August 2015 Hyattsville Life & Times

INSIDE: MEET THE CANDIDATES FOR THE 2015 WARD 5 SPECIAL ELECTION! SEE PAGE 5 SECCIÓN CENTRAL: “EL REPORTERO DE HYATTSVILLE” ESTÁ EN ESPAÑOL!

Residents help identify Trolley Trail serial assault suspect

by Rebecca Bennett

A suspect charged with two sexual offenses, which police believe are a related string of similar crimes, was released from jail after posting bail shortly after 5 p.m. on Aug. 4. The attacks occurred between May and July of this year along the Trolley Trail between Riverdale Park and the City of Hyattsville.

According to Lt. Andrew Powell of the Riverdale Park Police Department (RPPD), Joshua Charles Price of Perry Lane in Landover turned himself into police on Monday, Aug. 3 after three days of negotiating with investigators. Court records show he was being held on $5,000 bond.

Price was arrested and released after an alleged July 27 indecent exposure, court records show.

That attack happened at 7:30 a.m. on the trail near Oliver Street. The victim in this incident, charging documents said, was the same victim from a June 8 attack on the trail.

According to court records, the victim immediately noticed the man who had previously assaulted her. He then moved into

Life&Times

Vol. 12 No. 8

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

August 2015

Eight residents contend for vacant Ward 5 council seat

by Rebecca Bennett

The City of Hyattsville is holding a special election to fill a vacant seat left by former Councilmember Clay Williams (Ward 5).

According to the city charter, a special election must be held within 75 days of the vacancy. Ward 5 residents can vote at Magruder Park from 9 a .m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12.

Candidate registration closed on Aug. 7.

Eight people have registered to run for the vacant seat: Ruth Ann Frazier, Antoinette C. Grace Mbarga, Susan B. Miller, Fred Rogers, Rommel A. Sandino, Roman A. Santillan, Patricia A. Stamper and Eric Roger Tagne.

(Read more about them on PAGE 5.)

“I’m thrilled to see that kind of excitement and activity,” Williams said about the number of people running to replace him on the city council.

“I think it’s fantastic that so many people have registered to run!” Mayor Candace Hollingsworth said. “If anyone could ever want to begin to discount Ward 5 for low civic engagement or voter turnout, this is proof that you can’t.”

“Change is coming to Ward 5,” Councilmember Joseph Solomon (Ward 5) said, ELECTION continued on page 5

THE CITY’S TRAJECTORY Though downtown has transformed, much remains the same

SUSPECT continued on page 12

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43

by Mark Goodson

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Forty years ago to the month, the front page of the now-defunct Prince George’s Post read “Merchants Brave Rt. 1 Blues.” The cover photo featured the former Hyattsville Hardware Company on Baltimore Avenue, the space Mike Franklin now operates as Franklins Restaurant, Brewery, and General Store.

In 1975, local business owners Julian Hanley of Hanley’s Jewelers and Joanne Hampton of Hyattsville Fishmall cited a lack of adequate parking and population scarcity as business obstacles. Still, merchants unanimously opposed the possibility of building a more commercially viable shopping center. The characterized local business as “an endangered species” that will “never say die.”

Some things change; some remain the same.

The construction of the Arts District’s mixed-use developments has changed the face of Route 1.

Population in the area is no longer a business concern, with housing structures such as the Mosaic at Metro, the Palette, and the Post Park Apartments T. CARTER ROSS

BUILDING continued on page 12

CENTER SECTION: AUGUST 11, 2015 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

New art, pizza hub breaks ground

by Nadia Barnett

At the July 18 groundbreaking of the new Art Works space and Pizzeria Paradiso restaurant, the excitement was palpable. The former Marché Florist building, a landmark in the community, will be transformed into a place where those who create art and those who enjoy art can come together, along with pizza.

Saturday’s event began behind the greenhouse where people received Art Works’ lime-green hard hats. Although some rain prompted most of the festivities to move indoors, it did not dampen the attendees’ enthusiasm.

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III addressed those behind the project: “The work you

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 Nadia Barnett, Diane Contreras, Julia Gaspar-Bates, Lauren Kelly, Andrew Marder, Chris McManes, 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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are doing here, the vision you have for this place is going to inspire people you have not yet seen or have not yet been born,” he said.

“The community has been waiting for this moment for a couple years now,” said Hyattsville City Council Vice President Bart Lawrence (Ward 1). “Art Works alone is an incredible resource locally — they’re in the schools, they are working with kids all over the county but then how that couples with a fantastic restaurant — it’s all part of redevelopment of this whole area. It’s very exciting.”

“They are going to take this beautiful landmarked building that is part of the city, … and make it into something new and fresh,” said Councilmember Kevin Ward (Ward 1).

A short press conference was held in the entryway of the building, with remarks by Barbara Johnson, Art Works founder and Ruth

Gresser, owner of Pizzeria Paradiso, along with several city officials and city councilmembers.

“I look forward to sharing art, pizza and beer with you all next year,” Gresser said.

“The project will be funded in part by a $250,000 state bond, a $126,000 grant through the city of Hyattsville Commercial Facade Improvement Program and a $50,000 Community Impact Grant from Prince George’s County,” the Washington Business Journal reported.

Although the building is expected to have a fairly open floor plan, a wall will separate Pizzeria Paradiso from Art Works because the restaurant will serve alcohol, said Phil Hutinet of East City Art Media.

For the final phase of the transition project, Art Works will move from its second floor Mount Rainier studio to its new Hyattsville location.

“I envision for this location a

community gathering place, a great arts center and a phenomenal Pizzeria Paradiso, where our community can gather, create, eat, drink, socialize, get to know one another, create even stronger bonds, and just enjoy themselves,” said Johnson.

Many Hyattsville residents are already familiar with the offerings from Art Works. Among the city councilmembers present, several said they have personal experiences with the organization.

Ward said his youngest son “participates in a number of Art Works activities all the time.”

Kids programs like Toddler Time — one of the earliest programs, according to Johnson — are expected to continue at the new location. Additionally, there will be after school programs, school hour-in programs and camps, such as day camps, spring break camps, summer camps, winter

camps. Plus, the accessible studio program will help those with different types of needs create and learn through art, said teaching artist Amy Hughes Braden.

“One of the important things to us is our kids are occupied and creative and instead of having them home alone or home doing things that aren’t the most beneficial for them, if we provide them with creative opportunities, they will flourish to their full extent,” Johnson said.

The nonprofit organization will also feature a ceramics program for kids and one for adults, as well as many other new classes. “[It will be] a place where you’ll be able to see the art visibly and prominently on Route 1. It’s a commercial hub for the Gateway Arts District.

One of the criticisms have always been that we haven’t had visible art...and this along with the addition of Pyramid Atlantic next year will both satisfy that goal of ours,” Hollingsworth said.

Art Works Now and Pizzeria Paradiso is scheduled to open in 2016.

NEWS BRIEFS READ MORE AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM Welch indicted in Lyon Sisters Case On July 15, officials announced that former Hyattsville resident Lloyd Lee Welch Jr. was indicted on two counts of first degree felony murder in the kidnapping and killing of 10-year-old Katherine and 12-year-old Sheila Lyon in 1975. During a July 16 press conference, officials confirmed that Hyattsville resident Richard Allen Welch Sr. remains a person of interest in the Lyon sisters investigation.

Describing the update as a “shift in the investigation,” officials said they are taking steps to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the girls’ disappearance or subsequent coverups of the facts.

“Searches for physical evidence will continue,” said Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger. “We have served warrants and plan … more warrants in the future.” He said over 50 search warrants have been served so far in the investigation.

Officials said anyone with information can email cybertip@necmec.com.

City police department invited to the White House Several local leaders were invited to the White House on July 23, according to the City of Hyattsville, to discuss best practices on the implementation of President Barack Obama’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing.

Mayor Candace Hollingsworth and Hyattsville City Police Chief Douglas Holland were joined at the forum by Hyattsville resident Alexi Boado and First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville Pastor Rev. Dr. Yvonne Wallace Penn.

The forum, which was hosted by the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, brought together law enforcement executives, mayors, county executives, faith leaders, local partners and Obama Administration officials to participate in interactive plenary and break-out sessions, the city said.

New Hyattsville Middle School principal selected Thornton Boone is the new acting principal for Hyattsville Middle School and is expected to be confirmed as principal for the new school year.

A veteran of the Prince George’s County School System, Boone graduated from the county’s schools and has been an educator for 19 years.

In a July 20 letter to the community, Boone wrote, “My vision is to provide the leadership that will facilitate a positive school environment to provide rigorous instruction to meet the needs of each student.”

He met with parents, teachers, students, and community members on July 30, during which he answered questions about testing, discipline, and his educational philosophy.

Man attacked with a machete in West Hyattsville In what police say appears to be a random attack, a man sitting in a parked vehicle was attacked by another man wielding a machete on July 18 at approximately 4 a.m. The incident occurred in the 5700 block of Ager Road.

“The victim is still in the hospital and is intubated,” said Lt. Chris Purvis of the Hyattsville City Police Department. The man received several severe cuts. “At this point, and with limited information from the victim due to his condition, it appears random.”

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male driving a white pickup truck.

Spa, bank coming to Whole Foods development Riverdale Park Station will include a bank and a spa, according to real estate broker H&R Retail.

A local bank with its main branch in Bowie, H&R Retail’s website lists that Old Line Bank will occupy 2,860 square feet in unit 3C, which is on the south side of Whole Foods Market.

Bella Beach Spa is listed on H&R Retail’s website as occupying 3,000 square feet in unit 3A.3.

H&R Retail lists six retail lease spaces as being under negotiation, while 14 are still listed as available.

The Cafritz family previously announced that a Hyatt House boutique hotel would also be built at Riverdale Park Station.

PostNet opens in Arts District Move over Kinkos! On July 23, PostNet Neighborhood Business Center opened at 5557 Baltimore Avenue in the Shoppes at Arts District. The store is owned by Local businessman and Army veteran Femi Ijiti, according to a press release.

PostNet focuses on small businesses and those who work from home, a press release said, and services include digital printing, document finishing, packaging services, and authorized shipping for FedEx, UPS, DHL and the U.S. Postal Service.

“Whether local entrepreneurs are looking for design, printing or shipping support, PostNet is filling the void for convenient services that are essential to the success of small businesses,” said Ijiti. “I look forward to working with the community and supporting the continued growth of Hyattsville businesses.”

Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department Awarded Grant The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) is the recipient of a federal grant of $393,050. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

According to a press release from HVFD, “This four-year grant will significantly bolster our recruitment & retention efforts and includes funds for additional member benefits such as AD&D/life insurance, retention programs, advertising/marketing, tuition & higher education reimbursement and more.”

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Page 3

Council amends “Tim Hunt plan� for University Hills Street Project, approves funds for phase one

By Rebecca Bennett

On July 20, the Hyattsville City Council voted to approve funding for the initial phase of the University Hills Sidewalk and Street Improvement Project.

NZI Construction will receive up to $1,083,000 for phase one, a city memo said.

The initial phase will include repairing the street base and resurfacing Stanford, Calverton, Notre Dame and the 3000-3200 block of Gumwood and 3100 block of Rosemary. It also includes repairing or replacing inkind existing sidewalk, curb, and storm drainage on those streets, according to a city memo.

Phase one plans include installing a new sidewalk on the section of Stanford between Wells and Adelphi, along the north side of the street, a city memo said.

While there was virtually no opposition to street repair,the sidewalks had residents up in arms. “What was clear at time as I spoke to residents across the neighborhood [two years ago while running for office] was that there was no universal answer,� Councilmember Patrick Paschall (Ward 3) said at the July 20 council meeting, stating he found support for the sidewalks equal to their opposition. “There was no consensus on this issue.� “There is a lot of passion about this project. There is a lot of passion about the sidewalks. The bottom line: the streets need to be repaired,� Department of Public Works Director Lesley Riddle said. “I think moving forward with resurfacing and refacing of these

streets does not go beyond the current scope,� Councilmember Tom Wright (Ward 3) said.

Paschall said a lot of council time and community input had been put into the decisions that had already been made. “I think that if we’re going to make any changes to the Tim Hunt Plan, it should require a really intentional seeking of feedback from the community,� he said.

That plan was presented and approved as amended in 2013, which Paschall said was a compromise measure to meet the wishes of the community while providing pedestrians with continuous sidewalks in certain areas.

Riddle said voting in the motion before council would amend the Tim Hunt Plan in two ways: “We met with residents on Notre Dame, and it was 100 percent that they wanted no sidewalks on Notre Dame,� Riddle said. “And, we determined that we would do no sidewalks on Notre Dame.� “Stanford, we’re going to be keeping the sidewalk, but then there’s a stretch of Stanford where we will be splitting the sidewalk,� Riddle said.

Former Councilmember Tim Hunt (Ward 3) emailed city officials and the University Hills Civic Association about the July 20 council decision. “It is disappointing to me that council would remove a proposed sidewalk on a street adjacent to a neighborhood park ... and one along a thoroughfare ... without first informing the public of its intentions in a clear and direct manner,� he said. “It also gives the Council the

opportunity to decide whether they want to proceed with the entire project as originally approved (unchanged), or revisit the sidewalk installation on some or all of the streets [in phase two and three],� City Administrator Tracey Nicholson said at the Aug. 3 council meeting.

Riddle said the city does not plan to remove any trees during the first phase, but if through the vetting process they determine that they want sidewalks on a different street, there may be tree impact. “We’re trying to look at if we put sidewalks — say on Wells — that there may be some impact ‌ I’m

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Phase one, Riddle said, is at 100 percent design. Some of the affected areas are at 30 percent design, she said, but some of them are at 60 percent design with 100 percent design expected by Feb. 2016. But Riddle said that she needs to be able to make design changes in the field in discussions about phase one of the project. “Based on all of these things ‌ makes me think a minor change of scope is the way to go to begin this work,â€? Wright said.

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tabling the motion until the next meeting to see if further input was needed, the council voted on the motion. Paschall was the only councilmember to vote against the motion to allocate funds to start the street project, though he said he wanted to see the project move forward. Councilmember Paula Perry (Ward 4) was absent.

The next community meeting was originally scheduled for Aug. 12, but city officials said it will be rescheduled for September. “There is a refreshingly new openness to dialog and conversation and an eagerness to hear all resident’s concerns,� Wright said.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Eco Vapez opens on Rte. 1

by Ade Olufeko

The new Eco Vapez shop in Riverdale Park, which offers vaporizers, e-juices, coffee and branded merchandise, opened its doors to the public on July 18. The store is

located on the cusp of Hyattsville’s growing Arts District, which continues to give residents and visitors a variety of commercial options.

“Though there is a general misconception of what some first time comers perceive vaping to be,

our staff focuses on educating the customers on the holistic aspects of vaping and how the e-juices has helped long term nicotine smokers kick their habit,” said Eco Vapez employee Leo Murray.

The store occupies a remodeled home on 6001 Baltimore Ave. It’s the second location for Store Managers Chris Vigilante and Ken Tran, who opened their flagship vape store in Alexandria, Virginia.

“Our main focus is customers and culture, creating a welcoming environment which aims to make guests feel at home. Eco Vapez caters to different personalities which in turn creates unique buying experiences,” Tran said. The repurposed

ADE OLUFEKO Co-owners Chris Vigilante and Ken Tran relax outside of Eco Vapez.

home does just that, creating a comfortable setting for the store.

Saturday’s grand opening was filled with community members from all walks of life -- young and old, vape connoisseurs and novices. A disc jockey as well as another music performer,

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“This is a unique business opportunity,” said Vigilante, the store’s coowner. He also operates Vigilante Coffee in Hyattsville. “We built the store by hand to include elements of an old school vibe such as a Vinyl record player and the relaxed coffee store ambiance we have found success with.” Vigilante said Hyattsville is welcoming to small businesses and he hopes to assist other small businesses looking to launch in the area.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Page 5

City of Hyattsville

WARD 5 ELECTION ELECTION

continued from page 1

who recently won re-election in May 2015 after being elected in 2013 to fill a vacant seat. “In addition to new levels of civic engagement from residents, there is extraordinary interest in West Hyattsville Metro development as expressed by WMATA and the property directly adjacent, we are implementing the findings of the West Hyattsville Lighting Study, and we are preparing for the [Hyattsville City] Police Department move to 3505 Hamilton Street.”

“I envy [the candidates] in that [the winner] will be joining a great council in an exciting and dynamic time, and I

know they will help Hyattsville realize its full potential,” Williams said.

The efforts of individuals really matter in local government,” Williams said. “Be it as a council member, as a committee member, a community group member, or a voice from the podium, your input matters.”

“Listen to residents and let those concerns drive legislation. … Be willing to work for the good of city as opposed to an individual ward, which may often mean compromise and long term results.” Solomon said are some of the lessons he has learned serving on the council. “Work well with city staff, they are really the lifeblood of all the progress and change residents desire.”

The total cost of this special election to replace Williams on the council, according to Reams, will be approximately $7,500, which includes equipment rental, technician, supplies and outreach communications.

As to why Williams didn’t step down earlier, he told the Hyattsville Life & Times in June that during the recent election cycle, he expected to run for re-election in 2017. When he was presented with the job offer in North Carolina, he said, “Between the obligations and the opportunity it was too much to pass up.”

“When candidate registration opened, I was well settled in my job and there was no reason to think anything was changing in our lives,” Williams said about why

he didn’t resign when he applied for the out-of-state job. “Not until voting had already begun was this development even a possibility. Not till the election was over was it a certainty.”

As for Solomon’s advice to those running to fill the vacant seat: “Get out and meet your neighbors. Nothing is more important than giving the community an opportunity to meet with a candidate face-to-face and understand vision and perspectives on progress.”

The deadline to register to vote or submit an address change is Aug. 21. The winner of the Ward 5 special election will be sworn into office at the Sept. 21 Hyattsville City Council meeting.

Meet the candidates: guide to the 2015 ward 5 special election The candidates’ answers to questions posed by the Hyattsville Life & Times are presented, unedited, below.

Patricia Anduha

Age: 29 years old Day job: District of Columbia Public Schools; Resource Instructional Aide DC Preparatory Academy; After School Community involvement: Washington Adventist University; Alumni Board Member Statement to the voters: I sincerely believe that serving as a council member on behalf of the residents of Ward 5 in Hyattsville, MD I am more than just a representative of ward 5 but an advocate for the residents. My goals are as follows once elected to the council would be to serve as an advocate, connect with each resident within the ward and promote the patronizing of West Hyattsville businesses among the residents.

Ruth Ann Frazier Age: 76 Day job: 38 years of government service with the Central Intelligence Agency Community involvement: Past Secretary, Vice-President & President of St. Jerome’s; Catholic School HSA (HomeSchool Association); Past member of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church Board; 16 years on Hyattsville City Council; Graduate of Academy of Excellence in Government through MD Municipal League; Volunteered services at several City schools both Public & Private for events, testing & substituting; Past member of DeMatha HS Band Boosters; Member of Community Emergency Response Team; Member of the Citizens Police Academy; Member of Safety Committee; Chairperson of Sonny Frazier Christmas Toy Drive; Recipient of Presidents Call to Service Award; Member of Aging in Place Organization in Hyattsville; Member of Hyattsville Preser-

vation Association; Member of DeMatha Senior Boosters; Member of Ethics Commission Statement to the voters: I made the decision to retire from the Hyattsville City Council after 16 years of service feeling convinced that our new Council would continue to work for the betterment of our community as I had during my tenure.

Within a short time after the 2013 election, the City had a full staff of extremely qualified personnel, offering the ability and the tools with which to serve our faithful residents.

During the next couple of years, legislation was being passed and the City was moving progressively forward, yet we were all still constantly concerned about our “quality of life.” Why? All the tools were in place, but there needed to be a reassurance by our representatives that these tools were working for us.

So I started contemplating what could be done to make our residents realize that their concerns were being heard and that they would be addressed. The more I thought about the matter, the more I wanted to continue to be a part of the process.

In my mind, this opportunity presented itself when a seat on the City Council became open in Ward 5. If I am elected to serve, with my knowledge and experience, I will attempt to enhance the ability of all of our elected officials to act with humility in the best interests of the Hyattsville community.

I am in a unique position, with three generations of my family living in Hyattsville, to be able to have a broad understanding of the needs and desires of all of our residents no matter their circumstances or stage in life. We all want the same thing – a safe welcoming community with the infrastructure to support a quality of life we all deserve.

Please know that after living in Hyattsville for over 60 years, my commitment is here with our community and I feel that this is a crucial time to ensure that everyone is working together to move our community forward.

It is in this spirit that I am asking for your support and your vote on Saturday, 12 September 2015 at Magruder Park Recreation Center.

Antoinette Carole Grace Mbarga Age: 33 Day job: Project Coordinator Domestic Violence Unit at The Person Center, Adjunct Professor at Prince Georges Community College.

Community involvement: Community Activist and Advocate on the rights of African Immigrants on social media (administrator of multiple pages on Facebook) Statement to the voters: My candidacy is primarily to encourage all minority young girls and women to get actively involved in this democratic process. It’s only in this great country of ours that a female African Immigrant, who is fluent in French and Spanish, can be given the leadership opportunity to serve all members of our great community. If elected to the council, I will continue to be a tireless champion for our small business owners, high school and college graduates and immigrants from around the world who have chosen Ward 5 as their primary residence.

Fred Rogers Age: 41 Day job: Program Manager Juvenile Services, DC Department of Corrections Community involvement: Linking Communities for Educational Success, At-Promise Nation, The Beyond the Block Foundation, Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Women Orga-

Page 6

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

The Hyattsville Life & Times presents

Ward 5 Special Election Candidate Forum September 8 at 8 p.m.

Meet & Greet to follow at 9 p.m. in first floor multipurpose room, so you can ask your questions.

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

Can’t watch at home and need a ride?

Ward 5 residents can make a reservation with Calla-Bus at 301.985.5020

by Sept. 7.

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

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nized Against Rape Statement to the voters: Neighbors, it is an honor to ask for your vote in the upcoming City Council election. My desire to be your next Ward 5 City Council Member comes from my deep love for the people of Hyattsville. I have been a Hyattsville resident since 2007.

I grew up in Philadelphia, PA in a poor urban community that lacked opportunity and growth. Through hard work and self-determination I was able to rise above those conditions. Having worked as a manager and administrator for government and private organizations for the past 15 years has uniquely prepared me to serve the residents of Hyattsville. I’ve always been an advocate for marginalized communities, creating a non-profit working on behalf of at-risk youth and working as a former talk show host on CBS radio. I am well prepared to work with diverse constituents and City leaders to meet our common goals. Just like many of you I have lived with some challenges here in Hyattsville however I have enjoyed far more positive experiences and a warm community spirit that’s empowering. It was my next-door neighbor former Ward 5 Councilman Clay Williams, prior to his departure that helped encourage me to run. I want to continue the great work that Clay Williams began as a Council Member. As your representative on the Council you would have a passionate advocate that will fight for you and your families while balancing the best interests of this great City. My work ethic, management experience and never quit approach to life is what I offer to the people of Hyattsville. It would be my pleasure to be your next Ward 5 City Council Member to represent

your voice, hope and vision for a stronger Hyattsville. Please support me to continue to make our neighborhood grow strong and beautiful.

Rommel A. Sandino Age: 30 Day job: Community Organizer and Activist Community involvement: Hyattsville Elementary School PTA; CASA Human Rights Committee, member; SEDUth Columbia, President; Discussions and collaboration with Ward 5 Councilor on expanding recreational programs, seeking reasonable traffic calming solutions in Landhart subdivision, and planning Ward community party.

Statement to voters: We have to continue to strive to make our City the place where every resident and business feels embraced and thrives in safety, engagement, and prosperity. As Ward 5 Councilor, I will work to ensure that we: Embrace & Engage culturally diverse communities: Empower residents to find their voice and work with City to enact solutions; Improve and expand accessibility to City’s services and programs.

Oversee Fair citywide investment & development: Incentivize local small businesses; Drive responsible,

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Page 7 PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

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el

Hyattsville Reporter Reportero de Hyattsville No. 316 • August 12, 2015

No. 316 • 12 de agosto, 2015

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

City of Hyattsville Schedule of Senior Activities

Actividades de Mayores de la Ciudad de Hyattsville

August 10 - September 10

10 Agosto – 10 Septiembre

Tuesdays, August 11, 18, 25, September 1, 8 Hyattsville Farmers Market, 3-7PM, 3799 East West Highway (Redeemer Lutheran Church Parking Lot). The best in fresh local produce, and nutritional education and information, too!

Los Martes, 11, 18, 25 de Agosto; 1, 8 de Septiembre Mercado Campesino de Hyattsville, 3-7PM, 3799 East West Highway (Estacionamiento de Redeemer Lutheran Church).

Lo mejor en comida fresca y local, y educacion e informacion nutritivo tambien!

Wednesdays & Fridays, August 12, 14, 19, September 2, 4, 9 Ageless Grace, 10-11AM, City Municipal Bldg., 4310 Gallatin Street. A seated exercise program for the mind and body set to energetic music. Utilizing the science of neuroplasticity, 21 simple chair exercises designed to improve physical skills, brain function and having fun with your neighbors!

Los Miercoles y Viernes, 12, 14, 19 de Agosto; 2, 4, 9 de Septiembre Gracia sin Edad, 10-11AM, Edificio Municipal de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Un programa de exercicios sentados para el mente y cuerpo con musica energetica. Utilizando la ciencia de neuroplasticidad, 21 exercicios faciles diseñado a mejorar habilidades fisicos, funciones del cerebro y diversion con sus vecinos!

Thursday, August 13 Amish Country Market & Wegman’s Shopping Trip, 9-3PM, Upper Marlboro. You will find a large selection of Amish meats, cheeses, baked goods, candies, produce and poultry; Call-A-Bus will transport.

Jueves, 13 de Agosto Viaje de Compras al Mercado Holandes y Wegmans, 9-3PM, Upper Marlboro. Encontraras una seleccion grande de carnes, quesos, panes, dulces, verduras y frutas; Transportacion con el Llame-Un-Bus.

Monday, September 7 Happy Labor Day! City Offices Closed. Beltway Plaza, Greenbelt Road, will show “American Sniper” for Senior Free Movie Monday!

Tuesday, September 8 Walmart & Dollar Tree Shopping Trip, 9AM-2PM, Laurel. You will find a large selection of foods and household items; Call-A-Bus will transport.

Thursday, September 10 Bladensburg Waterfront Park & Visitor’s Center, 9AM12PM, 4601 Annapolis Road. Located on the Anacostia River, this unique waterfront features a paved riverside walk, picnic pavilion, fishing pier, playground, bicycle, canoe, kayak, paddle boat and rowboat rentals and an interpretive guided pontoon boat tour that allows passengers to explore the scenic river.

For additional information on any activities, please contact Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5058 or bjohnson@hyattsville.org.

International Festival

Don’t miss the live music and variety of food, crafts and beverages at the International Festival!

There will be entertainment for kids and the chance to learn about the different cultures present in our community. If you’re interested in becoming a vendor for food or crafts with an international flavor, visit our website, www.hyattsville.org/international, for more information. We hope to see you there on Sept. 26 from 3:00 - 9:00 pm in Heurich Park.

Summer Jam - Dave Kline Band

Festival Internacional

¡No deje pasar la música en vivo y la variedad de comida, artesanías, y bebidas en el Festival Internacional! Habrá entretenimiento por los niños y la oportunidad de aprender sobre las diferentes culturas presentes en nuestra comunidad. Si está interesado en ser un vendedor de comida o artesanías con un sabor internacional, visite nuestro sitio web, www.hyattsville.org/ international, para más información. Esperamos verles el 26 de Septiembre de 3:00 a 9:00 pm en Heurich Park.

Lunes, 7 de Septiembre Feliz Dia Laboral! Oficinas de la Ciudad cerrada. Beltway Plaza, Greenbelt Road, tendra la pelicula “American Sniper” gratis para mayores!

Martes, 8 de Septiembre Viaje de Compras a Walmart & Dollar Tree, 9AM-2PM, Laurel. Encontraras una seleccion grande de comidas y cosas para la casa; Transportacion con el Llama-Un-Bus.

Come out and enjoy the Summer Jam with family and friends! The Dave Kline Band will be performing contemporary folk, rock, and world music for everyone to enjoy. There will be a host of entertainment for the kids including a clown, face-painting and a moonbounce. The Maryland Masonic Child Identification Program will also be providing free child identification kits for families.

To top it all off we will have traditional hamburgers and hotdogs as well as fusion tacos courtesy of the South Meets East food truck. Green Owl Designs will be having a sidewalk sale and Vigilante Coffee will be open for the festival as well! We look forward to seeing you on Aug. 14, 6:30 - 8:30 pm at 4310 Gallatin Street.

Fiesta de Agosto

¡Venga y disfrute la Fiesta del Verano con la familia y amigos! El Dave Kline Band va a tocar música contemporánea, folk, rock, y mundial para todos. Habrá una multitud de entretenimiento por los niños, incluyendo un payaso, la pintura de caras, y la brinca brinca. El Maryland Masonic Child Identification Program va a tener kits de indentificación infantil gratuitos. Y lo mejor de todo es que tendremos hamburguesas y hot dogs además de tacos de fusión por South Meets East troca de comida. ¡Green Owl Designs va a tener una venta de banqueta y Vigilante Coffee estará abierto por el festival también! Esperamos verles el 14 de Agosto, 6:30 - 8:30 pm, en 4310 Gallatin Street.

Jueves, 10 de Septiembre Bladensburg Parque y Centro de Visitas del Frente al Agua, 9AM -12PM, 4601 Annapolis Road. Ubicado por el Rio Anacostia, este frente al agua unica tiene un camino pavimentado, pabellon de picnic, muelle de pescar, alquilacion de bici, canoa y barcos, y un tour en barco pontoon con guia que explora el rio escenico.

Sunset Movie Series – Big Hero 6

Serie de Películas al Atardecer - Big Hero 6

Para mas informacion sobre cual quier actividad, por favor contacte a Beryl Johnson en 301-985-5058 o bjohnson@hyattsville.org.

Join us in Heurich Park on Sept. 4 at 7:30 pm for a family friendly movie under the stars. The feature film will be Big Hero 6, a PG rated movie about the bond that forms between Baymax, a robot designed to take care of people, and Hiro and his friends. Big Hero 6 is perfect for all ages and there’s no cost. Bring a blanket, some popcorn, and enjoy!

Acompañenos en Heurich Park el 4 de Septiembre a 7:30 pm para una película para toda la familia debajo de las estrellas. El largometraje estará Big Hero 6, una película clasificada PG sobre el vínculo que forma entre Baymax, un robot diseñado para cuidar de personas, y Hiro y sus amigos. Big Hero 6 es perfecto para cualquier edad y es gratis. ¡Traiga una frazada, palomitas, y disfrute!

CALENDARIO

CALENDAR Hyattsville Farmers Market

Summer Jam - Dave Kline Band

Hyattsville Education Advisory Committee

Mercado Campesino

Fiesta del Verano - Dave Kline Band

Comité de Educación de Hyattsville

Ageless Grace Exercise Classes

Hyattsville Planning Committee

Sunset Movie Series – Big Hero 6

Gracia sin Edad Clases de Ejercicio

Comité de Planeación de Hyattsville

Serie de Películas al Atardecer - Big Hero 6

Every Tuesday through September 3 - 7 PM, 3799 East-West Highway More information: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org Every Wednesday and Friday through August 21, then again in September 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Beryl Johnson, 301.985.5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org

Friday, August 14, 6:30 - 8:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Tuesday, August 18, 7:30 - 9:30 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org

Thursday, August 27, 6:30 - 8:00 PM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org Friday, September 4, 7:30 - 9:00 PM Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson Street More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Cada Martes Hasta Septiembre 3 - 7 PM, 3799 East-West Highway Más información: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org Cada Miércoles y Viernes hasta el 21 de Agosto, y otra vez en Septiembre 10 - 11 AM, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org

Viernes, 14 de Agosto, 6:30 - 8:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Martes, 18 de Agosto, 7:30 - 9:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org

Jueves, 27 de Agosto, 6:30 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Más información: Jake Rollow, 301-985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org Viernes, 4 de Septiembre, 7:30 - 9:00 PM Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson Street Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

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eco-friendly economic development; Aware of community needs so that all residents can live, shop, and play in City; Advocate for improvements in schools, parks, and community areas.

Build a culture of commitment & accountability: Foster sense of community; Energize with stable and passionate leadership; Maintain transparency and easy accessibility.

We will ensure a brighter future by working together. It will be an honor to hear from you and responsibly work on your behalf. Please vote for me on Sept. 12!

“One Community. One City.”

Rommel currently works in advocating for marginalized and low-income communities.

Declaración a votantes: Juntos trabajaremos para hacer de nuestra Ciudad el lugar donde cada residente y negocio podrá sentirse acogido y progresar en seguridad, involucramiento, y prosperidad. Como Concejal trabajare para: Involucrar a comunidades de diversidad cultural: Empoderar a residentes a alzar su voz y trabajar junto para implementar soluciones; Expander accesibilidad a servicios y programas de la Ciudad.

Asegurar un desarrollo e inversiones justa: Incentivar a pequeños negocios locales; Impulsar desarrollo económico responsable y eco-friendly; Asegurar que todos puedan vivir, comprar, y jugar en la Ciudad; Abogar por mejoramientos a escuelas, parques, y areas comunitarias.

Construir una cultura de Compromiso y Responsabilidad: Promover sentido de comunidad; Revitalizar con liderazgo apasionado y estable; Mantener transparencia y accesibilidad fácil.

Juntos aseguraremos un mejor futuro. Sera un

NEW & IMPROVED!

HYATTSVILLE

honor escuchar de ustedes y trabajar responsablemente por ustedes.

Les pido su voto de confianza Sept. 12!

“Una Comunidad. Una Ciudad” Rommel trabaja abogando por comunidades de bajo-recursos y marginalizadas.

Eric Roger Tagne Age: 35 Day job: Correctional Treatment Specialist (Law Enforcement, DC Government) Community involvement: Spoke person for the civil society platform for democracy; Sent contribution to the Hyattsville volunteer fire department; Member of the DC ONE FUND for the department of corrections collecting charitable donations for non-profits organizations in the Washington Metropolitan Area (Including Hyattsville); Contribute and help with my son school Rosa Parks elementary school.

Statement to the voters: If elected I’ll make sure that Hyattsville achieve its full potential economically, culturally and socially. In fact Hyattsville is just one stop from the national Capital, but the state of our roads, houses, and others infrastructures do not reflect what we can really achieve. Also I have a background in law enforcement. I would like to see Hyattsville be a more secured community and have all felon criminal illegals removed or reported to ICE.

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Now providing an additional $10 to residents who qualify for SNAP, EBT, FMNP or WIC

Damos $10 mas a los residentes que usan SNAP, EBT, FMNP o WIC

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Page 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR August 9

Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? The Metropolitan Church invites you to participate in CHIP, a lifestyle modification program running through Oct. 25. Classes are on Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register and get additional details at metrosda.org/codeblue or call 240.528.8040. 6307 Riggs Rd.

August 11

Calling all master builders! The Hyattsville Branch Library hosts the Lego® Creative Club at 3 p.m. Legos provided. Ages 5-12, 6530 Adelphi Rd. The Metropolitan Church offers an eight-week ESL (English as a Second Language) class starting on August 11. Classes meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. at the church. For details visit metrosda.org/esl or call 240.528.8040. 6307 Riggs Rd.

August 14

The Dave Kline Band performs at this evening’s Summer Jam. Violinist Dave Kline plays music influenced by styles from around

the world in a mix of rock, jazz, blues and swing. Head on over to the city building for music, food, a beer and wine garden, and family friendly fun. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

4310 Gallatin St. 301.985.5021

August 15

The British and American War of 1812 troops have returned once more! From 12 - 4 p.m., head over to the Riversdale House Museum to view the Battle of Bladensburg Encampment.

Children’s activities, live music, demonstrations, and refreshments will be available until close. Free; $2 for house tours.

All ages. Call for scouting opportunities. 4811 Riverdale Rd., 301.864.0420.

From 3 - 4 p.m., the Hyattsville Branch Library hosts a discussion on “AMericanah” by Nigerian-born author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The book explores the tensions inherent in being a stranger in a new place.

6530 Adelphi Rd.

August 19

Enjoy the evening with Jazz on

the Lawn: Brulee at the Riversdale House Museum. 7 8:30 p.m., 4811 Riverdale Rd., 301.864.0420.

August 21

Today is the Voter Registration Deadline for Ward 5 Special Election! Contact the Prince George’s County Board of Elections at 301.341.7300 for more information on how to register.

August 22

Join Love Yoga on a mini-retreat to Elk Run Vineyards and Saturday. The retreat includes two yoga sessions, food, a wine tasting, a tour of the vineyard, and a discount on Elk Run Vineyards’ wine. 10 - 1 p.m. at the vineyard; return to Hyattsville by 3 p.m.

Tickets required. Visit www. love-yogastudio.com for more information.

It’s an aviation challenge! From 12 - 1 p.m., head over to the College Park Aviation Museum for a blimp competition. The goal: have your lighter-than-air device carry a ping pong ball in a straight line. Blimps must be completed

ahead of time. Free admission for participants; free with paid museum admission for spectators.

All Ages, 1985 Cpl. Frank Scott Dr. Call 301.864.6029 for more information.

August 23

Stop by the Riversday House Museum to watch the Kitchen Guild demonstrate 19th century cooking with local, seasonal produce. Today’s recipes include what might be served at a Regency picnic. Free; regular fee for house tours. All ages. 4811 Riverdale Rd. 301.864.0420.

September 1

Are you looking to make a difference in the life of abused or abandoned children in your community? There are over 600 youth in foster care in Prince George’s County and Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is looking for compassionate and motivated individuals ready to be trained on becoming an advocate for these youth. Head over to the Hyattsville Administrative Building for an information session on how you can get involved. For

more information, visit www.pgcasa.org, email Dkayser@pgcasa. org or call 301.209.0491., 4310 Gallatin St. 6 - 7 pm.

September 4

The Heurich Park Sunset Movie Series continues with Big Hero 6. Bring a blanket and picnic supplies and settle in from 7:30 - 9 p.m. All ages. Heurich Park Rd.

Ongoing

The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System will provide free lunches to youth up to age 18 during the summer through August 21. Lunch is served at noon on Monday through Friday at the Hyattsville Branch. 6530 Adelphi Rd. Community Calendar is a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the second Wednesday of the issue month to the 15th of the following month. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail tips@hyattsvillelife. com or mail to Community Calendar, P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781. Deadline for September submissions is August 26.

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Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

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Why do I DIY? It’s in the genes

by Lauren Flynn Kelly

Hyattsville loves to give things a second chance. It’s apparent from the bathtub planters and palette fences in our front yards to the former H Street N.E. corridor planters that line the streets. The infamous library saucer will even be incorporated in the building’s renovation.

While the community’s active repurposing of just about everything has greatly inspired me to do more Do-It-Yourself projects at home, there’s also a strong familial history of reuse that I’m only now starting to appreciate.

Growing up, my father was constantly tinkering with things, such as a dated vacuum cleaner that he was determined to make hum again. My mom, meanwhile, had a habit of picking up old computers from the curb and bringing them back to life. To me, it would have been a lot “cooler” if we’d purchased new things, and I wasn’t at all conscious of the environmental impact of contributing to landfills.

My parents were by no means environmentalists. It wasn’t about that. It was something deeper, some generational thriftiness that was passed along by their parents and grandparents. My father grew up working in a hardware store run by his Irish immigrant parents. This wasn’t a place where people went to buy laminate wood

flooring and strip-mined granite for their brand-new kitchens; this was a place where you bought supplies to fix what was otherwise functional and not bound for demolition. Even today, my dad sees old things in new ways. When

Today, as a homeowner in a community that’s so conscious of green living, I appreciate my father’s mantra of “What can I do with this?” before it hits the curb. large, boxy TVs were replaced with flat-screens, he lopped the top off his entertainment cabinet and turned it into a sleek storage bench. I recently asked if his days at Flynn Hardware in Montclair, N.J. are what inspired his handiness and his inclination to reuse.

He explained to me that it goes even further back.

As a child, he would frequent the history section of his local public library and became interested in books about early America. One thing he read really resonated with him: When the pioneers left a set-

HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE

tlement, they burned all the wood from their houses and took the nails with them to use in the next town.

Talk about extreme repurposing.

On a recent trip to the family beach house, I found all kinds of random stuff in the attic that I wanted to repurpose — a bright orange plastic grill, a rusty chromeframed chair — and came across a pile of weathered, 30-year-old cedar planks from the house’s original deck. I asked my dad why in the world he’d saved this wood and what he planned to use it for. He said he had no idea; he just knew the value of cedar and figured it would be of use someday. A light bulb went on in my head. I immediately carried it to my car.

Back in Hyattsville, where my husband and I purchased our first home three years ago, we’ve been tackling one small D-I-Y project after another, often using things that were bound for the curb or just left in the garage by the previous owners. The latest is a tiny mudroom that was all crumbling drywall and water-stained subfloor. I matched up some leftover tiles with new ones and finished the floor, but hadn’t fixed the wall. I ended up covering the entire wall with the cedar planks, and screwed in a collection of random cabinet knobs I picked up at Community Forklift for $10 as coat hooks.

It used to madden me that we rarely replaced anything when I was little. Today, as a homeowner in a community that’s so conscious of green living, I appreciate my father’s mantra of “What can I do with this?” before it hits the curb. And now I can literally hang my hat on a little piece of family history.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Page 11

Located at the Intersection of Baltimore Ave. (Route 1) & Jefferson St.

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Page 12

Suspect

continued from page 1

the wood line, only to reappear farther down the trail exposing himself. Fearing for her life, the woman ran toward the Riverdale Town Center and attempted to notify police, the records said.

Around the same time, two local residents saw a man on the trail they believed matched the description of the wanted groper, court documents show. They watched the man get into a blue Chevy Cavalier that was parked on Cleveland Avenue, took down the license plate and contacted the Hyattsville City Police Department.

RPPD previously said a woman was walking along the trail on June 4 with a baby in a carrier between Madison Street and Queensbury Road June 4 when a man walked towards the victim pretending to look for his wallet or cell phone.

As she walked past him, the man grabbed her buttocks and ran away, according to police.

That victim in the June 4 attack positively identified clothing found at the suspect's residence, court documents show.

“The community was instrumental in obtaining leads that ultimately led to determining the suspect’s identification,” Powell said.

Arrest records show Price was also detained July 27 for a Nov. 2014 charge of driving on a suspended license, for which it appears Price failed to appear in court several times. Price was released at 2:52 a.m. on July 29 after posting $4,500 bail on both charges, according to county records.

“When it first happened, we didn’t have a lot of leads, ” Powell said in reference to the joint investi-

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

gation between police in Riverdale Park and the City of Hyattsville.

As they connected the dots, police went back and talked to the victims of previous attacks in the days after Price was arrested, he said.

Those attacks, according to police, happened on May 26, June 4 and June 8 in the afternoon or early evening along the paved trail that connects the Arts District Shoppes with the Riverdale Park Town Center. In two of the attacks, women were walking with their young children when the suspect pretended to look for something before grabbing them and running away. In the third incident, the suspect tried to touch a female jogger on the trail.

“It was a short amount of time that we put this all together,” Powell said.

Authorities put out a new arrest warrant for Price on July 29, who also has convictions and citations for various criminal and traffic violations.

Price had previously been in jail for more than 5 months awaiting trial for an April 2010 armed robbery.

Court records show he was indicted on 14 charges of robbery, theft, the use of a handgun in a violent crime, and assault. He plead guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery and theft of under $1,000, according to court records. Price was given a 10-year suspended sentence, save 175 days of time served, put on probation for 5 years and ordered to pay $870 to Dollar Tree. He was released from jail in Oct. 2010, according to county records.

Price is due in court on Aug. 28 for the charges of indecent exposure, second degree assault and the fourth degree sexual offense. Anyone with information about the recent assaults along the Trolley Trail should contact Lt. Powell at 443.790.5365.

Church of God and Saints of Christ

4203 Farragut Street, Hyattsville, Maryland Pastor: Evangelist Samuel Wade Time of Services: Beginning of the Sabbath (Friday Night) 7:30pm - 9:30pm Sabbath Service (Saturday) 11:00am to Sunset

We invite you to come and worship with us and to be inspired by the preaching of the unadulterated word of the Lord. The house of God is the house of prayer for all people.

All are Welcome!

building

continued from page 1

filled with new residents.

Developers are eager to build here. In January, the city approved the application to develop the 3.77 acres in between The Home Depot and Giant on East-West Highway into 352 residential units.

Parking remains a concern downtown. The city responded by approving a new parking lot to be built Hamilton Street in the Arts District.

More and more new businesses are opening. Art Works Now and Pizzeria Paradiso broke ground on July 18; H&R Retail continues to develop and negotiate retail spaces adjacent to where the new Whole Foods will be in Riverdale Park; construction of the new Safeway at the University Town Center is scheduled to be completed in the Fall. All spaces are mixed-use, shared between retail, residential, and educational initiatives.

Is this rapid growth in line with the gritty foresight of business owners a generation ago who resisted rapid commercial development in favor of local flavor? These developments undoubtedly spur stable economic growth, but do they sustain community spirit?

The Hyattsville Preservation Association, (HPA) whose aim is to protect “Hyattsville’s architectural heritage,” supported the Art Works and Pizzeria Paradiso plan. Gloria Felix-Thompson, president of HPA, said the society “likes economic development if it also fosters small business and doesn’t destroy a good building.”

Thompson mentioned Mike Franklin as a business owner who sustained the integrity of the city’s architecture when he re-purposed the Hyattsville Hardware Company’s building in 1992 — a year when Hyattsville’s economic growth was fledgling and Route 1

was overrun with used car dealerships and abandoned buildings.

Thompson then mentioned Chris Vigilante, founder of Vigilante Coffee and its local roastery and cafe in Hyattsville and coowner of Eco Vapez in Riverdale.

Like Franklin, Vigilante “did it correctly in reading what was around him,” she said.

Using what was formerly the first automobile showroom in Hyattsville showcasing Model-T Fords, Vigilante built upon the bones of the historic site. “We wanted a showroom, a showcase for coffee,” he said. “Where the garage held its tools, we hold our tools that make coffee.”

Repurposing seems paramount in the city’s development. For example, the Community Development Corporation (CDC) is re-developing the defunct satellite dish on its property into a

As for the Concordia Lutheran property, “We would love to do an adaptive re-use of the structure,” he said. But, “the economics of that are always challenging.”

Rapid growth is continually tempered by the city’s bent for preservation. The building on Route 1 which “Beds To Go” formerly operated was “sold to a company that wants to lease it to Advance Auto Parts,” Eisenberg said. “A communique is pending to the owner of the property because they can’t proceed with the project they intend to. One of the issues about the sector plan … new developments can’t become automotive related.”

This aspect of the sector plan will function together with the county’s Master Plan for Parks, Recreation and Open Space, to create a more bicycle friendly Route 1. One option of the plan

Gloria Felix-Thompson, president of the Hyattsville Preservation Society, said the society “likes economic development if it also fosters small business and doesn’t destroy a good building.” public work of art, and the community demanded preservation of the library’s iconic ‘saucer’ in the library’s new designs.

With a wide array of projects in development, citizens can’t help but wonder what the future holds for the WSSC building by Magruder Park and the Concordia Lutheran School on Longfellow Street.

The City of Hyattsville, like the merchants four decades ago, is handling these properties patiently, and incorporating feedback from the community.

“There hasn’t been much change in community sentiment for re-development around the WSSC building that I’m aware of,” said Stuart Eisenberg, Executive Director of the Hyattsville CDC.

connects a bicycle trail from the Arts District, to Riverdale Park and University Park.

In a move to fill another vacant property, the city recently attracted Pyramid Atlantic to occupy the Arcade building, offering the paper art company a loan for structural improvements. The city also offers a Commercial Facade Improvement Program which incentivizes businesses to create attractive and art-filled store fronts through financial assistance.

Combined, the efforts are helping to substantiate Hyattsville’s Arts District. Local business owners and city officials are joining to preserve the interests of the public, and those of the merchants who chose community over commerce forty years ago.

Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

Page 13

MissFloribunda Hey, Miss Floribunda, I’m not the kind of dude who has ever been into gardening. I mow the lawn and clip the hedges on my property to keep from being fined. That’s been it until now. Since your hat always gets my attention when I look at the HL&T, I know about you and that you write about gardening stuff. I think you can handle my question.

Yesterday I got lost up around Derwood and came across a lot filled with flowers that looked like they came from outer space. For real. I had to get out of the car and look closely. I can’t begin to tell you all the weird shapes.

Some had only a few petals, others were packed with them. Some looked so artificial, like those fold-out Halloween pumpkins made out of paper, that I had to look at the ground to make sure they weren’t just stuck in on sticks.

The colors were intense! They were in every combination — stripes, circles, spots, dribbles. They made me think of pinatas. Some were almost as big as pi-

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natas, though these looked like frisbees or exploding fireworks. Others were almost as small as popcorn.

So what were they? How do you grow them? I’ll do whatever it takes.

Pumped up on Powhatan Street Dear Pumped Up, You came across the exhibition garden of the National Capital Dahlia Society. There are more than 50,000 varieties of this amazing plant. You will be glad to know that they are easy to grow if you don’t mind digging them up after the first frost and storing them inside till spring. To start, you buy the tubers in the spring from any nursery, hardware store or online, plant them in pots or directly in the soil after the soil is warm, and forget about them. They are rarely bothered by pests or disease. Most like full sun, although some prefer partial shade. They are drought-

resistant. They multiply, which can present a problem with time unless you want to be like Johnny Appleseed and distribute them wherever you can. More about that later.

Let’s get to their colorful history.

The dahlia comes from Mexico and is that country’s national flower. Dahlia tubers, which are edible, were grown for food by the Aztecs in Mexico in pre-Columbian days.

The flowers were very simple, in only four colors: white, red and yellow and “blackish.” A very tall variety with hollow stems was used for water pipes. By the time Cortez arrived in the 16th century, Montezuma had non-utilitarian ornamental ones growing in his garden at Hauxtepec. However, it wasn’t until 1789 that Vicente de Cervantes, director of the Mexican Botanical Gardens, sent seed of the edible variety to the Abbe Cavanilles at the Madrid Botanic Garden in the hope that it would rival the potato as a staple food.

combed so that it looks like those Halloween fold-out pumpkins you mention, the ball and pompon dahlias, whose names speak for themselves. The range of colors and color patterns is beyond my ability to describe and as you noticed the contrasts in size are prodigious.

The largest are called “dinner-plate” dahlias and really do look like fireworks.

Now I am going to compare dahlias to Amish friendship bread. After the recipient bakes the bread using some of a starter, a bit of the starter mix has to be passed on to someone else. I used to make it, but eventually ran out of friends to give bread and starter to (possibly because I feared burdening others with this obligation) and threw away my remaining mix.

When I first came to Hyattsville I was delighted when Mr. Acocotl shared dahlia tubers with me.

They were easy to grow and the results were spectacular. However, I soon ran out of people to whom to give the tubers I’d dug up in the fall and would try to press them on perfect strangers. Then, I gave up and began to leave them in the ground. Winters were mild and they returned in the summer for several years. But when the Year Of Snowmageddon hit I lost them all. Your enthusiasm tempts me to give them another chance.

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Cavanilles planted, illustrated and named it. He called it them Dahlias in honor of a distinguished Swedish botanist, Andreas Dahl, who had died in May 1789. I had always assumed Professor Dahl had developed various varieties of the flower, but as Al Acocotli — the dahlia expert who set me straight — acerbically pointed out, “The deceased rarely participate in scientific experiments other than seances.”

After their arrival in Spain, seeds were sent to other European countries, and in 1804 Alexander von Humbolt sent ornamental doubleflowered dahlia seeds from Mexico to Paris and Berlin. By the 1830’s, competitions were awarding prizes for new varieties. The dahlia had become a prestige flower craved by the rich the way the tulip had been in the 17th century. In time it has become affordable to all.

Here’s a sampling of the basic varieties: the cactus dahlia, which has pinnate petals like those of the flowers of real cacti; star dahlias with sunburst shape; waterlily dahlias that open with layers of broad flat petals; the elaborate peony dahlia; the smaller chrysanthemum dahlia; the anemone dahlia with thick petals like those of sea anemones; the collerette dahlia, which has what looks like a lacy collar of smaller petals in contrasting colors; the formal decorative dahlia, which is honey-

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Hyattsville Life & Times | August 2015

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