June 2017 Hyattsville Life & Times

Local graffiti crew holds gallery event.

P. 8 SECOND

PLACE IN SPORTS COVERAGE

IN THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER AWARDS — MORE INFO, P. 2

City grant offers local businesses a face-lift

Life&Times

By Lindsay Myers

The aesthetic transformation of the Route 1 Corridor into a funky hot spot for creative types is due in part to the Community Facade Improvement Program sponsored by the City of Hyattsville. The program incentivizes local property owners to invest in exterior improvements to commercial buildings by offering a dollar-for-dollar matching grant of $5,000 to $50,000. This year marks the fifth year the city has sponsored the program.

Vol. 14 No. 6

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

June 2017

SUMMERTIME, SUMMER JAM

GRANTS continued on page 10

HMS achieves permanent status for writing program

By Heather Wright

Starting spring 2018, applicants for the creative writing program at Hyattsville Middle School (HMS) could start hearing wishes of “Break a leg!” prior to their auditions.

The HMS community successfully campaigned for the permanent reinstatement of its creative writing major. As part of the reinstatement, in fall 2017, the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Department of Arts Integration staff will start writing a new curriculum for the program to align it with Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and national fine arts standards. The creative writing program will then be a fine arts major. Starting in HMS continued on page 6

KRISSI HUMBARD Two young girls show off their face paint during the first Summer Jam of the season on May 19. Check out page 8 to read more about the upcoming event on June 16.

Art Works Now has arrived; Pizzeria Paradiso to open soon

By Krissi Humbard

Art and pizza lovers rejoice! The much-anticipated, long-awaited Hyattsville location of Art Works Now is now open, with adjacent Pizzeria Paradiso coming soon.

The nonprofit community art studio and the popular pizza res-

taurant are to share the space that once housed the Marché Florist at 4800 Rhode Island Ave. Art Works opened on June 2, and Pizzeria Paradiso should follow in late June.

“Our staff has worked so hard and our board has been so supportive,” said Barbara Johnson, founder and executive director of

Art Works. “We’re all so excited to be on the verge of realizing this longtime dream.”

Art Works occupies the bulk of the space on the main level.

The new space has two studio classrooms: one for general artmaking, with a focus on twodimensional work, and the other

for sculpture, with a focus on clay. There is a gallery with movable walls to allow for flexibility in exhibitions and in use of the space. The basement houses storage space and kilns for the new ceramics program.

ART WORKS continued on page 13

CENTER SECTION: JUNE 13, 2017 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO! HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

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Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

FromTheEditor

Just a few reasons to celebrate this month

By Maria D. James

Can I brag — just for a little? If I can say so myself, the Hyattsville Life & Times (HL&T) has a couple of great reasons to celebrate this month.

June started off with an email announcing that we are the recipients of an award from the 2017 National Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Editorial Contest. Staff sports writer and DeMatha Catholic High School

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 Maria D. James maria@hyattsvillelife.com Associate Editor Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com Digital Editor Krissi Humbard krissi@hyattsvillelife.com Web Manager Lindsay Myers lindsay@hyattsvillelife.com

assistant freshman baseball coach Chris McManes was awarded second place in the Best Sport Story category in the Daily & NonDaily Division, circulation 9,000 or more, for his article “DeMatha rallies late to stun St. John’s, wins fourth straight WCAC championship.” This is the seventh year in a row that the HL&T has been recognized. This year, there were 1,433 entries in the Better Newspaper Editorial Contest, and we were one of 117 other publications selected for an award.

Then, just a few days later on June 5, my colleagues and I stood before the city council to say thank you and to ask for their continued support for our publication. Each year, the mayor and council must vote to renew their advertising contract with our paper.

Their advertising includes the Hyattsville Reporter, which is published in both English and Spanish. I’m happy to share that the motion was approved

Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Julia Gaspar-Bates, Dana Patterson Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti — President and General Counsel Chris Currie — Vice President Caroline Selle — Secretary Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Maria D. James and Krissi Humbard — Ex Officios Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city.

Total circulation is 9,300.

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

for fiscal year 2018. In my statement during the public comment period, I shared with the

council that their support also helps me continue the goal of supporting young journalists in

MY TWO CENTS: LETTER TO THE EDITOR I just wanted to thank you for your honest and courageous essay in the Hyattsville Life and Times. I’m a single woman in University Park, and I sooo get your argument for recognition.

I am an adoptive mom — I too couldn’t have a biological child.

Layout & Design Editor Ashley Perks Copy Editor Nancy Welch

MARIA D. JAMES Maria D. James (right) and Dana Patterson

our community.

This leads me to the third reason why I’m gushing. In this edition, you will see two articles written by our new intern, Dana Patterson. She is a Hyattsville resident and rising junior at Penn State. The HL&T has been actively developing internship programs with Howard University and the University of Maryland. I feel honored that Dana is starting her career working with us.

And, finally, I’d like to brag about our staff. I work with an amazing group of individuals: we volunteer our time while working jobs, attending graduate school and parenting young children. We’re working hard for our readers and striving to do our best every day. And for those that don’t receive a paper in the mail, we also hand-deliver papers to businesses around town each month, including to the new Whole Foods Market in Riverdale Park.

JUMP INTO JUNE “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”

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I’m also about 40 years older than you! So hope you’ll forgive a word or two of advice.

If you do decide to adopt, do it sooner rather than later. I was 44, and I think my daughter always felt a little different, more or as much because I was older than because I was single and she was adopted. Make sure you’ve got the resources.

My daughter had some cogni-

tive and emotional issues, and I ended up sending her to private school because she needed small classes. I had parental help. Most of all, make sure you’ve got the nurturing and emotional and physical support of friends and family. What I needed most was a little respite sometimes, and I usually, though not always, got it from my parents and sister. Raising her on my own was

the hardest — and best — thing I ever did. We fought a lot when she was growing up, but we now have an amazing relationship, and she’s become a well-recognized chef in the DC area. Best of luck, and thanks again for the essay. First letter to the editor I’ve ever written!

Debby Rosenfelt is a resident of University Park.

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Avoid 6 Costly Errors When Trading Up to a Larger Home and Save Thousands Hyattsville - A new report has just been released which identifies the 6 most common and costly mistakes that homebuyers make when trading up to a larger home.

Unlike the experience of buying a first home, when you’re looking to trade up, and already own a home, there are certain factors that can complicate the situation.

It’s very important for you to understand these issues before you list your home for sale.

Not only is there the issue of financing to consider, but you

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In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a FREE special report entitled “6 Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home.�

These six strategies will help you make informed choices before you put your home on the

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Get your free special report NOW to find out what you need to know to make your trade up to a larger home worry-free and without complication.

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City’s Block Party Kit leads organizers on the path to neighborhood fun

By Dana Patterson

Block party season is approaching. Don’t just attend one — plan one with the help of the Block Party Kit provided by the City of Hyattsville.

According to Community Services Director Jake Rollow, a block party kit is a tool to promote community involvement. “The city encourages and supports neighbors and residents to get to know each other and build the community in many ways,� said Rollow.

Available on the city’s website, the Block Party Kit is a guide that provides tips on how to make your party, and party planning, a success. Not sure what a block party is? The city defines it as an event and or celebration thrown by neighbors that requires the closing of part of a street. This is where a block party permit comes into the picture. A permit is required by the city if street closure is necessary. According to Rollow, many residents in the area have applied for this particular permit in the past years.

Consider the Kennedy Street block party as an example. For the past eight years, this party has been a resident favorite, held in September or October.

Kennedy Street block party attendee Rebecca Wilson said, “It’s a lot of fun. There’s usually live music, amazing potluck food, and drinks and raes.â€?

The Block Party Kit recom-

mends planning activities to help “introduce new neighbors and help them make connections.�

Wilson believes such events have made a difference in the community. “It’s a great way to get to know the neighbors,� she said.

Councilman Robert Croslin (Ward 2) is one of the organizers for the Kennedy Street party. “Planning the block party for the first time for Kennedy Street made me nervous because we wanted a moon bounce for the children and a band for the adults,â€? Croslin said. Although organizers charged $20 per family, they went over budget, and Croslin had to pay out of pocket to fund the rest. However, once neighbors discovered this, they contributed more. To help keep costs down, Croslin said subsequent parties worked out better by introducing a rae, eliminating the moon bounce and adding face painting. They also invited the city’s fire department. “I think block parties are important. [A block party] creates an opportunity for neighbors to get to know each other and develop relationships. As a side benefit, the relationships serve as a block watch for the neighborhood,â€? said Croslin.

Dana Patterson is a summer intern with the Hyattsville Life & Times. She is a resident of Hyattsville and a rising junior at Pennsylvania State University.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

Mayor commits city to Paris Agreement

By Krissi Humbard

Being environmentally conscious is nothing new for the City of Hyattsville. The city has a number of green practices, is Sustainable Maryland Certified, and has been designated a Tree City USA for the past 26 years.

On June 2, just one day after President Donald Trump announced he would pull the U.S. out of the Paris Agreement, Mayor Candace Hollingsworth joined more than 250 other U.S. mayors in signing a statement to “adopt, honor, and uphold the commitments to the goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement.”

“Agreeing to uphold the goals of the Paris Agreement means that I am committing myself and our work in the city to ensure that we take our role as stewards of the environment and natural resources more seriously than we do already,” Hollingsworth said. “Absent the leadership at the federal level, we cannot afford to punt the ball.”

The statement was released by Climate Mayors, a group founded by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, former Houston Mayor Annise Parker and former Phila-

delphia Mayor Michael Nutter.

The Mayors National Climate Action Agenda commits U.S. mayors to working together to strengthen local efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to support efforts for binding federal and global-level policymaking.

The Paris Agreement was a historic agreement signed by most countries in the world. According to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, “The Paris Agreement’s central aim is to strengthen the global response to the threat of climate change by keeping a global temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius.” Additionally, the agreement aims to strengthen the ability of countries to deal with the impacts of climate change. Countries set their own goals; the agreement does not impose any binding commitments or targets on the countries.

“I believe that by committing to upholding these goals, mayors of cities and towns across the nation — where the day-to-day work of creating livable communities

takes place — are taking this collective responsibility head-on and will begin redoubling their municipalities’ efforts in protecting the planet with which we’ve been entrusted,” Hollingsworth said.

“It should come as no surprise that the City of Hyattsville is signing into the Mayors National Climate Action Agenda,” said Jim Groves, former chair and current secretary of the Hyattsville Environmental Committee.

“For almost a decade, the city has been striving to reach the goal of environmental sustainability.”

Hyattsville was one of the first Maryland municipalities to become Sustainable Maryland Certified in 2013, and the city successfully became re-certified last year.

To earn the certification, Hyattsville had to show its commitment to sustainable actions. All of the city’s energy currently comes from wind: it powers the three public buildings and is used to power streetlights and park facilities. In 2012, the city installed a “white roof” on the top of the Hyattsville Municipal Building, which reflects the sun’s rays, therefore lowering the temperature of the building and decreasing energy costs. The

city also began a community garden in 2011; purchased three Polaris GEM vehicles for parking enforcement staff in 2013; installed over 10,000 square feet of rain gardens and bioswales along streets and parks and at city-owned buildings, which help to mitigate thousands of gallons of stormwater; installed anti-idling devices on six police vehicles, which save fuel and reduce emissions by shutting off the engine while parked; adopted a Sustainable Land and Building Management policy to eliminate the use of toxic pesticides on cityowned property and buildings; initiated a backyard composting pilot program; adopted a Green Streets policy, which ensures that low-impact design is utilized in the stormwater and transportation elements of any redevelopment projects; hosts a weekly farmers market; established its first food forest in 2016; and at the council meeting June 5, approved a grant for the purchase of one Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle, one Zero DPS Electric Police Motorcycle and two electronic charging stations.

“I am now embarking on the work of figuring out where we are making progress toward the goals

and where we need to implement policy (or practice) to do so,” Hollingsworth said. “This type of commitment isn’t just ceremonial for me; if I’m saying we will honor these goals, I want to do everything we can to advance them.”

On June 7, County Executive Rushern Baker III released a statement of support for the Paris Agreement: “I have joined mayors, county executives, and business leaders by adding Prince George’s County’s name to the list of [the] “We Are Still In” initiative that is committed to upholding the tenets of the Paris Climate Agreement. Prince George’s County will continue to do our part to meet the global objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement.”

Last week, former President Barack Obama released a statement urging action from the bottom up: “I’m confident that our states, cities and businesses will step up and do even more to lead the way, and help protect for future generations the one planet we’ve got,” Obama’s statement read.

With all that Hyattsville is already doing to be green, it looks like the city is ready for that challenge.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

HMS

Creative writing is a valuable asset to our school. It attracts focused students yearly, and we have a unique presence in the school.” She cited creating a writing portfolio and participating in the PGCPS Write-A-Book Literary Competition as important elements of the current major.

Ross noted that HMS produced four first-place, four secondplace, and one third-place winners in PGCPS’s 40th annual Write-A-Book Literary Competition this school year.

And there has already been some crossover work between the creative writing program and performance-based arts.

Murray described how theatre students performed skits that were written by creative writing students. Additionally, HMS student Alexa Figueroa won Best Middle School Documentary in this year’s PGCPS Film Festival for her documentary #savecreativewriting about the threat of losing the creative writing program at HMS. Collins said, “Through the campaign I have learned that if you make enough noise, people will listen. I think I’ve also learned that things won’t change unless we speak out against what we find unfair.”

Juwan Blocker, a graduate of HMS’s creative writing program and the student member of the BOE, agreed and said, “The school system is not perfect … If you advocate and speak up, the school system will have to listen to you.”

Blocker expressed his hope that if another course needs to be aligned with, or eliminated because of, MSDE standards, PGCPS would be transparent and proactive, contacting the school community first.

During the March 21 BOE meeting, BOE member Raaheela Ahmed (District 5) said, “I wanted to thank the HMS community and Mr. [ Juwan] Blocker for their efforts and diligence in fighting for this program.” She continued,“ I’m really proud of the grassroots activism that y’all took to preserve the program, and I don’t know if we would’ve got this result without it. So kudos to you Mr. Blocker and kudos to you the HMS community, as well, for their diligence in standing up for what they want.”

continued from page 1

spring 2018, the onsite writing requirement for the audition will be a monologue. An application and audition are necessary for entrance into Creative and Visual Performing Arts (CVPA) programs, or Creative and Performing Arts (CPA) programs as they’re known in elementary and middle schools.

According to a PGCPS Department of Arts Integration document submitted at the March 21 Board of Education (BOE) meeting, HMS’s CPA program, including the creative writing major, began in 2003. In 2010, MSDE adopted Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards, requiring all content disciplines to be standards based. In October 2010, the prior fine arts coordinator directed content supervisors to review all courses to “insure they align to standards [and] have current curricula, resources and assessments.”

A recent review of HMS’s CPA creative writing courses indicated that they did not meet MSDE fine arts standards. Instead, they were “better aligned” with reading, English, and language arts (RELA) standards. Therefore, the creative writing program at HMS was eliminated. At the March 21 BOE meeting, Dr. Monica Goldson, deputy superintendent of teaching and learning, explained the decision: “Based on the team’s review, the initial recommendation was to eliminate the course — without close examination of the ramifications of the decision.”

During an interview, PGCPS Arts Integration Officer John Ceschini said that the original idea was to have all creative writing classes aligned to RELA standards. He said that it was never a matter of thinking that the creative writing

COURTESY OF SARALYN TRAINOR HMS winners of this yearʼs PGCPS Write-A-Book Literary Competition. The ceremony for the Write-A-Book winners was held May 9.

program was not important, but “it was more of an alignment issue.” Ceschini said, “However, the community was very vocal and wanted to keep it.” He continued, “Our original intent was to align it with RELA standards, but the community wanted to align with the CPA program.”

The focus going forward is not to change the major, Ceschini said, but to align it with MSDE theatre standards, “which currently it is not.” He said that the theatre department supervisor was creating a team that would write the curriculum and align it with MSDE theatre standards.

Course numbers and names would be changed to distinguish CPA creative writing courses from non-CPA creative writing courses.

The only known change thus far will be having a written and performed monologue for the program’s audition. As noted

by Goldson at the March 21 BOE meeting, “The creation and use of a monologue is a specific learning outcome outlined in the state’s current

theatre standards.” Ceschini stressed that the emphasis will be on the writing, not the delivery, however: “The performance piece would not keep them out of the school because the focus will be on the writing requirement.”

At the request of Seiji Hayashi, the HMS PTSO president, Ceschini sent an email on May 8 confirming the leadership team’s decision to continue creative writing as a permanent major in the CPA program and outlining the need to align it to MSDE theatre standards. Also on May 8, HMS principal Thornton Boone sent out a letter to HMS parents informing them of the leadership team’s decisions. In the letter Boone said, “I appreciate your advocacy on this issue. We look forward to serving students with an interest in creative writing … for many years to come.”

Concerning the decisions about the creative writing program, T. Carter Ross, secretary of the PTSO, said, “I’m glad PGCPS slowed down and reevaluated their decision. Having a curriculum that aligns

with state standards isn’t something anyone opposed, so it’s good that we now have a path forward that preserves the creative writing major and creates a framework that would allow a creative writing major to be offered at other schools.” He added, “Ideally, as they go about this process, greater consideration can be given to expanding the creative writing opportunities both as a high school-level major and as an elective across all PGCPS schools.”

Kate Murray, a vice president of the PTSO, had a concern that there could be fewer applicants to the creative writing program for the 2017-2018 school year because “the program was still in jeopardy during the application process.”

Ross noted “a slight concern” that the need to fit the creative writing program into MSDE theatre standards could “unnecessarily constrain the creative writing major.” He continued, “Creative writing as a discipline sits somewhere between English language arts and fine arts, which makes it hard to shoehorn into one or the other. At this point, I’m trusting those involved with writing the curriculum, including Ms. [Saralyn] Trainor, who’s overseen both the creative writing and theatre majors at HMS, to be able to thread the needle.”

Orla Collins, an HMS eighthgrader who is in her second year of the creative writing program said, “I’m very glad that they decided to continue the program.

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Riversdale’s annual Jazz on the Lawn series kicks off with the sounds of Brûlée. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy this free concert. In the event of rain, concerts move inside. Remember to stop by Riverdale’s Town Center Market where you’ll receive 10 percent off your growler and wine purchases from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on concert Wednesdays. Just say the word “Rosalie.” 7 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park.

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Come and party with the community at the traditional Summer Jam. There will be food (burgers, chicken and hot dogs), a beer and wine garden, music entertainment

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Looking for fresh produce, handmade goods and entertainment? Well, Riverdale Park Farmers Market is the place to go on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. 4650 Queensbury Rd., Riverdale Park (by Riverdale MARC train station).

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

the

Hyattsville Reporter No. 351 • June 13, 2017

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

ning at noon, for a conversation on how we can work together to support our community’s seniors. RSVPs are required and must be made before July 8 by calling Anthony DeSantis at (301) 985-5020 or e-mailing adesantis@hyattsville.org.

Shakespeare in the Parks Presents: As You Like It

Join us in Magruder Park on Wednesday, July 12, 7:30 p.m., and see how “all the world’s a stage!” Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy this FREE performance of a classic Shakespeare work set to the sights and sounds of America in 1916. Just in case: our rain location will be the City Building (4310 Gallatin Street). For more information, contact M-NCPPC at (301) 446-3238, or visit their website at www.pgparks.com.

Sunset Movie Series

Hyattsville’s Sunset Movie Series returns to Heurich Park with a showing of The Secret Life of Pets on Friday, July 28, at 8:30 p.m. Bring your blankets or chairs and come enjoy a free movie in the park!

Block Parties

Are you interested in organizing a block party? Visit www.hyattsville.org/permit to apply for the permit and check out our Block Party Kit for tips on how to make your party—and party planning—a fun, communitybuilding experience!

Don’t Forget Your Permit

This is a friendly reminder that the City of Hyattsville requires that you obtain a permit from us, and in some cases Prince George’s County, before doing any of the following: hosting a yard sale or block party, constructing a fence, making a curb cut, installing a driveway, or removing a tree. For more information, call (301) 9855000.

We’re Hiring

Serve your community by working for our local government. We’re currently seeking police officers, a crime analyst, a code enforcement inspector, a part-time code compliance licensing clerk, and a part-time bus driver.

Visit www.hyattsville.org/jobs for more information and to apply.

KRISSI HUMBARD

Summer Jam at Magruder Park

Join us Friday, June 16, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., for a Summer Jam like no other! We’re making a change in scenery, and will see you at Magruder Park (not the City Building) for live Cuban music from Timbason la Original, Honey’s Empanadas food truck, BBQ, delicious beer from Franklins, our moonbounce, and kids’ activities!

Farmers Market

The best in fresh, local produce is back! The Hyattsville Farmers Market will take place every Tuesday, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., until the end of September. Located in the parking lot of Redeemer Lutheran Church at the corner of East West Highway and Queens Chapel Road, our Farmers Market makes buying fresh and local produce easy-peasy! Vendors accept SNAP, WIC, and FMNP. Don’t forget to take a nutrition tour of the market and receive your $10 shopping voucher! On top of all that, come out and enjoy good music, yoga, health screenings, and more!

Community Cleanups

There will be a series of Community Cleanup Days in Ward Three this summer—and all are invited! Join your friends and neighbors at 3400 Stanford Street on the third Saturday of each month to help clean the Duck Pond (University Hills Park) and Lane Manor Park.

Supplies will be provided, so just bring the fun with you and your friends! We’ll see you there, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the following dates: - Saturday, June 17

- Saturday, July 15 - Saturday, August 19 - Saturday, September 16 If you have any questions, please contact Ward Three Councilmember Thomas Wright at (301) 422-1506.

Money for Your Business

The City of Hyattsville has received $50,000 through a Community Legacy grant from the State of Maryland, in support of our continued Commercial Façade Improvement Program. The program matches local businesses dollar-for-dollar on exterior development projects like painting, masonry, lighting, and more. The City is accepting applications until June 30. Visit www.hyattsville.org/facade-improvement to learn more and apply.

Waste Collection Changes for the Fourth of July

There will be no yard waste pickup on Monday, July 3. Tuesday’s trash route will be collected on Monday, July 3. The rest of the trash and compost routes will be collected on their regular days. Please contact Prince George’s County at 3-1-1 with questions about changes to the recycling pickup calendar.

Senior Services Luncheon

Are you a senior, or do you plan on becoming one here in Hyattsville? Do you or an organization you belong to provide services to senior citizens? The City recently joined AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities, and to celebrate that commitment, we invite you to join us for a Senior Services Luncheon on Tuesday, July 18, begin-

Join Our Translator Corps

Do you speak English and another language? Are you willing to help your community? There are numerous community groups, schools and others seeking translation assistance, both verbal and written, on a regular basis. Join our Translators Corps and we’ll let you know when there’s an opportunity to help your neighbors.

Contact Anthony DeSantis to get more information at adesantis@hyattsville.org or (301) 985-5020.

Mosquito Control

Summer is here, and the mosquitoes are, too! The City participates in the State of Maryland’s Mosquito Control Program, which begins in June and continues into September. State Mosquito Control staff conduct adult mosquito surveillance and, if certain conditions are met, will conduct spraying operations on Monday evenings.

Please call (301) 985-5000 to report a problem in your neighborhood, or visit www.hyattsville.org/pests. You can also request an exemption from adult mosquito control services on the site.

Please note that spraying is NOT EFFECTIVE against the Asian Tiger Mosquito, which can be prevalent in the City of Hyattsville. Controlling this pesky pest requires routine community cleanups and emptying and rinsing containers that hold still water on a weekly basis (this includes tires, wading pools, wheelbarrows, canoes, tarps, flower pots, saucers, birdbaths, and gutters).

City Updates

Stay in the know! Visit www.hyattsville.org/notifyme and sign up to receive e-mail/text message notifications from the City of Hyattsville.

Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

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el

Reportero de

Hyattsville

No. 351 • 13 de Junio, 2017

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Shakespeare en los Parques Presenta: As You Like It (A Vuestro Gusto)

Únase a nosotros en Parque Magruder miércoles, el 12 de julio, 7:30 p.m., y vea como “el mundo es un gran teatro.”

Lleve sus sillas o tumbonas y disfrútese de esta performance GRATIS de un clásico de Shakespeare ambientado en las vistas y los sonidos de América en el año 1916.

En caso de lluvia, tendrá lugar en el Edificio Municipal (4310 Calle Gallatin). Para más información, por favor contacte M-NCPPC al (301) 446-3238, o visite su sitio de web en www.pgparks.com.

Serie de Películas al Atardecer

La Serie de Películas al Atardecer en Hyattsville vuelve al Parque Heurich con una proyección de The Secret Life of Pets viernes, el 28 de julio, a las 8:30 p.m. ¡Traiga sus mantas o sillas y disfrútese de una película gratis en el parque!

Fiestas de Barrio

¡Ya es la estación para una fiesta en su barrio! ¿Quiere organizarla? Visite www.hyattsville.org/permit para solicitar un permiso de Block Party y ver nuestro Block Party Kit para consejos sobre cómo hacer su fiesta—y su planificación—una experiencia divertida para su comunidad.

No Olvide Su Permiso

Le recordamos con amistad que se debe conseguir un permiso de nosotros (o en algunos casos del Condado de Prince George’s) antes de hacer lo siguiente: tener una venta de patio o una fiesta de barrio, construir una cerca, cortar en la acera, instalar una entrada de coches o derribar un árbol. Para más información, llame al (301) 9855000.

Estamos Contratando

Summer Jam en Parque Magruder

¡Únase a nosotros viernes, el 16 de junio, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., para un Summer Jam como ningún otro! Haremos un cambio de aires, así que nos veremos en Parque Magruder (no el Edificio Municipal) para música cubana en vivo de Timbason la Original, el camión de comida Honey’s Empanadas, barbacoa, cerveza buena de Franklins, nuestra brinca brinca y actividades para niños.

Mercado Agrícola

¡Lo mejor en productos frescos y locales ha vuelto! El Mercado Agrícola de Hyattsville tendrá lugar cada martes, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., hasta los fines de septiembre. Ubicado en el estacionamiento de Redeemer Iglesia Luterana en la esquina de East West Highway y Queens Chapel Road, ¡nuestro Mercado Agrícola lo hace súper fácil comprar comida fresca y local! Vendedores aceptan SNAP, WIC y FMNP. ¡No se olvide de hacer un recorrido nutricional del mercado y recibir su cupón de $10! ¡Además, venga y disfrute música buena, yoga, exámenes de salud y más!

Días de Limpieza en la Comunidad

Habrá una serie de Días de Limpieza en la Comunidad del Distrito Tres este verano—¡y todos están bienvenidos! Únase a sus amigos y vecinos en 3400 Calle Stanford el tercer sábado de cada mes para ayudar a limpiar el Estanque de Patos (Parque University Hills) y Parque Lane Manor. Serán proveídos los suministros, ¡pues solamente tiene que traer la diversión con sí mismo y con sus amigos! Nos vemos ahí, desde las 11 a.m. hasta la 1 p.m., en las fechas siguientes: Sábado, el 17 de junio Sábado, el 15 de julio Sábado, el 19 de agosto Sábado, el 16 de septiembre Cualquier consulta, por favor contacte a Thomas Wright, Concejal de Distrito Tres, al (301) 422-1506.

Dinero Para Su Negocio

La Ciudad de Hyattsville ha recibido $50,000 del Estado de Maryland por una beca en apoyo de nuestro programa de mejoramiento de fachadas comerciales. El programa iguala dólar-por-dólar a negocios que desarrollen sus exteriores por proyectos de pintura, albañilería, iluminación y más. La Ciudad aceptará sus solicitaciones hasta el 30 de junio. Visite www.hyattsville.org/facade-improvement para ver más y solicitar.

Cambios a la Recolección de Basura Para el Día de la Independencia

No habrá recolección de los residuos del jardín lunes, el 3 de julio. La ruta de recolección de basura del martes se recoleccionará lunes, el 3 de julio. El resto de las rutas de recolección de basura y composto se realizará en sus días regulares. Si tiene preguntas con respecto a cambios al calendario de recolección del reciclaje, por favor contacte al Condado de Prince George’s por llamar al 3-1-1.

Almuerzo Sobre Servicios Para Mayores

¿Usted es o algún día será una persona mayor aquí en Hyattsville? ¿Provee, o pertenece a una organización que provee, servicios a las personas mayores? La Ciudad se unió recientemente a la red de AARP de comunidades amigables con los mayores, y para celebrar esa distinción, a usted le invita a un Almuerzo Sobre Servicio para Mayores el martes, 18 de julio, al mediodía, para conversar de cómo podríamos trabajar juntos en apoyar a los mayores de nuestra comunidad. Se requiere RSVP antes del 8 de julio y se lo puede hacer por contactar a Anthony DeSantis al (301) 985-5020 o adesantis@hyattsville.org.

Sirva su comunidad por trabajar en nuestro gobierno local. Ahora buscamos oficiales de policía, un analista del crimen, un inspector de cumplimiento con el código, un funcionario autorizador de medio tiempo y un conductor de bus de medio tiempo. Visite www.hyattsville.org/jobs para más información y para solicitar.

Únase al Nuestro Cuerpo de Traductores

¿Habla inglés y otro idioma? ¿Quiere ayudar a su comunidad? Hay muchos grupos en la comunidad, incluyendo escuelas y otros, que regularmente necesitan ayuda en traducción, tanto la verbal como la escrita. Únase a nuestro Cuerpo de Traductores y le informaremos cuando haya oportunidades de ayudar a sus vecinos. Para registrarse u obtener más información, contacte a Anthony DeSantis a adesantis@hyattsville.org o al (301) 985-5020.

Control de los Mosquitos

El verano ha llegado, ¡y los mosquitos también! La Ciudad participa en el Programa de Control de Mosquitos del Estado de Maryland, lo cual comienza en junio y se continua hasta septiembre. Personal de Control de Mosquitos monitoriza los mosquitos adultos y, si se cumpla ciertas condiciones, los va a rociar.

Llame al (301) 985-5000 para reportar un problema en su barrio, o visite www.hyattsville.org/pests. También se puede pedir una exención de los servicios de control de mosquitos en el sitio.

Por favor tenga en cuenta que el rociar NO ES EFICAZ contra el mosquito tigre, lo cual suele ser predominante en la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Controlar este insecto se requiere que la comunidad se limpie regularmente, vaciando y enjuagando semanalmente los contenedores que porten agua quieta (se incluyen neumáticos, piscinas de niños, carretillas, canoas, toldos, macetas, platillos, baños para pájaros y canalones).

Noticias de La Ciudad

¡Manténgase informado! Visite www.hyattsville.org/notifyme e inscríbase para recibir noticias de la Ciudad de Hyattsville por correo electrónico y/o mensaje de texto.

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

June’s Summer Jam relocates to Magruder Park

By Dana Patterson

Summer Jam isn’t just a big neighborhood party planned by the city, it’s an event that serves as a testament to the city’s commitment to bringing residents and local businesses together. In order to ensure the event goes off without a hitch,

Language Learning Center

the city relies on groups of dedicated volunteers.

Summer Jam is a five-month series that has been a Friday night favorite for the past 15 years. Every summer on the third Friday of the month, the event is held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free event happens rain or shine usually at the

Hyattsville Municipal Building at 4310 Gallatin St. In the event of inclement weather, the event is moved into the building’s multipurpose room.

According to Community Services Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Colleen Aistis, the annual event requires four months of planning, and many

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hands make the work easier.

“Summer Jam is such a largescale event, students and community volunteers are a really big help,” said Aistis.

Volunteer opportunities are still available. Aistis said a conflict with school schedules prevented a large number of students from volunteering for the first Summer Jam; typically, students are the largest group of volunteers.

More volunteers are welcomed.

The ideal number, she says, is between 10 to 12 per event.

Usually about 200 adults attend each of the Jam series; however, attendance can reach up to 300 adults in good weather, Aistis said. Total participation is usually in the 300 to 400 range.

The first Summer Jam of the season on May 19 included food from the DC food truck “Feelin’ Crabby,” which is known for their specialty, the “Crabwich.” Other food options included burgers, chicken and hot dogs. Adults could enjoy the beer and wine garden, with beer from Calvert Brewing Company, including the city’s anniversary beer, “Honeyville.” The vendors change for each Summer Jam to offer

variety and are selected based on popular request. According to Aistis, this year’s request was seafood.

“We [the Department of Community Services] want to give the events some variety and try to mix it up,” said Everhart.

The event variations make each Summer Jam unique. “We try to be creative and different, and it is a unique opportunity for folks to try new things,” Aistis said.

The variety will continue at the next Summer Jam on Friday, June 16.

“We’re trying out a Summer Jam at Magruder Park this summer, in response to multiple requests from our faithful resident jammers,” said Jake Rollow, community services director. “We’re hoping folks will enjoy the grassy setting and nearby playground and that they bring picnic blankets and lawn chairs to get comfortable.”

For more information, contact the Department of Community Services at 301.985.5021. If you’d like to volunteer at a Jam or for any other city event, contact Volunteer Coordinator Colleen Aistis at 301.985.5057.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

Page 9

CulturalConnections Guadeloupe native has deep connection to family, land

By Julia Gaspar-Bates

Born into a large family in his native Guadeloupe, Felix Grandisson strongly values family and his connection to the land.

He grew up in a farming family on Basse-Terre (“Low Land”), a Caribbean island where coffee and sugarcane production are the primary industries. “When my great-great-grandfather became free at the end of slavery, he decided to farm, and this value of the land has passed down through the generations. I have farming blood,” Grandisson said.

As a child, Grandisson developed an interest in both agriculture and entrepreneurship: “I used to go to the farm with my father to work.

This is where I learned the value of working and doing what you’re supposed to do and not what you want to do by yourself. During this time, I spent a lot of time in the forest. It helped me observe and connect with nature. I did a lot of research on how to grow things.

We would try things and figure out how to do it. My friends and I always had a project. We harvested coconuts and guava and sold them.

JULIA GASPAR-BATES Felix Grandisson

It shaped me. This is where my passion comes to develop projects, [to] have my own business that I develop myself. It’s an important lesson to observe the environment but also observe human beings around you. It gives you an idea on how to connect with them. You are conscious. You pay attention.”

This passion led Grandisson

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to complete a master’s degree in agricultural management in the south of France. He came to the U.S. for the first time in 1997 to improve his English and spent a year working at a large nursery in Columbus, Ohio. Grandisson experienced positive culture shock because he found that Americans “had a way of connecting and seeing you as person. Coming from France, you go on the metro, on the bus, people don’t see you. Here everyone would say, ‘Hi.’ They made me feel very

comfortable and welcome.” At the same time, he was also shocked

by Americans’ desire to work as much as possible, even on weekends, to make money: “I wanted to work less to have my weekends free. It was confusing to me.”

After his stay in the U.S., Grandisson bounced back and forth between France and Guadeloupe, eventually returning to his native island where he worked for the Chambre d’Agriculture (Agriculture Bureau). It was during this time that he met his American wife, Chantal, who was teaching in Guadeloupe. After two years, they decided to return to the U.S. while Chantal completed her master’s degree. They founded Link Education in 2006 to create exchange programs for teenagers from Guadeloupe. Their intention was to return to Guadeloupe to continue the business after Chantal finished her studies. However, circumstances intervened: “It’s been 12 years, and we’ve had kids coming [through Link Education] every year since.

It’s a great experience. But we got caught in the U.S. system — kids, work, loans, and we are still here.”

After moving to Hyattsville from Takoma Park in 2015, they realized that they wanted to find a way to connect all the different cultures in the community

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together. In November 2016, they expanded Link Education’s offerings and opened a language center next door to Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store, where they offer classes in French, Spanish and Chinese.

Grandisson enjoys living in Hyattsville where people greet him by name on the street: “You recognize people — it’s not something totally anonymous. I like the fact that there are activities like the Vine Crawl, and people open up their homes and bring the community together. I like the diversity of the city. You can walk the streets and you have almost everything within. It’s a perfect place to be and to live.”

Nonetheless, Grandisson hopes to return to Guadeloupe one day: “I miss my family, the mountains and the forest. I miss the quality of life. Hyattsville is nice, but it’s still inside the U.S. with all the craziness and values of money and professional success. Everything is so organized. I would like to see my daughter with more freedom where she can really express herself and not worry about activities that are too programmed.”

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Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

GRANTS

continued from page 1

Jim Chandler, the director of Community and Economic Development for the city, said he feels like the program has actually changed the aesthetics and vibe of the Arts District in Hyattsville.

“When we started the program, we were basing it off of a similar one that Ocean City is doing, and they told us down there, ‘Give it time, it’s going to take five, six, seven years before it takes off,’ and now I think we are really seeing a difference,” said Chandler.

In the last five years, the south end of the Route 1 Corridor in particular has benefited from the grant.

Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store, Vigilante Coffee Company and the former Big Bad Woof all received major exterior improvements, while Tanglewood Works, the new Art Works Now and Pizzeria Paradiso are currently participating in the program.

Chandler said he is especially excited when the city has the opportunity to help update and restore the many historic commercial buildings in Hyattsville.

“You look at some of these modern buildings and they’re chic, nice, but I don’t know if they’ll be around in a hundred years. The facade program allows us to blend old and new. It offers a good mix — new lighting, new windows but still all the history,” said Chandler.

When Daniel Simon bought the 1918 Palmer Building, he intended

COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE With the help of a grant from the Community Facade Improvement Program, this former auto glass store at 4802 Rhode Island Ave. was transformed and will be occupied by DC Sweet Potato Cake.

to use it only as an office for his small Virginia-based cleaning company. He liked that the building had previously been an old Model T dealership and that, with a little construction, he could finagle it into something unique and functional.

“I always said that I wanted to be able to roll my car right up to my desk,” Simon joked. When Chris Vigilante approached Simon about opening Vigilante Coffee, however, Simon saw the potential and found a new office. Luckily, the building’s history had also attracted Vigilante.

Simon applied for a grant through the Commercial Facade Improvement Program, and the pair used

the money to give the place a complete exterior makeover and restore the working garage door now iconic to the cafe.

Simon said that investing into the aesthetics and functionality of a building is one of the best ways to attract good tenants.

“A lot of real estate people are only interested in the bottom line, and then they’ll let something go until it absolutely has to be fixed.

But tenant input and feedback is important to me. I like to spend time on the ground and listen to them. If my tenants are happy and making money, then I’m happy and probably getting my rent,”

SUMMER JAM BURGERS

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said Simon.

Chandler also emphasized the importance of a well-kept and updated facade to attracting good property owners and good tenants.

In a presentation detailing the program’s outcomes and statistics thus far, Chandler cited a front-door philosophy from the City of Minneapolis as a guiding principle for the program: “a welcoming, vibrant business district sends a powerful, positive message, just as a poorly maintained or vacant row of storefronts conveys a negative impression.”

As the Arts District has become more popular with entrepreneurs like Simon — who has embraced the boom of creative people calling Route 1 home by also opening up the Studio SoHy art gallery and seeking out creative types like Sue Mondeel of Tanglewood Works as tenants — Chandler has started noticing a change in the overall demographic of property owners in the area.

“Some Hyattsville property owners just hold onto abandoned buildings for tax purposes, but these types generally seem to be cashing out. We want to incentivize property owners so that they’ll attract good tenants, and one of the ways to do that is to present an attractive building. With a lot of these historic Main Street-type buildings, the bones are good, but the cost of new signs, windows, doors and paint adds up quickly,” Chandler said.

Chandler is looking for property

owners who are willing to move forward on projects immediately and have the capital in hand to do it. Applicants are required to invest at least the same amount of money in the project as that granted by the city. The money is put into escrow and managed by the city so that contractors only have one point of contact during the project. For the most part, however, the design is dictated by the property owners and the tenants.

“We generally don’t dictate aesthetics,” said Chandler, though he added that the city does offer the nonprofit Neighborhood Design Center’s pro bono services to assist with conceptual design and cost estimation.

Simon called Chandler a “superstar” of the city. He said Chandler’s dedication is part of what has transformed Hyattsville into the vibrant, arts-driven community it has become.

“There are some incredible key people over there [in the city building]. They’ve done a lot to make Hyattsville what it is, especially on the commercial development side of things,” said Simon.

With another full year of funding to distribute, the city is looking forward to transforming a couple more ugly ducklings into swans.

Applications for the program are due by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, and can be attained through the city website or by calling the Department of Community and Economic Development at 301.985.5000.

SERIE

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

Page 11

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They’re ba-ack! Last week I found severe signs of rose rosette disease on my Carefree Beauty rosebush, with contorted leaves and reddish sprouts shooting out of other sprouts. I remembered seeing it on a friend’s rosebush in Hyattsville a few years ago, and she wrote you about it. Because you said that a rosebush with RRD was like the beloved dog in “Old Yeller” who became rabid and had to be destroyed, I cried a little and then got my son to dig up my own favorite rosebush. He knew it shouldn’t be composted, so he bagged it in plastic and it went out with the garbage. Now I hear there is an outbreak in College Park, which isn’t far away. You have written twice before about the seriousness of this disease and its history, but what I’d like to know is whether or not there has been any progress in prevention and treatment. I think the reason it doesn’t go away is that few people are willing to dig up a rosebush and throw it away.

They probably just prune it and hope for the best.

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No Longer Carefree on [name withheld to prevent panic] Street Dear No Longer Carefree, The irony is painful, but Carefree Beauty and many otherwise lowmaintenance roses are the most susceptible to RRD, or rose rosette disease. It’s a virus carried by a microscopic wingless mite (Phyllocoptes fructiphilus) that was introduced into the U.S. by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the 1930s to control invasive multiflora roses. Carefree Beauty and other open-flowered shrub roses are similar to this otherwise indestructible rose variety. Again, we run into the law of unintended consequences. The multiflora rose, which is quite lovely, was imported into the U.S. from Asia in the 1860s for use as rootstock and as a fence around pastures. It soon invaded pastures and even forests, creating a thorny mess that prevented grazing and eliminated native species wherever it spread.

The RRD virus was effective and wasn’t supposed to affect any other rose, but it obviously has — sometimes in epidemic proportions.

My cousin Moribunda, an expert on such dread diseases, affirms that afflicted rose bushes live only two or three more years after being infected, even though they may continue to flower. She

COURTESY OF KERRY WIXTED/KWIXTED0 Rose growers are endeavoring to develop roses resistant to RRD.

is aware that some experts claim that pruning the canes down to the ground and destroying the canes is sufficient to stop the spread of the disease and to allow the plant to recover. She vehemently disagrees. She even advises you not to plant another rosebush in the site of the diseased one for at least two years for fear of infection from the soil.

I decided to consult Citizen Cane, who is every bit as knowledgeable but not as pessimistic as my cousin. While he agrees that you should destroy rather than cut back a rose afflicted with RRD, he believes that progress is being made against the disease.

Rose growers are endeavoring to develop roses resistant to RRD while experiments are being made in the use of other predatory mites to turn the tables on the RRD mite. So far, the Amblyseius fallacis mite has been most promising, at least in controlling mites prevalent in greenhouses.

Again, we need to wait and see.

In the meantime, Dr. Cane changed some advice he had giv-

en me in the past. Years ago, he advised me to apply Avid, a powerful miticide, on my rose bushes in the spring. Because Avid was prohibitively expensive, I just took my chances, and when one of my “carefree” shrub roses did show the witch’s broom characteristic of RRD, I ruthlessly dug it up and replaced it with a hydrangea. Dr. Cane now tells me that Avid is useless and that he has switched to spraying a light horticultural oil in the spring as a preventative. He tells me that a mite attack is most likely in spring on early growth. Frequent rain also abets it. Dr. Cane had another piece of advice. Chemical pesticides can blow into your yard and cause a certain amount of distortion of new growth on your roses. Alarmed gardeners should wait a bit to be sure the twisted and thorny witch’s broom, with its red-veined leaves, has developed before digging up any roses. The damage caused by the pesticides should go away. RRD damage gets even uglier.

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Page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

NEWS BRIEFS VISIT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM FOR MORE MALL AT PRINCE GEORGES’ RENOVATIONS INCLUDE ADDITION OF RESTAURANTS, FIVE BELOW On June 5, representatives from the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PREIT), owners of the Mall at Prince Georges, provided the city council with an update on the $25 million renovation, which began in 2016. In addition to façade and signage improvements to the south-facing exterior of the mall, the mall will welcome five new quick-service restaurants, including Chipotle, Wok to Walk and Five Guys. Along the perimeter of the mall will be a family style national restaurant chain. PREIT representatives could

not release the name of the restaurant, stating that contract negotiations were being finalized. As the HL&T reported in December 2016, ULTA Beauty and DSW Shoes are new retailers coming to the mall. Representatives announced that the mall will also welcome retailer Five Below.

The store will require building an addition to the mall to the west of T.J. Maxx.

UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER ADDS CAJUNSTYLE RESTAURANT TO THE MIX Recently, University Town Center updated its signage to reflect the addition of a new restaurant to the area.

BeClaws, which already has a location

in Silver Spring, is preparing to enter the space formerly occupied by Flippin’ Pizza at 6507 America Boulevard, Suite 105. Posted signs at the location show the restaurant has applied for a liquor license.

The restaurant features Cajun cuisine with an “Asian twist.” The menu includes seaf o o d , such as

crawfish, shrimp, lobster and crab, along with traditional sides, such as corn on the cob, sausage and coleslaw. A grand opening date had not been announced as of press time.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

Page 13

ART WORKS

continued from page 1

“The fun part about where we are now is that you can really see all the work come together,” said Ruth Gresser, chef and owner of Pizzeria Paradiso. “And so that heightens the anticipation and excitement.”

Pizzeria Paradiso will have about 2,000 square feet on the main level to house the pizza kitchen, bar area and dining room. Gresser said the dining room will have about 60 seats. There will be about 15 seats at the beer bar, five seats at an exterior bar (made from a repurposed window), and about 12 seats outside at the front of the building.

“The inside space on the main level is a little bigger than our original location in 1991 was,” Gresser said. “It’s sort of reminiscent of our roots.”

As for the decor, Gresser said, “It was really important in the designing of it, that it says to people, ‘This is a creative space.’” Pizzeria Paradiso has partnered with Art Works and the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council to have local artists create the art pizzas that will adorn the walls. Local artist Valerie Theberge covered the wood-fired pizza oven’s dome with a mosaic flame design.

“It’s a small space, so there’s not going to be a whole lot of room for embellishment, so we focused on the pizzas decorating the space and the pizza oven, which are both Pizzeria Paradiso

KRISSI HUMBARD Art Works and Pizzeria Paradiso at their new home in Hyattsville, the former Marché Florist building at 4800 Rhode Island Avenue.

signature items,” Gresser said.

Although Pizzeria Paradiso food menus are standardized, Gresser said the beer menus vary depending on the location’s clientele. This will be the fourth Pizzeria Paradiso location, and the first in Maryland. To honor their jump into a new state, Gresser said they plan to open with a “very Marylandfocused beer menu.”

“We’re excited, just like, I think, everyone else is,” said Gresser.

“The project itself has been a long, long process, and each step has gotten us closer.”

The long process started in 2012 when Johnson, who grew up in Hyattsville, stumbled upon the

vacant Marché Florist building.

The building was bought and plans were made in 2013, but the two businesses ran into some hurdles when the Prince George’s County Historic Preservation Committee voted to classify the former Marché Florist building as a historic site. Johnson and Gresser appealed the decision with the Prince George’s County Council, which overturned the site’s historic designation in 2014. This put the project back on track, and they broke ground in July of 2015.

Johnson said they had just begun looking at the design and material options for renovating the building in September of

THE BEST IN FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE

2015, when disaster struck. A thief stole a tow truck, crashing it into, and destroying, the building’s greenhouse.

“The loss of the greenhouse has been the most poignant part of this journey,” Johnson said. “It was an emotional loss.”

Johnson said she plans to honor the greenhouse structure in several ways: The first is a painted outline that exists where the greenhouse attached to the building. The outdoor work/ play space will be enclosed by an “art grid,” making the space into an outdoor room. The space will include the Imagination Playground that Art Works received

through a grant from Dr. Pepper/Snapple and KaBOOM!.

Johnson said she would like the outdoor space to include lots of container gardens “because the greenhouse inspired so much in our curriculum planning, and we want to honor both the greenhouse and the original use of the building as a flower shop.”

“We’re really trying to maximize all of the spaces with flexible design and furnishings so we can meet the needs of our community in creating a gathering space for lots of celebrations,” Johnson said.

Art Works is planning to expand its programming to offer an after-school program beginning in the fall, along with programs for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. Johnson said there will also be evening and Saturday classes, workshops including a teen digital-imaging program, adult ceramics classes in the evenings, an intergenerational open-studio evening program, drawing and painting skills classes for older elementary and middle school kids, clay classes for kids, and a new monthly feature, “Wining Wednesdays,” where adults can have a glass of wine (or two) and make art with their friends. Art Works will also continue its current programs: Toddler Time, Parents’ Night Out, summer camps, individual lessons with children, teens and adults, and their work in local schools.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2017

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