Hyattsville Life & Times -- April 2009

Page 1

Election news: Who's running? By Karen Anderson

Ward 1 Uncontested in his re-election bid, Marc Tartaro, 54, said he seeks a second term because he has not yet completed the goals included in his original platform. “There are still things that are undone that I believe are important for the city,” he said. “We’ve made substantial improvements, but we still have a long way to go.” He identified the following as top city needs: a more effective city council and government; better management of the city’s assets and services; improvements in the quality of neighborhood environments and support for creative development of U.S. Route 1; the West Hyattsville business district, and Metro project. “If we’re looking forward somehow we have to balance those things with the current state of the economy,” he said. “The real issue is we don’t want to stop everything.” Tartaro is an architect and senior design manager for the Smithsonian Institution, president of the Hyattsville/Mount Rainier/Brentwood Boys & Girls Club, and a father of two.

Ward 2 David Hiles, 52, an economist with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, served on the Riverdale Park Town Council before moving to Hyattsville. In Hyattsville he has volunteered at the Hyattsville/Mount Rainier/ Brentwood Boys & Girls Club as well a local Parent Teacher’s Association. Hiles said the city’s most pressing challenge is maintaining quality ser-

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Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 6 No. 4

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

April 2009

What's motivating proposed ordinance?

PUPPET MASTERS

BLUE SKIES IN HYATTSVILLE Puppet theatre showcases optimism by Annie Farber

by Sarah Nemeth Economic hardship, topographic constraints and a few things not considered by the Hyattsville City Council have some residents asking for a reprieve from an ordinance that was originally to take effect April 1. Chapter 68 of Hyattsville city code requires that the front lawns of residences be no more than

25 percent covered by impervious surfaces, including concrete, asphalt, pavers, brick, gravel and other drivable surfaces. Non-drivable surfaces, including a sidewalk no wider than 42 inches, are not considered impervious surfaces in this ordinance, which was passed by council in 2005. “It’s kind of bewildering,” said ORDINANCE continued on page 10

Not hungry in Hyattsville

S

and castles and tree houses descend on Ridgecrest Elementary School at least once a year. And when they leave, pupils at the school just outside of Hyattsville have received a unique education about math, self-esteem and setting goals. This alternative form of learning comes through Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, a University Park-based 10-person company devoted to education and entertainment. The theater tours professionally putting on puppet shows for schools, community centers, churches and birthday parties. And despite the economic recession, the company has an optimistic outlook, with a strong audience following that will still want the knowledge it enthusiastically shares. Blue Sky was created in 1974 by Michael Cotter, who is still the artistic director, producer, and co-owner. When the theater was first established, it broke into two

COURTESY OF BLUE SKY PUPPET THEATRE Michael Cotter, founder of Blue Sky Puppet Theatre, with some of his puppet friends. performance groups, one geared toward children through schoolbased educational theater, and a political satire adult company that performed in clubs and also as a street theater, with daily performances in Georgetown and Capitol Hill. By 1980, the company shifted to devote itself fully to children's and family venues, and has remained

CANNOT PREDICT NOW Task force created to predict the future of the BB&T building on Hamiliton St. PAGE 3

PUPPET continued on page 11

PHOTO BY SHARMINA MANANDHER Elaine Pearson of Greenbelt (L) and Frannie Day of Riversale prepare food at St. Jerome's Church Homeless Cafe. The cafe serves lunch every Thursday at 12:30 p.m. for anyone who walks in.

by Sharmina Manandhar The number of people in need has increased and the donations have decreased, due to the tumbling national economy. But Hyattsville food banks and pantries keep working to continue serving the community.

PLANT YOUR VEGGIES Miss Floribunda explains the best way to start a vegetable garden, even if you have no sun. PAGE 4

“The numbers have definitely gone up during the last six months because of the economy,” said Terry Enfield, volunteer coordinator at St. Jerome’s Café. “Our average last year was approximately 55 a week. This year, our average FOOD continued on page 11

OH BROTHER!

Hyattsville chief of police wants to install cameras in certain areas to control crime and provide better safety. PAGE 7

Included: The April 8, 2009 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section


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