is free and open to the public. The colder the weather, the more of the event will take place inside the Recreation Center. Magruder Park is located at the intersection of 40th Avenue and Hamilton Street.

Breakfast with Santa

Join us for a continental breakfast with the big man on Saturday, December 3 from 9:00 to 10:30 AM. Cost is just $5/per person. (Kids 2 and under are free.) Santa photos available for just $3!

NEW for 2011: Brunch with Santa

Heartier appetite? Want more one-on-one time with the big guy? Join us for brunch on Saturday, December 3 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The menu features salad, breakfast breads, and a complete omelet station. $22/ adult; $15/ages 3 through 12.

(Kids 2 and under are free.) Photos included!

Reservations are required – the events sell out! Visit http://www. hyattsville.org/december or by calling 301/985-5020. Reservations open on Monday, November 7 at 9:00 AM.

The Hyattsville police are also gearing up for our annual holiday tradition: Santa with a Badge. Local children are given an opportunity to shop for others, in the company of a police officer volunteering his or her time for the event. Generous community partners, including the Mall at Prince George’s and Outback Steakhouse, as well as individual donors in the community, make this event possible. Donations may be directed to: The Maryland Association of School Resource Officers, 4310 Gallatin Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Sergeant Michael Rudinski coordinates Santa with a Badge. He can be reached at 301/985-1400 or mrudinski@ hyattsville.org.

2012 MLK POSTER CONTEST The Department of Recreation and the Arts announces the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. poster contest. Hyattsville students – students who either reside within the City limits or attend a school located within the City limits - in grades 5-8 are invited to enter. The theme for this year’s contest is centered around

CALENDAR November 2011 Nov. 11

Veterans Day Holiday, City Administrative offices closed All household trash pick-ups take place one day earlier this week Community Meeting: Crime & Safety Issues Immediately prior to Council Work Session

Nov. 14, 8:00 PM

SONNY FRAZIER TOY DRIVE RETURNS The Sonny Frazier Toy Drive collects donations of new toys for distribution to area families in need.

Drop-off sites will be announced soon.

In addition, join the Toy Drive for the first ever Hyattsville Heroes Bowl, pitting the Fraternal Order of Police #119 against the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department at Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson Street, on Saturday, December 3 from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Donations may also be sent to Council Member Ruth Ann Frazier at 5013 37th Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Please make checks payable to Sonny Frazier Toy Drive. Direct questions to Mrs. Frazier at 301/779-8428.

Page HR2

Nov. 14, 7:00 PM

IN OTHER NEWS...

OPERATION SANTA WITH A BADGE

Wrap It Up!

Before the last minute panic sets in, make a list and consider alternative gifts for some of your friends and families. Donations to charity, a handeddown family heirloom, handcrafted or locally-made items can be more environmentally friendly, and just as appreciated. With the number of artists and artisans working in our area, the possibility of locally-made gifts is greater than ever.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

Council Work Session

Nov. 16, 7:30 PM

Hyattsville Environmental Committee Meeting

Nov. 21, 8:00 PM City Council Meeting,

Nov. 21 through Nov. 25

Changes to household trash collection schedule all week due to Thanksgiving Holiday. Please see more information in this edition of the Reporter, or online at www.hyattsville.org.

Questions? Call 301/985-5032.

Nov. 24 and Nov. 25

Thanksgiving Holiday, City Administrative offices closed

Dec. 2, 7:00 PM Dr. King’s commitment to community and service, which were components that he believed were essential to the struggle for equality. See more on the theme, as well as guidelines and official rules at http://www.hyattsville.org/mlkposter. Entries are due no later than January 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM. Questions? Call 301/985-5020.

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 juris- dictions also use Nixle to send out information. 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.

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY TRASH CHANGES The City is closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25, in observance of Thanksgiving. As a result, all routes will be advanced at least one day, and we will combine routes.

Due to our compressed schedule, we are asking that

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Magruder Park

Dec. 3, 9:00 - 10:30 AM Breakfast with Santa Reservations required

Dec. 3, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Brunch with Santa Reservations required

Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. you leave your Toter curbside if we miss you on the first day.

There is no Yard Waste collection the entire week of November 21.

If your ordinary pick-up day is Tuesday, November 22 or Wednesday, November 23, your trash will be collected one or two days earlier, on Monday, November 21.

If your ordinary pick-up day is Thursday, November 24, your trash will be collected two days earlier, on Tuesday, November 22.

If your ordinary pick-up day is Friday, November 25, your trash will be collected two days earlier, on Wednesday, November 23.

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

THANK YOU TO UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER The management and businesses at University Town Center were gracious hosts to more than fifty little ghouls and goblins for October’s Spooky Fest party. Many thanks!

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

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

COMMUNITY CALENDAR November 12

There will be thousands of books to choose from at the Hyattsville

Elementary School PTA annual Used Book Sale Extravaganza.

Other materials such as CDs,

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

tional Harbor, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor. Hours vary; for more information, call 301.965.4000 or visit www.

ChristmasOnThePotomac.com.

November 14 to January 14

November 19

The exhibition Tadeusz Lapinski – Past and Present will showcase Lapinski’s abstract prints and commemorate his nearly 40 years as an art professor at University of Maryland.

Opening reception December 9 from 6 to 9 p.m. Regular exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Free. Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Avenue, Brentwood. Phil Davis, 301.277.2863.

November 18 to January 9

Part of Gaylord National Resort’s Christmas on the Potomac program, ICE! will feature scenes from the Dreamworks movie “Merry Madagascar,” created from two million pounds of ice. Tickets start at $25; discounts for children and seniors.

Free for ages 3 and under. Na-

Children’s Holiday Events Saturday, December 3, 2011, City Municipal Building Breakfast with Santa in the Multi-Purpose Room, 9:00 to 10:30 AM

Join us for a continental breakfast with the big man. Cost is just $5/per person.

(Kids 2 and under are free.) Santa photos available for just $3!

NEW: Brunch with Santa in the Prangley Room, 11:30 to 1:00 PM

Heartier appetite? Want more one-on-one time with S. Claus? Join us for brunch. The menu features salad, breakfast breads, and a complete omelet station. $22/adult; $15/ ages 3 through 12. (Kids 2 and under are free.) Photos included!

Reservations are required – the events sell out! Visit http:// www.hyattsville.org/december or by calling 301/985-5020.

Reservations open on Monday, November 7 at 9:00 AM.

This Annual Pottery Show and Sale features ceramic artists who create unique functional stoneware. You can also shop for one of-a-kind items such as baking dishes, baskets, sushi dishes, berry bowls, and garlic keepers.

All ages welcome. Free. Langley Park Community Center, 1500 Merrimac Drive. 301.445.4508 The Silk Road Dance Festival will highlight the diversity of dance found along the trade route that connected China with the Mediterranean. Performance by the Silk Road Dance Company begins at 8 p.m. $25. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Road, Mount Rainier. 301.699.1819.

November 20

At the Archbishop Carroll High School Open House, prospective students can take student-led tours of the building and meet the administration. Free. 4300 Hare-

courtesy of john walter The Silk Road Dance Festival at Joe’s Movement Emporium.

wood Road NE, Washington, D.C. 202.529.0900, ext. 134.

Getting ready to make your favorite cold-weather dishes? Come check out Seasonal Selections: Preparing for Winter, a demonstration by the Riversdale Kitchen Guild members using fresh produce from the garden and orchard. Free. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.

November 25

It’s opening day for the 25th An-

The City is closed on Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25, in observance of Thanksgiving. As a result, all routes will be advanced at least one day, and we will combine routes.

DUE TO OUR COMPRESSED SCHEDULE, WE ARE ASKING YOU TO LEAVE YOUR TOTER CURBSIDE IF WE MISS YOU ON THE FIRST DAY. Please have your Toter out for collection no later than 7:00 AM on the date indicated.

There is no Yard Waste collection the entire week of November 21.

If your ordinary pick-up day is Tuesday, November 22 or Wednesday, November 23, your trash will be collected one or two days earlier, on Monday, November 21.

If your ordinary pick-up day is Thursday, November 24, your trash will be collected two days earlier, on Tuesday, November 22.

If your ordinary pick-up day is Friday, November 25, your trash will be collected two days earlier, on Wednesday, November 23.

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

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

nual Winter Festival of Lights, the drive-through display featuring over a million twinkling lights along 2.5 miles. Financial donations for county charities will be accepted at the gate. $5 per car or van for a single visit; $10 for a multi-visit pass. Free on December 25. 5 to 9:30 p.m. daily until January 1. Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro. 301.699.2456.

December 2

The city’s annual Holiday Tree Lighting featured hot chocolate and carolers last year; see what organizers have in store this year. Free. 7 to 9 p.m. Magruder Park, 4000 Hamilton Street.

301.985.5020.

December 3

At the Santa Fly-In, children can have their picture taken

Page 9

with Santa and create a craft.

Free with museum admission of $4 for adults and $2 for ages 18 and under. Noon to 4 p.m.

College Park Aviation Museum.

1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

At Breakfast With Sint Niklaas, children can enjoy a Belgian-inspired breakfast with the Flemish forerunner of Santa Claus and receive a gift bag. Adults, $5; children, $9. Seatings at 9 and 11 a.m. No walk-ins. Reservations required by November 23. Riversdale House Museum. 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park.

301.864.0420.

December 4

At the city’s Breakfast with Santa, children will enjoy pancakes and face time with the man in red. $5 includes breakfast and photo with

Santa; $3 for breakfast only. 10 a.m. to noon. Municipal Building.

4310 Gallatin Street. Reservations required. 301.985.5020.

Park Aviation Museum, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

December 7

Through December, Pioneers on the Paint Branch: The Soldiers and Pilots of the First Army Aviation School highlights the men who created the first Army Aviation School 100 years ago. There will be an interactive display so that visitors can compare the pioneers’ rival

Several University of Maryland jazz bands will perform at the annual Winter Big Band Showcase. $27. 7:30 p.m. Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, Stadium Drive, College Park.

December 11

Want to know what it takes to build a plane? At the Wright Aeroplane Rib-Making Workshop, there will be a demonstration and workshop in which participants will build their own 1909 Wright wing rib. Register at any Wilbur’s Workshop or call the museum. $7 workshop/ participant (includes supplies & museum admission). College

Ongoing

aircraft: the Curtiss Pusher and the Wright Model B. Free with museum admission, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029.

Community Calendar is compiled by Scarlett Salem and Susie Currie. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Deadline for December submissions is November 20.

New Sunday Classes at Joe’s Emporium 5-6pm Beginner Salsa and 6:30-7:30pm Michael Jackson Dance Moves: Technique and Choreography.

Join this Sunday for a $15 drop in rate.

community performing arts center

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

14th Central Asian Dance Camp and Concert Friday, November 18th – Sunday, November 20th A 3-day dance camp that includes a day-long Silk Road Dance Festival and culminates in a concert featuring Silkroad Dance Company and guest artists. For a full schedule of activities, visit www.joesmovement.org

Don’t forget that Joe’s offers over 20 ongoing classes including Yoga, Zumba and even a Free Hip Hop class on Mondays.

Visit www.joesmovement.org for more information on Classes or Performances.

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

“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

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

Are you experiencing heel pain, bunions, ingrown toenails, hammertoes, fungus toenails or any conditions associated with arthritis, tendonitis, nerve or circulation disorders or sport-exercise injuries?

We treat any and all foot problems both conservatively and surgically. Our hours are flexible and we accept most insurance plans. Feel free to contact us for any questions or information.

The Belcrest Surgery Center is fully accredited and certified and offers convenient and comfortable treatment for out-patient foot surgery.

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 | November 2011

COMMENTARY & OPINION ON HISTORY & POLITICS

Hugh’sNews

Rock and roll all night

by Hugh Turley

The Hyattsville Armory, a castlestyle building across Route 1 from the new Busboys & Poets, was once the hippest and swingingest place in town – if not the country.

Some of the greatest legends of rock ’n’ roll performed there.

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, teenagers from Hyattsville, Bladensburg and Washington, D.C. danced to the music of Fats Domino, Little Richard, The Shirelles, The Platters and the Temptations.

Hosting the dances was Milt Grant, whose renowned teen

dance program ran on Washington television from 1956 to 1961.

Produced live in front of a studio audience, the show was similar to Dick Clark’s nationally syndicated “American Bandstand.”

In fact, according to Grant’s obituary in the Washington Post (May 3, 2007), his show “was a runaway success and soundly beat the Philadelphia-based ‘American Bandstand,’ when the two shows went head-to-head.”

Legendary guitarist Link Wray and his band the Ray Men were the house band for the “Milt Grant Show.” Wray is number 67 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of all-time greatest guitarists.

Wray and his band often came to Hyattsville with Grant.

JoAnne Sales, a Hyattsville teenager at the time, remembers meeting and dancing with Bobby Darin at the Armory. It was 1958 and Link Wray’s band was there.

They had just recorded their instrumental hit “Rumble,” with a beat suitable to dance The Stroll, a dance made popular by the Canadian quartet The Diamonds.

JoAnne remembers Milt Grant came over and said, “JoAnne would you do me a favor? The Stroll is a good dance to get everybody up and dancing. Would you dance with this young man? He’s older than you, but I know him.”

JoAnne believed Grant was try-

ing to put her at ease because she was only 15, younger than her prospective dance partner – whose name, she soon learned, was Bobby Darin.

After the pair had led The Stroll and danced a few jitterbugs, JoAnne recalls, Grant introduced Darin to the crowd.

“We have a special guest with us tonight,” said Grant. “He has just written a song. I think it is great, and I want everybody to hear it.”

Then Darin sang “Splish Splash,” and three weeks later it was a smash hit launching him to stardom.

Darin would go on to become a famous recording artist, host his own TV show and become a movie star. In 1968, Darin was a supporter of Robert F. Kennedy and he was at the Ambassador Hotel when Kennedy was assassinated. A few years later

Darin died at the age of 37, from a chronic heart condition he suffered from childhood.

“Darin was a terrific dancer,” JoAnne said. “He could dance like James Brown.”

The night Bobby Darin sang in Hyattsville, it was a later show than normal. JoAnne’s walk to her home on Nicholson Street was about a mile and her curfew was 11 p.m., so Grant offered to drive her home in his 1958 Chevy Impala.

She rode in the back seat, admiring the red-and-white leather interior, while Grant and Darin were in the front. The trip was short, but she’s never forgotten it.

Now, Busboys & Poets offers a new opportunity for performers to take the stage. Could great talents be in Hyattsville’s future again?

FrOm One OF Our custOmers On HOW tO Be HAppy...

Eat well, get the right toys & try howling!

Mount Rainier Discover

Stop in and explore business services, live performances, wine tastings and boutique shopping. Experience our new cafes. Something for every taste and fancy awaits you in Mount Rainier.

Visit MountRainierBusiness.com for more information and a complete business listing.

ad

el

Ro

p ha

ns

C

ee

Qu

34th Stre

.

et

nd

e Av

la

de

Is

o Rh

Circa34 Consignment Shop Unique art and vintage fashion.

Receive 30% off when you become a preferred customer.

301.779.1506

Yulonda 4Hair Salon 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

• Raw, premium and locally-produced dog, cat & small animal food • Eco-friendly supplies and supplements • Fair Trade & North American products New Store!

Arts District HyAttsville

Thrifty Car Rental, Mingus Communications, Urban Eats, Glut Food, Party Time Liquors, Island Style Ice Cream

M-F 10-8 & Sat–Sun 10-6 117 Carroll St. NW, DC

301-403-8957

www.theBigBadWoof.com

202-291-2404

Be in business for yourself. check out our Woof Franchises. call 202-747-3434

Chapel Way Cleaners

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.

Our services include:

Think holiday shopping! Deep, deep sales at Nisey’s Boutique Niseys Boutique.com.

Call 301.277.7977 for hours.

OlD tAkOmA

Mon-Sat 10-9 & Sun 10-6 5501 Baltimore Ave., Hyattsville, MD 20781

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

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

Page 11

A GHOULISH GOOD TIME 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

Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD

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

william jenne Paul (5), Daniel (2)and Morgan (4) of Hyattsville with their mother Betty at Hyattsville SpookyFest at University Town Center on October 29.

TRAIN PRINTING COMPANY Large Format Printing Digital Color Printing • Offset Printing Design & Layout • Photocopying • Faxing Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

301-864-5552

Fax 301-864-0740 e: info@trainprinting.com • www.trainprinting.com 4547 Rhode Island Avenue • Brentwood, MD 20722

OLD DOMINION B

REWHOUSE

& RESTAURANT

Karaoke every Wednesday night!

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 )

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 1 1 / 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 1 1 / 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

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 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

Fleisher’s Jewelers

Celebrating 62 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...

FREE ESTIMATES

Diamonds • Gold & Silver Jewelry • Watches and More

FULL SERVICE JEWELER

Jewelry & Watch Repair • Engraving •Watch Batteries Installed •Appraisals • Pearl Restringing

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

Wishing all our friends & neighbors a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving.

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 | November 2011

BUSINESS

continued from page 1

Mall at Prince George’s, Belcrest Plaza, The Shoppes at Metro Station, Editors Park and University Town Center.

By the time portions of UTC went to auction in August, developer Prince George’s Metro Center Inc. owed more than $60 million in principal, interest and penalties, according to the Washington Post.

Wells Fargo, the lender, retained control of the property, but questions about the process remained for many.

“The meeting was to clarify what was going on with UTC properties,” said Campos.

Scott DeCain, a consultant to the developer, gave a lengthy presentation during the meeting. Publicly, he has said that his client will continue to manage the property and hopes to reacquire it in the future.

The group also began brainstorming about how to improve economic development not only at UTC, but at several retail areas along East-West Highway.

One idea was designating a business district, possibly from Queens Chapel to Toledo Terrace. Another suggestion was establishing a Community Development Corporation for that area, along the lines of the Baltimore City model. Baltimore has a dozen CDCs, many of which have secured considerable financial aid from the state, pointed out some of the attendees.

“We need to come together on one page and lobby as one [entity],” said Campos.

Tartaro hopes that future meetings will focus on “figuring out how our goals intersect, and from there, developing strategies to attract resources.”

Staff Spotlight

Ofc. David Chanthavong David Chanthavong, who recently joined Hyattsville’s police department, addressed the city council on October 24, soon after receiving the Outstanding Student Officer Award from the Prince George’s Community College Municipal Police Academy.

I am 25 years old. I was born in Thailand but my parents are originally from Laos, and I’m the youngest of six children. I speak Laotian and English. I am a new police officer in one of the finest departments in the state of Maryland, the Hyattsville City Police Department.

At the age of 14, I was fascinated at the prospect of a police career because of a personal experience I encountered. My family’s house was broken into and my mother desperately needed help. The police responded quickly to assist her. From that day on, I had respect and love for the men and women putting their lives on the line to protect the citizens of this nation.

My desire grew over the years. A Mont-

gomery County police officer came to my high school to recruit students for the Montgomery County Police Explorers program. When I joined the program, it helped me better understand the career of policing.

Most importantly I was able to receive hands-on training from volunteer advisors who came out on their personal time to train us. I went on to intern at the Rockville City Police Department at the age of 18, and it was an honor to be a part of a hard-working team dedicated to serving their community.

While interning at the department I went to Montgomery College in Rockville, where I received an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice. I strongly believe in continuing education and promised myself that I would go to back to school when I finished with my field training.

The doors finally opened in March 2011,

when I was hired by the Hyattsville Police Department. I was so excited when I got confirmation that I was being sent to the Prince George’s Community College Municipal Police Academy in April. I found it to be a good learning environment and it was challenging in academics and physical training. I graduated recently from the academy and my whole life has changed in a positive way.

I was awarded outstanding student officer. This award was established to honor police officers everywhere who dedicate themselves to the ideals of integrity and professionalism. It is earned by the student who successfully demonstrates the qualities of leadership, perseverance and scholarship, which are the hallmarks of a dedicated professional law enforcement officer.

With this award, I will continue to show my department and community that these traits are forever instilled in me. I am now a police officer who has the responsibility to uphold the law and to protect lives and property in the community.

I again want to thank … my department, Hyattsville City Police, for their genuine support.

ARCHBISHOP CARROLL HIGH SCHOOL At Archbishop Carroll High School, we prepare young men and women through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum, to make meaningful and positive contributions to their communities and society as a whole, and to continue their journey as lifelong learners.

To schedule a visit as a Lion for A Day, please call Tiffany Scurlock, Director of Admissions, at (202) 529-0900 x134. n Ranked athletic programs for young men and women

n Legendary social justice programs

n Renovated Gordon McMahon Theatre

n International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

Catholic.

Coed.

Convenient.

Visit our website at www.archbishopcarroll.org • 4300 Harewood Road, NE • Washington, DC 20017 • P 202-529-0900 • Adjacent to Catholic University

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

Page 13

mural

DIALOG

continued from page 1

continued from page 1

the community.

“The mural is the community’s vision of what [a healthy and sustainable community and agriculture] looks like,” said Keiner.

The urban farm movement has been picking up steam nationwide over the past few years. Proponents say it promotes a united community, cuts down on the costs of food shipment, and creates sustainable food security for residents.

ECO City Farms brought the urban farm movement into Prince George’s County in May 2010, when it broke ground on about an acre of land. It utilizes almost every inch of that land, with beehives, compost-generating worms, solar-heated plastic hoophouses, an aquaponics system and more.

The October 21 event included an overview of upcoming projects, most of which are funded by grants.

One plan calls for expanding onto an adjacent property, recently donated by the Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission, that now contains tennis courts.

Eco City Farms plans to use them to show the public how to turn concrete into sustainable agriculture.

CEO Margaret Morgan-Hubbard would like to see the property used as an education farm to teach others how to start and maintain their own urban farms. To that end, the farm will soon be installing a “foodshed,”

Barbara Morris, regular attendees at the A.C.T.O.R. dialogues at 14th and V streets, said they were happy to have the opportunity to participate in the discussion closer to home.

Discussions on race and culture are not new to the city. More than 10 years ago, longtime resident Robert Croslin started the Bridging Cultural Gaps book club, a group that met monthly to discuss racial and cultural themes in a literary context. The group continued for seven years and generated last-

ing friendships.

Hyattsville’s A.C.T.O.R. planning committee hopes the same can be said of this new endeavor.

If you are interested in helping plan upcoming discussions, contact Candace Hollingsworth at cbhollingsworth@gmail.com or Shannon Wyss at hugdyke@gmail.com.

Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community

Ann Barrett, Realtor®

photo courtesy of eco city FARMS Farm CEO and founder Margaret Morgan-Hubbard speaking during the recent dedication of the site’s new mural, created by two Hyattsville residents.

a low-tech commercial kitchen with space for teaching.

It’s these educational outreach activities that Edmonston City Councilmember Tracy Farrish Grant (Ward 2) values most about the farm.

“We are so honored to have this farm in the community,” she said.

To find out where to buy produce from the farm, visit the website at www.ecooffshoots.org. The website also outlines how to receive fresh produce through spring by buying a share in the farm’s first winter Community Supported Agriculture program, which begins December 1.

6902 Calverton Drive, Hyattsville $383,500 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!

FOR SALE 4111 Crittenden Street, Hyattsville $250,000 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.

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!

Nominate the most festive homes in the city for our 2011...

Claus Applause Awards Beginning Monday, November 28 at noon, residents can nominate the most festive homes in Hyattsville for the Claus Applause Awards.

Claus Applause replaces the City’s Light Up the Sky contest.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Nominations can be submitted by anyone – the homeowner, a neighbor, a friend.

• If your home won a Light Up the Sky award in 2010, your address is automatically entered in 2011!

• We’re introducing a green decorating category. Please tell us why the decorating is environmentally sensitive.

• Judging will take place the evening of Wednesday, December 14 beginning at 6:00 PM. If you’re participating, please have your lights on!

Judges are traditionally appointed by the City Council Members from each Ward, but we are also looking for volunteers.

If you would like to volunteer to serve as a judge the evening of December 14 or if you wish to nominate your home for consideration, please visit http://www.hyattsville.org/applause or call 301/985-5020 for details. Please note that we must receive written correspondence – email counts! – to make the nomination official.

Award recipients will appear in the December edition of the Hyattsville Reporter, mailed to homes the week of December 19.

Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2011

LARRY PERRIN, A REALTOR TO BE THANKFUL FOR ®

LARRY’S LISTINGS:

Call Larry Perrin, Realtor 301.983.0601 to Buy and Sell Hyattsville Area Homes!

®

SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD: 20600 Pruitt Court $304,995 The Seville Condominium $75,000 FOR SALE: 4111 29th Street $339,995 11707 Pine Street $249,995 5401 37th Avenue $199,995 9117 49th Place $199,995 3105 Webster Street $299,000 2507 Chapman Road $159,995 3817 Newark Street $180,000 3720 Jackson $280,000 9741 52nd Avenue $187,936 Chelsea Woods Condominium

1 Bedroom - Investor’s Delight! $39,995

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.