THEN AND NOW

GOING TO MARKET

HPA Vice President Randy Fletcher shares his obsession with cracks. P. 6

Program at UMD offers a golden opportunity for seniors By Sandy Lundahl

LOCAL NEWS

Find more local news and events online at Hyattsvillelife.com.

HL&T Webmaster Lindsay Myers interviews organizers of the Cheverly Farmers Market. P. 9

Life&Times

Vol. 14 No. 7

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

July 2017

TROLLEY TRAIL UPDATE

University of Maryland (UMD) has a little-known program for seniors — no, not those about to graduate — senior citizens. Maryland residents over age 60 who are not working more than 20 hours per week may take courses at UMD and receive free tuition as part of the Golden Identification Card Program (Golden ID). UMD continued on page 12

Bike-share programs are rolling into Hyattsville By Ben Simasek

Local transportation options will soon shift into high gear in Hyattsville. Over the next few years, the city plans to pilot two bike sharing programs. In spring 2018, the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation will bring the Capital Bikeshare program to Hyattsville and several adjacent communities along the DC border. Karyn McAlister, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program manager for Prince George’s County, presented the multiyear plan to install 67 Capital Bikeshare stations and 670 bikes across the county to BIKE-SHARE continued on page 13

COURTESY OF WASHINGTON AREA BICYCLIST ASSOCIATION A rendering of Rhode Island Avenue plus the proposed Hyattsville Trolley Trail extension

The Trolley Trail gap: A half mile can make a difference By Dana Patterson

Currently, there is no safe, pedestrian- and bike-friendly connection between the south end of the Trolley Trail in Hyattsville and the Northwest Branch Trail a half-mile

away, according to the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA). WABA suggests building a half-mile extension between the two existing trails in order to bridge the “crucial gap” and create a safe connection.

The project’s campaign site points out that a half-mile is all “that stands in the way of a regional trail system connecting Beltsville and Bladensburg, College Park and Capitol Hill, Silver Spring and Southeast Washington,” and notes that

“Rhode Island Avenue, with its wide lanes and fast-moving car, bus, and truck traffic, is no alternative to a safe, low-stress trail between the Trolley Trail and the Northwest Branch.” TRAIL continued on page 4

CENTER SECTION: JULY11, 2017 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO! HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

Reach every consumer in Hyattsville ... for less! Contact advertising@hyattsvillelife.com or 301-531-5234

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

NEWS BRIEFS VISIT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM FOR MORE PGPD INVESTIGATING INCIDENT AT UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER PARKING GARAGE On July 2, at approximately 10:20 p.m., officers from the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD) responded to the parking garage located at 6509 Belcrest Road for a report of a fight/shooting/pedestrian struck. When officers arrived, they found an unconscious adult male lying on the ground. A witness reported that a fight occurred between a group of Hispanic males and a group of black males. There was no confirmation on a firearm used during this incident. According to HCPD, a His-

panic male was punched and kicked repeatedly and knocked unconscious. During the incident, the male who was lying near the entrance/exit booth of Parking Garage B was run over by a car fleeing the scene. It is not clear if this action was intentional or accidental. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. It is not clear whether the victim died from injuries sustained during the fight or from being hit by the car. Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) will know more after an autopsy is complete. The death in-

vestigation is being conducted by the PGPD Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit. PIZZERIA PARADISO HYATTSVILLE NOW OPEN Craving some delicious pizza and craft beer? Good news! The Hyattsville location of Pizzeria Paradiso opened for business on July 8. Credited with introducing the Washington area to Neapolitan-style pizza more than 25 years ago, chef and owner Ruth Gresser’s fourth outpost will be part of the newly renovated Marché Florist building, which also houses Art Works Now.

ROBERT HARPER BOOKS USED BOOKS • MUSIC • ART • T-SHIRTS Riverdale Park Town Center 6216 Rhode Island Ave., Riverdale Park, MD 301-927-1963 • robertharperbooks@gmail.com

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

HOURS: Tue-Wed, 11-5, Thurs-Sat, 11-7 Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/robertharperbooks

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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.

Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD

3311 Toledo Terrace, Suite C201 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 Tel: 301-403-8808 Fax: 301-403-1341

School Physicals • Immunizations • Sport Physicals • Minor Emergency Care • Ear Piercing • Urgent/Sick Child Visit • CPR/First Aid Class

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Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti — President and General Counsel Chris Currie — Vice President Caroline Selle — Secretary Emily Strab — 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.

During the opening period of July 8 to July 18, the restaurant will celebrate its first Maryland location with an all-Maryland brewery tap takeover as well as a special Maryland crab pizza based on the crabcake recipe of Gresser’s mom — a Baltimore native. The “Maryland is for Lovage” pizza will be made with a parsley and lovage pesto sauce, hominy and cherry tomatoes, and topped with Maryland crab salad after cooking. Read the full story online at hyattsvillelife.com. CITY, PYRAMID ATLANTIC WIN PRESERVATION MARYLAND AWARD In June, Preservation Maryland awarded the City of Hyattsville and Pyramid Atlantic a Community Choice Award for the renovation of the Gallatin Street building, as part of its Best of Maryland Awards

program. The Community Choice award recognizes projects around the state that represent the very best happening at the local level of the preservation movement. “The award for the Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center project was to recognize the City of Hyattsville and the organizations that have revitalized the underutilized property in the heart of Hyattsville,” said Preservation Maryland communications director, Meagan Baco. “After thoughtful planning efforts and skilled design and implementation, the once overlooked structure is now home to the Pyramid Arts Center, the Maryland Milestones Heritage Center and the Neighborhood Design Center — bringing together the arts and history for increased community engagement and heritage tourism.” Read the full story online at hyattsvillelife.com.

Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community

FOR SALE

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Copy Editor Nancy Welch Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Randy Fletcher, Sandy Lundahl, Dana Patterson, Fred Seitz, Ben Simasek, Ellen Treimel

COURTESY OF STEREOVISION PHOTOGRAPHY Pyramid Atlantic received a Community Choice Award from Preservation Maryland and the City of Hyattsville.

3513 Longfellow Street, Hyattsville. Sold for $315,000

5601 44th Avenue Arts District Hyattsville Gorgeous 4-level end-unit townhome with open floor plan, wood floors, 2 car garage and roof deck! 3 BRs all with en-suite baths! Listed for $490,000

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6003 43rd Street, Hyattsville Sold for $379,000

4621 Burlington Road, Hyattsville. Sold for $325,000

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

Page 3

Homebuyers: Free Report Reveals How To Obtain the Best Financing Rates

ELLEN TREIMEL Ron Rhine (pictured) is selling his vacuum business to his trusted employee Bill Scott.

Hyattsville Vacuum changing hands, staying put By Ellen Treimel

Hyattsville Vacuum Service has been a cornerstone of Hyattsville’s small business community since 1951. After 26 years as a business owner, Ron Rhine is ready to move toward retirement and is selling the business to one of his trusted employees, Bill Scott. Scott has a background in small business management, has worked at Hyattsville Vacuum for the last several years, and according to Rhine, is “completely able to take care of things.� The building where Hyattsville Vacuum is located was recently sold as part of the Route 1 Corridor redevelopment process. The new building owners will be leasing back to the company, and it will remain in its current location. However, if rent increases make maintaining the location untenable, Scott intends to find a new location nearby. According to Rhine, there used to be at least five other vacuum stores in the surrounding area. As shopping trends move toward making purchases online, Rhine made an observation as to why his vacuum business has continued to succeed, while the other ones have all closed down: He said that in addition to hav-

ing loyal customers from the last two decades, the business has “diversified to selling cleaning supplies to homeowners and janitorial companies. Just selling vacuums and doing repairs would not be enough.� He anticipates that Scott will explore creating online offerings on the store’s website, which is purely informational at this time. As for continuing to expand the business and maintain its success, Scott said, “We have a million people within driving distance of here. My goal is to get 10,000 and make sure they know that we’re here.� One of the other main selling points of Hyattsville Vacuum is its personal customer service. In an era of big box stores and online shopping, both Rhine and Scott observed that people appreciate the experience of oneon-one customer service. As for his retirement plans, Rhine plans to continue his volunteer work at a local Salvation Army, where he also serves on the board. He hopes to get in a few more rounds of golf than he has so far this year. And of course, if Scott needs a hand around the shop, Rhine said he is always willing to come back and help out.

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TRAIL

continued from page 1

On June 22, Hyattsville’s newly formed Health, Wellness and Recreation Advisory Committee (HWRAC) met with two local residents and representatives of WABA, Karmel James and Alison Mendoza-Walters, who suggested that the completion of the trail project is up to the community now. According to the city’s website, the HWRAC “makes recommendations to city council, develops public awareness campaigns and coordinates community engagement initiatives to encourage healthy lifestyles.” The HWRAC agreed to share the petition link, but no further action was decided upon. During the meeting with the HWRAC, James said, “We [WABA] are advocating for our local councilmembers and community to talk to the State Highway Administration and remind them that our community wants this [new trail to fill the gap].” Mendoza-Walters agreed and said that she supports the Trolley Trail as a local resident and as a principal of her consulting business, Public Health

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

“Finishing the Trolley Trail isn’t only for cyclists to get from point A to point B but for anybody to use this trail: families that have small children and want to walk on a nice sunny day to the skate park, so joggers can safely cross without the fear of having to walk in the shoulder of the street or in the grass.” — Karmel James local resident and representative of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association

Impact, LLC, because of the health benefits it would offer. The City of Hyattsville is in full support of finishing the Trolley Trail. However, the trail project is in the hands of the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) since bridging the gap would be along Rhode Island Avenue, said both James and Arrow Bicycle owner Chris Militello. “I have been involved with this project since 2007, before Arrow Bicycle business existed, and met with the designers of the plan,” said Militello. Militello said he wants the Trolley Trail finished, both as a business owner and a local resident. The Maryland-National Capital Parks Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) developed designs to bridge this gap about seven years ago, according to James and MendozaWalters, but the project has not moved forward. SHA project engineer Luis Gonzalez said that in 2015 the City of Hyattsville requested that the SHA take on the trail project. Despite the M-NCPPC developing designs to complete the trail, Gonzalez said the SHA is taking on all respon-

sibility for this project, from design to construction, and has a different process than that of the M-NCPPC. Therefore, the M-NCPPC’s designs will not be used, according to Gonzalez. Gonzalez was not able to provide an estimated completion date for the trail project. However, Gonzalez said that it typically takes two years to attain all environmental permits necessary to start construction. The SHA is starting to engineer the project, conducting measurements in order to develop a design. James and Mendoza-Walters suggested that building a halfmile of trail to connect 40+ miles of the Anacostia Tributary Trail System north of Bladensburg Waterfront Park doesn’t seem to be a priority for the SHA. Militello agreed that community demand is currently not high enough to require immediate action from the SHA. Providing no estimated completion date is not good enough, said Militello. “Finishing the Trolley Trail isn’t only for cyclists to get from point A to point B but for anybody to use this trail: families that have small children and want to walk on a nice sunny day to the skate park, so

joggers can safely cross without the fear of having to walk in the shoulder of the street or in the grass,” said James. James said that a united community demanding action could make the project happen. For example, WABA community organizer Garrett Hennigan said there are five letters of support from local businesses, including Artist and Craftsman Supply, Shortcake Bakery, Tanglewood Works, Three Little Birds Sewing Company and Yes! Organic Market, asking elected leaders and decisionmakers to prioritize the project. “Local businesses want it because this trail isn’t just for cyclists but [is] a shortcut to get to local businesses from Shortcake Bakery to Franklins [Restaurant, Bar and General Store],” said James. Additionally, over 400 individuals have signed a petition at www.waba.org/trolleytrail to ask elected officials to make finishing the Trolley Trail a priority. 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 | July 2017

Then Then&Now

An obsession with cracks By Randy Fletcher

FACE CRACKS I can remember as a child sitting on my grandmother’s lap, looking up at all the wrinkles on her face. She had a ton of them. Her skin was tan and the wrinkles were deep, like cracks in the pavement. She was proud of her wrinkles and even laughed with her sisters about having inherited the weathered Norwegian face of her father, a farmer who immigrated to America in the late 19th century. My grandmother always looked put-together. She never wore slacks, her lips were always painted red, and she always had a lace handkerchief tucked into her wristwatch. She put powder on her face, perhaps an attempt to smooth out her wrinkles, but the powder only enhanced their depth. To this day, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a person with more wrinkles than my grandmother. My sister once asked, “Mama,” — that is what we called her — “why do you have so many wrinkles?” Mama simply replied, “I’m old. I’ve seen a lot in my time; my wrinkles give me character. I wouldn’t trade them for the world.” MUD CRACKS Years later, long after Mama passed away, my siblings and I spent the summer in Minnesota with our cousins. Our days were filled with swimming and fishing. It was dry that summer and

Language Learning Center

RANDY FLETCHER A good prop can help distract from a crack.

the water receded into the lake, leaving an exposed muddy bank that was dried out and cracked. The patterns of the cracks in the mud were beautiful. They almost looked like tree roots. I observed a cluster of these “roots” and noticed a small, shiny yellow rock protruding from a big crack. I pulled out the stone and discovered that it was an arrowhead, which I later learned was used to

kill buffalo. The discovery of this arrowhead excited us all, and we spent hours digging around, trying to find other treasures hidden in the mud. Later, we brought buckets of water up to the dried bank and dumped them into the cracks, which we would smooth out with our hands. However, the mud soon dried out again, and the cracks came back.

WALL CRACKS More years later, as an owner of a very old home, I soon discovered a whole new world of cracks. I noticed a very long crack coming from the ceiling down to the doorjamb in our living room. I worried about that crack day and night, wondering if it could be catastrophic. Always on the lookout, I discovered more and more cracks. I went online to research old plaster walls and found the “Preservation Briefs” from the U.S. Department of the Interior. These informative briefs give the history of plaster, how it was installed, and how to repair it. I learned that our walls are made with lime-based horsehair plaster. (As a professional crack observer, I had already noticed the bristly horsehairs.) When applied, the plaster is dragged upward over the wall, forcing it into the gaps between the laths (long narrow strips of wood) and leaving a layer on the front about ¼ inch thick. The curls of plaster pushed into the lathing gaps are called keys and are necessary to keep the plaster on the lath. In three-coat plastering, it is standard to apply a second layer in the same fashion, leaving about ½ inch of rough, sandy plaster (called a brown coat). A smooth, white finish coat goes on last. Af-

ter the plaster is completely dry, the walls are ready to be painted. Traditional three-coat plaster is typically ⅞ inch thick. When you add in the ¼-inch wood lath that supports the plaster, you have a wall that is more than 1 inch thick, compared to today’s most common drywall thickness of only ½ inch. Plaster, applied in this way, is rock hard and was applied to the walls and ceilings of nearly every house in this country until the 1950s. Armed with my new knowledge, I found someone who could fix those pesky old cracks. But it was not long before I noticed new cracks. Like the mud cracks of my youth, they were coming back! Clearly my crack dilemma was not solved. My obsession was escalating until I remembered what my grandmother had said: “My wrinkles give me character.” Though still obsessed, I have come to terms with my house of cracks. I have learned that they are not necessarily catastrophic but are merely cosmetic. So though this old house may be old and weathered, it wears its cracks proudly — just like my grandmother! The Hyattsville Preservation Association seeks to engage residents in the preservation and promotion of the many historic homes and buildings in our city. Visit www. preservehyattsville.org for more information.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

Page 7

COMMUNITY CALENDAR July 15

Come and watch a performance generated from true stories that examines the patriarchal roots of gender-based street harassment and its overall influence on women’s psyches. Ally Theatre Company presents Think Before You Holla. Recommended for ages 13 and up. $17. 8 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. 301.699.1819

July 19

This is a dance party you will not want to miss! Enjoy social interaction and a variety of music. Calling all seniors to come out and celebrate the National Day of Dance at the Senior Line Dance Party! Enjoy an American Fare breakfast. $30 for residents, $39 for non-

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residents. 9 a.m. to noon. Martin’s Crosswinds, 7400 Greenway Center Dr., Greenbelt. 301.699.2255

July 21

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, a moon bounce and Mandy the Clown. Free. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Magruder Park, 3911 Hamilton St. 301.985.5021

July 22

Gear up and get your skateboard

on at the Southside Music & Skateboarding Series. It’s a skateboarding competition event with cash prizes in four categories. Guest judges: DC Wheels. Onsite registration: noon to 12:45 p.m. Free to compete. Actual event: noon to 4 p.m. Mt. Rainier Skate Park, 3792 Otis St., Mt. Rainier. 301.277.2863

July 24

Come and join Audry Engdahl (of Rick and Audry) for Rise + Rhyme, a storytelling and performance series for ages five and

Church of God and Saints of Christ

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

Psalm 71:4-5 Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. For thou art my hope, O Lord God: thou art my trust from my youth.

under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising artivists! Suggested donation: $5. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys and Poets, 5331 Baltimore Ave. 301.779.2787

July 28

Bring your blankets or chairs and enjoy a FREE movie, The Secret Life of Pets, with the Sunset Movie Series. 8:30 to 10:00 p.m. Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson St. 301.985.5021

August 1

It’s time to connect neighbors and promote police-community partnerships at the National Night Out Against Crime. Free family fun all night. The event opens at 6 p.m. Heurich Park, 2800 Nicholson St. 301.985.5021

August 2

Bring a blanket or a lawn chair and enjoy an evening of Jazz on the Lawn. Free. 7 to 8 p.m. Riversdale House Mansion, 4811 Riverdale Rd., Riverdale Park. In case of inclement weather, concerts are moved inside the mansion. 301.864.0420

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

the

Hyattsville Reporter No. 352 • July 11, 2017

Shakespeare in the Park

Come to 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 “As Your Like It” 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.

Farmers Market

The Hyattsville Farmers Market brings you the best in fresh, local produce every Tuesday, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., until the end of September. We’re conveniently located at 3799 East West Highway, on the corner with Queens Chapel Road. Our vendors accept SNAP, WIC, and FMNP. And if you take a nutritional tour of the market, you’ll get a $10 shopping voucher. What’s not to love?

Magruder Park Teen Club

Teens ages 13 to 18 from Hyattsville and the surrounding area, as well as Northwestern students, should check out the City’s Teen Club Mondays and Wednesdays (6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) and Fridays (6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.) throughout the summer for good food, new friends, and lots of fun! Remember to bring your ID, proof of age, parent/guardian signature, and emergency contact information with you to the park when you register. Northwestern students must also bring their school ID. See you there!

Community Cleanup

Join your friends and neighbors at 3400 Stanford Street on Saturday, July 15, to help clean the Duck Pond (University Hills Park) and Lane Manor Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Supplies will be provided, so just bring the fun with you and your friends! If you have any questions, please contact Ward Three Councilmember Thomas Wright at (301) 422-1506.

Summer Jam & Police Open House

Join us Friday, July 21, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., for our next Summer Jam and the annual Police Open House! Meet our officers, step inside a holding cell, and learn more about how the Hyattsville City Police Department works to keep you and your family safe. It’s all happening at the City Building, with classic tunes from law enforcement duo Just Us, as well as great food and beer, our moonbounce, and kids’ activities!

Sunset Movie Series

Hyattsville’s Sunset Movie Series returns to Heurich Park this month 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!

National Night Out Against Crime 2017

We all want to keep our City safe—and what better way to do it than celebrating with friends, neighbors, and local law enforcement? Join us for the National Night Out Against Crime on August 1, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., in Heurich Park at 2800 Nicholson Street. It’s a great way to meet our police officers, along with other community organizations and local businesses, and learn how we all can play a part in preventing crime. We’ll have a DJ, FREE cotton candy and snow cones, our moonbounce, and plenty of kids’ activities with Mandy the Clown and Arrow Bicycle. And then, we’ll all walk through the community at sunset. Don’t miss out!

Groundbreaking on New Department of Public Works Building

Our Department of Public Works is getting a new home! Well-wishers from around the community are welcome to join us for the groundbreaking ceremony and a light reception on August 9, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., at 4633 Arundel Place.

Block Parties

Are you interested in organizing a block party? Visit www.hyattsville.org/permit to apply for the permit and

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

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) 985-5000.

We’re Hiring

Serve your community by working for our local government. We’re currently seeking police officers, a police dispatcher, a crime analyst, a code enforcement inspector, a television and video coordinator, a parttime code compliance licensing clerk, and aides, teachers, and a director for our new after-school program. Visit www.hyattsville.org/jobs for more information and to apply.

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. 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.

City Updates

Are you staying in the know? Visit www.hyattsville.org/ notifyme to sign up for e-mail and text message notifications from the City of Hyattsville.

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

Page HR2

el

Reportero de

Hyattsville

No. 352 • 11 de Julio, 2017

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Shakespeare en el Parque

Venga al Parque Magruder miércoles, el 12 de julio, 7:30 p.m., y vea como “el mundo es un gran teatro.” Lleve sus sillas de afuera y disfrútese de esta performance GRATIS de “A Vuestro Gusto” 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.

Mercado Agrícola

El Mercado Agrícola de Hyattsville le ofrece lo mejor en productos frescos y locales cada martes, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., hasta los fines de septiembre. Está bien ubicado en 3799 East West Highway, en la esquina con Queens Chapel Road. Nuestros vendedores aceptan SNAP, WIC y FMNP. Y usted puede recibir un cupón de $10 después de hacer un recorrido nutricional del mercado. ¡Le va a encantar!

Club de Adolescentes en Parque Magruder

¡Adolescentes entre 13 y 18 años de edad en Hyattsville y su alrededor, además de estudiantes de Northwestern, están bienvenidos al Club de Adolescentes de la Ciudad! Tendrá lugar los lunes y miércoles (6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.) y los viernes (6:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.) durante el verano. ¡Habrá comida rica, nuevos amigos y mucha diversión! Cuando usted venga para inscribirse en el parque, acuérdese de llevar su identificación, prueba de edad, firma de padre y/o guardián legal, e información de contacto en caso de emergencia. Estudiantes de Northwestern deben llevar también su identificación escolar. ¡Nos vemos ahí!

Limpieza de la Comunidad

Únase a sus amigos y vecinos en 3400 Calle Stanford sábado, el 15 de julio, para ayudar a limpiar el Estanque de Patos (Parque University Hills) y Parque Lane Manor de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m. Serán proveídos los suministros, ¡pues solamente tiene que traer la diversión con sí mismo y con sus amigos! Cualquier consulta, por favor contacte a Thomas Wright, Concejal de Distrito Tres, al (301) 4221506.

Summer Jam y Exposición de la Policía

¡Únase a nosotros el viernes, 21 de julio, de 6:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m., para nuestro próximo Summer Jam y la Exposición anual del Departamento de la Policía! Conozca a nuestros agentes, tome un paso adentro de una celda y aprenda más sobre cómo nuestra policía trabaja a mantener seguros a usted y su familia. ¡Venga al Edificio Municipal para todo eso, además de música en vivo de un dúo muy talentoso, comida y cervezas ricas, nuestra brinca brinca y actividades para niños!

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!

Noche Nacional Contra el Crimen

Todos nosotros queremos mantener segura esta Ciudad-¿por qué no lo hagamos con amigos, vecinos y la policía local? Únase a nosotros para la Noche Nacional Contra el Crimen de 2017 el 1 de agosto, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., en Parque Heurich (2800 Calle Nicholson). Es una gran manera de conocer a nuestros agentes, y a organizaciones comunitarias y empresas locales también, para aprender como todos nosotros podemos contribuir a la prevención del crimen. Tendremos un DJ, algodón de azúcar y granizados GRATIS, nuestra brinca brinca y otras actividades para niños con Mandy la Payasa y Arrow Bicycle. Y luego, daremos un paseo por la comunidad al atardecer. ¡No se lo pierda!

Celebración del Nuevo Edificio de Obras Públicas

¡Nuestro Departamento de Obras Públicas se va a mudar

a un nuevo hogar! Le invitamos a celebrar con nosotros la colocación de la primera piedra del edificio nuevo el 9 de agosto, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m., en 4633 Arundel Place.

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.

video, un funcionario autorizador de medio tiempo y asistentes, maestros y un director de nuestro nuevo programa escolar. Visite www.hyattsville.org/jobs para más información y para solicitar.

Control de los Mosquitos

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.

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. 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.

Estamos Contratando

Noticias de La Ciudad

No Olvide Su Permiso

Sirva su comunidad por trabajar en nuestro gobierno local. Ahora buscamos oficiales de policía, un despachador de policía, un analista del crimen, un inspector de cumplimiento con el código, un coordinador de televisión/

¿Quiere mantenerse informado de noticias en su Ciudad? Visite www.hyattsville.org/notifyme e inscríbase para recibir actualizaciones por correo electrónico y/o mensajes de texto.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

NatureNearby

Pump down the volume By Fred Seitz

The fireworks of the Fourth of July and summer parties are upon us, bringing their booming — and sometimes downright startling — noise. Such loud noise is enjoyable for some humans, but not for many of our nearby nature’s neighbors. Pet owners are very familiar with how fireworks, loud music, traffic sounds and other anthropogenic noise can distress and disturb our four-legged or winged cohabitants. So too with our neighbors in the woods and fields. They often have unpleasant reactions and unusual adaptations to the cacophony we produce in celebration or even in our daily routines. And consider that nature’s neighbors include not only obvious candidates such as deer and squirrels but also birds, frogs, insects and plants. Most of us have noticed how deer and squirrels will either freeze or flee at loud noise. They are troubled by unexpected noises that could herald danger to them. A more unusual effect of excessive noise,

noticed locally and elsewhere, is songbirds singing at night. The nighttime birdsong is believed to be an adaptation to the extensive anthropogenic daytime noise, prompting the birds to engage in courtship calls at night. In some areas, declines in species populations have been reported due to the extensive noise. Even the ubiquitous mourning doves often relocate to avoid loud noise. Noise seriously interferes with bats who rely on echolocation for hunting insects. It also impacts owls’ nightly hunts, as they use their sensitive hearing to listen for the mice, voles and other small rodents which are the major part of their diet. Ironically, those prey animals which often annoy us, like mice and other rodents, thrive with increased noise, as it interferes with their being hunted successfully. Listen to the banjo sound of the green frogs the next time you walk the boardwalk in the swamp in Magruder Park. The road noise and other noise pollution interfere with those mating calls. Whether you like their music or not, the frogs help us a lot by devouring mosquito larvae and

other annoying insects. Some insects, such as grasshoppers and crickets, have adapted to the increased man-made noise by amplifying their own calls. Noise begets noise. Plants are also affected by the increased noise, albeit indirectly. In harming animals, such as frogs and birds, that help control plant-eating insect populations, noise pollution leaves plants more vulnerable to such insects. Additionally, plants are harmed when animals that pollinate them or disperse their seeds are adversely impacted by increased noise levels. Finally, animals experience some of the same negative effects of excessive noise that we humans do, including hearing damage and increased blood pressure, cardiac problems and stress. Given that the sound pressure from man-made noise such as fireworks, construction work and audio amplifiers greatly exceeds the pressure from loud natural sounds such as thunder and waterfalls, it may serve both our natural neighbors and ourselves to be more mindful of our own noisemaking. Shhhhh.

Noise seriously interferes with bats who rely on echolocation for hunting insects.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

Page 9

GoingToMarket

The Cheverly Farmers Market — where everybody knows your name By Lindsay Myers

“Sorry to interrupt — Eileen?” a woman working the cash box of the Shlagel Farms produce tent at the Cheverly Farmers Market looks at her boss, Eileen Shlagel. The woman has a check in her hands and is standing across from an elderly gentleman holding a bag of produce. Shlagel looks at the man. “Oh yeah, his check is fine. His check is golden,” Shlagel says laughing. Shlagel continues our interview. “I took this market very reluctantly,” she says. “I wasn’t looking to take on another one, but the people here are pretty amazing. Everybody knows each other, they know each other’s history, they know their children. Interestingly, we get included in on that. Our customers here know significant events in our lives, and we get cards in the mail.” Cheverly, an incorporated town within greater Hyattsville, has a growing reputation for its strong community and the bi-monthly Saturday morning farmers market encompasses everything the town is about: The market is in the heart of the Cheverly neighborhood where the town council, the police station, the park and the fitness center all sit; it features only locally grown produce from within a 100-mile radius (most urban farmers markets extend to about a 250-300 mile radius); it’s completely operated by a board of residential volunteers; and it’s intentionally designed with Cheverly residents in mind, changing every year to suit their needs. Annalisa Meyer, the chair of the Cheverly Farmers Market board, said she and her fellow board members pay special attention to market patrons in order to best tailor the market to fit their needs. For example, board members noticed that many families with young children were attending every week, so they started adding programs and activities for kids to the Saturday morning lineup. One of the most popular areas of the market is the designated playzone for kids: It has chalk, a bean bag toss and cardboard photo props to keep youngsters occupied.

LINDSAY MYERS “Miss Nancy” the librarian entertains a group of young Cheverly residents at the Cheverly Farmers Market story hour.

“We just thought, let’s give these families a place where their kids can have fun and the parents can hang out and shop knowing their kids are safe. We are always trying to think of ways to add value to visiting the market in addition to purchasing things. We try to engage our community by providing them with programs and activities that they’ll enjoy too,” said Meyer. The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System also hosts a 30-minute storytime at every market. “Miss Nancy,” a librarian with short blue hair and brightly colored clothing, sits on the steps of the city building and beckons the children with books and props, noisemakers and puppets. They gather before her like little chicks, totally captivated. Their parents look on gratefully from the sides or sneak away to do a little shopping at the market. New this year, the library also offers a small collection of books that patrons of the market can check out and take home. It’s the only pop-up library in the county. Teneille Naraine, one of the library staff members working at the market, says several groups have shown interest in library programming, but only Cheverly has ever followed through. “No one ever does the paperwork, but the [Cheverly representatives] were like, ‘No! We are definitely going to make this happen,’” said Naraine. “And this isn’t even our week-

end to work!” Miss Nancy chimed into Naraine’s story. “We make it work because we love these people.” Nearly everyone I spoke with at the market made similar comments about the Cheverly community. Annalisa Meyer said she was drawn to the neighborhood about five years ago because she heard the people here aren’t like any others. “I use the word Mayberry very lightly,” said Meyer referencing the fictional town in “The Andy Griffith Show,” “but it’s kind of true. It’s a place where you know your neighbors.” Meyer told a story about how she had neighbors knocking on her door at 8 p.m. on the first day she moved into the neighbor-

hood. They came bearing a welcome bag and plate of brownies. “We were coming from DC. When someone knocks on your door at 8 p.m. in DC, you’re afraid, but here there’s a town welcome committee and it’s just something they do. It’s a spirit that has been in this community for a long time.” In front of the music tent at the market, there are six or eight long plastic picnic tables set up with a bunch of folding chairs scattered around. The tables are nearly full with market goers enjoying fresh croissants or homemade sausage sandwiches. Some sit chatting with friends, bags of peaches and loaves of bread piled high between them. The thing that stands out about the scene is how

integrated the group is. People lean over the back of their chairs chatting with neighbors at other tables or call out to those still meandering through the vendor stalls. A couple of kids weave in and out of the chairs, alternatively begging their parents for money or playing some made-up game with friends. The market is more than just a place to buy fresh food; it offers friends and neighbors the opportunity to sit together, eat together, relax together on a weekend morning. It’s an opportunity to live a small town life in the suburb of a big city. And these people sitting at the market, they seem happy. “I don’t know,” says Meyer. “It just feels really special here.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

Hyattsville becomes first Maryland city to join AARP age-friendly network By Dana Patterson

The City of Hyattsville has joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities to become a liveable community that promotes services for all residents with diverse needs. At the June 5 city council meeting, Community Director Jake Rollow gave an update on the status of making the community more age-friendly. After city council passed the resolution in January 2016 to apply and sent a letter of support to become one of the AARP agefriendly communities, city staff moved forward to formally join the network. A couple of months ago, the city was admitted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, Rollow said. “It is a great thing, since it will give more support to the city to become an age-friendly community,” he added. According to the AARP, membership means that the “community’s elected leadership has made the commitment to actively work toward making their

town, city or county a great place for people of all ages.” Members of the AARP Network of AgeFriendly Communities become part of a global network of communities that are committed to giving their older residents the opportunity to live rewarding, productive and safe lives. City Administrator Tracey Nicholson said joining the AARP network gives a sense of support for the community’s residents. Hyattsville is now the 141st community — and the first city in Maryland — to be accepted into the network. There is an emphasis on being accessible for everyone, and to achieve that is to “make it easier to get around with a wheelchair [and] also a stroller,” said Rollow. Although joining the AARP network isn’t an endorsement, the city attains housing and transportation options, social engagement, and access to key services and opportunities for residents to participate in community activities, Nicholson said. Hyattsville Aging in Place (HAP) board member Molly Parrish said she and everyone at

According to the AARP, membership means that the “community’s elected leadership has made the commitment to actively work toward making their town, city or county a great place for people of all ages.”

HAP are pleased about this partnership. “I think it is great that we are becoming an age-friendly community because the network is inclusive, not for just seniors but for everyone.” Last year’s findings from the Senior and Disability Services Survey were used to provide information on residents’ comfort in the community. Also, the city’s sustainability plan helped generate recommendations on how to improve and diversify the community at large, said Nicholson. For the next two years, a community-driven action plan will be set in motion to assess community needs. City staff are kicking off the plan with a luncheon on July 18. Nicholson said that she and city staff are excited and want to continue to do more to help senior and all residents. The city currently has services such as Call-A-Bus grocery trips, the Ageless Grace exercise program, summer arts camps and a Good Neighbor program to help seniors. Rollow said the goal of the luncheon is to bring together

service providers, government agencies, nonprofits and residents to talk through the findings of the Department of Community Services and Recreation, including the results of the Senior and Disability Services Survey, and the sustainability plan. The luncheon will serve as an outlet for those who are and are not aware of the network project. It will also allow attendees to point out gaps in provided services or other community needs that staff may have overlooked. The city hopes the overall outcome of this luncheon is a strengthened community interest coming from both private residents and partnered service providers. For more information, contact Senior and Disability Services Coordinator Beryl Johnson at 301.985.5058. 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 | July 2017

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Photo of holly submitted by Webbed on Webster Street

Dear Miss Floribunda, A couple of months ago, my holly was covered with spider webs (see picture), and some of the leaves had yellow spots on them and fell off. This has happened in the past, and I used insecticidal soap on them, but I’ve come to understand how bad poisons are, so this year I just hosed them very vigorously and threw away the dead leaves. This seemed to work and they seem OK, but now my roses and other plants have the same webbing. Can you tell from the webbing what the spider might be and what to do about it? I don’t like to spray my roses with water because that encourages black spot. Also, do you suppose the spider might be harmful to people? I haven’t seen it yet and, frankly, I’m afraid to. Webbed on Webster Street Dear Webbed, I consulted my expert in arachnology, Dr. Arthur O. Podd, and his first reaction to the photo I showed him was to reproach me for not knowing that spiders spin beautiful webs like fine lace: “This mess is the work of spider mites.” He pointed out that spiders are beneficial in the garden, reducing the number of such harmful insects as mosquitoes, thrips, midges — and, yes, spider mites. On the other hand, the mites do nothing but suck the life out of your plants. He believes that what you have is the southern red spider mite, which is partial to holly. You would notice a real spider, but mites are so tiny you need a magnifying glass to see them. The yellow spots on the leaves were a giveaway, though. Spider mites are indeed related to spiders, as well as to ticks, chiggers, scorpions and solifugae. They are in the same genetic class, the arachnids, but are in the acari suborder along with ticks. Though creepy and crawly, arachnids differ from insects in many respects. Most notably, they have eight rather than six legs; they have neither wings nor antennae; and their bodies comprise two rather than three parts. This family was named after Arachne, a character in Greek mythology who challenged the goddess Athena to a weaving contest. Although technically Arachne won, her reward was to be turned into a spider. Now, how did this horror come upon you and what can you do about it? The insecticidal soap probably just killed insects, leaving the field clear for more mites. Hosing the holly leaves was indeed the best thing you could have done. Not only did it clear away the mites and their webbing but it watered the holly. Dryness encourages mites, who usually attack during the dry dog days of summer, but this year we had an oddly dry April. Spider

mites look for moisture and find it in the sap of plants. They are a well-known bane of houseplants in the hot, dry environment that prevails indoors during winter. You are right that hosing your roses would encourage black spot. Instead, prune off the affected areas and dispose of them without composting. Keep your rose bushes deeply watered. A hollow PVC pipe pounded a foot into the ground next to each bush allows you to put in the hose nozzle and water till the roots are reached. Do this weekly in the absence of a good rain. You don’t need to get any water on the leaves of the bushes. By the way, if your rosebushes are as closely spaced as your holly bushes are, this might also encourage infestation. During winter dormancy, you might want to dig up some of your holly and roses and space them farther apart. Also, when cool weather comes, you could spray them with horticultural oil to kill any eggs that might overwinter. Please don’t do it now. To use oil on plants in hot weather is tantamount to frying or boiling them in the kitchen. About the danger of spiders, there are only two in our area that are seriously poisonous, but they are very shy and avoid people. The brown recluse, as its name implies, is not likely to come looking for you. The black widow is the other potentially dangerous spider, and even this one is not as evil as its legend. It won’t bite unless it feels threatened and can even reduce or increase the level of venom according to the level of perceived threat. The female very rarely consumes her mate, who apparently knows just what little dance to perform. (One can only speculate on what he promises or what flattery he communicates with this dance. The rare fatalities are the less adroit perhaps, those who don’t know how to respond when asked, “Do I look fat in this web?”) The only black widow spider “attacks” I’ve heard of are from western black widows inadvertently caught in bags of grapes from the supermarket. A spider surprised by a big hand seemingly coming out of nowhere would feel attacked. You will not be attacked in the garden even if a spider should use you as a short cut. I know very well how startling this can be but can testify it’s not dangerous. The Hyattsville Horticultural Society usually meets on the third Saturday of each month but on July 15 will instead visit the Lotus and Water Lily Festival at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. The entrance is at 1550 Anacostia Avenue, NE. The gardens open at 8 a.m. and close at 4 p.m. The earlier you come the better because the flowers close as the sun gets high.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

KRISSI HUMBARD The University of Maryland offers a program for senior citizens to take classes on campus or online.

UMD

There were 741 undergraduate and 450 graduate Golden ID students at UMD, College Park in the five-year period 1993-1997 (1,191 students), an average of 238 students per year.

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“My purpose is to be a lifelong learner and have fun,” said Liz Follin, 64, a University Park resident who participates in the Golden ID Program taking undergraduate courses even though she has two master’s degrees. “I’m filling in the holes from my undergraduate studies,” said Follin, who has taken Pocketbook Politics, a history of consumerism; a women’s history course; a course addressing the history and culture of the LGBT community; and a film course from the 1970s, which she called a “blast from the past.” “I have a friend, also a resident of University Park, who takes a lot of German courses,” Follin added. Golden ID enrollment has steadily declined since 1993, according to data reported by UMD’s Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Assessment (see sidebar). “I don’t think the university wants to promote the program,” said Doug Jones, 70, president of the Golden ID Student Association. He added that, while tuition is waived, Golden ID students are charged fees that equal about $278 per semester. “You have to be vigilant and persistent when finding out and applying to the university,” said Follin. “They don’t make it easy to sign up. You have to jump through hoops.” But according to Golden ID students, the benefit of taking courses outweighs the effort it takes to apply. “I like being around young

COURTESY OF KAREN ECKERT Karen Eckert, with a chicken wire sculpture she made in a threedimensional art class, is a degree-seeking student in the University of Maryland Department of Art through the Golden Identification Card Program.

people, and teachers say they like my presence because I share practical, real-world application of what we are talking about in class,” said Jones. Since becoming a Golden ID student, Jones has audited two courses each semester, primarily in the history department, though he has taken courses in many departments. Jones attended UMD as a history major almost 50 years ago and says the student body is quite impressive. Occasionally he gets annoyed when students don’t attend class, but, otherwise, does not consider student immaturity a real issue. “The students are very sharp,” said Jones, adding that he also enjoys meeting with his 60-plus-year-old peers during the twice-a-month lunches (“Lunch and Learns”) he organizes for Golden ID students at UMD’s Adele H. Stamp Student Union–Center for Campus Life.

“The very best class I’ve ever taken was the History of Science and Technology,” said Jones, who worked in corporate real estate for over 30 years. “I enjoyed taking History of Jazz and art history classes, as well. If people were exposed to this type of history, they would really like it.” Follin said that no other Golden ID student has been in any of the eight to 10 classes she’s taken. “I have always felt comfortable in my classes. Students have been pleasant and welcoming,” said Follin. She also participates in “Lunch and Learns,” saying, “We chat about our courses and sometimes talk about politics and travel.” Some students use the program almost as a second chance at learning. “The hardest class I’ve ever taken was my first Spanish class,” said Karen Eckert, 69, who has been

In the five-year period 2012-2016, there were 164 undergraduate students and 439 graduate students (603 students), an average of 120 students per year.

taking up to three courses each semester since spring 2014. “I got a C and thought it was a miracle. Then I took another Spanish class and got a B- and then a B+ the next time. I don’t know why, but I love learning Spanish.” “I didn’t take school seriously when I was a [UMD] student 50 years ago,” said Eckert, who is happy to be back taking classes all over again. “I take classes for credit because I do all the work that the other students do.” Eckert is a degree-seeking student in the department of art. She has taken drawing, screen print-making, design and painting courses (the same one five times). Eckert worked for the federal government for 36 years in several agencies and retired as a systems accountant for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of

Homeland Security. “I don’t run into many people who know about the program,” said Eckert. “But I love it. I love being with people of all ages. I love the classroom experience, and I like helping the students who are just beginning their careers.” Eckert is planning to take her first ever online course this summer. Senior students aren’t the only people who benefit from the Golden ID Program. “Golden ID students add an interesting element to a class … a fresh perspective, valued by both the students and myself,” said Robert Friedel, a UMD history professor. Prospective students may be degree-seeking (if accepted by a department) or non-degree seeking. They may audit or attend courses for credit. The first step is to complete an online application to the university. Once accepted, students may register on a space-available basis for a maximum of three courses. Individuals can apply online through the Office of Undergraduate or Graduate Admissions. Addie Beatty, coordinator for the Golden ID program and for the Office of the Registrar, says she has been with the program for “a long time.” Because the application process is all online, Beatty recommends that prospective students contact her at the beginning of the process and apply as an Advanced Special Student if they have an undergraduate degree. “It’s an easier process,” said Beatty. “I just spoke with a student who got his undergraduate degree. It took him about eight years, but he did it,” said Beatty. The Golden ID program is available on all UMD campuses throughout the state, including the undergraduate and graduate schools at UMD, Baltimore County and UMD, University College. Courses may be entirely online or a combination of online learning and in-person instruction. Most courses at UMD, College Park are held on campus during the day. “I might take some courses now that I know more about the program,” said Molly Parrish, 73, a resident of Hyattsville and a volunteer with Hyattsville Aging in Place. “I am interested in lots of things, but I would take literature classes because I read all the time. I was a journalism major 50 years ago and didn’t take as many English courses as I would have liked.” Prospective students may visit the Golden ID Student Program on the first floor of UMD’s Mitchell Building or call 301.314.8219 to speak with Addie Beatty, coordinator for the Golden ID program and for the Office of the Registrar.

Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

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COURTESY OF JAMES SCHWARTZ (DC CAPITAL BIKESHARE) Hyattsville is gearing up to pilot two bike sharing programs.

BIKE-SHARE

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the Hyattsville City Council on April 3. A feasibility study of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, commissioned by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, projected strong growth potential for the Capital Bikeshare program, which was founded in the district in 2010. The program’s planned expansion into Prince George’s County is intended to connect recreational riders and commuters to the vast networks of trails and transit in and around the

DC metro area. Hyattsville was selected to participate in the first of five implementation phases due to the city’s existing connections to recreation and transportation infrastructure, as well as because of its plans for future transit-oriented development. “Bike-share is an excellent complement to transit — it provides that first mile, last mile connection,” said McAlister. On June 3, the Hyattsville City Council also discussed a plan to sign onto an existing agreement with College Park to participate in a 20to 22-month trial period for

COURTESY OF ZAGSTER.COM

mBike, a bike sharing program launched by Zagster in May 2016. The mBike program is largely centered around the University of Maryland (UMD) campus, with several stations recently added in the surrounding areas of College Park. This trial period would bring four stations and 40 bikes to Hyattsville, at locations yet to be determined. The capital costs for the city to participate in the mBike program would be partially offset by a grant extended by the city of College Park. When the existing memorandum of understanding expires in May 2019, Hyattsville will have

the option to renew the mBike agreement for an additional three years at full cost. Councilmember Shani Warner (Ward 2) said she believes that the bike-share system will be heavily used in the corridor between UMD and Hyattsville. “The University of Maryland is crucial to the future of Hyattsville, and enhancing the ways that college students can get to our wonderful amenities is incredibly important to me,” said Warner. Councilmember Thomas Wright (Ward 3) also cited the high numbers of student renters in the University Hills neighborhood, some of whom have expressed a desire

for bike-share connectivity to the UMD campus. Some councilmembers questioned the cost effectiveness of simultaneously piloting two programs that may compete for riders. “We are caught in between two emerging markets when it comes to bikeshare programs,” said Councilmember Joseph Solomon (Ward 5). “Do we need to be in both markets at this time? Do we think the first step to evaluating feasibility of bikeshare is to have two systems?” Mayor Candace Hollingsworth is hopeful that both bike-share systems will help boost Hyattsville’s economy. “From my perspective this isn’t about just riding bikes, this is about being able to connect the commercial activity in our area,” said Hollingsworth. The city council plans to evaluate data gathered from both bike-share systems in the coming years to analyze their usage patterns and impacts on local commerce and transit. This fall, with input from Hyattsville residents, the council will determine the ideal locations for bike-share stations. Ultimately, the decision to move forward with both the Capital Bikeshare and mBike programs will depend on the participation and feedback of those who live, work, study, shop and explore in and around Hyattsville.

JOIN US FOR

ÚNASE A NOSOTROS PARA

National Night Out Against Crime 2017

National Night Out Noche Contra el Crimen

HEURICH PARK – 2800 NICHOLSON STREET NEAR THE WEST HYATTSVILLE METRO

PARQUE HEURICH – 2800 CALLE NICHOLSON CERCA A LA ESTACIÓN DEL METRO DE WEST HYATTSVILLE

National

National

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2017

MARTES, EL 1 DE AGOSTO DE 2017

6 to 9 PM

DE LAS 6 PM A LAS 9 PM

• DJ, Music and Dancing • Free family fun: inflatables, Mandy the Clown • Community organizations & local businesses • Meet and greet local law enforcement representatives

Take Back the Night walk through the neighborhood! Can’t take part in the walk? Leave your porch light on!

www.hyattsville.org/nightout

• DJ, Música y Baile • Diversión Familiar GRATIS: Una Brinca Brinca y Una Payasa • Organizaciones Comunitarias y Empresas Locales • Oportunidades de Conocer a Oficiales de Policía

Habrá un Paseo de Take Back the Night (Recuperar la Noche) en El Barrio ¿No puede caminar con nosotros? ¡Deje encendidas las luces en su patio!

www.hyattsville.org/nightout

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Hyattsville Life & Times | July 2017

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