Hyattsville Included: The July 8, 2014 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Life&Times
Vol. 11 No. 7
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper July 2005
INCLUDED: The July 13, 2005 issue of The Hyattsville Reporter – See center section
Hyattsville Life & Times
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
Vol. 2, Number 7
P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Editorial: hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com Advertising: hyattsvillelife@yahoo.com
By Michael Martucci By 7:30 in the morning Bill Brown is already cooking! His day starts early. For the last year or so he has put his volunteer energy into his position as cook for Meals On Wheels in the kitchen of the First United Methodist Church on Belcrest Road just across from the city firehouse. A former postal worker who retired well over a decade ago he has spent the last 11 years giving back to the community via the volunteer organization. He never viewed himself as a chef before picking up his duties 12 months ago. “I only learned by watching previous cooks here,” he exclaims. He doesn’t do it all alone but the core number of drivers and visitors in the program is dwindling. Deanna Lesche who has resided in the community for over 40 years says the program is really only at half staff on a regular
The clientele is virtually all over 60 years old too. Ms. Lesche, also a volunteer does all of the buying of food necessary for the non-profit organization. She does the ordering, the billing, and sending out invoices to clients. She also does the general running around necessary to make sure the quality food that Meals On Wheels offers is available for Mr. Brown and his helpers. The program is self-sustaining in that most all of the money comes from the fee charged to the customers in order to purchase food. The other cost is in monthly taxes the non-profit group must pay. Other than that it runs purely as a volunteer group. As director of the entire proBill Brown cooks for Meals on Wheels in the kitchen at First United gram Jean Hubbard has been Methodist Church. charged with holding the program basis these days. While having a trades turned into the cook,” she together. She is a lifelong resident dozen people to cover routes 5 says in a glowing statement about who retired from government days a week would be ideal, they the senior citizen. It is safe to say work in the late 1980’s, became a are a far cry from that right now. virtually all the volunteers are volunteer briefly, and then was asked to become Meals On “Mr. Brown is a jack of all older individuals.
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Bill Brown and Friends keep Meals on Wheels alive
Wheels’ director. Obviously a very spiritual woman Ms. Hubbard says that this is a “mission outreach program.” All three are worried. While the 35 clients they currently serve are in good hands, the fear for the future is that the all-volunteer organization will run out of steam. Many people who assist are retired and have been with the group for at least 5 years. An infusion of new blood into the volunteer program is what will keep it alive for the future. “The need arose in this area,” Ms. Lesche says explaining how the local organization came to be founded in 1985. “We have to be very careful about the kind of people becoming volunteers,” Ms.
he list of candidates vying for the Ward 2 City Council post being vacated by Scott Wythe has grown to four with most filing close to the deadline. The candidates include James Groves, Vincent J. Swanson, William F. Tierney II, and Nkosi Yearwood. Look for articles on the candidates in the July issue of Hyattsville Life and Times as well as statements by each of the candidates. The Ward 2 Special Election is scheduled for July 18th. The July issue of Hyattsville Life & Times will be distributed on July 12th.
By Michael Martucci
See Farmers, page 13
City employee Phyllis Bartalone came to Hyattsville from Tennessee in the time of John Kennedy and Camelot.
news of the County Council vote, the Hearing Examiner promptly announced to all hearing attendees that this new zoning would prohibit her from ruling in favor of the Gas Company’s request for a “special exception” amendment, needed to permit the LNG plant within O-S zones. An official denial is expected at the end of June. Midgett Parker, Attorney for Washington Gas, announced immediately that his client would be filing various law suits to challenge the passage of the overlay zone, the denial of the amendment request and the basic jurisdiction of the County. However, community members expressed joy, but cautious optimism, that the legal challenges by Washington Gas would fail. Attendees in opposition included the Sierra Club, the Washington Gas Watch Alliance, and the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation.
LNG Continues on page 22
Is Art Going to the Dogs?
By Councilmember Krista Atteberry and David Levy
W
hen Senator Paul Sarbanes announced his retirement last year, we wondered who could possibly take the place of Maryland’s highly honored and respected public servant in the U.S. Senate. Congressman Ben Car-
din has surfaced as a candidate to watch. Cardin recently walked doorto-door on Jefferson Street, 40th Avenue, and Ingraham Street in Hyattsville. He talked with many neighbors and they in turn, got to question him about his record of fighting for Social Security and
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veritable who’s who of Hyattsville’s canine elites gathered together Saturday June 3rd braving a threatening sky to show off their best! Sponsored by the City of Hyattsville, the Prince George’s Arts Council and the Maryland National-Capital Park & Planning Commission, Dogs for the Arts is always fun for the whole family. Including actual puppy paw paintings, the dogs, and the owners they brought to the festivities at Magruder Park, all agreed that Dogs for the Arts was a worth while venture.
See Bartalone, page 14
Congressman Ben Cardin with fire department personnel.
Medicare, federal immigration policy, and his support for the arts. He also shared his views relating to his service on the Helsinki Commission and his work in addressing antiSemitism and human rights abuses. In addition to the countless gracious residents who opened their doors, Mayor Gardiner and Councilmember Matulef joined along with many residents in welcoming Congressman Cardin to Hyattsville. Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department President Matt Davy also greeted Cardin (in Congress Ben has secured millions in federal homeland security dollars for local fire and police departments). Congressman Cardin reminisced while talking with residents about how much Hyattsville reminded him of the neighborhood in which he grew up. After talking with him, Gloria Felix-Thompson shared, “Having grown up in a similar setting, Mr. Cardin’s displays a clear understanding of the needs of communities like Hyattsville. I am con-
fident that he has the compassion, sensitivity, and determination that it takes to represent a district as diverse as ours.” Cardin remembered campaigning for his first office by walking doorto-door and remarked several times how much he enjoyed this part of his campaign for U.S. Senate. It is refreshing to see a candidate for the U.S. Senate get out there and campaign in such a personal manner, and not just rely on TV ads and press conferences. Ward 2 City Council candidate Jim Groves agreed: “I appreciated the fact that he took the time to come to our city. It’s always good to meet a representative personally so that when the time comes to call for assistance, there is a personal connection. With the upcoming revitalization of the City of Hyattsville, the LNG situation, the need for smart growth and more, we will need to have a connection with
CARDIN Continues on page 22
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
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Included: The June 14, 2006 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter—See Center Section
June 2007
Last month Hyattsville celebrated its anniversary with the annual parade. The starting location from the Hyattsville Middle school as the cavalcade marched down 42nd Avenue and then onto Jefferson Street toward Magruder Park. Many parade watchers were satisfied with the many participants. As per tradition numerous dignitaries participated as did the city police and fire departments. Numerous schools and civic organizations marched and provided entertainment along the parade route. The parade is an annual May tradition as the city toots its own horn and displays their pride to Hyattsvillians and visitors alike. —Michael Martucci
Esteemed Educator Retires
Cardin’s Senate Campaign Comes to Hyattsville
New E-mail Address for HYLT Hyattsville Life & Times has established a new e-mail account to receive articles, letters and any other communications to the newspaper. Our new address is: hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com This box is bigger, so we should have fewer problems with photos and other large documents.
Hyattsville’s All-Volunteer Newspaper
City Displays Its Pride
By Christopher A Keplinger
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greens, green beans, peas, squash, cherries and raspberries. Avis Turner has been operating this produce farm for the past twenty years. Previously, the family has grown tobacco on the farm for many years. Most of the produce for
n May 23rd, the Prince George’s County Council voted favorably (6-1) to approve the new Transit District Overlay Zone to guide development around the West Hyattsville Metro Station. That was great news for Metro, its development partners and the City of Hyattsville, but it was dreadful news to the Washington Gas Company. The new zoning rules for this zone specifically prohibit the introduction of “fuel storage tanks” by utility companies. This effectively knocks out the Gas Company’s plans to construct a liquefied gas processing and storage plant at their Chillum Road property. The Property is now within this overlay zone. On that same day, community residents in opposition to the proposed LNG plant were in the midst of presenting testimony for the seventh day before the Zoning Hearing Examiner. Upon receipt of
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The folks who bring their produce and goods for sale are a very interesting and friendly group of people. I had the opportunity to chat with them in between their waiting on a steady stream of customers. T.G.I.F (Thank God It’s Fresh) farm in Croom had a beautiful selection of spring
Washington Gas Company’s LNG Facility May Be Totally Knocked Out
June 2006
tudents, parents and faculty of St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School in Hyattsville joined together on Friday to celebrate the career of longtime teacher Nora Facchiano, 69, who will retire in June after 44 years in education. According to St. Mark’s Principal Joan McCabe,“Friday was proclaimed ‘Nora Facchiano Day’ at our school, to properly honor Nora and to thank her for her tireless dedication and commitment to our children.” Facchiano’s special day also included a tree-planting ceremony in her honor, tributes from many of her students, a gift from parents, and other activities at the school. “It was just wonderful to be remembered like this,” Facchiano points out. “You hope that in all these years you’ve made a difference, but it was very moving to actually hear what everyone had to say. I am just so thrilled.” Part of the St. Mark’s faculty since 1977, Facchiano taught hundreds of children in first and second grades at the school. “The last few years,” she adds, “I’ve actually been starting on a second generation, as my former students have enrolled their own children at St. Mark’s.” The educational community has also recognized Facchiano’s lifelong contributions. In 2006, she was chosen to receive the Agnes Meyer Teacher of the
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
By Steve Clements Tuesday, June 21st was a bright and sunny day with a very pleasant breeze. It seemed like the perfect time to visit the Hyattsville Farmer’s Market at their new location in the parking lot behind the post office and stores along Hamilton Street. It is worth the detour.
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
A Visit to the Farmer’s Market
Many city workers dedicate their lives serving the people in the positions to which they are hired. City employees by and large work with a genuine drive toward civic duty in service to their community. In reality we know little about them. However their backgrounds are a deep cross section of the city. This series of articles seeks to discover how our tax dollars and city payroll is being effectively spent by highlighting city workers. We will seek to explore their careers, families, and aspirations not as merely employees but as members of the citizenry and the Hyattsville human family.
Concordia Lutheran School Hands-on Service Project See page 18
Hyattsville’s All-Volunteer Newspaper
■ LNG Hopes on the Ropes
O
See Meals, page 8
Beginning in the early 1960s as a resident of Top of the Park apartments she quickly fell in love with the city she has called home for the past 42 years. A product of the volunteer state, she has six sisters, three brothers not to mention a 93-year-old mother and other family who still reside there. Working for the Federal government for a brief time. she sought other avenues of work because she is so much a people person with a more spirited countenance than strict federal guidelines of association would allow at the time. She worked in Washington D.C for the telephone company and jumped at the chance when
Vol. 4 No. 6 Vol.3 No.6
By Imani Kazana
The Human Face of Code Enforcement: Phyllis Bartalone Peggy of Harris Orchard at Jug Bay at the Farmers’ Market.
Paddling The Great Outdoors (see pg. 4)
Four Vie for Ward 2 Council Seat
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An all-volunteer newspaper chronicling the people and events of Hyattsville
July 2014
Award-winning teacher Nora Facchiano retires this month.
EDUCATOR ontinues on page 9
HES 90th Anniversary By Jeanne Washburn
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n May 19, the gym of Hyattsville Elementary was filled with people celebrating the 90th birthday of the school on 43rd Avenue. The purpose, as stated by Principal Brian Baudoin in opening remarks to the approximately 250 seated guests, was not only to celebrate the long history of the school, but the dedication of the teachers and staff over the years and the continued support of the parents and the community. He also remarked on the academic success of the students who have met the guidelines of “No Child Left Behind” with Adequate Yearly Progress for past three years. The celebration began with a program in the gym followed by an international luncheon with foods representing the many countries of origin of the students’ families organized by Ms. Cecilia Penate, Hyattsville Elementary’s parent liaison. Birthday cakes were donated by Giant Food of East/West Highway, Safeway of Hamilton Street, and Hyattsville Elementary parent, Shary Wemple owner of
HES TURNS 90 ontinues on page 17
Included: The June 13, 2007 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter—See Center Section
10 YEARS
LATER...
INTRODUCING OUR NEW WEBSITE, HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM