March 2015 Hyattsville Life & Times

POLICE RECRUITS

LOCAL AUTHORS

CITY BUDGET

Meet Officers Mark Filuta and Chris Evans, recent graduates of the Police Academy and the newest members of the Hyattsville City Police Department’s force. PAGE 4

Gateway Arts District Authors presented their works at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets and pay tribute to recently deceased local author David Levy. PAGE 7

The proposed fiscal year 2016 budget includes a cost of living increase for employees, seven new staff positions, and University Hills roadway and West Hyattsville lighting improvements. PAGE 8

Caution urged after robberies near metro

by Caroline Selle

The Hyattsville Police Department (HCPD) is asking pedestrians in the neighborhoods around the Prince George’s Plaza Metro Station to remain vigilant while walking and take steps to protect themselves after a series of robberies in the area.

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, several officers handed out flyers to evening metro riders near a pedestrian cut-through at Jamestown Road and Oliver Street. According to police, recent incidents also occurred in the areas near Editors Park Drive and the Mall at Prince Georges. In total, eight incidents took place between 4:50 p.m. and 11 p.m. over a three month period, they said.

“During these robberies,” police said, “citizens have been approached by 1 to as many as approximately 10 suspects. The suspects have demanded the victim’s property and at times displayed a weapon. At this time it does not appear that all of the incidents are related.”

Several of the victims have been young females, police said, and the suspects were armed in all but two of the robberies.

“The last few with the female victims seem to be related only

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 12 No. 3

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

March 2015

City Council discusses Queensbury Road restrictions

by Rebecca Bennett

At the Feb. 19 Hyattsville City Council meeting, the council discussed possible changes to the Queensbury Road access restrictions that are in place. Currently, traffic is not permitted to turn westbound onto Queensbury Road past 43rd Avenue between 6:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Seven Queensbury Road residents, many holding signs that read “no more traffic,” came out to voice their concerns about the council’s impending discussion on easing the restrictions.

“We would like less traffic, not more traffic,” Queensbury Road resident Nina Faye said.

“We have talked many times about expanding the Do Not Enter to evening rush hour. It has been very common for evening traffic to be backed up from Queens Chapel [Road] to 42nd Avenue.”

Referencing a 1991 study about traffic on the street, Richard Anderson said, “In the [morning] 414 cars per hour go down the road. It lessened it to 176 cars after the one way sign.”

“It’s impossible to back out of my driveway

now. I object to dropping these restrictions.

I support extending these restrictions to the evening hours,” Maggie Henney said. She who has lived on the street for 35 years.

Sophia Biddier echoed that sentiment.

“Currently living on Queensbury Road is extremely frustrating. Queensbury Road has taken a lot of downside with new development … There are evenings where I literally cannot back out of my driveway. Thank you to everyone in the City of Hyattsville who QUEENSBURY continued on page 13

College Park will be home to Franklin’s Grill and Oyster Bar

ROBBERIES continued on page 13

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

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by Mark Goodson

MIRANDA GOODSON The site of the future “Franklinʼs Grill and Oyster Bar” is located just south of UMDʼs main entrance at Baltimore Avenue and Campus Drive.

Mike Franklin, the owner of Hyattsville landmark Franklin’s Restaurant, Brewery and General Store, is opening a new fine-dining restaurant in College Park.

The new Franklin’s Grill and Oyster Bar will feature local seafood and steaks, an in-house bakery, live oyster bar, top-shelf mixed-drink menu, 24 wines by the glass and as many beers on tap. Situated at the base of a $120 million hotel development, the restaurant will be flanked by a Red Door Spa, Bagels ‘n Grinds, and Potomac Pizza: all part of a vision to rejuvenate the University of Maryland’s immediate vicinity.

Franklin will bring the core of his restaurant’s popularity—burgers and beers—to his new location. Beyond these familiar offerings, the grill and oyster bar will feature an entirely new menu and atmosphere.

The family-friendly environment and affordable fare of his Hyattsville location does not allow the restaurant owner to modify the menu much.

“We are what we are. If we did a lot of $30 fish entrees or $45 steaks here [at the Hyattsville restaurant], they would die a slow death because it’s not how people perceive us,” Franklin said. “There, we’ll have a chance to be something different.”

He hopes the proximity of the two restaurants will help the new one thrive.

“Our customers here will go there without it being an entirely new marketplace. We get voted the best restaurant in College Park sometimes, which is FRANKLIN’S continued on page 13

Included: The March 10, 2015 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

FromTheEditor

Hyattsville: A strong community

by Mark Goodson

When the Detroit Free Press broke the story of James Robertson, a Detroit factory worker who walked more than 20 miles in his trip to and from work each day, the country responded. A fundraising campaign with a goal of $25,000 raised $350,001 through 13,000 donations in under two weeks.

The story spread across social media like wildfire, and the nation became sympathetic to one

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 http://HyattsvilleLife.com http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses below.

Managing Editor Caroline Selle caroline@hyattsvillelife.com 410.991.9209 Editor and Web Manager Rebecca Bennett rebecca@hyattsvillelife.com Editor Mark Goodson Production Ashley Perks Digital Archives Manager Susie Currie Copy Editor Sean Bennett Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Gretchen Brodtman, Ryan Carbo, Julia Gaspar-Bates, Lauren Kelly, Andrew Marder, Gray O’Dwyer, Kit Slack,Scarlett Salem, Fred Seitz Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Caroline Selle - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Rebecca Bennett - 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.

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man’s sacrifice overnight. On a smaller scale in Hyattville, a generous response to those in need is not breaking news; it is a reflex.

The Robertson story reminded me of a year ago, when my wife looked up from her computer while reading the local moms listserv.

“You won’t believe this,” she said. A grandmother—the breadwinner of her household—had lost her job. Her daughter and three grandchildren were left unable to pay the electric bill. The family had been living without electricity for three months, and December’s cold was settling in.

When she heard about the family’s plight, Hyattsville resident Talia Guzman-Gonzalez organized outreach through the listserv. Soon, the electricity bill was paid. Blankets were donated. A meal drop-off schedule was created. One listserv

member got a job interview for the grandmother. Someone else gave the grandmother a ride to the interview to ensure she would be on time. When an update was posted two weeks later, another resident began a Christmas toy drive for the family.

There are countless charitable organizations that manage philanthropy, but these listservs have no mission statement or non-profit paperwork. Instead, they are made up of people who are a part of a community with identity and purpose.

On Dec. 23, a Hyattsville resident posted online the story of one-week-old twins living out of shelters. By the day’s end, 11 people donated money, and the family was provided with two pack-and-plays and a double stroller. On Feb. 17, Catherine Calvi was stuck at home

NEWS BRIEFS

with two sick kids in need of Pedialyte. Her call for help was answered by neighbors in five minutes.

When a fire destroyed the Portillos’ Oglethorpe Street home in January, the Hyattsville Elementary Parent Teacher Association stepped in, using social media to ask neighbors for donations of clothing, books and school supplies. The Marolen’s also lost their Cottage City home to a fire in February. Nearby residents coordinated clothing and household donations on local listservs to help the family.

Caring for your neighbor is a fading community trait. I have friends in Virginia who live in a large system of brand new townhomes. My friend told me that after a year of living there he doesn’t know a single neighbor by name. It seems that our globalizing world of inter-connect-

ing technologies leaves little time for the neighborhood.

Our community is rooted in compassion, something that newer communities struggle to develop.

This helps explain our town’s sticking power. When our realtor, who was born and raised in Hyattsville, was showing us our future home on Kennedy Street, two neighbors introduced themselves by name before we stepped foot in the door.

Both had lived in their homes for over three decades. Our home was built in 1946; we became the third owners in 2012.

Sometimes it is difficult to appreciate what you have. We live in a strong community. For proof, spare me The Washingtonian citing Hyattsville as the best Maryland neighborhood to buy a home in—and just show me who lives here.

READ MORE ON HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM

LIBRARY USED BOOKSTORE PREPARES FOR RE-LAUNCH The recently renamed Recycled Reads Bookstore reopened on March 2 after volunteers spent a month cleaning and reorganizing it.

Run by the Friends of the Hyattsville Branch, the bookstore will no longer be dependent on a lockbox and the honor system. The Recycled Reads Bookstore will now only be open when a volunteer is available to staff it, organizers said.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering can contact Missy Pearson at ednp46@verizon.net.

HYATTSVILLE ELECTED OFFICIALS MAY GET PAY RAISE IN 2017 The Hyattsville City Council voted to accept the Compensation Review Committee’s recommendation to raise the salary of councilmembers and the mayor at the Feb. 19 council meeting after the measure was defeated on Feb. 2.

The council could not alter the recommendations of the review committee, but could only accept or reject them, according to city documents. Those recommendations raise take effect in 2017 and by 2020 will raise a councilmember’s salary to $10,597 and the mayor’s salary to $15,834.

HYATTSVILLE ESTABLISHES MINIMUM AGE TO RUN FOR OFFICE At the Feb. 19 Hyattsville City Council meeting, councilmembers voted to establish 18 years old as the minimum age to run for office. The city charter had read that any registered voter could run for office, but the matter came up for discussion after the council lowered the voting age to 16 years old.

The motion to introduce and adopt sub-

mitted by Councilmember Edouard Haba (Ward 4), which also updated the charter to make gender-neutral references to councilmembers and updated references to Maryland code, will take effect in 50 days.

RAILROAD CROSSING WALK-THRU PUTS QUIET ZONE WITHIN REACH On Feb. 5, city officials along with officials from the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), the Federal Railroad Administration, CSX, and the Town of Edmonston participated in a no-cost diagnostic walk-thru to evaluate safety conditions at the Decatur Street railroad crossing..

Hyattsville City Administrator Tracey Nicholson told the Hyattsville City Council on March 2 that SHA believes the project is a contender for federal and state funds, which could happen as early as fiscal year 2017. The approximate total cost for upgrades, labor and lights is approximately $300-600,000, according to a city memo.

If the project is funded by other entities, Hyattsville may only be responsible for $30-100,000 for a consultant to prepare the quiet zone application and associated filing fees, according to the city.

CITY BEGINS PILOT COMPOSTING PROGRAM The City of Hyattsville is launching a pilot composting program, and it’s already at capacity. Participants are spread out throughout the city and will begin separating their food scraps from trash this spring.

“I think it took a day to get 40 people into the program,” said Lesley Riddle, Hyattsville director of public works. She is working with residents to make sure everyone in the pro-

gram understands what can go in the provided counter and curbside bins.

The department of public works will pick up the compost on scheduled days and drive it down to the county composting facility in Upper Marlboro.

“This is for folks who may not want to compost [at home],” Riddle said, though residents are allowed to maintain compost piles on their property.

REBECCA BENNETT

HOUSE FIRE DISPLACES JEFFERSON STREET FAMILY A fire that started just before 2 p.m. March 5 in the second story of a house in the 3700 block of Jefferson Street has displaced a seven adults and one child. According to Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue (PGFD), no injuries were reported. A member of the family said he came out to clear away snow when he noticed the fire had started in the upstairs room.

The fire may have caused as much as $100,000 in damage. PGFD said the cause is undetermined.

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

Page 3

Joe’s Movement Emporium celebrates 20 years

by Ryan Carbo

For 20 years, the Mount Rainierbased Joe’s Movement Emporium, an arts-focused nonprofit, has operated with the mantra that there should be no barrier to participate in the multicultural art of dance.

Dance artist Brooke Kidd, who co-founded Joe’s with Ajax Joe Drayton, said the idea for the nonprofit began when she and her fellow American University graduates needed a space to perform. Kidd drew inspiration from the open nature of the arts culture in Cameroon, where she had previously spent time.

“Soon after opening, many people came to use our space or do different programs, and we started adding to our collective of artists. Within a couple months, we saw a need for an after-school program, and we started that,” Kidd said. “Everything built momentum through the years, and we worked to be responsive to what our community requested and was interested in having.”

As one of the few arts-focused spaces in the suburbs of D.C., Joe’s became a place where artists could perform and showcase their work, and where community members could take part in a variety of programs, especially movement and dance classes.

According to Joe’s director of development, Melissa Rosenberg, the center also works with local businesses in the area to bring the arts to unexpected places, like a laundromat and beauty shop, turning the Route 1 corridor into what Rosenberg calls the “arts corridor.”

Joe’s has used grant money to create murals, choreograph performances, and reimagine public spaces with creative placemaking to beautify the community and stimulate the economy, Rosenberg said.

In addition to the 20th anniversary, Joe’s is celebrating Kidd’s acceptance of the Sue Hess Arts Advocate of the Year Award from the Maryland Citizens for the Arts. The organization honored Kidd for her commitment to civic progress in the arts world, as well as her public support for the arts.

“Joe’s has been a place for access to the creative process,” Kidd said at the 2015 Maryland Arts Day when receiving her award.

She explained that many adults in the area felt they lacked access to the arts as children.

“I wanted to change that dialogue of culture and education and [show] why the arts are such a vital tool.”

Joe’s has also offered subsidized classes and programs for local students with special needs.

“Movement education is a powerful tool for personal transformation,” Kidd said. “I have seen so many examples of people getting into their body and finding greater balance in their life because they can express through their whole person.”

For Kidd and the rest of the Joe’s team, dance is not only about art and expression, but also holistic health for the mind, body, and spirit. Offerings include programs like yoga and capoeira — a Brazilian martial arts that incorporates elements of dance — as well as subsidized healthy snacks and meals for low income children SOLD

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and teenagers in the nonprofit’s summer and after school programs.

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“People also come here and sell healthy foods, and jewelry and sometimes tea,” said Baye Harrell, Development Associate and American University Fellow with

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

Meet Hyattsville’s newest police officers

by Andrew Marder

Two new officers have joined the Hyattsville City Police Department’s (HCPD) ranks. While both completed the Police Academy at Prince George’s Community College in December, Officers Mark Filuta and Chris Evans followed very different routes to the force.

Filuta was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where his mother is a

teacher. For his first three years at Hood College in Frederick, Filuta thought he was on the same path. Then, in his senior year, he had a change of heart.

“I couldn’t be tied down in a classroom all day,” he said.

Filuta was already involved in the Maryland Special Olympics, which put him in contact with Hyattsville police officers who often raise money for the athletic organization. In his final year,

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Filuta decided that law enforcement was his true calling.

He entered Prince George’s County’s Police Academy right after he graduated in May 2014.

Unlike Filuta, Chris Evans has been surrounded by law enforcement professionals since childhood.

His mother was a special agent for the federal government; his father was a police officer in Dekalb, Ga.; and his aunt served with the Metropolitan Police Department.

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Evans moved to Washington, D.C. from Georgia when he was very young, and began participating in public service at the age of 16.

He was still in high school when he joined the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department, where he continues to work as a lieutenant.

He also spent four years as a fire dispatcher with Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue before joining HCPD. Despite their diverse backgrounds, Filuta and Evans said they bonded at the police academy. Both agreed that the six month program constantly tested them “physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Evans noted the difference between working with the fire department and the police department. Firefighters, he said, “show up after the police have calmed everything down.” As a police officer, he said he sees people at “their actual worst moments,” when disaster strikes.

The ongoing challenge hasn’t deterred either officer. Filuta says that the work “scratches an itch. I never thought I’d have a profession where I could wake up every day and be excited and looking forward to going to work,” Filuta said.

Evans also enjoys the risks and rewards of police work. “I wake up every day,” he said, “ and put the uniform on with a smile.”

Both officers, while satisfied with their positions, remain goaloriented. Evans, for instance, says that he has always loved dogs and would be excited to work with the department’s K9 unit.

Filuta has thought about working toward becoming a detective or joining the department’s hard entry team, whose mission is to apprehend felons and violent criminals.

For now, Filuta and Evans are happy to be learning from their trainers, preparing to walk their own beat. Building relationships in the community, familiarizing themselves with the streets, and learning to make difficult decisions are all parts of the process.

“Being the first one on the scene to an extremely serious incident,” Filuta said, puts you in a spot where you have to be comfortable making quick decisions and taking in an overwhelming amount of information.

The hard work has been well worth it. “I know it’s cliché,” Filuta said, “but every day, I will have someone come up to me and say thank you for your service. It’s nice to hear it.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

SchoolNews

Saint Jerome Academy enrollment grows

by Kit Slack

In the glimmering Romanesque vault that is St. Jerome Catholic Church at night, Kelly Branaman, the Interim Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Washington, rose quickly to her feet. She had a question for Mary Pat Donoghue, the principal of St. Jerome Academy.

The K-8 Catholic school sits on the hill above the Hyattsville Municipal Building and next to the church, and in recent years, the academy has

become a model for the new classical education movement among Catholic schools. Enrollment has increased since 2010, from about 265 to nearly 300 students.

Branaman, who had just heard Principal Donoghue’s January 28 presentation to parents and parishioners about the school’s finances and plans for the future, was curious about the growing enrollment.

She asked Donoghue to explain how this could be, when Catholic school enrollment has waned in the Archdiocese of Washington

and elsewhere. It was only a little over five years ago that Branaman, then Associate Superintendent, had seen the Archdiocese threaten the parish school with closure.

In her response, Donoghue credited the school’s recent success to parishioners’ support during the school’s crisis five years ago, and to their continuing contributions of time, money, and talent. A committee of parishioners passionate about education, including faculty from the Catholic University of America, and homeschooling parents, rapid-

MICHELLE WIDMER-SCHULZ Third grade core curriculum teacher, Sarah Miranda, takes questions from her students.

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The new curriculum focuses on “two thousand years of Catholic thought, history, culture, and arts,” according to the Education Plan’s vision statement. Students learn Latin. They memorize historical facts, definitions of parts of speech, bible verses, and hymns. They approach science through the lense of nature studies. Each grade has an integrated historical, literary, and arts focus; for instance, first graders study Ancient Greece.

For the past two years, the school has also offered a Montessori program for toddlers through kindergarteners, which according to its teachers, helps students develop attentiveness and language and math skills that ready them for the classical approach.

The school’s new classical curriculum attracted teachers “dedicated to this model of education,” said Donoghue. Despite salary freezes brought on by the school’s financial difficulties, the school “never had to advertise” for teachers. Donoghue also said teacher turnover has been very low since the curriculum transition was accomplished.

Along with enrollment, tuition at St. Jerome’s has increased over the past five years by about 10 percent, and an additional 5 percent increase is planned for next year, Donoghue said. Though St. Jerome Academy has historically given large tuition discounts to siblings, the school is moving towards making such sibling discounts need-based, starting in 2016. According to Donoghue, the decision was made partly be-

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cause the school’s population now includes more large Catholic families and more affluent families. Average family income for students is now $117,000, and the number of students from families on public assistance has dropped to around 15 percent.

Recent increases in enrollment and tuition have not been enough to cover new expenses incurred during the school’s transition. Administrators are hopeful that the tuition increases and an improved fundraising strategy will close the gap between revenues and expenses.

Still, St. Jerome’s is planning major renovations, interior and exterior, for the school next year.

The school is working with the county’s stormwater management program to replace concrete and asphalt playgrounds with landscaping, which would reduce flooding and runoff problems. St. Jerome’s also plans to renovate classrooms, funded in part through a new renovation fee to families, and through a grant from the Raskob Foundation that they hope will be awarded this spring.

A 1983 graduate of St. Jerome Academy, which has been a neighborhood institution since 1943, Donoghue said she is “dedicated to offering an excellent educational option” for residents of Hyattsville, her hometown.

Kit Slack is a Hyattsville resident and mother of three small children, plus one more on the way. She is home with her kids, and has had two prior careers, as an attorney and as an organizer. Her two eldest are preschoolers in St. Jerome Academy’s Montessori program.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

Page 7

RYAN CARBO A panel of local authors, the Gateway Arts District Authors, entertained the crowd, sharing insights and excerpts at Busboys and Poets on Feb. 24.

Busboys hosts local authors

by Ryan Carbo

The crowd at Hyattsville’s Busboys and Poets was quietly enthralled on Feb. 24 as members of the Gateway Arts District Authors, an informal coalition of local writers, made their way onto the stage to read passages from their latest works and share insights into the creative writing process.

Among the novels highlighted that evening were Richard Morris’ Canoedling in Cleveland, Patricia Weil’s Circle Earth, and Eve Ottenberg Stone’s Sojourn at Dusk and Realm of Shadow, Dr. Carolivia Herron’s Asenath and the Origin of Nappy Hair, and Samuel Williams Jr.’s Anomalous, the

first novel to introduce the iconic Sherlock Holmes to an African-American protagonist. The recently deceased David L. Levy’s Viktor IV, was also featured in the event. Morris, Weil, Stone, and Levy all are or were from Hyattsville, while Williams Jr. and Dr. Herron are from Riverdale and Washington, D.C. respectively.

The artists kicked off the night with a selection of readings from various emerging local authors, introduced and presented by the Mount Rainer-based author of Rainwood House Sings, Juliana Barnet.

Her self-described “social justice mystery” novel was co-authored and illustrated by her daughter, Sophie Barnet-Higgins.

“There’s a lot of fascinating history [in the Washington, D.C. area], especially history of struggle for justice and to lift up the community, and especially people who are seeking justice,” said Barnet. “So that’s what I would like to encourage these students to think about.”

Barnet was not the only speaker to comment on the impact literature can have on youth. With Anomalous, Williams said he wanted to teach young people about black history. African-American writers, he said, have not previously been represented well in the Sherlock Holmes and mystery novel subculture.

Williams said he hopes black youth will

be inspired by his precedent to explore writing “not just in the genre of writing romance and the typical things, but to go out and venture into the things like Sherlockian lore or Sci-Fi, just going into areas that blacks ordinarily don’t go into.”

Dr. Herron, a close friend and colleague of David Levy, read sections of Levy’s novel and shared personal stories in Levy’s memory.

“David would take the two people that are least likely ever to speak to each other and bring them together at the same table, without even knowing it,” Dr. Herron said. “Pretty soon people would be talking to each other who would have never talked to each other before … even his son, at his funeral, mentioned how [David] always went a little bit over the edge in friendliness and exuberance and all that, but that over-the-edge-ness brought people together.”

The Feb. 24 event was not the first time that Gateway Arts District Authors held an event at the Hyattsville Busboys and Poets.

“We have had an ongoing relationship with Busboys and Poets. In 2011 when the Hyattsville [location] opened, a week [later] they invited local authors from Hyattsville to share their readings,” said Gateway Arts District Authors spokesperson Barbara Morris. “At that time, there was Richard [Morris] and I believe four other authors who read at [Busboys] … It’s been a while, but we have maintained a relationship with them and they are very encouraging of local authors.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

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el

the

Hyattsville Reporter Reportero de Hyattsville No. 306 • March 10, 2015

Hyattsville Police and Firefighters Recognized

Police officers and firefighters of the year were announced last month at the annual banquet of the Hyattsville City Police Department and the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department.

The top honors went to: Hyattsville Police Civilian Employee of the Year - Public Safety Aide Anthony Franco Leadership Award - Pfc. Tulio Quevedo Community Police Officer of the Year - Pfc. Calvin Richardson Police Officer of the Year - Sgt. Mike Rudinski Hyattsville Fire Member of the Year - Joshua Wortman EMS of the Year - Megan Hadley Firefighter of the Year - Timothy Keiling Most Improved - Patrick Williams Firefighter Rookie - Jonathan Strope EMS Rookie - Aaron Mundt

City Elections

On May 5, 2015, Hyattsville will hold elections for Mayor and five City Council seats.

Vote-by-Mail applications are now available on the City website. If you are interested in running for office, candidate registration can now be found on the City website. The City is also plannig to hire election judges who will earn $50-$175 per day. For more information, please visit www.hyattsville.org/elections or contact City Clerk Laura Reams at 301-985-5009 or lreams@hyattsville.org.

Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast

The Great Magruder Park Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast will be held on Saturday, March 28 at Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton Street. We expect a visit from a Very Important Bunny! Breakfast will be served from 9 to 11 a.m. Breakfast costs $5.00 per person over the age of 2. Kids 2 & under eat for free! Reservations are encouraged. Payment may be made at the door (cash or check only please). Special Musical guest Uncle Pete performs at 10:30. Egg Hunts begin promptly at 11:30, divided into 3 age categories. BYOB (Bring your own basket)! En-

tertainment and Egg Hunts are FREE. For information or to make a reservation, please visit our website at http://www.hyattsville. org/egghunt or contact the Department of Community Services by phone at 301-9855021.

Camp Magruder 2015

Registration for the world-famous Summer Camp Magruder is now open. The camp lasts five sessions from June 22nd until August 21st. Children ages 5-10 will enjoy crafts, sports, field trips and games. Registration and information is available at www.hyattsville.org/camp-magruder or by contacting Tony Martinez at tmartinez@hyattsville.org or 240-299-8395.

Nutritional Tour

Join us for a free nutritional tour of the Price Rite grocery store at the Shops at Queens Chillum on March 26 at 9:30 a.m. The program is designed by Cooking Matters (cookingmatters.org) and led by a volunteer nutritional expert from the University of Maryland. Par-

ticipants learn to read labels, compare unit pricing, find whole grain foods and add more fresh produce into inexpensive meals. The tour will last about an hour and afterwards participants will have the opportunity to shop with the nutritional expert. Participants will also receive a reusable shopping bag and a $10 Price Rite gift card. All participants will be picked up from and dropped off at their homes by the City’s Call-A-Bus. Space is limited to 15, and reservations must be made in advance by calling 301-985-5020.

Instagram Photo Contest

Enjoy taking selfies? Do you love your city?

Then submit your best photo capturing what “I Am Hyattsville” represents to you. To submit your photo, hashtag I Am Hyattsville (#IAmHyattsville) in Instagram and mention @cityofhyattsville. The winning photo will be printed in a future edition of the Hyattsville Reporter. And we’ll put some of our favorites on the City website and cable channel.

CALENDAR Candidate Registration for the City Elections

Open until March 27, Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street or www.hyattsville.org/elections More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Voter Registration for the City Elections

Open until April 10, More information: 301-341-7300, www.elections.state.md.us/voter_registration

More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Board of Supervisors of Elections Meeting

Board of Supervisors of Elections Meeting

Tuesday, March 17, 4 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Hyattsville Planning Committee Applications for Vote by Mail (Absentee) for the Tuesday, March 17, 7:30 PM City Elections Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street Available until May 4, Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street or www.hyattsville.org/elections More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@ hyattsville.org

Creative Minds Parent & Child Program

Wednesday, March 18, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@ hyattsville.org

Every Tuesday and Thursday through April 2, 10 AM - 12 PM, Magruder Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street More information: Tony Martinez, 240-299-8395, tmartinez@hyattsville.org

Ageless Grace Exercise Classes

Every Wednesday and Friday through February 27, 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Colleen Aistis, 301.985.5057, caistis@ hyattsville.org

City Council Work Session on City Budget

Wednesday, March 11, 8 PM, Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Hyattsville City Council Meeting

Monday, March 16, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street

Hyattsville Code Compliance Advisory Committee

City Council Work Session on City Budget

Wednesday, March 25, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Hyattsville Education Advisory Committee

Thursday, March 26, 6:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org

The Great Magruder Park Egg Hunt & Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, March 28, 9 AM Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton Street

No. 306 • 10 de marzo, 2015

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Tuesday, March 31, 4 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Ethics Commission Meeting

Tuesday, March 31, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

City Council Public Hearing on City Budget

Wednesday, April 1, 7 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Hyattsville City Council Special Meeting

Wednesday, April 1, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Hyattsville City Council Meeting

Monday, April 6, 8 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Environmental Committee Meeting

Wednesday, April 8, 7:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Groves, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com

Policía y Bomberos de Hyattsville Adjudicado

Los Policías y Bomberos del año fueron nombrado el mes pasado en la celebración anual del Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Hyattsville y el Departamento de Los Bomberos Voluntarios de Hyattsville. Los premios altos fueron a: Policía de Hyattsville Empleado Civil del Año - Agente de Seguridad Publica Anthony Franco Premio de Liderazgo - Pfc. Tulio Quevedo Policía de la Comunidad del Año - Pfc. Calvin Richardson Policía del Año - Sgt. Mike Rudinski Bomberos de Hyattsville Miembro del Año - Joshua Wortman EMS del Año - Megan Hadley Bombero del Año - Timothy Keiling Más Mejorado - Patrick Williams Bombero del Primer Año - Jonathan Strope EMS del Primer Año - Aaron Mundt

Elecciones de la Ciudad

El 5 de mayo, 2015, Hyattsville tendrá elecciones

para Alcalde y cinco puestos en el Consejo Municipal. Solicitudes de Votación-por-Correo ya están disponible en el sitio de web de la Ciudad.

Si usted tiene interés en hacer una campaña, información de inscripción de candidatos esta disponible en el sitio de web se la Ciudad. La Ciudad también planea en contratar jueces de las elecciones quien ganarán $50-$175 cada dia.

Para más información, por favor visite www.hyattsville.org/elections o contacte a la Secretaria de la Ciudad Laura Reams a 301-985-5009 o lreams@hyattsville.org.

Busqueda de Huevos y Desayuno de Panqueques

El Gran Busqueda de Huevos del Parque Magruder y Desayuno de Panqueques serán el sabado, 28 de marzo, en el Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Esperamos una visita de un conejo muy importante! Desayuno será de 9 a 11 a.m. El desayuno cuesta $5.00 cada persona con mas de dos años. Los de dos y menos años comen gratuita. Se recomienda hacer reservaciones. Se puede pagar en la puerta (solo efectivo o cheque, por favor). Musica de Uncle Pete

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

a las 10:30 a.m. Buequedas de huevos empiezan a las 11:30, en tres categorias por edad. Traiga su propia cesta. Entretenamiento y busquedas de huevos son gratuitas. Para más información o hacer una reservación, visite www.hyattsville. org/egghunt o contacte el Departamento de Servicios Comunitarios en 301-985-5021.

Campamento de Verano 2015

Registro para el famoso Campamento Magruder de verano esta abierto. El campamento dura cinco sesiones desde el 22 de junio hasta el 21 de augusto. Niños de edades 5-10 disfrutarán artes, deportes, viajes y juegos. Registro y información es disponible en www.hyattsville.org/ camp-magruder o con Tony Martinez a 240299-8395 o tmartinez@hyattsville.org

Gira de Nutrición

Acompáñenos para una gira nutricional gratuita del Price Rite tienda de alimentación en los Shops at Queens Chillum el 26 de marzo a las 9:30 a.m.

El programa es diseñado por Cooking Matters (cookingmatters.org) y liderado por un experto

en nutrición voluntario de la Universidad de Maryland. Participantes aprenden a leer etiquetas, comparan precios de unidades, encuentran alimentos de grano entero y usan mas verduras frescas en comidas baratas. La gira dura una hora y después participantes tendrán la oportunidad a comprar con el experto nutricional. Participantes también recibirán una bolsa reutilizable y una tarjeta de credito de $10 en Price Rite. Todas las participantes serán recogido y dejado en sus casas por el Llama-Un-Bus de la Ciudad. Espacio es limitado a 15, y requieremos reservaciones en avance por llamar 301-985-5020.

Concurso de Fotografía de Instagram

¿Disfruta tomando selfies? ¿Ama su ciudad?

Entonces presente su mejor imagen representando lo que «Yo Soy Hyattsville» significa para usted. Para entrar su foto, hashtag Yo Soy Hyattsville (#YoSoyHyattsville) en Instagram y menciona @CityofHyattsville. La mejor foto será imprimida en una edición del Reportero de Hyattsville del futuro. Y pondremos nuestras favoritas en el sitio de web y canal de la Ciudad.

CALENDARIO Inscripción de Candidatos para las Elecciones de la Ciudad

Abierto hasta el 27 de Marzo, Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin o www.hyattsville.org/elections Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Inscripción de Votante para las Elecciones de la Ciudad

Abierto hasta el 10 de Abril Más información: 301-341-7300, www.elections.state. md.us/voter_registration

Solicitudes para Votación-por-Correo (en Ausencia) para las Elecciones de la Ciudad

Disponible hasta 4 de Mayo, Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin o www.hyattsville.org/elections Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Mentes Creativas Programa de Padres e Hijos

Cada Martes y Jueves, hasta el 2 de Abril, 10 AM - 12 PM, 3911 Hamilton Street., El Centro Recreativo de Magruder Más información: Tony Martinez, 240-299-8395 o tmartinez@hyattsville.org

Gracia sin Edad Clases de Ejercicio

Cada Miércoles y Viernes hasta el 27 de Febrero 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Tony Martinez, 240-299-8395 o tmartinez@hyattsville.org

Reunión de Trabajo del Consejo Municipal sobre el Presupuesto de la Ciudad

Miércoles, 11 de Marzo, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Reunion del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Reunión de la Mesa de los Supervisores de Elecciones

Reunión de la Mesa de los Supervisores de Elecciones

Reunión del Comisión de Etica

Lunes, 16 de Marzo, 8 PM, Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Martes, 17 de Marzo, 4 PM, Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Comité de Planeación de Hyattsville

Martes, 17 de Marzo, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org

Comité de Cumplimiento de Codigos de Hyattsville

Miércoles, 18 de Marzo, 7 PM, Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin. Más información: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, cgiunta@hyattsville.org

Reunión de Trabajo del Consejo Municipal sobre el Presupuesto de la Ciudad

Miércoles, 25 de Marzo, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org

Comité de Educación de Hyattsville

Jueves, 26 de Marzo, 6:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin.Más información: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org

El Gran Busqueda de Huevos de Pascual y Desayuno de Panqueques

Sabado, 28 de Marzo, 9 AM. Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Martes, 31 de Marzo, 4 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org Martes, 31 de Marzo, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Audiencia Publica con el Consejo Municipal sobre el Presupuesto de la Ciudad

Miércoles, 1 de Abril, 7 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Reunion Especial del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Miércoles, 1 de Abril, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Reunion del Consejo Municipal de Hyattsville

Lunes, 6 de Abril, 8 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@ hyattsville.org

Reunión del Comité de Medioambiente

Miércoles, 8 de Abril, 7:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Groves, jgroves4ward2@gmail. com

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

City proposes new staff positions, reinvestment in infrastructure in 2016 draft budget

by Caroline Selle

The proposed fiscal year 2016 budget for the City of Hyattsville includes seven new staff positions, a 1.7 percent cost of living increase for city employees, and infrastructure and facilities investments like citywide road and sidewalk repair, University Hills roadway improvements, and West Hyattsville lighting improvements.

According to documents City Administrator Tracey Nicholson presented to the council, infrastructure and facilities reinvestments for fiscal 2016 include the design and build of the new Department of Public Works (DPW) facility, administrative building repairs, and park improvements. Other items include teen programs, equipment and vehicle replacement, expansion of Call-A-Bus services, and the addition of an urban forestry program.

At $25.3 million, the total budget represents an increase from last year.

“The majority of the General

Fund increases can be attributed to pay and benefits, increased staffing to support new or expanding City services and programs, contract services, and information technology improvements,” Nicholson explained.

Three of the seven proposed staff positions are full time and four part time. The city is budgeting for a DPW project coordinator, a community planner, a parking aide, a part time assistant to the city clerk a part time bus driver to support expanding senior services, and 1.5 police officers (one to begin duties at the beginning of the fiscal year and the second in January 2016).

The city also proposes purchasing iPads for council members in order to enable electronic voting and to make voting records more immediately accessible. “... In this case iPads are less expensive than purchasing all new laptops for each councilmember,” City Clerk Laura Reams said at the Feb. 25 city council meeting. “... I hope this will help us get an increased level of trans-

parency for the public.”

The budget drafting process has not been without complications.

When City Treasurer Ron Brooks was preparing the fiscal 2016 draft budget for city council, he based his recommendations on the real property tax revenue estimate provided by the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation (MDAT). The draft budget went to the council on Feb. 11, but at the Feb. 25 council work session, Brooks told the council that an oversight on the part of MDAT meant that the projected property tax revenues for the city fell short of the draft budget’s current estimates and that revisions would need to be made.

“And so, unfortunately, it’s not good news,” Brooks told the council. The revision from MDAT means the city needs “to try and find an additional $140,000 in cuts based on this reduced estimate.” He said staff will work to have it done before the end of the budget hearings.

The budget is already balanced with approximately $800,000

The Hyattsville Life & Times presents

from the city’s reserve fund, which comes from money collected during budget surpluses in previous years. If that amount is approved by council for use in fiscal 2016, the city will have ap-

“I hope this will help us get an increased level of transparency for the public.”

— Laura Reams City Clerk

proximately $6.3 million left in reserve.

Still, Brooks said, the city proposes maintaining the current property tax rate of 0.63 percent.

“The city is committed to looking for additional efficiencies,” said Nicholson. “We recognize our responsibility.”

“I have a fiduciary responsibility that I take very seriously,” Brooks said. Although he can provide recommendations to council, final budget decisions rest in their hands.

The 2015 Hyattsville City Election Forum April 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Join us in person: Hyattsville Municipal Building Third floor council chambers

Watch live at home: Cable: Comcast 71 or Verizon 12 Online: hyattsvillecitymd.iqm2.com

The council is still in the beginning of the budget process: the draft budget was only introduced to council on Feb. 11.

At that time, Brooks said, “...this is a document that will continue

to transition … and I hope that it’s better as each year goes out.”

The council will hold work sessions and hearings on the budget with presentations by different city departments through March 25. The council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget on April 1 and the proposed tax rate on April 15.

The adoption of the finalized budget ordinance is expected to be on May 13, before the newly elected officials are sworn in on May 18.

We need your questions for the candidates

by April 15! email: rebecca@ hyattsvillelife.com

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

Page 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR March 15

e-mailing Juliana Molina at juliana@artworksnow.org.

Join the Hyattsville Professional Networking for “Tips for Doing your Taxes,” presented

by Kathy Size, CPA. Municipal Building, 2nd floor, 4310 Gallatin St. 7-9pm. Free. For more information, please contact jagsatori@hotmail.com.

March 21

March 18

The Maryland State Highway Administration is holding a public information meeting on the Queens Chapel Road (MD 500) Community Safety Enhancement Project. A presentation will be followed by a workshop where interested people can view displays at their own pace, speak with project representatives, provide feedback on the proposed concepts, and specify any safety and/or mobility concerns they have within the project area. Free. 6 to 8 p.m. Mount Rainier Elementary School, 4011 32nd Street, Mount Rainier.

March 20

Following their off-Broadway run in New York and based on the award-winning book series, everyone’s favorite bear family arrives at the Playhouse in Berenstain Bears LIVE! to sing and dance through a life full of complications. Recommended for grades Pre-K through 2. Tickets $8, $6/groups of

caroline selle Chris Ousley performs at the Riverdale Farmer’s Market.

20 or more. 10:15 a.m. and noon. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly.

301.277.1710.

Art Works Now hosts Parents’ Night Out. Enjoy some time out while your kids enjoy some time in at Art Works.

Children will build mini coral reefs, enjoy a pizza dinner, and watch Finding Nemo. 5 to 9 p.m., $20 per child, ages 3 through 12. Advance registration required. For more details, please contact Art Works directly at 301.454.0808 or by

Studio SoHy kicks off its first art show, Urban Canopy, with a grand opening party featuring exhibits from Hyattsville artists Chris Suspect, Kathleen Geldard, Bronwyn King, and Christine Monaco, and two sets of music by the Wild Anacostias Brass Band. The show, which will run through June 20, focuses on the interplay of nature and the urban environment. 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Open session is free and open to the public. $10 after 8 p.m.

Vigilante Coffee, 4327 Gallatin Street.

March 23

The Hyattsville Library Independent Film Series presents “Muscle Shoals” (2014) -111 min, a film about the Alabamabased music studio. The library’s Filmmaker-in-Residence, Chris Lynn, will facilitate the postscreening discussion. In addition to making films, Lynn is a sound artist, educator, curator, and member of Hyattsville’s Creative Edge Studio Collaborative. Sponsored by the Friends of the Hyattsville Branch. 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Hyattsville Branch Library. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

DATA PROCESSING SPECIALIST Well-established firm that provides high level fulfillment, distribution and mailing services is seeking dynamic individual to provide operational support in our computer services department.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive and import daily order files from clients into MS Access databases

• Maintain customer information, inventory, and cost information

• Export sales, inventory, and order tracking reports for customers

• Process mailing lists and variable letter printing Desired Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Microsoft Access, Excel, Word, Adobe Pro and Outlook Conveniently located near Hyattsville, MD we offer a competitive salary as well as a comprehensive benefits package that includes generous vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, 401K, and a friendly work environment.

International Fulfillment Corporation Please call: 301-779-5229 hr@ifcweb.com

March 28

Did you miss the annual seed sale? The Hyattsville Horticultural Society will be selling seeds at Community Forklift’s Annual Garden Party and Spring Sale. The event features live music, workshops, demonstrations, tool sales and a “lemonade lunch.” Free. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 4671 Tanglewood Drive, Edmonston. 301.985.5180.

Come test your skills at the Chess and Checkers Club at the Hyattsville Branch Library.

Learn to play or improve your game. All ages are welcome!

Bring your own set or play with one provided. 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

March 30

Support the Maryland Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs with shopping at Franklin’s Restaurant, Brewery and General Store.

Give a copy of your receipt to the hostess, tell them you are supporting CASA and 20% will be donated back. All day. 5123 Baltimore Avenue.

301.927.2740.

Ongoing

Riverdale Park Farmers Market hosts Sunday Morning Coffee Markets at the “Coffee Shop,” located at 6204 Rhode Island Ave in the empty corner building where the Farmers Market is usually held. Enjoy coffee, tea & hot chocolate by Zeke’s Coffee; local apples, hot cider & other drinks by Riverdale Park Farmers Market; Stone Hearth Bakery bread & pastries; hot food by Ruben’s Crepes & Mexican food, and more. Kids’ activities available. Local music starts at 10 a.m. All ages, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., March 15 and 22.

Rise + Rhyme kicks off the week for the 5-and-under set with storytelling, performances and more. Suggested donation, $5. Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys and Poets, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. 301.779.2787.

Vigilante Coffee hosts Coffee Cupping every Thursday this month! The series gives participants the opportunity to learn how to cup coffee and to taste the roastery’s latest offerings. March 12, 19 and 26, 1 to 2 p.m. Free. Vigilante Roastery, 4327 Gallatin Street Want to learn more? Take Vigilante’s Brewing 101 class for hands-on training in three different brewing methods (french press, pour over, and aeropress). Participants receive a sample bag of beans and a discount on in-store coffee merchandise purchases. $25. March 15 and 29, 4 to 6 p.m. at 4327 Gallatin Street Open Mic at Busboys and Poets, various hosts. Hear live spoken word poetry in the Zinn Room. Thursdays, 9 to 11 p.m. 5331 Baltimore Avenue.

301.779.2787.

Through March, naturalists will lead a guided hike around Lake Artemesia and the Luther Goldman Birding Trail on the first and third Thursdays of the month. Lake Artemesia, 8200 55th Avenue, Berwyn Heights. Free. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

301.627.7755.

The Hyattsville library offers a variety of storytimes. Space is limited; free tickets available at the children’s desk. Ages 9-23 months: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. Ages 3-5: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Ages 2-3 Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. English-Spanish Storytime for ages 3-6: Saturdays, 11 a.m. 6530 Adelphi Road.

301.985.4690.

Community Calendar is a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the 15th of the issue month to the 15th of the following month. To submit an item for consideration, please email tips@hyattsvillelife.com.

Deadline for April submissions is March 25.

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

SecondhandNews

Exploring used vinyl beyond the thrift store

by Lauren Flynn Kelly

My addiction to other people’s old stuff has been well documented, but my husband has his own addiction: records. He often disappears into the basement for hours at a time to spin jazz records. Sometimes he even takes our youngest on his “crate digging” excursions. And if the crowds at the annual D.C. Record Fair in January serve as any indication, his love of vinyl (old and new) is shared by many. So for this month, I thought I’d share some of our top picks for places in the area that buy and sell used vinyl.

While Hyattsville may not have its own record store, a city resident owns one in Washington, D.C. Josh Harkavy opened Red Onion Records & Books at 1901 18th Street NW in January 2007, six months after moving to the area with his wife, Alyssa.

“I had no job prospects and a massive quantity of books and records. Opening a shop just seemed like the right thing to do,” Harkavy said.

Red Onion has since accumulated “tens of thousands of LPs … mostly from folks who have just moved on from listening to records,” he said. Aside from buying and selling people’s personal collections, he scours “top-secret spots” for inventory to fill the small Dupont Circle basement space to the brim. Customers range from 20-somethings, 30-somethings and “lots of couples” to “old-timers who have been into vinyl for decades,” he added.

Red Onion has also amassed something of a cult following, which is no small feat when D.C. vinyl institution Crooked Beat is right up the street in Adams Morgan.

Yelp reviewers rave about Harkavy’s “tiny wonder” for its masterfully cu-

rated new and used selection of everything from indie rock to jazz, its reasonable prices and the personalized customer service of Harkavy.

Record enthusiasts can keep up with new arrivals by liking Red Onion Records on Facebook; for buying and selling inquiries, visit www. redonionrecordsandbooks.com.

CDepot, located at 9039 Baltimore Avenue, is another store that satisfies a vinyl addict’s craving.

The spot in College Park has been in business for nearly 20 years and has another location in Towson.

While the store’s website (www. cdepot.com) boasts a “massive selection of both new and used CDs” — as well as used games and movies — it carries mostly used records in a variety of genres, with an especially comprehensive jazz, R&B and hip hop collection.

General manager Simon Peterson explained that CDepot only

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began selling vinyl in the last four or five years when it purchased the collection of a retired recordshow exhibitor who was using the store’s basement for storage. The store also bought the inventory of some other area retailers that were going out of business, and one thing led to another.

People now come in on a daily basis to unload their record collections “for whatever reason — spring cleaning, emptying houses,” said Peterson. Near the front of the store, there’s often a row of boxed records

just waiting to be inventoried, and supposedly even more backlogged records in the basement. (Sorry, I’m told the basement is off limits to even the most loyal of customers).

When asked how many records the store has in total, Peterson estimated, “Probably literally at least 1 million — I’m not even exaggerating. I wish I was.”

If you’re interested in selling music, games or movies to CDepot, customers are advised to call ahead and make sure funds are available that day, since the shop pays cash on the spot and does not issue store credit. Records are competitively priced. I recently picked up three classic rock albums for about $12.

For nearby options in Montgomery County, Silver Spring offers two established shops: Joe’s Record Paradise at 8216 Georgia Avenue and The Record Exchange at 8236 Georgia Avenue.

The new Bump ‘n Grind, located at 1200 East West Highway, sells two of my favorite things: records and espresso. But not just any espresso: it boasts a signature blend made with Hyattsville’s own Vigilante Coffee. Happy hunting!

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

Page 11

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Supermarkets, nurseries and hardware stores are tempting me with all kinds of summer bulbs and even peonies. I’ve bought these flowers in the past but few have lived after I’ve planted them at the time recommended on the packages. A certain number of the gladiolas and dahlias have eventually popped up, but few of the lilies or anemones ever have. I have a zero success rate with the peonies, so beautiful in the photographs that I never resist taking one more chance. Yet I just can’t believe they’d be for sale if everybody failed with them. Somebody told me to put them in the refrigerator until planting time,, which I did, using labelled freezer bags. That failed too, which just about broke my heart. Please tell me what does work.

Disappointed on Decatur Street Dear Disappointed, Keeping your purchases cool is the right idea, but not in a moist place and not in plastic by any means. You will notice that, often, the packaging for summer bulbs are made of paper with netting to allow them to breathe. You would do well to open any plastic bags within that packaging and put the contents in paper bags. The right temperature to keep most of them is between

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35 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Dahlia tubers and gladioli corms stay viable at 50 degrees and even a bit above, so that is probably why you’ve had better luck with those.

A cool dry basement, attic, or enclosed side porch is ideal for storage. Cover with a cardboard box to keep light out if you have no closets in those areas of your home.

Avoid buying anything that has already sprouted. If some have sprouts, put them in peat moss and keep moist (not sopping wet) till after frost when you can put them in the ground. By the way, anemones will not come up if you don’t soak them overnight or at least plant them during a very rainy week.

The sale of herbaceous peony tubers at this time of year is almost perverse. I consulted my peony professional, Virginia Li, and she told me they are best planted in autumn — just as chrysanthemums are best planted in spring. The purveyors of plants prefer to tempt us when we are most likely to buy, which is near the time we envision them blooming. It’s a caveat emptor situation. If you’ve already succumbed to temptation, Virginia advises you to plant your peonies in pots now and let them develop, still in a cool place but with more light. Mix lots of perlite with the sterile potting soil, because peonies are susceptible to root rot. Take the pots outside in May, and keep them in semi-shade during the dog days of summer. Prepare

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Canʼt get your peonies to grow? It may be because peonies are best planted in autumn.

the ground where you hope to see them bloom. The soil should not be too acidic, so add bone meal and/or wood ashes to it.

It will take several weeks for these elements assimilate well. Meanwhile, keep the pots moderately watered and don’t be alarmed if they seem to die back somewhat.

In October, plant them in the spaces you have prepared; and be careful not to plant them too deep, or they will not bloom.

About two inches of soil should cover the tubers. Be patient. It usually takes a couple of years before they produce flowers, but after that they will keep blooming for decades if left undisturbed. If they get crowded and you must separate them,

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please wait till autumn. Additional advice from Virginia: a good companion plant is mint, both as a ground cover when the blooms die back and as an ant repellant. It is a myth that peonies need ants in order for blooms to open. The ants don’t really harm the peonies, but they do invade the house in bouquets.

To discuss these and other of your gardening concerns, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. It will be hosted by Heather Olsen in her home at 4915 42nd Avenue. Weather permitting, we will sit in her garden among daffodils.

BÚSQUEDA

Y ENTRETENIMIENTO

ES GRATUITA

Page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

nancy gillette From left, clockwise. Footprints on a pedestrian path to the Prince George’s Plaza Metro Station; decorative flamingos dusted with snow; resident Mike Harley shovels sidewalks after the sixth snowstorm this season. According to the National Weather Service, Hyattsville received 5.3 inches of snow during the March 5 storm.

On February 21, four inches of snow fell in the city.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

franklin’s

Page 13

robberies

continued from page 1

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weird,� Franklin said. “Our residents and visitors want better dining options, and Franklin’s Grill and Oyster Bar will bring back our diners who dine elsewhere, and attract new customers from the region who come to College Park for business or events at the University of Maryland,� said Bill Gardiner, assistant city manager for the City of College Park (and former Hyattsville mayor).

While $30 fish entrees are new territory for Franklin, the College Park restaurant will maintain the social affability the community has come to expect from Franklin’s. While serving the finest seafood, steaks, and locally procured dishes around, he intends to avoid the stiffness and formality of a five-star restaurant in D.C. “I want to make it comfortable, not too formal,� he said. For the identity of the new location, think date night.

Franklin’s vision is clear, but the timetable for completion is a bit more complex. The original design for the luxury hotel was in conflict with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) requirements for buildings near the regional airport in College Park, the Washington Post reported.

The change affects the hotel more logistically than aesthetically. The builders are still promoting it as one of the most luxurious in Prince George’s County, and it will still feature a roof-deck overlooking the University of Maryland campus.

Bill Gardiner said he hopes that once the plans are approved and construction completed, the hotel, along with its ground-floor retail development, will continue the rapid remodeling of the Route 1 corridor and “catalyze redevelopment in downtown College Park.�

because of time of day and method by which the robbery was committed,� said HCPD spokesperson Lt. Chris Purvis. “The robberies with the large groups of suspects [highlighted] seemed to be related.�

queensbury

continued from page 1

has slowed down and stopped and let me get into my driveway or out of my driveway. It makes me believe in humanity.�

Councilmember Candace Hollingsworth (Ward 1) said that the intent of the discussion was not to do away with the traffic restrictions altogether. She said she had received inquiries from residents about a special exemption for people who live on that road or on adjacent blocks.

Councilmember Patrick Paschall (Ward 3) addressed the way the discussion item was submitted and said that it would have saved residents and councilmembers time and stress if the intent of the discussion had been more clear. “Don’t interpret our talking about wanting to look at this from a larger perspective as saying we don’t care about what’s happening on Queensbury,�

Councilmember Shani Warner (Ward 2) said. “We want to think about this in the context of the whole community.�

Since March 2011, Hyattsville City Police officers have conducted 170 out of 183 total traffic assignments on Queensbury Road during restricted hours, according to Police Chief Douglas Holland, but enforcing the restrictions only temporarily alleviates traffic violations. “If you let it go for several days, the problem seems to come back,� he said.

The suspects in the December robberies are described as a group of black males, ages 18 to 21, in numbers ranging from four to 10. The suspects in the other crimes are all male, ages unknown, almost all dressed in dark clothing, according to police.

Regarding the motivation for these crimes, “The only thing we Speaking in favor of loosening the access restriction, nearby resident Carl Neilsen said he recommends a sticker for Hyattsville residents during the restricted period. “I have seen in other areas signs that say local residents only, and there has to be some way to distinguish those residents,� City Administrator Tracey Nicholson said.

Resident Hugh Turley, who has lived on Queensbury for approximately 40 years, said he didn’t like the idea of permits. Everyone, he said, wants some sort of exemption. “I’d like to come down 43rd Avenue,� he said, but it’s a one way street. “Because we’re so close to the light [at Queens Chapel Road], we get the majority of the congestion,� Vaughn said. “People will sit in front of your home with their radios blasting. Our property values are being affected.�

Biddier said frustrated drivers even throw trash out of their windows. “It’s not just cigarette butts and cups. It’s diapers—fully loaded. And there are other personal use items that should not end up on the street. We pick up liquor bottles, beer cans, and dumped ash trays. We try to do what we can to make this city pretty.� “We wish we had [the traffic restrictions] in the evening, because you can’t get out of your driveway,� Anderson said. “If it was you, you would understand what we on Queensbury Road understand.�

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can think of is that these were crimes of opportunity,� Lt. Purvis said. “That’s why we are encouraging folks to walk with friends or in a group.�

The area did see a decline in crime when “we installed the Safe City CCTV camera,� Lt. Purvis said. “It is just recently that we have seen a spike.� Police are looking into the possibility of adding an additional camera at Jamestown Road and Oliver Street.

Police urge pedestrians to show confidence, observe those around them, and to walk in open and well lit areas whenever possible. During a robbery, HCPD suggests victims stay calm, try to obtain a description

of the perpetrator, and avoid doing anything heroic. “Your life is worth more than your money,� police said.

After a robbery, HCPD instructs victims to avoid following the suspect and to contact the police immediately. If there are witnesses, “Ask them to stay until the police arrive. If they are unable to stay, attempt to get their name and phone number.�

If in need of immediate assistance in the City of Hyattsville, dial 301.985.5050, which is a direct line to Hyattsville Police.

Anyone with any information about a crime can contact the Hyattsville City Police Department / Criminal Investigations Section at 301.985.506.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | March 2015

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