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Striking a match in old and new fashion by Miranda Russell
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s the month of February rolls in, the imminent date of Valentine’s Day also appears with its impeding excitement, or doom, as some may view. Finding Mr. (or Mrs.) Right seems daunting to all of those without a Prince (or Princess) Charming on their arm and a shining ring on their finger. Because of these endless journeys and searches for the perfect mate, it was only a matter of time before different matchmaking sites and clubs popped out of the wood work. Nearly 30 years ago came Great Expectations. The company screens all members, meets them face to face and maintains accurate photos of each individual. Stemming from Great Expectations came the Millionaire Club, created in 2000, where wealthy men who seemingly do not have enough
STRIKING A MATCH continued on page 12
Vol. 5 No. 2
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
February 2008
Growing with grace? by Sarah Nemeth
W
hen developers and officials consider what types of growth is best for a community, many things come into play. The concept of town centers has been around since the building of cities like Jerusalem and Rome, with their gathering spots like Solomon’s Temple and the Forum. The idea stems from the concept of a town square, such as seen in Medieval England, with a central plaza where the community comes together socially to buy and sell goods, for religious and political gatherings and for entertainment. “The current definition, according to industry and zoning experts, would require an integration of uses and services from office, retail, entertainment and residential and a range of services to those either working, living or visiting from convenience retail, to goods and services and then entertainment,” said Catherine Timko, principal of The Riddle Company, a marketing and business development consulting firm which represents University Town Center. “Convenience is a critical component.” What of transportation? University Town Center is not within
walking distance for many folks, largely because it is north of highly trafficked East West Highway. According to Timko, UTC is planned as a destination that can be traversed by pedestrians who live near the area or who park in one of the garages or lots and then walk the hub’s streets. “Many communities encourage town centers as the clustering of uses can help to maximize the use of resources and minimize negative impacts of development,” she said. “Most are automobile-oriented as they are in suburban loca-
GROWING continued on page 13 tions. These tend to be more energy efficient, pedestrian oriented - less CO2 emitted, shared infrastructure, green space. Clustering creates economic synergies. “Hyattsville was not designed as an urban suburban town. Its street pattern and growth pattern do not support what we think of as centric activity. Our predisposition in America to think urban, and grid.” UTC is intended to somewhat mimic a redeveloped city heart, she said. “University Town Center in its
Cooking outside the box
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
[Residents say home baked goodness is within reach] by Jessica Wilson
C
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601
ooking from scratch—who has the time? Some local residents share their sweet taste of success in the kitchen and the original recipes that keep their families asking for seconds. For some though, cooking from scratch is more than just being the next domestic goddess. Area resident Meredith Massey said she likes to show her kids where food comes from and that not all things come out of a box. Just the other day, she made a soft pretzel recipe, something new to her cooking repertoire thanks to a new mixer. “I accidentally sextupled the recipe,” she said, “I was rolling pretzels all afternoon.” She also makes yogurt a couple of times a month and is interested in making her own sausage. “I tried to make vegetarian sausage one time,” she said. For most, recipes are exchanged between family and friends. Others taste something while dining out—and
COOKING continued on page 10
Lucia Kilday, 12, and Yves Eisenberg, 7, show off the fruits of their labor, a homemade loaf of white bread. A family favorite, Lucia eats her slices with butter.
Task force addresses tax rate, infrastructure by Sarah Nemeth
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he City Council recently approved appointments to a task force whose goal is seeking ways of keeping taxes buoyant enough to bring financial relief to residents while meeting the fiscal needs of the Hyattsville. Resident appointments include: Ann Barrett (Ward 1), Gloria Thompson and Chris Holleman (Ward 2), Kelli Williams (Ward 3) and Geraldine Reza (Ward 4). Mayor William Gardiner, City Administrator Elaine Murphy, City Treasurer Robert Oliphant will also serve on the force. Council members Ruth Ann Frazier and Krista Atteberry will represent the council. Gardiner made changes to his appointments to the Real Property Tax Task Force after
TASK FORCE continued on page 13
Included: The February 13, 2008 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter—See Center Section