November 2019 Hyattsville Life & Times

FRANKLINS HONORED

THANK YOU, VETERANS

Local business owners receive County’s Cornerstone Award for Excellence. P. 3

Hyattsville wins 2019 Sustainable Champion Award

We at the Hyattsville Life & Times pay our respects to those who have served.

Life&Times

Vol. 16 No. 11

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

November 2019

By Sophie Gorman Oriani

On Oct. 15, the City of Hyattsville became Sustainable Maryland-certified and was named the Sustainable Maryland Sustainability Champion at the Maryland Municipal League Fall Conference, held in Cambridge.

To become certified by Sustainable Maryland, a municipality must create a Green Team and complete a Green Team Action Plan. They must also complete a variety of sustainable actions, including two priority actions.

SUSTAINABLE continued on page 13

Phase one of Hyatt Park renovations completed

By Sophie Gorman Oriani

Despite the dropping temperatures, city residents are out in full force to enjoy the new amenities at Hyatt Park. The recently installed features at the park include a shaded stage, many more picnic tables and benches, a musical playground, and strings of lights along the Hamilton Street side of the park.

Renovations to Hyatt Park are taking place in two phases. During a Nov. 7 interview, Lesley Riddle, the director of public works for the City of Hyattsville, said phase one is complete. This phase included electrical and concrete work as well as the benches, musiLIGHT continued on page 13

KERRY-ANN HAMILTON

Dozens of children participated in fun activities during the Protect Hyattsville Parks celebration at Magruder Park on Oct. 19.

Celebrating the ‘city’s lungs’ at Magruder Park

Protect Hyattsville Parks commits to continued preservation efforts

By Kerry-Ann Hamilton

Protect Hyattsville Parks (PHP), a group founded last spring, hosted a community celebration on Oct. 19 to mark the successful end of a campaign to save the 32-acre park from development efforts.

Organizers of the celebration opposed relocating Hyattsville Middle School (HMS) to Magruder Park or the adjacent forest lands. The group launched a Change.org petition which garnered nearly 1,300 signatures.

PARKS continued on page 12

CENTER SECTION: NOVEMBER 12, 2019 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

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

HYATTSVILLE ZOMBIE RUN

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 501(c)(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 Editors Sophie Gorman Oriani sophie@hyattsvillelife.com Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com Webmaster Lindsay Myers lindsay@hyattsvillelife.com Layout & Design Editor Ashley Perks Copy Editor Nancy Welch Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Victoria Boucher, Stuart Eisenberg, Juliette Fradin, Kerry-Ann Hamilton, Lauren Flynn Kelly Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti — President and General Counsel Chris Currie — Vice President Reva Harris — Treasurer Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross, Emily Strab Maria D. James — Ex Officio Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city.

Total circulation is 9,300.

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

Clockwise from top right: A girl is finishing her 1-mile race though the hills of Hyattsville; State Senator Paul Pinsky shares a few words; Everybody is welcome at the Zombie Run; Mayor Candace Hollingsworth and Councilmember Kevin Ward give the awards; Siblings had their faces painted before the 1K race; The winners of the best family costume contest dressed up as surgeons.

JULIETTE FRADIN PHOTOGRAPHY

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

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NEWS BRIEFS

VISIT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM FOR MORE

MARIA D. JAMES

Pictured, from left to right: Hyattsville Mayor Candace Hollingsworth; Councilmember Robert S. Croslin (Ward 2); Comptroller of Maryland Peter Franchot; Mike Franklin, owner of Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store; and State Senator Paul Pinsky.

OWNERS OF FRANKLINS AWARDED PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CORNERSTONE AWARD On Oct. 23, Comptroller of Maryland Peter Franchot presented the Prince George’s County Cornerstone Award for Local Business Excellence to Mike and Debra Franklin, owners of Franklins Restaurant,

Brewery and General Store, located at 5123 Baltimore Avenue. In 1992, the Franklins transformed an aging hardware store into a gathering place for the community, which became a catalyst for revitalization of the Hyattsville Arts District. Initially a general store and deli, Franklins opened the county’s

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

HumansOfHyattsville The Hyattsville Life & Times has started a new series called Humans of Hyattsville to help Hyattsville residents get to know their neighbors.

In our second installment of the series, we interviewed Shercrisha “Cree” Finley, an almost 43-year-old adult education instructor who lives near the dry cleaner on 40th Avenue.

Learn a little bit more about Cree below, and then email

Lindsay Myers, our webmaster, at Lindsay@HyattsvilleLife.com to submit a name for the next Humans of Hyattsville profile.

Shercrisha “Cree” Finley, 42 What is your occupation?

Adult education instructor. I teach adults basic computer skills (Introduction to Computers,

Microsoft Word and Excel), supporting growth in their careers and education.

What does your family structure look like?

[I have been married] for 10 years, and my spouse and I have one son who is 6 years old (he and I share a birthday). I am a Washingtonian, and my husband is from Reston, Va., and we are very lucky that we live close to our families.

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How would you describe yourself?

I would describe myself as funloving, creative, loyal and a bit introverted.

What causes, whether local or beyond, are you passionate about? What topic really gets you talking at a party?

The human experience, thrifting, crafting, humor, design.

Why did you decide to settle in Hyattsville?

The convenience of the neighborhood’s location and overall walkability convinced me.

Also, this neighborhood is nostalgic for my husband because he’s a [University of Maryland] alumnus.

What are some of your favorite aspects of life in Hyattsville?

Everything I need is in close proximity. Community engagement events and volunteer opportunities like the HY-Swap, Zombie Run, Hyattsville Aging in Place, Hops Hop, Vine Crawl ... I could go on and on.

What do you wish Hyattsville did differently? How can the city be improved?

I would like to see even more

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Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community FOR SALE/COMING SOON

SOLD COMING SOON 4800 Avondale Rd., Hyattsville $250,000.

Handyman special just inside the district line in need of renovation.

4013 Kennedy St., Hyattsville.

Sold for $457,000 4108 Kennedy St., Hyattsville.

Sold for $380,000 6122 42nd Ave., Hyattsville. Sold for $700,000

3940 Madison St., Hyattsville, $380,000.

Super charming cape with 4 BRs, 2 Baths, screened porch, FP, gorgeous wood floors, classic details and a detached garage.

Wishing Hyattsville a Love, Family and Friend-filled Thanksgiving!

I am so thankful for where we live!

6218 43rd St., Hyattsville $400,000.

Bungalow with spacious LR with FP, 4 BRs, 3 full baths, new roof, young boiler and detached garage. UPES district too.

UNDER CONTRACT

4111 Crittenden St., Hyattsville.

Sold for $444,000 3811 Oliver St., Hyattsville. Sold for $364,000 5813 33rd Ave., Hyattsville. Sold for $300,000 4014 Jefferson St., Hyattsville Sold for $538,000

4105 Hamilton St., Hyattsville $745,000. Fabulous Craftsman style home with 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths on 3 finished levels. Gorgeous master suite, spacious & open kitchen with all the bells & whistles. Many high-end upgrades throughout this amazing home!

Detached garage too!

3806 Nicholson St., Hyattsville $400,000. 4 Bedroom, 2 bath Cape Cod with gracious master suite, wood floors & fireplace! Easy walk to Metro!

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COURTESY OF SHERCRISHA FINLEY

Shercrisha “Cree” Finley

diversity and unique small businesses around town — not the same old cookie-cutter franchises that seem to pop up in gentrified cities.

How do you like to relax, both digitally and in real life?

I love to thrift, dance, make stuff, fix stuff, borrow far too many books from the Hyattsville library, spend time with family, FaceTime with best friends that live far and hang with the ones that are near, try to keep my house plants alive, and come up with jingles for mundane tasks.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

Meals on Wheels delivers nutrition…and much more

By Heather Wright

What happens when you want to age in place in your own home but getting food for yourself is a struggle? For millions of seniors across the U.S., Meals on Wheels America programs come to the rescue by delivering food. But that’s not all Meals on Wheels delivers.

According to Meals on Wheels America’s website, one in four seniors lives alone, and 5.5 million seniors are food insecure.

In 2017, as part of the Hyattsville Senior Nutrition Program Partnership, the city partnered with Meals on Wheels College Park (MOWCP) to provide meals to senior residents of Hyattsville who are food insecure.

MOWCP has been in operation since 1974 and provides weekday meals to seniors in the northern Prince George’s County area.

(Hyattsville used to host its own Meals on Wheels program, operated out of First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, but the program shut down a little over five years ago.)

As a MOWCP partner, the city pays $15 for delivery three times a week for participating Hyattsville residents, according to Senior Services Coordinator Beryl Johnson.

Each delivery consists of three meals: one hot and two cold.

Johnson said that 10 Hyattsville residents are currently qualified MOWCP participants and are supported by the city. Lisa Ealley, chairman and treasurer of the MOWCP board, noted that about 10 additional Hyattsville residents self-pay for MOWCP services. (Residents who self-pay do not need to meet the stricter eligibility guidelines required for city-sponsored participation.)

According to MOWCP Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Carter, MOWCP currently has nine delivery routes that serve between 80 to 90 clients, total.

Two of these routes deliver to Hyattsville residents.

According to Ealley, MOWCP employs only two staff: part-time head cook Kathy Selzer, who also acts as the intake coordinator, and a part-time volunteer coordinator. Volunteers do the rest of the work, including sealing meals in trays, making sandwiches, preparing condiments, packing the meals into vehicles and delivering them.

MOWCP needs more drivers, according to both Ealley and Carter. Drivers typically deliver meals one day a week, one to four times a month, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays.

Most of the program volunteers are seniors, themselves, and the oldest driver is 91 years old. Carter noted, too, that more younger people are becoming drivers, and that many of these drivers also work from home or are stay-at-home parents.

“We have a handful of GenXers, a college student from [University of Maryland], and we just got a driver who is fresh out of high school. She said she wanted very much to find a way to give back to her community and felt that Meals on Wheels was the way for her to go,” said Carter.

Ealley said that MOWCP drivers can offer clients valuable social interaction, saying, “That driver might be the only person they see during that day. Or our driver[s] might be the only people they see all week. And it just brightens their day, which is nice.”

Carter concurred, describing

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COURTESY OF DANIELLE CARTER

Meals on Wheels College Park volunteers pose with some of their handiwork.

how in previous jobs as a paramedic and an emergency medical technician, she saw seniors who didn’t seem to need 911 services but called because they were lonely and were seeking company and attention. “They want someone to come talk to them,” she said.

Meals on Wheels, then, delivers nutrition to seniors but also helps mitigate their loneliness and feelings of isolation.

Pamela “Pam” Brown is a 72-year-old resident of Hyattsville who has been a MOWCP driver for about six months. She said she currently delivers meals to residents of Green Ridge House in Greenbelt.

“They’re just so incredibly appreciative of, number one, getting the meals but, number two, getting a visit from someone and hearing, ‘Hi, how are you?’ and ‘How’s your day going?’” said

“It’s not rocket science. It just takes a willingness to be empathetic and think, ‘There but for the grace of God.’ ” Pamela “Pam” Brown Meals on Wheels volunteer

Brown. “It’s not rocket science. It just takes a willingness to be empathetic and think, ‘There but for the grace of God.’” “My favorite part [of working with MOWCP] is … the breaking of the social isolation that plagues, and I use that word strongly, that plagues our senior members of society,” emphasized Carter. “People forget about them because they’re so busy in their lives everyday.”

She added, “And one day, that could be you.”

If you are interested in volunteering with MOWCP, contact Danielle Carter at dscarter86@ yahoo.com or at 336.473.8525. If you are a senior Hyattsville resident who needs MOWCP services, contact MOWCP at 301.474.1002 or Senior Services Coordinator Beryl Johnson at bjohnson@hyattsville. org or 301.985.5058.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

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SecondhandNews ‘Cycling’ through stuff, one dead fish at a time

By Lauren Flynn Kelly

October was a somber month in our house.

My daughter invested in her first aquarium, and we managed to kill six fish in three weeks. Several fish experts attributed this to a failure to cycle our fish tank. “Cycling,” as I understand it, is the process of ensuring a balance of healthy bacteria and, well, fish poop. But while we needed to create a stable environment for tetras, I was also preoccupied with helping my father consolidate two homes into one and trying to reorganize my children’s growing toy collection.

For the last year, my father had been keeping a dozen or so pieces of furniture in a nearby storage unit. In a perfect world, I’d have a house large enough to take all of them (a coat closet would be nice, too). But I could only make room for one item — a pedestal dining table that came with memories of birthday celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners and my mother frantically wiping its lacquered top after a spill. The rest we donated to Community Forklift, which even incorporated one of our old high-backed chairs into their fall display. It was easy to arrange

a pickup and comforting to know our donations might go back into the community.

Next up, toys. After watching the popular Netflix series “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo,” my older daughter and I tried the professional organizer’s method of sorting through items by category and learned that everything in her bedroom sparks joy — i.e., she couldn’t part with a single thing! Tired of having to clear a path just to tuck her in at night, I called my friend and neighbor Mandy Sheffer, organizing guru and owner of Curated Play Spaces, to have a look at what we were dealing with.

Mandy’s visit was eye-opening. She agreed that we definitely had too much stuff, and that’s partly because I saved all of my old Barbie toys so that I could pass them along after my dad’s big move. But she pointed out that we actually have ample amounts of space and storage; we just weren’t maximizing them. She first recommended we do a purge, which meant giving away stuff we’d outgrown to the HY-Swap and relegating a garbage bag of stuff to the attic to see if anyone would miss those toys later. (Update: No one misses them.) Next, we took away

COURTESY OF MANDY SHEFFER

Organizing guru Mandy Sheffer helps clients create an attractive and functional play space in the home, like this one.

some bulky furniture that was inhibiting play, and we are now in the process of rearranging our existing storage.

“One of the main things that surprises clients when I visit for a consultation is that they often already have everything they need, and it’s just a matter of seeing it in a different light (or in this case, from someone else’s perspec-

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I can relate. In addition to thrifting for Playmobil, I’m guilty of buying too many beauty products and candles — and throw pillows, if you ask my husband — and have been thinking a lot about the environmental impact of these purchases. So aside from reusing old containers to store my own handmade candles and hand creams,, I’ve been trying to cycle through what I already have. For instance, it’s unrealistic to think I’m ever going to use all the travel-sized items I get from Birchbox on an actual trip. So I’m using them, rinsing out the tiny containers and recycling what I don’t reuse at MOM’s Organic Market.

That’s just one example that can be replicated in so many other areas of life. And as I go through the cycling process — which takes patience, according to the fish experts — I’m excited about the things I’d forgotten about and relieved to have a little more breathing room.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

the

Hyattsville Reporter No. 380 • November 12, 2019

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

3900 Jefferson Block Community Meeting

Download the My Hyattsville App

There will be a community meeting for residents of the 3900 block of Jefferson Street to discuss next step measures after City Council approved the installation of traffic calming device(s). Traffic calming devices are used to regulate, guide, slow, and/or control traffic to improve pedestrian and traffic safety. Devices may include but are not limited to speed humps/tables, signage, and/or flexible poles. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, November 13, at 7 p.m., in the second floor Prangley Room of the City Building. Can’t make the meeting? Provide feedback or questions by emailing cityclerk@hyattsville.org.

Did we miss your trash this week? Have you run over the same pothole one too many times? Have no fear, My Hyattsville is here! Download our app or visit www. hyattsville.org/request to report non-emergency issues or request City services. Once submitted, you can track your request with real-time updates from City staff. My Hyattsville is available at the Apple and Google Store.

Find the Services you Need There are several food pantries near Hyattsville and MyPGServices can help you locate them – it lists Metropolitan SDA Church at (301) 853-2225, Crossover Church at (301) 927-5620, and St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church at (301) 779-2763. MyPGServices also lists free or low-cost services like medical care, job training, and much more. Visit www. hyattsville.org/resident-resources to learn about the other 1,870 programs that may meet your needs.

Coffee with a Cop

Join our Hyattsville Police Department Thursday, November 14 for Coffee with a Cop! From 8 – 10 a.m., meet them at Kahvie Towers (6515 Belcrest Road) where you can stop and say hi, voice your concerns, and ask questions. We’ll see you there!

Sign Up for New Emergency Notification System

All residents are encouraged to sign up for the City’s new emergency alert system by texting HVL to 99411 or visiting www. hyattsville.org/safetyalerts. Texting HVL now automatically enrolls you to receive texting alerts – no additional information is needed! Please note that the Hyattsville Police Department is no longer using the Nixle system to send emergency alerts.

Volunteering Opportunity

Join us at Magruder Park on Saturday, November 16, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., to learn how to identify and properly remove nonnative, invasive plants from Magruder Woods. We’ll provide a set of safety guidelines and cotton work gloves. Just be sure to dress for the elements with sturdy boots or shoes, long sleeves, and long pants. Don’t forget water and sunscreen!

Warning: You will get dirty and have fun, too! Please note that participation helps to satisfy the State of Maryland Student Service-Learning Requirement. To learn more or confirm if an invasive removal is canceled due to inclement weather, please contact Dawn Taft at (301) 852-8790.

Bike Rack Request Program

We’ve partnered with Arrow Bicycle to add more yellow bike racks around the City! The additional bike racks will support cyclists and casual riders while reducing traffic for motorists. Business and property owners can recommend a bike rack location by completing a request form at www.hyattsville.org/bikerack. For more information, please call (301) 985-5085.

Residential Parking Zone Hearing

The City of Hyattsville is holding an administrative hearing on the proposal to designate the 5700 blocks of 37th and 38th Avenue as Residential Parking Zones. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m., in Council Chambers at the City Building.

If you are unable to attend the hearing, written testimony can be submitted to parking@hyattsville.org.

Claus Applause Nominations

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Starting at noon on Friday, November 22,

Hyattsville Police Chief Amal Awad (middle) standing next to the departments’ newest officers, Private Callejas (left) and Private Washington (right) at their swearing-in ceremony.; La Jefa de Policía de Hyattsville Amal Awad (medio) parada al lado de los oficiales nuevos del departamento, el Oficial Callejas (izquierda) y el Oficial Washington (derecha), en sus ceremonias de juramentación. you can nominate your home, a neighbor’s home, or that great house a few blocks over for the 2019 Claus Applause Awards.

Visit www.hyattsville.org/applause and complete the online nomination form or print the paper nomination form and mail it to: City of Hyattsville Department of Community Services 4310 Gallatin Street Hyattsville, MD 20781 Nominations will close at 5 p.m. on Monday, December 9. Judging will take place on the evening of December 18. Interested in volunteering as a judge? Visit www. hyattsville.org/applause. If you have any questions, please email ceverhart@hyattsville.org or call (301) 985-5021.

Thanksgiving Week Trash Collection Changes

CORRECTION: City offices will be closed Thursday, November 28, and Friday, November 29, in observance of Thanksgiving. There’ll be no yard waste pick up on Monday, November 25. Trash will be collected that week on the day before your usual trash pick-up day unless your trash is usually picked up on Friday, then your trash will be picked up on Wednesday, November 27. Please call (301) 985-5000 if you have any questions.

Shop HVL for the Holidays – Free Weekend Parking

Starting on Small Business Saturday, November 30 through New Year’s Day, the City will offer free weekend parking in off-street parking lots. As part of the City’s Shop Hyattsville for the Holidays campaign, we encourage residents and visitors to support our local businesses throughout the holiday season. On-street parking meters will remain in effect. For a map of the City’s lots, visit www.hyattsville.org/ cityparking.

Holiday Tree Lighting

Our Holiday Tree Lighting will take place on Friday, December 6, at 7 p.m. in Magruder Park. In addition to the lighting of the City’s Holiday Tree, we’ll have holiday music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa! This event is free and open to everyone. It’s also outdoors, so please dress warmly.

Breakfast and Lunch with Santa

Santa is staying after the tree lighting ceremony and will join us on Saturday, December 7, for breakfast (9 – 10: 30 a.m.) and lunch (12 – 1:30 p.m.) at the City Building. The cost is $5 per person for breakfast or lunch (free for kids ages two and under). Photo opportunities with Santa are available for $3. Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted. Registration is now open. To reserve seats, please call (301) 985-5021 or visit www.hyattsville.org/santa to complete and submit the online reservation form.

Parent Workshops

You can keep your family healthy and happy with various low-cost, bilingual resources in our community. visit www. hyattsville.org/workshops and join us at any or all our workshops where you can learn more.

Leaf Collecting is Back!

Weekly leaf collection for City addresses is now underway and will continue until mid-January. The exceptions are commercial and multi-family properties. Leaf pickup is also weather dependent, as wet, heavy leaves can delay or cancel scheduled routes. To learn more and find out on which day leaf collection is scheduled for your home, visit www.hyattsville.org/ leaves or call (301) 985-5000. Please note that if you are unable to rake your leaves by 7 a.m. on your pickup day, you can always bag your leaves in paper yard waste bags (no plastic bags) and put them out as yard waste.

Winter Camp Magruder

Register your little one (Grades K – 5) for the upcoming Winter Camp Magruder!

Weekdays from December 26 to 31, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., you can enroll your child for fun-filled days of sports, arts, dance, indoor activities, and awesome educational experiments. To learn more and register, visit www.hyattsville.org/campmagruder.

We’re Hiring

Serve your community by working for your local government! We’re seeking a crime analyst and police officers. Visit www.hyattsville.org/jobs to learn more and apply.

Ward Check-Ins

Ward 2 Meeting: Councilmembers Robert Croslin and Danny Schaible will host a meeting for Ward 2 residents on Tuesday, December 3, at 7 p.m., in the second floor Prangley Room of the City Building.

Ward 5 Meeting: Join Ward 5 Councilmembers Erica Spell Wolf and Joseph Solomon for a Hamilton Street business meeting on Saturday, December 7, at 11 a.m., at Trinity Grill.

Capable Home Modification Program

The City of Hyattsville has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland and Hyattsville Aging in Place to offer free home modification services to eligible senior residents. Services may include therapy for functional limitations, fall prevention, and recovery strategies, and structural modifications and accessories to make homes more age-friendly. To qualify, residents must: • Be at least 65 years old • Live in a home covered by homeowners’ policy • Have trouble getting daily activities done • Have annual income less than $42,500 To learn more, visit www.hyattsville.org/ capable. To request a mailed application, please contact Habitat for Humanity at (301) 990-0014 ext. 19 or by emailing rebecca.arce@habitatmm.org. For help completing the application, please contact Hyattsville Aging in Place at (301) 8873101 or HAPCares@gmail.com.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

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Hyattsville

No. 380 • 12 de Noviembre, 2019

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Junta Comunitaria para la Cuadra 3900 de Jefferson

Habrá una junta comunitaria para residentes de la cuadra 3900 de Jefferson Street para hablar sobre los próximos pasos después de que el Concejo Municipal aprobó la instalación de equipo(s) para calmar el tráfico. Los equipos de calmante de tráfico son usados para regular, guiar, reducir y control el tráfico para mejorar la seguridad de peatones y el tráfico. Equipos pueden ser jorobas de velocidad, señales y guías de tráfico. La junta tomara plazo el miércoles, 13 de noviembre, a las 7 p.m., en el segundo piso del Edificio Municipal. ¿No puede atender la junta? Envié sus opiniones o preguntas a cityclerk@hyattsville.org.

Café con un Policía

¡Acompañe nuestro Departamento de Policía de Hyattsville el jueves, 14 de noviembre para el evento Café con un Policía! De 8 - 10 a.m., encuéntrelos en Kahvie Towers (6515 Belcrest Rd) donde puede saludarlos, expresarles sus opiniones y pregúntales cualquier pregunta que tenga. ¡Nos vemos allí!

Inscríbase a el Nuevo Sistema de Alertas de Emergencia

Le estamos pidiendo a todos los residentes de la Ciudad a que se inscriban al nuevo sistema de alertas de emergencia de la Ciudad. Para inscribirse, envié un mensaje de texto con las letras HVL al 99411 o visité www.hyattsville.org/safetyalerts. Por favor noten que el Departamento de Policía de Hyattsville ya no está usando el sistema anterior, Nixle.

Oportunidad para ser Voluntario

Acompáñenos en el Parque Magruder el sábado, 16 de noviembre, de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m., para identificar y ayudarnos a remover del Bosque Magruder plantas invasoras y no nativas. Nosotros proveeremos una orientación de reglas de seguridad y guantes de algodón. Solamente le recordamos a voluntarios que se vistan para el clima/bosque con camisetas mangas largas, pantalones y botas o zapatos resistentes al agua. ¡No se olviden de traer agua y bloqueador de sol! Para aprender más o para confirmar si el evento es cancelado debido al clima, por favor contacte Dawn Taft al (301) 852-8790.

Programa de Solicitud de Portabicis

Nos hemos asociado con Arrow Bicycle para agregar más portabicis amarillas por la Ciudad! Las adicionales estaciones apoyaran a ciclistas y personas que usan bicis ocasionalmente mientras se disminuye el tráfico para motoristas. Dueños de negocios y propiedades pueden recomendar una ubicación para una estación de portabicis cerca de su negocio completando una forma de solicitud en www.hyattsville. org/bikerack. Para más información, por favor llamen al (301) 985-5085.

Audiencia Pública de Zona de Parqueo Residencial

La Ciudad de Hyattsville sostendrá una audiencia administrativa sobre la propuesta para designar las cuadras 5700 37th y 38th Avenue como Zonas de Parqueo Residenciales. La audiencia tomara plazo el martes, 19 de noviembre, a las 6:30 p.m., en las Cámaras Concejales del Edificio Municipal.

Si no puede asistir a la audiencia, puede enviar un testimonio por escrito al correo electrónico parking@hyattsville.org.

en tiempo real el progreso del asunto. My Hyattsville ya está disponible en la Apple y Google store.

Encuentre los Servicios que Necesita

Kids from the City’s Teen Center enjoying themselves and having a ball!; ¡Adolescentes del Centro de Jóvenes de la Ciudad disfrutándose y jugando fútbol!

Los Premios “Claus Applause”

¡Es la temporada más favorita de todos!

A partir de mediodía el viernes, 22 de noviembre, puede nominar su casa, la casa de su vecino o esa casa magnífica a pocas cuadras de distancia para los Premios “Claus Applause” de 2019. Para participar en las festividades, visiten el sitio web www.hyattsville.org/applause y completen el formulario de nominación en línea.

También se puede imprimir el formulario completado y enviarlo a: City of Hyattsville Departamento de Servicios Comunitarios 4310 Gallatin Street Hyattsville, MD 20781 El periodo para nominar se cerrará a las 5 p.m. el lunes, 16 de diciembre. Los jueces después visitaran las casas la tarde de diciembre 18 para escoger las casas ganadoras. Sí están interesada/o en ser un juez, visiten a www.hyattsville.org/judge para aprender más y para aplicar. Si tienen alguna pregunta o duda, por favor envíen un correo electrónico a ceverhart@hyattsville.org o llamen al (301) 985-5021.

Cambios de Recolección de Basura la Semana de Acción de Gracias

CORRECCIÓN: Las oficinas de la Ciudad estarán cerradas el jueves, 28 de noviembre y el viernes, 29 de noviembre, en observación al Día de Acción de Gracias. No habrá recolección de residuos de jardín o composto el lunes, 25 de noviembre. La basura regular será recolectada esa semana un día antes del día normal. La única excepción es el viernes. Ese día, la basura será recolectada el miércoles, 27 de noviembre. Por favor llame al (301) 985-5000 si tiene alguna pregunta.

Compren en HVL esta Temporada Festiva – Parqueo Gratuito los Fines de Semana

Empezando con el día de empresas pequeñas el sábado, 30 de noviembre hasta el día de año nuevo, la Ciudad estará ofreciendo parqueo gratuito los fines de semana en los lotes de estacionamiento. Como parte de la Campaña “Compren en Hyattsville esta Temporada Festiva,” estamos alentando a residentes y visitantes a que soporten a los negocios locales esta temporada. Los espacios de estacionamiento medidos seguirán en efecto. Para un mapa de los lotes de estacionamiento, visite www.hyattsville. org/cityparking.

Ceremonia del Árbol Navideño

La ceremonia donde iluminamos el

árbol navideño tomara plazo el viernes, 6 de diciembre, a las 7 p.m., en el Parque Magruder. Tendremos música festiva, refrescantes y una visita especial de Santa. ¡Este es un evento gratis y familiar que estará en el aire libre así que por favor vengan con abrigos calientitos!

¡Desayuno y Almuerzo con Santa!

Santa se está quedando después de que iluminemos el árbol navideño y nos está acompañando el sábado, 7 de diciembre, para desayuno (9 – 10:30 a.m.) y almuerzo (12 – 1:30 p.m.) en el Edifico Municipal.

Cuesta $5 cada persona por desayuno o almuerzo (gratis para niños de dos años o menos) y fotografías con Santa estarán disponibles por $3. Aceptamos efectivo, cheque, o tarjeta de débito. Para reservar su puesto, por favor llame al (301) 985-5021 o visite www.hyattsville.org para completar la forma de reservaciones.

Talleres Gratuitos para Familias

¡Usted puede mantener el bienestar de su familia con varios recursos bilingües alrededor de nuestra comunidad sin que le cueste nada! Visite nuestro sitio web www.hyattsville.org/charlas y únase a uno o todos los talleres donde puede aprender más información.

Recolección de Hojas

El servicio semanal para recolección de hojas de árboles para hogares de la Ciudad ya comenzó y continuara hasta medios de enero. Propiedades de negocios, apartamentos y condominios están excluidos. El servicio de recolección también es dependiente al clima así que hojas mojadas y pesadas pueden demorar o cancelar rutas programadas. Para aprender más sobre cual día la recolección de hojas está programada para su hogar, por favor visite a www.hyattsville.org/leaves o llame al (301) 985-5000. Por favor note que si no puede juntar sus hojas antes de las 7 a.m. el día de recolección por su vecindad, siempre puede embolsar las hojas en bolsas grandes de papel (no bolsas de plástico) y dejarlas para el servicio de recolección de jardín de residuos.

Descargue la App My Hyattsville

¿No recogimos su basura esta semana? ¿Le ha pegado al mismo bache tantas veces que ya no se acuerda cuantas veces ha pasado?

Tenemos la solución, ¡My Hyattsville! Descargue nuestra aplicación o visite www.hyattsville.org/request para reportar asuntos de no emergencia o solicitar servicios de la Ciudad. Al tener la información, empleados de la Ciudad estarán actualizándoles

Hay varios almacenes de distribución de alimentos cerca de Hyattsville. El sitio web MyPGServices puede ayudar a ubicarlos.

El sitio listo a Metropolitan SDA Church al (301) 853-2225, Crossover Church al (301) 927-5620 y St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church al (301) 779-2763. MyPGServices también lista servicios de bajo costo o gratuitos como ayuda médica, entrenamiento para trabajo y mucho más. ¡Por favor visite www.hyattsville.org/residentresources y descubra los 1,870 programas adicionales que le pueden ayudar!

Campamento Invernal para Niños

¡Registre a su hija/o (Grados K – 5) para el Winter Camp Magruder! Los días entre semana de diciembre 26 al 31, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., usted puede inscribir a su niña/o para días llenos de deportes, artes, baile, actividades interiores y experimentos educativos.

Para aprender más sobre Camp Magruder y para inscripción, visite el sitio web www. hyattsville.org/campmagruder.

Estamos Contratando

¡Sirva a su comunidad trabajando por la Ciudad! Estamos buscando a oficiales de policía y a un analista de crimines. Para obtener más información y para solicitar, por favor visite a www.hyattsville.org/jobs.

Reuniones de Distrito

Reunión del Distrito 2: Los Concejales Robert Croslin y Danny Schaible organizarán una reunión para los residentes de Distrito 2 el martes, 3 de diciembre, a las 7 p.m. en el segundo piso del Edificio Municipal.

Reunión del Distrito 5: Acompañen a Concejales del Distrito 5, Erica Spell Wolf y Joseph Solomon para una reunión de negocios de Hamilton Street el sábado, 7 de diciembre, a las 11 a.m., en Trinity Grill.

Programa de Modificación de Casa para Gente Mayor

La Ciudad de Hyattsville se ha asociado con las organizaciones Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland y Hyattsville Aging in Place para ofrecer servicios gratuitos de modificación de casa para residentes de mayor edad que sean eligibles. Estos servicios pueden incluir terapias para limitaciones funcionales, estrategias para la prevención o recuperación de una caída y modificaciones estructurales para hacer la casa más cómoda. Para calificar, residentes de la Ciudad deben: • Tener por lo menos 65 años • Vivir en una casa cubierta por política de propietarios • Tener problemas completando actividades o que haceres diariamente • Tener un ingreso anual menos de $42,500 Para aprender más, visite www.hyattsville. org/capable. Para solicitar una aplicación por correo, por favor contacte Habitat for Humanity llamando al (301) 887-3101 extensión 19 o mandando un correo electrónico a rebecca.arce@habitatmm.org. Si necesita ayuda completando la aplicación, por favor contacte Hyattsville Aging in Place llamando al (301) 887-3101 o vía HAPCares@gmail.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

Then Then&Now

If the devil is in the details, why is it so interesting to get lost in them?

By Stuart Eisenberg

Historic districts take all kinds. I live in a Victorian-era house built in 1891 that’s done in a mild version of the Carpenter Gothic style. Maybe it was the wrong house for a detail-oriented carpenter/cabinet maker to purchase.

But my wife, Kathy, really loved its front-hall newel post — the only in-

tact, unaltered, original architectural element in the entire 1,700 squarefoot house — so here we are, 27 years later. We can talk about the cool scandal attached to the home and its first owner in my next column; for now, we are asking, “What did the house look like 128 years ago?”

In the privacy of my home, I can be heard muttering or cursing out loud

over the design choices of previous tenants and owners of our home.

Does this sound like you? “Yeah, I’d really like to know which genius decided to raze the entire original full-width front porch of this house, building an undersized portico in the wake of that removal.” (From old insurance maps, we know the original porch was still there in

1933.) Or this: “Who made that keen decision to remove the two oaken staircase ceiling finials at the ground floor hallway?” I really have some pent up resentment for that person’s pedestrian sense of style.

I ask anyone within earshot, “Who was it that removed entire sections of the upstairs hall balustrade, and why would they do that?” (I did step up, though, and taught myself to turn wooden baluster spindles on a spindle lathe, just so I could match the replacements to the original balusters.) I will eventually find out who thrust these evils

upon me, though, since I have collected the house’s ownership and tenancy records as nearly as can be recaptured through deed and court records and census research.

Not that I’ll be able to do anything about these insults but complain — and work to restore integrity to the house and its structures.

In addition to my previously disclosed hardware fetish, I also suffer from a need to restore nearly all of the original features of this old house. The fact is, I have come to love the hidden stories and structures that are revealed underneath the surfaces I explore as part of renovating this house — or any building, for that matter. Unexpected revelations guide me, and they help define how I’ll navigate a renovation project at home, or even a redevelopment project in my day job.

Most recently, while working on the restoration of our front vestibule, I was startled by the discovery of a completely untarnished section of the door hardware hidden on the undersides of a pair of scutcheons that I had removed so I could strip off their old paint. For just a moment, I was rewarded with the frisson of discovery, a 128-year-old glimpse into the past. My very own time machine. So that’s what it looked like!

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

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ZeroWaste of Time How to reduce your food waste this holiday season

By Juliette Fradin

We are entering the holiday season, with its joys of spending time with loved ones, sharing experiences and memories around a table. The flip side of that coin, though, is mass consumerism, excesses, plastic everything and, sadly, food waste. In the U.S., 30-40% of the food supply goes to waste. Over Thanksgiving, Americans will throw away about 204 million pounds of turkey.

That translates into about 6 million turkeys going in the trash.

I know it is tricky to be zero waste during this time of year’s abundance, but there are ways to be more intentional and keep your sanity, at least in the kitchen, while keeping everyone happy.

Even though I am French, Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I love the festive break that revolves around food and focuses on simply being together. (I won’t comment Over Thanksgiving, Americans will throw away about 204 million pounds of turkey. on Black Friday and all the flashy promotions sneaking in, though ket, Whole Foods and the Safe- your cloth bags with tea cookies, your favorite farmers market).

I will note that you can always way at University Town Center. brownies, snack foods, nuts and You can easily find milk in reopt out of that, as it is also Buy If you shop in the bulk aisle in other nibbles from the bulk section turnable glass bottles, and some Nothing Day across the planet.) these stores, you can fill your re- and forego the plastic by doing so. shops will give you back $2 per To be more mindful about your usable bags, cloth produce bags, There are some things you can bottle when you return them. food waste, have a plan. Start to glass jars, metal containers and make ahead like salad dress- Take the time to make it yourthink of a menu now. You can use Tupperware. (I have tried and ing, pumpkin purée and broth. self. There’s nothing better than a dinner party estimator (check tested each of these options out.) (To make broth, stash vegetable the smell of fresh bread out of the Guest-imator at savethefood. Just make sure to go to the help scraps or bones in the freezer un- your oven or your kids’ (not so) com) to figure out how much desk and write down the weight til you have enough. Cover with helping hands and giggles when food you’ll need to cook. Stick of your containers before you water, add a splash of vinegar and baking cookies. Don’t beat yourto your shopping list and hit the fill them up. You want to pay for simmer for 30 minutes. Strain it, self up; making one thing is better than making no things. bulk aisle. We have many options what’s inside only! If you can, et voila!) around us, including Glut Food shop more frequently to have Fresh, seasonal fruits and veg- After the party is over, utilize Co-op, the Takoma Park Sil- less perishable food on hand that etables are the best foods for you your freezer and repurpose your ver Spring Co-op, Yes! Organic might go bad. and also best for the environMarket, MOM’s Organic MarFor your aperitifs or tea time, fill ment and local economy (visit

JULIETTE FRADIN PHOTOGRAPHY

leftovers by donating excess food.

Consider stocking Hyattsville’s Blessing Box on 43rd Avenue, next to Hyattsville Elementary School, with unopened, unexpired food.

You can also join Spare Harvest, a company that connects people with spare food with others who want it. Feed animals with acceptable leftovers, and lastly, put your compost bin into good use.

And finish your plate.

Send questions and comments to bonjour@juliettefradin.com.

Christian Christian Science ScienceChurch Society 8300 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville • 301-422-1822

Sunday church services — 10:30 a.m.

Sunday school (youth up to 20) — 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday evening testimony meetings — 7:30 p.m.

All are welcome • Free literature available

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, The drought seems to be over, and autumn is finally here, with trees in full color. I am hearing different opinions about whether dry weather or wet weather makes for more beautiful autumn foliage.

Also, some are arguing about whether the drought has made autumn late this year. I’m hearing a lot of opinions without real explanations, so I’m just baffled.

What do you think, and why?

Whether-Beaten on Street Dear Whether-Beaten, Forgive me for whethering you further, but whether or not the recent drought strained the health of our trees, it won’t have a bad effect on general foliage color. Although the drought has left some trees with dead branches, the leaves on the remaining branches have changed to the bright colors we expect in autumn. The most drought-damaged trees actually changed leaf color early, which is a tree’s reaction to stress. However, I have consulted my trusted friend Fiona Feuille-Morte, of the National Arboretum, for confirmation. She informed me that dry weather in spring is harmful to developing leaves and can cause them to fall prematurely. Substantial rain in the summer will ensure that the leaves in fall remain on the trees longer after they change color, but too much rain in early fall actually mutes the colors of the leaves. Dry weather in the fall enhances color. Light rain is acceptable, but, of course, torrential rain with high winds will just rip the leaves off before they reach

COURTESY OF NINA FAYE/HYATTSVILLE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Fall foliage in Magruder Park

peak color. The best conditions for a beautiful autumn, she says, are a rainy summer followed by a dry autumn with calm, sunny days and cool, windless nights.

Because you want explanations for opinions, let’s review what it is, exactly, that determines leaf color and what causes it to change in the autumn. Almost everybody knows that tree leaves are green because of something called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a molecule that enables photosynthesis, the interaction of light with carbon dioxide and moisture within a plant’s leaves,

to create the sugars and oxygen needed for survival. Along with chlorophyll molecules, leaves have molecules for yellow and orange pigments called xanthophylls and carotenoids, respectively. These recondite colors remain invisible until autumn, when the green chlorophyll that dominates and masks them subsides with cooler temperatures and diminishing sunlight.

The trees begin to prepare for winter in a way that reminds me of the animals that hibernate.

Like the bears that stop eating and go to sleep till spring, there

is a shutting down of the nutritional process in trees. The allimportant photosynthesis stops when the seasonal formation of a cellular membrane called the abscission layer blocks the flow of nutrients into leaves and prevents the formation of chlorophyll. In the absence of the dominant green chlorophyll, the xanthophylls and carotenoids emerge, and leaves turn yellow or orange. In addition to these, red and purple anthocyanin pigments are created from trapped sugars in trees like maples and dogwoods, widening the spectrum of autumn’s display. These gorgeous pigments are the ones

most dependent on the dry weather and crisp nights that close the veins going into the leaf, preventing sugars from moving out. When many colors blend, you get the rich browns that characterize oak leaves. After a hard freeze, any leaves still clinging to tree branches turn the duller brown color of the remaining tannins.

Dr. Meriwether, my meteorologist mentor at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, assures me that the drought has had nothing to do with the timing of our autumn, but that longer nights are responsible for when fall comes. And temperature has a lot to do with the change in leaf color. As a result of climate change, the onset of cool weather and leaf change has been getting later every year. Drought and other severe weather abnormalities are an effect of climate change, not a cause. More severe droughts than our own, notably in Africa, are dire results of this trend.

To give you an example of what has happened in our own area, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Hardiness Zone Map listed Hyattsville in Zone 6b in 1990, with a winter low temperature of -5 degrees Fahrenheit. In the latest map (2012), Hyattsville was placed in the warmer Zone 7a, with its lowest temperature being 0 degrees Fahrenheit. When a new map comes out, I’m sure our zone will be changed to a still warmer one.

To discuss these and other ecological concerns, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the lovely home of Heather Olsen, 4915 42nd Avenue.

The meeting begins at 10 a.m.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

Page 11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR November 15

Happy Hour 2.0. Enjoy good music, great food and drink specials. Bring a pair of glasses to benefit Lions Club International. Hosted by the Progressive Pearls of Prince George’s County, an interest group of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Free. 6 to 10 p.m. Trinity Grill and Bar, 3010 Hamilton St. RSVP at pgcpphappyhour2. eventbrite.com.

Fall Play: Parents Just Don’t Understand! Come see the Hyattsville Players present Bryan Starchman’s “Parents Just Don’t Understand” in the media center. $5. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Hyattsville Middle School, 6001 42nd Ave. pgcps.org/hyattsvillems

November 15 - 16

Ten Thousand Villages Craft, Rug and Bake Sale. Come and explore Tribal, Bokhara and Persian rugs, from classic to contemporary, and a large collection of table runners and other crafts.

Purchases provide fair wages for workers from around the world and help local community programs. Free. Nov. 15 from 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 16 from 9 a.m. to

EMAIL EVENTS TO THE COMMUNITY CALENDAR AT MARIA@HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM

4 p.m. Hyattsville Mennonite Church, 4217 East-West Hwy. Hyattsvillemennonite.org

Maryland Meadworks, 4700 Rhode Island Ave. Ste. B. marylandmeadworks.com

November 16

November 30

Financial Capability Workshop. Hosted by the Housing Initiative Partnership, Inc. Focus on different types of insurance: life, car, health, homeowners, renters, etc. Free. 10 a.m. to noon. Housing Initiative Partnership, 6525 Belcrest Rd., Ste. 555.

November 29

Swing Five. James Key and friends are back and better than ever! Begin with the heartbeat of a slap bass and the pulse of two rhythm guitars. Led by talented local guitarist James Key and influenced by the legendary Django Reinhardt. Free. 7 to 10 p.m.

Paris in Hyattsville. Paris is coming to the Meadworks stage, featuring Keri Chryst and Kevin Cerovich. Free. 7 to 10 p.m.

Maryland Meadworks, 4700 Rhode Island Ave. Ste. B. marylandmeadworks.com Small Business Holiday Popups. Vendor showcase with local businesses. Free. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mall at Prince George’s, 3500 East-West Hwy. mallatprincegeorges.com

December 1

Sensory-friendly Santa Experience. The Mall at Prince

George’s will provide families the opportunity to meet Santa before the mall opens, when the atmosphere is more inviting for children with special needs. Beginning at 9 a.m. Mall at Prince George’s, 3500 East-West Hwy. mallatprincegeorges.com

December 5 & 12

Yarnia at Meadworks. Weekly gathering of people who craft and drink mead, hang out and sometimes sing along to 80s music. 7 to 9 p.m. All crafts (or no crafts) and all levels are welcome. Maryland Meadworks, 4700 Rhode Island Ave. Ste. B. marylandmeadworks.com

December 12

Snowflake Social. Enjoy holiday treats, make your own special hot chocolate and decorate a holiday ornament. Mezeh Mediterranean Grill and &pizza will provide food samples. Free.

Starting at 6 p.m., Mall at Prince George’s, 3500 East-West Hwy. mallatprincegeorges.com

December 14

Christmas Concert. The theme is “Jesus The Light Of The World.” Free. 4 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 6201 Belcrest Rd. 301. 927.6133

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Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

PARKS

continued from page 1

Brilliant blue skies and fall foliage provided the backdrop for the event, which included bird watching, plant walks through the forest, games and musical performances.

The program started with a children’s rendition of Woody Gutherie’s “This Land is Your Land.”

During the HMS relocation controversy, PHP organizers maintained that “schools versus parks is a false choice for our community,” said petition organizer Gautam Bastian. “We support the rebuilding of the aging Hyattsville Middle School and also want to keep Magruder Park. Our community deserves both.” Prince George’s County Public Schools ultimately decided to rebuild HMS on its current site.

“Today, we are here to celebrate and enjoy what we fought so hard to protect,” Bastian added. Addressing more than 50 residents who attended the event, he thanked everyone for their time and support of the “Magruder movement.”

Bastian told the Hyattsville Life & Times that even though HMS will not be rebuilt in Magruder Park, PHP’s work is not complete: “There will be ongoing threats to our green spaces,” he said. “As citizens and members of PHP, we want to continue to cultivate community engagement and give voice to the users of Magruder Park and all our city parks.”

Some residents, including Theresa

KERRY-ANN HAMILTON

City Arborist Dawn Taft leads a plant walk during the Protect Hyattsville Parks celebration on Oct. 19.

Goedeke and her brother, had gone door-to-door with flyers about the proposed plans to develop the park, while others wrote letters and made a video about the movement.

Magruder is home to scores of native plants and features gateways to the Northwest Branch Trail along the Anacostia River.

“Magruder is the city’s lungs, and we must protect it,” said David Ruppert, a soil scientist and assistant clinical professor at the

University of Maryland. While pointing to a topographic map of the city, Ruppert added, “We have very little green space left in our city that can serve as a food source for birds, insects and other animals that inhabit the park.”

Brandon Robinson, 13, from nearby Mount Rainier, participated in the day’s festivities, including the plant identification walk with City Arborist Dawn Taft.

“I prefer to be in nature than play-

ing my video games all day,” Robinson said, in between football throws with friends. “In the summer, I love when the ice cream truck comes by, and I can buy treats.”

The PHP group wants to shift its focus from protection to preservation. “We will need to regroup and determine what the needs are and how we can support the health of our parks,” said Bastian.

During the celebration, Taft encouraged residents to join the city

for non-native invasive plant removal workdays. “We want more community involvement, and volunteers are always welcome,” she said. “If [invasive plants are] left unchecked, we run the risk of losing our native plants, which are vital to our ecosystem.”

For more information on ways to volunteer with the City of Hyattsville, call 301.985.5057 or email caistis@ hyattsville.org.

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

SUSTAINABILITY continued from page 1

Each action has a certain point value, and a municipality must complete 150 points’ worth of actions to receive the Sustainable Maryland award.

The City of Hyattsville’s Sustainable Maryland application boasted 535 points’ worth of completed actions, more than any other community in 2019.

This earned them the Sustainability Champion award.

“Hyattsville is thrilled to receive the 2019 Sustainable Maryland Champion Award. I’m very proud of the efforts of our City staff, and the Hyattsville Environment Committee for leading this initiative,” said Mayor Candace Hollingsworth.

One action the City of Hyattsville undertook to become

Page 13

The City of Hyattsville’s Sustainable Maryland application boasted 535 points’ worth of completed actions, more than any other community in 2019. This earned them the Sustainability Champion award.

Sustainable Maryland-certified was buying an all-electric Chevrolet Bolt and converting it into a police patrol vehicle, the first of its kind in the United States.

(Hyattsville also acquired an allelectric police motorcycle.)

Other actions included the opening of the McClanahan Food Forest and the Emerson Street Food Forest.

A certification award from Sustainable Maryland is valid until Dec. 31 of the third year following certification. Hyattsville has been Sustainable Maryland-certified since 2013, with recertifications in 2016 and 2019. This is the first time Hyattsville has won the Sustainability Champion award.

Hollingsworth said, “As a community we remain committed to sustainability and making Hyattsville a great place to live now, and for future generations.”

LIGHT

continued from page 1

cal playground and stage. The sidewalk leading from Jefferson Street to the playground was extended across the park to Hamilton Street.

Riddle anticipates phase two starting in early spring 2020. Phase two will involve the installation of the scramble, some low-level lighting and a decorative fence along Hamilton Street. Riddle says the plan is to have the stringers and pickets installed professionally, but leave the installation of the slats as a community building event.

Construction has been going “amazingly well,” Riddle said. The installation has been overseen by Tara George, the assistant project manager for Hyattsville’s Department of Public Works. “[The renovations] made a big difference,” said Riddle. “The space looks so much more open.”

The Hyattsville farmers market, which took a summer off due to low foot traffic and sales, plans to reopen as a weekly market in Hyatt Park next summer.

Ropes of colored lights hang from wooden posts along Hamilton Street. They were purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Month and orange around Halloween. Riddle says the city intends to continue changing the colors of the lights for holidays and special events.

“The coolest thing for me is the night we turned the lights on, the people just started walking to the park,” said Riddle.

Riddle hopes to plan an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the spring of 2020.

BRIEFS

continued from page 3

first microbrewery in 2002 and is the only combination restaurant, brewery and toy store in the world.

In addition to serving quality food and beer, Franklins promotes local artists and has donated more than $200,000 to the community through their fundraising program.

The Cornerstone Award recognizes small and family-owned businesses that celebrate the guiding values of independence, innovation and investment that define Maryland’s business communities.

LA CLINICA DEL PUEBLO RECEIVES GRANT TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROGRAMS La Clínica del Pueblo, a health center providing services to the Latino community, recently received $37,000 through the Prince George’s County Domestic Violence Grant program. The council appropriated $500,000 in FY 2020 to provide funding for programs that serve the housing, counseling or advocacy needs of county residents who are victims of domestic violence.

La Clínica del Pueblo will use the grant to expand services addressing growing needs for advocacy and support of domestic violence survivors.

CITY OF COLLEGE PARK ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF MAYOR AND COUNCIL ELECTION On Nov. 7, the City of College Park released the final results of the Nov. 5 election for mayor and council during which 2,092

COURTESY OF MONICA GORMAN

The new lights in Hyatt Park

residents cast their ballots. Of the three candidates in the mayoral election, Patrick L. Wojahn was reelected for the third time, receiving 1,577 votes. For each council district, the two candidates with the highest number of votes are elected. The final results and elected councilmembers are as follows: District 1: S. M. Fazlul Kabir received 757 votes and Catherine Hope Kennedy, 504 votes; District 2: P. J. Brennan had 264 votes and Monroe S. Dennis, 240 votes; District 3: Robert W. Day received 439 votes and John B. Rigg, 463 votes; and District 4: Maria Mackie had 243 votes and Denise C. Mitchell, 253 votes.

For the full election final results visit www.collegeparkmd.gov.

PURPLE LINE CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES; EXPECT SIDEWALK CLOSURES IN COLLEGE PARK STARTING NOV. 11 According to updates from the Purple Line Transit Partners, construction activities will close sidewalks on Campus Drive between the Paint Branch Trail and River Road beginning Nov. 11. During the closure, a signed detour will guide bicyclists and pedestrians; the detour will include stairs and elevators crossing train tracks at the College Park Metro station.

If the elevator at the College Park Metro station isn’t operating, alternate transit services will be provided. For information on construction activities, schedules and other updates, visit www.purplelinemd. com/construction.

Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | November 2019

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