September 2010 Hyattsville Life & Times

local library adds books

thanking the troops, one pizza box at a time

tackling those tree rats

Some 1,500 new books are on the shelves at Hyattsville Elementary this fall. Page 5

A Hyattsville couple turns pizza boxes into care packages, then delivers them to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Page 3

Miss Floribunda talks about how to keep pesky critters such as squirrels away from your precious produce. Page 6

City’s new treasurer brings much experience

By Paula Minaert The city of Hyattsville has a new treasurer. Elaine Stookey took over the position August 16 and brings a range of experience to it.

In addition to many years working in municipal government, she has also worked in a school district and a manufacturing plant.

She began her career in municipal government accounting in the city of Forest Park, Ohio, with a population of 20,000. There, she worked as a temporary accountant, then deputy finance director and finance director. She was there 15 years.

“I loved it there,” Stookey said in an interview. But she wanted to live closer to family and so she moved to the East Coast, taking a job as accounting manager for the city of Hagerstown, Maryland, with a population of 40,000. She then became its treasurer.

When asked what attracted her about Hyattsville, Stookey answered, “The size. I like the small staff size here and getting to know people. Everyone seems very friendly.”

She also said she likes the city’s diversity and its mix of housing.

Stookey belongs to the Gov-

Hyattsville Life&Times

Vol. 7 No. 9

Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper

September 2010

Safeway exec backs improving, not moving

By Susie Currie A Safeway regional executive will recommend upgrading the Hamilton Street store to a more modern “lifestyle” version, rather than opening a new location at University Town Center, following last month’s public meeting with more than 60 local residents.

“That store was due for an upgrade probably a few years ago,” Director of Public Affairs Greg TenEyck told the crowd, who filled the lobby of the former BB&T building on Aug. 16 to discuss concerns about the grocery store next door.

Later, in an interview, he confirmed that he was going to advocate making the Hamilton Street store a Lifestyle Safeway, similar to the Greenbelt location, with subdued lighting, custom flooring, earth tones, and enhanced service departments.

TenEyck said he would make the suggestion to the company’s real-estate committee, which makes property and investment decisions for the chain, when it meets in early September. As far as when the decision might be made, though, “I don’t know if I’d safeway continued on page 13

photo by chris currie The Safeway on Hamilton Street may become a “lifestyle” version after a company executive recommends the upgrade later this month.

Volunteers put the H in Hyattsville

treasurer continued on page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601

by Bart Lawrence

out of this

WORLD

photo illustration by ashley perks/photo by chris currie

In the 1951 film “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” an ominous flying saucer lands in downtown D.C., attracting the attention of the military, top scientific minds, and an excited public. Last month, the appearance of 12 H-shaped objects throughout Hyattsville caused much the same excitement — and it really happened.

Have no fear, residents: These Hs are part of a harmless art installation, Project H, orchestrated by the city’s Offices of Community Development and Volunteer Services.

Just like in the movie, the aliens first landed in Washington, D.C. Developed last year by the nonprofit DC Greenworks and the volunteers continued on page 12

Included: The September 8, 2010 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section

Page 2

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

FromThePresident Embracing poverty for a higher cause

By Julia Duin Anyone who’s read the Gospel knows the haunting story of Jesus instructing the rich young man: “Sell all you have and give it to the poor and you shall have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

Sounds impossible. Have any of us done so? Of course not.

Which is why my ears perked up when I read this email: “Our dear friend Christie is selling everything, giving her money to the poor, and leaving to follow Jesus!”

Specifically, a 29-year-old woman was holding a yard sale on Galla-

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Interested reporters should send their e-mail addresses to the editor to be reminded of deadlines and receive internal news. Articles and news submitted may be edited. The deadline is the last week of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor and opinions are encouraged. For all e-mail correspondence with HL&T: news, features, tips, advertising and business write to hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com. To submit articles, letters to the editor, etc., e-mail susie@hyattsvillelife.com.

Executive Editor Paula Minaert paula@hyattsvillelife.com 301.335.2519 Managing Editor Susie Currie susie@hyattsvillelife.com 301.633.9209 Editorial Intern Kara Rose Production Ashley Perks Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Mylie Durham Victoria Hille Valerie Russell Kimberly Schmidt Hugh Turley Board of Directors Julia Duin - President Chris Currie - Vice President Joseph Gigiliotti - General Counsel Paula Minaert - Secretary Peggy Dee Susie Currie - 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 7,500.

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

tin Street last month to sell all her possessions before joining a Catholic religious order in France.

“I am so confident that this is where God wants me to be and blessings will flow from it,” Christie Myers says. “Knowing the Lord is there and waiting for me to come, I can’t wait to get there.”

She’s headed toward a place called Notre Dame de Vie, a Carmelite community of about 600 members worldwide headquartered in Venasque, about an hour from Marseille.

Christie plans to be there by Sept.

8 to start her novitiate. She’ll be cloistered for two years before beginning work outside the community.

Christie will be known as a lay consecrated woman, wearing regular clothes instead of religious garb — a wise decision in view of the rampant anti-clericalism in France dating back to the French Revolution.

What does a 21 st-century version of that Gospel parable look like? When I showed up in the front yard of the house she shares on a steamy Saturday morning, Christie had laid out her jewelry, furniture and all manner of household goods in neat rows. Up at 5:30 a.m., she’d taken four hours to present the accumulations of almost three decades.

Heating pads, a drill, laundry basket, a lounge chair, a collection of small decorative boxes, a crock pot, art supplies, an easel, a purple mask with peacock features, leather purses, a coffeemaker — what would my life look like spread out on someone’s lawn?

Hers included a rack of red silk and black chiffon ball gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses, a reminder that one of the costs of joining this community is lifelong celibacy.

Unless Christie changes her mind, she will never wear a wedding dress.

She says her parents, who live in Tulsa, are on board with her decision. She expects the distance to be difficult for her and her family, which also includes a married older brother with one child.

Christie, her curly hair pulled back in a ponytail and wearing a simple cotton blouse, lavender skirt and polka-dotted sandals, doesn’t look like someone who’s headed for a life of prayer and manual labor in southern France.

As people bought her things, she would tell the history of where she

photo by julia duin Christie Myers shows part of her ornamental box collection to Veeka Duin during a yard sale. bought this, why someone gave her that, how this lovely blue pottery bowl was given to her as a gift and so on.

The hardest thing to part with, she said, was her collection of small ornamental boxes. “Some of them were too precious to sell, so I gave them to special friends,” she said.

She raised $514 from the sale and hopes to bring in more from selling her 2001 Chevy Lumina sedan. All is going to the Rev. Leonard Lemchukwu, a priest in southeastern Nigeria who is trying to raise $10,000 to $15,000 to build a well so that people there can have clean water. Christie met

the priest while both were studying in Germany and was so impressed with his story that she decided to dedicate her life savings to helping him.

I had to leave for an hour and when I returned, Christie was seated in the living room, explaining her decision to dozens of visitors and their children. Many were from her life as a doctoral student in theology at the John Paul II Institute at Catholic University.

“Best of luck,” one man commented, “although I’m not sure that’s exactly the right thing to say.”

While doing research in Germany this summer, she visited Ve-

nasque and was so impressed she decided to sell all her possessions and move back to France.

“I was resistant to it for a while,” she says of the religious life. “God has a really good sense of humor. I always told Him I don’t want to do that. Now I can’t wait to go.”

The mother superior encouraged her to take the long view.

“You’re going to go back and people will think you’re crazy to give up studying for your doctorate,” the superior said. “But who has the right to make God wait?”

Julia Duin is the president of the board of the Hyattsville Life & Times.

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

Page 3

oday.homohabilis@gmail.com

photo by kara rose Milton and Linda McGehee in their living room, surrounded by pizza boxes filled with goodies for soldiers.

Delivering gratitude to troops Fleisher’s Jewelers

Celebrating 60 Years in Hyattsville

By Kara Rose

At Linda and Milton McGehee’s home, visitors are greeted with warm smiles, walls adorned with family photos and stacks upon stacks of pizza boxes.

The boxes, donated by Three Brothers Pizza, are filled not with pizza, but with towels, magazines, soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, toothbrushes, toothpaste, books, Bibles, comic books, playing cards, movies, candy and Beanie Babies — some items McGehee said he wished he had when he served in the Army during the Korean War in the early 1950s.

Every two weeks, the McGehees personally stuff and deliver these boxes to wounded soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the nearby Malone House, a hotel for wounded soldiers and their families.

At the Malone House, the Hyattsville-area couple actually gets a chance to meet the recovering soldiers and share a cup of coffee and bring along cookies and candy as well. They have filled “10 to 20” scrapbooks with pictures of their visits.

“We sit down with them, talk with them, don’t ask them no questions about where they got hurt or how they got hurt,” said McGehee, 74, who retired in 1998 after 32 years as a meat manager at Giant.

The couple has been married for over 50 years, with three adult children and “10 or 12” foster children over the years. The project started five years ago, when two of their son’s friends enlisted in the Army and went overseas.

The couple sent a box to each soldier in the unit and in return received a photo of the unit signed by every member, thanking the couple for their care pack-

It’s not too early to think of the holidays, Layaway your purchases now, a small deposit will hold your selection, with just a payment every two weeks. Special Orders are never a problem, shop early for the best selections.

FREE ESTIMATES Diamonds • Gold & Silver Jewelry Watches Pendants and More

FULL SERVICE JEWELER Jewelry & Watch Repair • Engraving Watch Batteries Installed Appraisals • Pearl Restringing

photo by kara rose The photo that started it all: the troops who received the first care packages. ages. This photo, McGehee said, is “what kept us going.”

“We sent candy [and] cookies overseas,” said McGehee. “Then it got expensive as anything. … We ended up having so much to send, we started going to Walter Reed [instead].”

Since they began making the care packages, they’ve made and delivered nearly 6,000 boxes.

“There are about 108 right here,” McGehee said, pointing to the stacks of pizza boxes flooding his living room. This group of boxes will be dropped off in just four days. The boxes covering his kitchen counter will go towards the upcoming Christmas delivery, which requires renting a truck.

“Well, to get 1,000 boxes, you’ve got to start early,” he added with a smile.

The McGehees have put over $3,000 of their own money into the project and rely on contributions for the rest. Most come from shoppers at the Giant in Beltway Plaza, where, a few times a month, the couple sets up a table adorned with photos of their work and a

wish list of items.

That, he says, covers most of what they need to fill a box — “except new bath towels and washcloths, and disposable cameras.

Those are the hardest to get.”

Other contributions have come from an area dental group, the American Legion, local Elks Club and Moose Club chapters and nine area churches, including one church that helps put together some of the boxes each year. His project has already inspired two churches to create their own.

But his biggest wish is so far unfulfilled: to take the operation back where it started. “I would give anything if I could get someone to send these things to the troops overseas,” he said. “It’s just too expensive for me.”

Still, he says, “It’s gotten about 100 times bigger than I anticipated for us, but we do nothing. We’re not even a drop in the bucket.”

To donate, contact the McGehees at 301.559.0864 or 6611 24th Place, Hyattsville, MD 20782. For a receipt, please include your name and address with the donation.

MASONIC JEWELRY & REGALIA 3108 Queens Chapel Road Hyattsville, Maryland 20782

301-699-5552

Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 - 6:00 Saturday 9:00 - 5:00

Back to school anxiety?

Healthy Choices Hypnosis Center Robert Minaert, CHt Consulting Hypnotist 301-335-9376 Visit us online at www.healthychoiceshome.com

We can help.

Call us for a Friendly, FREE Consultation

Page 4

Edgar Butt hadn’t played the trumpet in about 35 years.

He had played in high school and continued through part of college, but stopped playing altogether when he switched his major from music education to math.

Butt, a retired University of Maryland computer programmer and longtime Hyattsville Hills resident, eventually found his way back to music. In 2004, he joined the Maryland Community Band, a group that has given several Hyattsville residents the opportunity to re-enter the music scene after years of hibernation.

“It took me a couple years to get the lips back in shape,” said Butt.

Among other local band members are Charles Fulcher, who plays the French horn; Rebecca Fulcher, an oboe player; trumpeter Pete Reiniger — and Edgar’s wife, Helen Butt.

Helen, who started playing clarinet in high school, had her own musical hiatus. “I had taken a break for 30 years raising kids,” she joked.

The Maryland Community Band, with 80 or so members in any given season, hosts a wide variety of players, including local music teachers, University of Maryland alumni, and others who have found a reason to pick up their instruments again.

John Wakefield, the university’s director of bands for 40 years, helped form the University of Maryland Community Band in 1995, later renamed the Maryland Community Band.

The longest-serving director in campus history, Wakefield is a member of the Maryland Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. He now serves as Director of Music at the University United Methodist Church in College Park.

He is also the sole conductor of the all-volunteer band, leading weekly rehearsals and lining up concerts.

The group draws musicians from as far away as Rehoboth Beach and Solomons Island to its Tuesday night rehearsals at the campus’ Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. With a season running from September through June, the band covers what Wakefield calls a “standard wind band repertoire” at the Smith center and other area venues, such as retirement homes and Brookside Gardens.

At its June concerts in Bethany and Rehoboth beaches, the group plays lighter selections like Broadway and movie tunes.

In 2008, many of the musicians

They’re with the band

photo courtesy of Jeanne Olexy Ron Olexy, Rebecca Fulcher, Edgar Butt and Helen Butt are a few of the Hyattsville residents in the Maryland Community Band. traveled to China just before the Summer Olympics to play in a series of concerts called “Salute to the 2008 Olympics” along with other Maryland area bands.

“Most people have a real commitment … and plan their lives around rehearsals and performances,” said Wakefield.

Hyattsville resident Ron Olexy, a neighbor of the Butts’, discovered the band through an email group of horn players. He had played the French horn in college before being drafted to fight in Vietnam.

He continued playing, first in the U.S. Army Band at Fort Dix, N.J. f during his basic training, and then another year in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division Band and the

1st Cavalry Division Band.

After Vietnam, however, Olexy’s horn gathered dust for 20 years.

“It’s hard to stay motivated without a place to play,” said Olexy, who eventually decided to seek a teacher and joined the orchestra at his alma mater, Catholic University, before moving to the Maryland Community Band in 2006.

Auditions for the 2010-2011 season will be held in room 1230 of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on Sept. 14 beginning at 7:30 p.m. for woodwinds and Sept. 21 beginning at 7:30 p.m. for brasses. For more information, contact Marianne Kassabian at mkassabian@ verizon.net.

EMPLOYMENT LAW

By Lindsay Powers

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

McCollum & Associates, LLC

Attorneys and Counselors at Law

(301) 864-6070 jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Practicing in Maryland and the District of Columbia ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Covenants Not To Compete, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, Family Responsibilities Discrimination, FOIA, Gender Discrimination, HIPPA, National Origin Discrimination, Parental Status Discrimination, Pregnancy Discrimination, Privacy Act, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, Trade Secrets, Wage Cases, Whistle-blowing, Wrongful Discharge

Taunya L. Jenkins, DDS, LLC

HLTJune2010.qx

HOME IMPROVEMENT

ROOFING, FENCES, DOORS, WINDOWS, SIDING, DECKS, AWNINGS AND PAVERS

SENI DISC OR OUNT S

$50 off

ROOF REPAIR AND SUNSETTER AWNINGS!

6/3/10

7:49 PM

General Dentist 6525 Belcrest Rd Suite 201 Hyattsville, MD 20785 • RCT • Veneers • Crowns • Dentures • Bleaching • White Fillings Emergencies Welcome Most Insurances Accepted

Page 1

Tel 301-779-0522 Fax 301-927-1815 M-Thu 9-5 Sat by Appt.

Financing available • FREE Estimates

301-277-7200

BONDED • INSURED MHIC #44848 www.championwindowsinc.com

The yarn is as high as an elephant’s eye!

Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11–7, Saturday 11–6, Sunday 1–5 Closed on Monday

301-779-3399 5200 Baltimore Ave. (Rte. 1), Hyattsville, MD 20781 Across from Franklin’s, entrance on Gallatin Street www.atangledskein.com

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

Page 5

Hyattsville Elementary gifted with new books

By T. Carter Ross Some 1,500 new books are on the shelves at Hyattsville Elementary this fall, thanks to the Strokes for Hope 2010 golf tournament and a matching grant from Literacy for a Lifetime.

Hyattsville Elementary Principal Jeanne Washburn and Reading Specialist Stephanie Chapman announced that the school had purchased about $5,000 worth of books with its portion of the tournament proceeds.

“We mostly purchased nonfiction, science and social studies [books],” said Chapman. Also purchased were multiple Math Wrap-Ups sets, a learning toy designed to boost math skills.

Among the titles selected were

“Mummies and Pyramids,” “Astronomy,” and “Knights,” all part of the Usborne Discovery series.

The school decided to purchase eight or nine copies each for use in small groups in the classroom.

“Hyattsville Elementary School students will be enjoying these books for years to come,” Chapman said.

The books were presented to the school on August 25 during a welcome-back ice-cream social sponsored by the Hyattsville Elementary PTA. “This is a great gift for the students and another unexpected, but welcome, gift to the school from an outside source,” said PTA President Bart Lawrence.

Post Hope, the corporate philanthropy division of Post Properties,

Welch’s Okinawan Karate After School ProgrAm

• Homework tutorial • Mentoring • Snacks • Opportunity for karate instruction • Pickup in 15-passenger van from all local public schools – 1:45 pm to 4 pm

$70.00 weekly for After School ProgrAm 3410 Hamilton Street Hyattsville, MD 20782 301-559-3400 / 202-210-6364 (cell) Email: renshiunlimited@verizon.net www.welchsokinawankarate.com

You’re a neighbor, not a number.

M McGibbon Ins and Fin Svc Inc Mark W McGibbon CLU ChFC CASL, Agent Total average savings of 6309 Baltimore Avenue, Suite 304 Riverdale, MD 20737 * www.markmcgibbon.com

489

$

Getting to know you and how you drive helps me find all the auto discounts you deserve.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.

*Average annual household savings based on national 2009 survey of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL

P090119 06/09

organized the tournament to benefit schools near its seven D.C.area developments — including the new Post Park apartments on East-West Highway next to The Mall at Prince Georges.

The tournament, on May 7 at the Reston National Golf Club, raised $22,200 — matched in full by the Educational Development Corporation, which publishes Usborne children’s books. Other regional schools that benefited from the first-ever tournament were Strong John Thompson Elementary and J. Hayden Johnson Middle School, both in Washington, D.C.; Ritchie Park Elementary, Rockville, Md.; Bull Run Elementary, Centreville, Va.; Cedar Point Elementary, Manassas, Va.; Springhill Elementary, McLean,

Eleanor Pernia Studio of Dance

est. 1962

Dance classes for all ages

photo by t. carter ross Hyattsville Elementary School Reading Specialist Stephanie Chapman announces the donation of 1,500 books to the school during a PTAsponsored ice-cream social.

Va.; and Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, Alexandria, Va. Former Washington Redskins Roy Jefferson and Mark Moseley hosted the event, which featured 122 golfers. Jefferson, a former

NFL wide receiver who helped take the Redskins to the playoffs four times between 1971 and 1976, was scheduled to present the books to Hyattsville Elementary, but had to cancel due to illness.

HYATTSVILLE OCTOBER 10, MAGRUDER PARK

CX2010

Register For Fall Classes Now! Preschool Dance • Tap • Ballet • HipHop • Modern • Ballroom Small class sizes Ages 3 & up

www.eleanorperniadance.com

301-937-4230

10434 Baltimore Ave • Beltsville, MD 20705

http://hyattsvillecx.blogspot.com/

ATTENTION: FREE $$$$ FOR FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta is offering down-payment assistance of up to $7500 to all eligible first-time homebuyers with qualified income and acceptable credit. These government funds are first-come, first-serve. If you or someone you know is seeking cash to purchase a new home, please contact me immediately.

Sincerely, Mark S. Covington Senior Loan officer Monarch Mortgage A Division of Monarch Bank (301) 787-6770 Cell www.monarchmtg.com/MCovington

2142 Priest Bridge Court Crofton, MD 21114 • Office (410)721-8222 • Fax (410)451-7866

Page 6

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

MissFloribunda Miss Floribunda is away; in her absence we’re publishing this often-requested reprint. Her column resumes next month.

Dear Miss Floribunda, Our vegetable garden has done well, but we’re harvesting very little. Rabbits, squirrels and who knows what other creatures seem to be helping themselves to just about everything. We don’t even have pears on our tree — they are eaten green. Of course shooting the little beasts is out of the question, but we’re desperate. Could we catch them in Havahart traps and take them to a pooch park somewhere to give the dogs something to chase?

Really, the situation is completely out of hand. This morning we saw a brazen squirrel run by in broad daylight, a ripe red tomato in his mouth.

The McGregors of Gallatin Street Dear McGregors, You are among the many victims of the Magruder Park Gang, led by Bugsy Springer, Pogo the Poacher, Bunnyface Niblet, Quickcaw McCrow — not to mention their masked master, Al

“Lightfingers” Racoone. But be advised that both city and county ordinances forbid trapping these miscreants and taking them elsewhere. There are few unpopulated areas to take them to and there are no reform schools for them.

I’ve spoken with various gardeners about ways to save our harvests. Mr. and Mrs. Minnowhaven put out “protection” veggies on their back steps for the gang to take, and this seems to keep their garden safe. My neighbor Pattypanelope claims that she grows so much that there is enough for everyone, including her family. I have found that my fearless dog, Barcus O’Droole, keeps both diurnal and nocturnal thieves at bay.

Others report success growing garlic and onions among the vegetables. Hot pepper sauce or powder is temporarily very effective but washes off in the rain. Some nibblers are repelled by the odor of marigolds and nasturtiums.

These plants also deter many insects and are ornamental.

You can also make a spray from mashed garlic, vegetable oil and water. However, if you want a quick fix in order to save this year’s crop, you might try a product now on the market no one I know has yet used: a hot pepper wax that does not wash off but can apparently be peeled off.

• • •

Part of the Magruder Park Gang of garden rustlers.

I hope someone will experiment with it and report back.

If your pear tree is small enough you might cover it with a net — although Aunt Sioux complains that her squirrel visitors deftly undo netting. Wire mesh is available but cumbersome. Shiny CDs and aluminum pie pans hung in trees help keep birds away. Cousin Forsyte planted his fruit trees so far from each other and other trees that the squirrels can’t jump from one

  



If anyone has other helpful ideas, please join us at the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, September 21, at 10 a.m. in the municipal building.

AdirondAck Tree experTs Proudly serving the Citizens of Hyattsville since 1996

Recipient of Checkbook Magazine’s “Check of Quality”

REMOVAL • PRUNING TRIMMING

Free Estimates!

   



 

Hyattsville Farmers Market at Queens Chapel Town Center Sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission

Fresh local produce — the best from Southern Maryland farms Cookbook giveaway and exchange • Casual, relaxed environment • Plenty of parking in the rear

301-595-2827 On-Line Coupons

www.adirondacktreeexperts.com FULLY LICENSED AND INSURED Senior Citizen Discounts • Visa and Mastercard Accepted

MATH & BEYOND

Mathematics for ALL ages from elementary school to calculus

Don’t wait for the first bad grade — give your child a jump start this year!

You will not find a better math tutor — references available!

GALA APPLE SPECIAL

Michael Karpman

(Hyattsville only)

CIDER ARRIVES! Sept. 30

to the other, but not all of us have enough space to do that. And even so, he has seen the occasional squirrel scamper through his gauntlet of dogs and run up a tree for snacks.

301-613-MATH (6284) tutor@4mathelp.com 30 years of teaching and tutoring mathematics

OPEN Tuesdays 2 - 6 p.m.

GRE math preparation (don’t put off grad school because you are afraid of math!)

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

Page 7

COMMUNITY CALENDAR September 19 Riversdale House Museum hosts two events today. From noon to 3:30, the free program “Simple Simon and his Pieman” features demonstrations of the art of pie making. Then, at a 5:30 p.m. concert of the music of Flanders and France, Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts will play a variety of instruments, including the dulcimer, wooden flute, and accordion. $15; reservations suggested.

Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park.

301.864.0420.

the help desk at 301.699.2255.

September 21

The county-sponsored Hispanic Festival features carnival games, crafts, music, entertainment, ethnic food, face painting, pony rides, and more. Free. Noon to 6 p.m. Lane Manor Park, 7601 West Park Drive, Adelphi. 301.408.4335

September 20 to 24 To mark Active Aging Week, the M-NCPPC Parks & Recreation department has put together a lineup of 21 activities throughout the county for ages 60 and up.

Karen Ashbrook and Paul Oorts will perform at the Riversdale House Museum later this month as part of its Flanders in the Fall series.

Whether you want to play tennis, try tai chi, swim a few laps or try your hand at creative writing, you should find something to suit you.

For a complete schedule, e-mail seniors@pgparks.com, or visit www.pgparks.com/Things_To_ Do/Senior_Activities.htm. Or call

Pianists Vakhtang Kodanashvili and Genadi Zagor will perform pieces from the Gershwin Songbook and improvisations of some of the composer’s most familiar works as part of the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center’s Take Five performance series. Free.

5:30 p.m. in the center’s Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn Recital Hall, University of Maryland, College Park. 301.405.ARTS.

September 24

Museum for Maman, Papa, et Moi, part of its “Flanders in the Fall” series. The evening includes a Belgian story, related craft and snacks. $6 for one child and one adult; $5 for each additional child and $2 for each additional adult.

6:30 p.m. Riversdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. Advance payment required by September 17; call 301.864.0420.

September 25

Celebrate the city’s cultural diversity at the Hyattsville International Street Festival with music, dancing, carnival games,

Children ages 4 to 7 can wear their pajamas to the Riversdale House

Free electronics recycling Program

saturday, octoBer 16, 2010, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon city oF Hyattsville dPW yard, 4633 arundel Place, Hyattsville

tHe city oF Hyattsville Will Provide residents tHe oPPortunity to disPose oF tHe FolloWing unWanted or unusaBle equiPment:

• Computer monitors • Central proCessing units • printers • Computer Keyboards, mouse & Wire • VCrs • radios • Copiers • teleVisions • Cell phones *a maximum oF 8 items Will Be accePted Per HouseHold.*

tHis Program is oPen to city oF Hyattsville residents only.

individuals ParticiPating in tHis Program Will Be required to sHoW ProoF oF identiFication include a driver’s license, military identiFication, a tax, Water or caBle Bill.

Onion s s a l G er 10 b m e t Sep For details, call 301/985-5020 or visit http://www.hyattsville.org/ summerjam

calendar continued on page 8

The Summer Jam Series is held at the City Municipal Building, at 4310 Gallatin Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. the second Friday of the month, Rain or Shine! The event is free and open to everyone.

Refreshments are available for purchase, including hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken grilled by Outback Steakhouse.

OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE

SUMMER

JAM SERIES 2010

Hyattsville R

Page PageHR1 HR1

Hyattsville Life Life && Times Times || September Hyattsville September 2010 2010

the

No. 200 • Septemb

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

International Street Festival Takes Place September 25 The City’s annual International Street Festival will take place on Saturday, September 25, 2010 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. along Hamilton Street, between Ager Road and Queens Chapel Road at Queens Chapel Town Center.

New this year: a Steel Orchestra extravaganza! Four Steel Bands will perform on our Main Stage throughout the event. Come hear Utopian Pan-Soul, The Pan Jammers, Positive Vibrations, and Old Mill High School bring the best of this global art form to the streets of Hyattsville. Expect everything from jazz to calypso to songs you just heard on the radio.

Watch other international performances, take part in children’s games and activities, and sample the global cuisine and crafts for sale, too.

The City’s annual Fireworks Display concludes the event at dusk.

For more information, call the Department of Recreation and the Arts at 301/985-5020 or visit http://www.hyattsville.org/ international.

ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY CRIME WATCH RECAP: SAFETY TIPS If you missed this summer’s Community Crime Watch meeting, here’s a quick list of safety tips to keep in mind. The first two tips are general information; the rest apply whenever you’ll be away from home – for a night, a week, or longer.

1. Program the Police Department phone numbers into your cell phone. They are 301/9855060 (non-emergencies) and 301/985-5050 (emergencies). You can always call 911, but the 911 dispatcher will have to route your call through to City before responding. It takes just a few seconds, but going direct is always best.

2. Don’t hesitate to call. We often say that “if it concerns you, it concerns us.”

3. Our police officers will provide a home safety audit to any Hyattsville resident. Call our non-emergency number (301/985-5060) to schedule a time, or email Lieutenant Mark

iN otHER NEws...

LAST OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE SUMMER JAM IS SEPTEMBER 10

Summer flew by! Thanks to The Beach Bumz, N2N, Superflydisco, and Ruthie and the Wranglers for headlining the first four Outback Steakhouse Summer Jams this year. A very special thank you also goes to Outback Steakhouse for their continued support, and MacDonald Auto Body for sponsoring Mandy the Clown’s appearances.

The last Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam of the summer will take place on Friday, September 10. Our featured act is Beatles tribute band Glass Onion. In addition to the usual music and merriment, September 10 is also our annual Police Department Open House.

The event runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, September 10 at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, rain or shine! Admission is free and open to the

public. Refreshments, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken grilled by Outback Steakhouse, as well as beer and wine, are available for purchase.

FREE LEAF MULCH RETURNS THIS MONTH

Beginning Monday, September 13, residents will be able to pick up free leaf mulch at three locations in the City: Magruder Park’s parking lot (40th Avenue & Hamilton Street), Heurich Park’s parking lot (Ager Road & Nicholson Street), and the University Hills Duck Pond Park parking lot (west end of Wells Parkway.) You will see signs at each mulch pile.

Note that all three parks are open from dusk to dawn, daily.

The Department of Public Works replenishes these piles on an asneeded basis. If you notice a mulch pile is low, please take a moment to call us at 301/985-5032. We will be happy to provide more.

Roski (mroski@hyattsville.org). The service is free of charge.

4. Leave your porch light on. A timer will even do the work for you. Keeping our streets welllit is a simple way to deter crime.

5. Make sure others know you’ll be away.

Neighbors’ eyes on your home can be a big help. In many cases, they will be the first to notice something out of place on your street.

You might also develop the habit of telling each other when you’re having work done. A neighbor might be the first to suspect that a service truck is out of place on your property.

6. Ask a neighbor to check for mail and newspapers. Putting deliveries on hold is a good start, but fliers and other material can collect at your door if you’re gone for longer than a night or two.

7. Set a light, or even a radio or television, on a timer. If a thief is watching your house, seeing a light or hearing a TV click on is probably enough to send them elsewhere.

8. Cut your grass before you leave. Just like newspapers left on the front step, an unmowed lawn can signal a vacant home to a thief.

9. Ask a neighbor to park her car in your

Mulch is ground from the leaves and wood chips collected by the cities of Hyattsville and Greenbelt. Both cities use the material in our planting projects. It’s natural, organic, and free of charge!

The Fall program ends on October 29, 2010.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

Are you on Facebook? You can now keep up with City events and happenings at www.facebook. com/cityofhyattsville. When you see Vainglorious, the silver metal bird sculpture at Centennial Park, you’ll know you’re in the right place. He is kind enough to serve as the City’s wall photo.

MAINTENANCE ALERT: MAGRUDER PARK

Routine maintenance and equipment replacement will take place at Magruder Park beginning Tuesday, September 7. During

driveway. Depending on tion, asking a neighbor to in your driveway might be a would-be burglar.

10. Register your trip with ment, and we’ll ask our pa an eye on your addres promise to prevent brea ficers know that your ho can help us spot problem ask you for basic inform ture and return dates, con you’re away, and informa that may be parked nea absence. Simply come t ment, located on the sec Municipal Building, 4310 any time prior to your trip tions Center is open at al

If you do come home and been in your house, plea Find a safe location and c gency number immediat

http://www.hyattsville.org

Reporter Hyattsville Hyattsville Life Life && Times Times || September September 2010 2010

ber 8, 2010

this time, portions of the playground will be blocked for installation or repair. Areas not under construction will remain open.

Please use caution, and we appreciate your assistance keeping our kids safe as we improve the park.

Please direct any questions to the Department of Recreation and the Arts at 301/985-5020.

CONSTRUCTION DETOURS AT JEFFERSON STREET/ BALTIMORE AVENUE INTERSECTION

Work begins on Tuesday, September 7 at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Route One/ Baltimore Avenue. The project will place a new, 60-inch sewer main under Route One. Work will take place OVERNIGHT, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., Monday through Thursday. There will be no traffic disruptions during morning or evening com-

n your parking situao occasionally park e enough to confuse

h the Police Departatrol officers to keep ss. While we can’t ak-ins, letting our ofome will be empty ms quickly. We will mation: your deparntact numbers while ation about any cars ar your home in your to the Police Departcond floor of the City 0 Gallatin Street, at p. Our Communicall times.

d think someone has ase don’t go inside! call the Police Emertely: 301/985-5050.

g/police

mute times.

During overnight work hours, drivers will not be able to turn off Jefferson Street onto Baltimore Avenue, or from Baltimore to Jefferson. However, Jefferson Street itself remains open to local traffic.

The project is expected to take approximately six weeks. From 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., the work area on Baltimore Avenue/Route One will be covered with steel plates.

The new sewer main was required by the new construction; however, it will replace an inadequate main in the street. The upgrade will reduce the chances of flooding on Route One/Baltimore Avenue.

Direct questions to Tony Shumante, Land Development Manager at EYA, 571/220-7670.

every Tuesday and Thursday morning, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., during the school year.

(Please note that adults must remain with their child during the program.)

The Parent & Child Program combines a chance for free play and structured, seasonallythemed activities. The cost is $50 for one child per semester (September to December), with discounts for additional children. Parents may also pay $2/ session on a drop-in basis. To register or for details, contact Terry Kenny at 301/985-5027, visit the program during regular hours, or see our website: http:// www.hyattsville.org/pcprogram

PUBLIC HEARING: ESTABLISH A RESIDENTIAL PARKING ZONE ON GUMWOOD DRIVE

The City’s next Blood Drive takes place Thursday, September 16 from 2:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the First Floor Multi-Purpose Room, 4310 Gallatin Street. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS to learn more or to schedule a donation appointment.

A public hearing will be held in response to a petition from residents of the 3100 Block of Gumwood Drive to establish a residential parking zone and enforce residential parking restrictions in the block. The hearing will take place on Monday, September 13, 2010 at 7:30 p.m., immediately prior to the City Council Meeting.

CYCLOCROSS RETURNS

The second annual Hyattsville CX – that’s Cyclocross, racing on bicycles! – event will take place on Sunday, October 10, 2010 in Magruder Park. Visit their website to learn more: http:// hyattsvillecx.blogspot.com/

HYATTSVILLE VFD HOSTS 5 MILE RUN IN OCTOBER

If biking isn’t your thing, check out the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department’s first 5-Mile Run, scheduled for Saturday, October 23. The Department’s annual open house takes place immediately following the race.

Learn more at their site: http:// www.hvfd.com/hvfd/hvfdrace/

PARENT & CHILD PROGRAM RETURNS SEPTEMBER 14

Parents or caregivers are invited to a standing playdate at Magruder Park’s recreation building

NEXT BLOOD DRIVE IS SEPTEMBER 16

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Saturday, October 16 will be the next Electronics Recycling event at the Department of Public Works Yard, 4633 Arundel Place, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. City residents may recycle up to eight items including televisions, VCRs and DVD players, stereos, computer monitors, CPUS, and related equipment (keyboards, mouse), cell phones, and printers. There is no charge for the program, but you may be asked to show ID, such as a driver’s license or utility bill, to demonstrate City of Hyattsville residence.

PARKS MASTER PLAN: TAKE THE SURVEY, SHARE YOUR IDEAS

As part of the Parks Master Plan process, we are soliciting community input via a survey. Find the link at http://www.hyattsville.org/parkplan. Two Community Meetings will be held to allow resident comment, too.

Join us on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the First Floor Multi-Purpose Room at the City Municipal Building, or on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Magrud-

Page Page HR2 HR2

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2010 7 Routine maintenance begins at Magruder Park. Portions of the playground will be closed off during equipment installation.

Overnight detours begin at the intersection of Jefferson Street and Route One/Baltimore Avenue. Drivers will be unable to turn off Route One onto Jefferson, or onto Jefferson from Route One, between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday evenings. Work is expected to last approxi mately six weeks.

8 Hyattsville Environmental Committee meeting, 7:30 p.m.

10 Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam featuring Glass Onion

AND the Police Department’s Annual Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street, RAIN OR SHINE!

13 Free Leaf Mulch returns to City parks. (Magruder, Heurich,

and University Hills Duck Pond parks.) Available through October 29.

Public Hearing: Establish a Residential Parking Zone (3100 block of Gumwood Drive), 7:30 p.m., immediately prior to the City Council Meeting, 8:00 p.m. (Includes Community Leg acy Plan presentation.)

14 Parent & Child Program returns to Magruder Park, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

15 Parks Master Plan meeting, 7:00 p.m., City Municipal Building 16 Parks Master Plan meeting, 1:00 p.m., Magruder Park

Blood Drive, 2:30 to 7:00 p.m.

Code Enforcement Advisory Committee meeting, 7:00 p.m.

20 City Council Meeting, 8:00 p.m.

21 Planning Committee meeting, 7:30 p.m.

25 International Street Festival, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., Hamilton Street at Queens Chapel Town Center

How Do you spELL HyAttsviLLE? Ready for a challenge? Photographer Anand Gahlot spelled Hyattsville using letters found on signs throughout the City. You can view a larger version of this image at http://www.hyattsville.org/contest, on our Facebook page, on the City’s cable channel (Comcast 71/Verizon 12 within the City limits), or on forms available in the lobby at the City Municipal Building.

Take your best guess as to where each of the eleven letters appears.

The resident with the highest percentage of correct answers will be announced during the September 10 Outback Steakhouse Summer Jam! er Park Building, 40th and Hamilton.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR OCTOBER 9 CITY-WIDE YARD SALE

City-wide Yard Sale Day is Sat-

urday, October 9. On this day, no permits are required to hold a Yard Sale, and the City will publish a map showing all registered households. Stop by the City building or visit http:// www.hyattsville.org/yardsale to register.

Page 8

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

COMMUNITY CALENDAR 2 p.m.; Oct. 13 and 14, 7:30 p.m.

Ina and Jack Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland. 301.405.

ARTS.

October 9 Twice a year, city officials waive the yard-sale permit requirement for Community Yard Sale Day. If you want to cash in on all your decluttering, let the city know by noon on Oct. 6. You may also register online at the Hyattsville website. Your address will be listed on a map for bargain hunters, available on the website and at the municipal building. Best of all, a charity will pick up leftovers afterward. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

301.985.5000.

photo courtesy of basil twist Basil Twist brings “A New Twist on Puppetry” to the Clarice Smith Center on October 5.

calendar

continued from page 7

ethnic food and fireworks. Free.

3 to 8 p.m. Queens Chapel Town Center, Hamilton Street between Ager Road and Queens Chapel Road. 301.985.5020.

Educate your family about exercise and fitness opportunities offered through the county’s Department of Parks and Recreation during the Family Health and Fitness Day. Free. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wells-Linson Complex, 5211

Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. 301.446.6810.

Today, the rest of the country gets a taste of what locals have loved for years: free admission to stellar museums. As part of Smithsonian Magazine’s Sixth Annual Museum Day, hundreds of cultural venues nationwide won’t charge an entry fee to visitors who present a special admission card, downloadable at http://microsite.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/. One card per household serves as a pass for two people. Lo-

cal participating sites include the College Park Aviation Museum, the National Language Museum and Riversdale House Museum, with dozens more in Baltimore and Washington. Check the website for a complete listing.

October 5 Puppetry artist Basil Twist, the Jim Henson Artist-in-Residence in the University of Maryland’s School of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies, performs A New Twist on Puppetry. Free.

5:30 p.m. Robert and Arlene Kogod Studio Theatre, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, College Park. 301.405.ARTS.

October 8 to 16 The University of Maryland School of Theater, Dance and Performance presents Enchanted April, a show about four Englishwomen in the 1920s vacationing at a secluded Italian castle. It’s based on the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim. $27. Oct. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 10 and 16,

Bring out the blades for Herbert Wells Ice Rink Opening Day. Call for schedule and admission information. 5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park.

301.277.3717.

October 10 Register now for the second annual Hyattsville Cyclocross, a day of races for every age. Fees are $20 to $25 per race, with proceeds to benefit Special Olympics of Prince George’s County; visit www.bikereg.com to register.

Races begin at 9 a.m. at Magruder Park. 202.531.8173 or HyattsvilleCross@gmail.com.

October 12 The Kettering Foundation sponsors a National Issues Forum on News Media and Society to discuss, among other things, why celebrities have become news and what responsibilities come with freedom of the press. Free. Noon to 2 p.m. Hyattsville Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

Ongoing Before Wells Roller Rink turns into Wells Ice Rink for the season, it hosts Friday night roller skating, complete with DJ, through September 24. $6 admission includes skate rental fee. 8 to 11 p.m. Wells Roller Rink at 5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park. 301.277.3717.

Every Thursday seniors ages 60 and up can mix and mingle at the piano bar at the Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activity Center. Enjoy refreshments and a game of chess or Bid Whist. Free. 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Gwendolyn Britt Senior Activcalendar continued on page 9

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

Page 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR calendar

continued from page 8

ity Center, 4009 Wallace Road, North Brentwood. 301.699.1238.

Shop locally grown produce at the West Hyattsville Farmers Market, held Tuesdays from 2 to 6 p.m. Behind Queens Chapel Town Center, Queens Chapel Road and Hamilton Street. 301.627.0977.

Runs through Oct. 26.

The producers-only Riverdale Park Farmers Market offers a variety of vegetables, fruits, honey, baked goods, meat, jams, flowers and more. Free. Thursdays, 3 to 7 p.m. through Nov. 18. At the intersection of Rhode Island Avenue and Queensbury Road, Riverdale Park. 301.332.6258.

Join a park naturalist on a pontoon boat to search for birds and other wildlife on an Anacostia River Boat Tour. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 26, 5 to 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays through Fridays through Oct. 29, noon

to 12:45 p.m. All ages welcome.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg. 301.779.0371.

The Hyattsville library offers a variety of storytimes. Space is limited; free tickets available at the Children’s Desk. Ages 9-23 months with caregiver: Mondays, 10:15 a.m. Ages 2-3: Mondays, 11 a.m. and Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. Ages 3-5: Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Ages 3-6: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. English-Spanish Storytime for ages 3-6: Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. 6530 Adelphi Road.

301.985.4690.

Community Calendar is compiled

by Kara Rose and Susie Currie.

It’s a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the 15th of the issue month to the 15th of the following month.

To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail susie@ hyattsvillelife.com or mail to P.O. Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781.

Deadline for October submissions is September 23.

Before Wells Ice Rink opens next month, you can roller skate there on Friday nights.

Pressed for time?

American Mega Laundromat

HYATTSVILLE VACUUM CLEANER SERVICE Home of

301-559-0707

THE CLEANERS CORNER Vacuum Cleaner Sales and Service Sewing Machine Repair Janitorial Equipment and Supplies Carpet Cleaning Equipment and Supplies

MegaLaundromat.com Across West Hyattsville Metro Station Corner of Ager Road & Hamilton St.

5219 Baltimore Avenue • Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Tel: 301-277-3553 • Fax: 301-277-7142 e-mail: HyattsvilleVac@aol.com

Open 7 Days a Week 6 am to 11:30 pm

Weekly & Monthly Laundry Service Plans Available

Helping Sell Hyattsville

And our Neighboring Community

NEW LISTINGS Gorgeous Updated Victorian 3+BRs, 2 full baths, 5209 42nd Ave. Hyattsville $399,000

Beautiful Updated Rambler 3 BRs, 2 Full baths, 4700 40th Ave. Hyattsville $348,000 In “Tree House” setting!

Wash & Fold Drop Off Full Service • Same Day Laundry Service Free Pick Up & Delivery or do it yourself at

REDUCED Nice Rambler, 3BR, 2 baths, 4501 30th St. Mt. Rainier $225,000

Charming Cape Cod, 3 BRs, 1 ½ baths, 4110 Kennedy St. Hyattsville $334,000

Spacious 4 level 3+ BRs, 2 1/2 baths, finished lower level and storage room.

University Park $450,000

Ann Barrett, Realtor®

Salesperson, Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.

9094 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

cell: 240-938-6060 |office: 301-441-9511 ext. 261

email: annbarrett@longandfoster.com web: HTTP://ANNBARRETT.LNFRE.COM

Honored as #1 Top Producing Agent, Long & Foster, College Park 2009 Look to me as your real estate resource!

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

MyTwoCents

Just say no to speed cameras

By Elizabeth Turčan I have always considered myself a cautious driver, so I had a bit of a shock when I was looking at a $200 fine for five speed-camera tickets from the city of New Carrollton received within a two-week time span. After reading the law and spending some hours in court, I have become decisively opposed to the use of speed cameras. With our city officials considering the addition of these cameras, here are a few reasons to say “no” to speed cameras in Hyattsville.

First of all, the system makes you guilty until proven innocent, which is in direct opposition to our justice system. Having to decide between missing work to go to court or just paying the $40 fine, most people will choose to pay the fine and be done with it.

Of the five tickets that I received, three were dismissed because they had been sent in violation

of Maryland law. Two were sent after the legal two-week window; one had an image so fuzzy it was hard to read, where the law specifies a clear picture.

But that was nothing compared to the stories I heard while sitting in court and listening to countless other cases. Several tickets were sent to owners of the wrong cars — some were even the wrong color!

“Did you even run the plates?!” yelled one angry man to the officers as he left the courtroom.

The elderly handicapped woman sitting in front of me had to drive across town to get to court to prove that the car in the picture was not hers. When you receive a citation that violates the law, the burden falls on you to prove your innocence — which means missing work (and sometimes pay) to arrive at justice.

Let us not forget another constitutional right. According to the

Sixth Amendment, we have the right to face our accuser in court.

If your speeding violation is re-

Hyattsville International Street Festival

Sept. 25, 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Queens Chapel Town Center Hamilton Street (between Ager Road & Queens Chapel Road)

corded by a machine, who exactly is your accuser? As citizens concerned with justice, let’s be mindful of these small usurpations of our rights.

Finally, let me address a practical side of the issue. While neighboring municipalities that have already adopted the speed cameras may be basking in their sudden income surge, this kind of revenue encourages financial irresponsibility. I do not believe it is sound fiscal planning to rely on money that may not be there in the future.

It’s possible that, as happened in Montgomery County, this revenue will dwindle. It is also possible that speed cameras may be abolished by future lawmakers (as happened in Arizona).

Moreover, it is simply unreasonable for our government to be raising more money from residents who are already cutting their own budgets due to loss in income.

Why can’t governments look for places to cut, as well?

Expanding revenue so greatly so rapidly would prevent our city officials from being financially responsible during these hard economic times and thinking creatively to solve fiscal challenges.

Blatantly extracting extra money from citizens, especially when done unlawfully, is never good financial policy.

Some worry that rejecting speed cameras and the added revenue will lead to police budget cuts, and therefore increased crime and a loss of security. As a mother of two young children, I’m most certainly concerned with safety.

However, I’m not willing to be the recipient of easy money at the expense of justice and the responsible, creative decision-making from our city officials.

Elizabeth Turčan has lived in Hyattsville for five years.

Featuring four steel bands on our main stage, plus international entertainment, children’s activities, and global cuisine and crafts for sale.

The event concludes with fireworks at dusk.

Visit http://www.hyattsville.org/ international or call 301-9855020 for information

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

Page 11

Commentary & opinion on history & politics

Hugh’sNews

Friends of the People?

By Hugh Turley After the BP oil well was capped in July, President Obama and his daughter Sasha swam in the Gulf of Mexico and ate some seafood from its waters. The press publicized the event and the message seemed clear that the Gulf was open for business again.

The president’s swim, at a beach barely affected by the oil, reminded me of Henrik Ibsen’s play “An Enemy of the People,” which is still fresh in my mind from its excellent and timely presentation by the Olney Theater in 2006.

Ibsen’s play is about a town in Norway that has plans to become a popular health resort with municipal baths. Real estate values are rising, unemployment is down, and everyone is poised to profit. Then the title character, Dr. Thomas Stockmann, discovers that the deaths of several bathers were caused by exposure to contamination from the town’s largest employer, a tannery.

The naive Stockmann thinks that the mayor (who is his brother) and the local newspaper editor would publicize his discovery and the problem would be addressed.

But that would likely mean closing the tannery. The community soon labels Stockmann “an enemy of the people” bent on destroying their town, and by the end of the play the citizens are hurling stones through the windows of his home.

If there is a Dr. Stockmann today warning about pollution in the Gulf, would we learn about it from the government or the mainstream news media? CNN reported recently that 40 percent of the fish harvested in the lower 48 states comes from the Gulf of Mexico. The region is also heavily dependent upon beach tourism.

News harmful to the Gulf economy can affect the entire country.

On April 24, two days after the Deep Horizon well sank, the public was reassured by the Wall Street Journal headline, “Coast

photo courtesy of the white house President Barack Obama and daughter Sasha swim in the Gulf waters.

Guard Says Oil Leak Stopped,” and the Associated Press reported, “[Rear Adm. Mary] Landry said no oil appeared to be leaking from a well head at the ocean floor, nor was any leaking at the water’s surface.”

But a few days later, on April 27, the Washington Post reported, “Crude oil continued to pour into the Gulf of Mexico at a rate of about a thousand barrels a day and oil company officials said it would take at least two to four weeks to

get it under control.” Two days later, the Post had the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimating that “oil could be pouring out of the ground at a rate of up to 5,000 barrels a day.”

During the following months, estimates continued to grow. When the well was capped on July 15, the New York Times quoted officials estimating that 53,000 barrels of oil per day had poured into the Gulf.

Before his swim, the President

said, “The long battle to stop the leak and contain the oil is finally close to coming to an end.” The government is now telling us that most of the oil has “disappeared.” During a White House briefing, the administrator of the NOAA reportedly said that “at least 50 percent of the oil that was released is now completely gone from the system, and most of the remainder is degrading rapidly or is being removed from the beaches.” This is the same agency that had estimated the leak at only 5,000 barrels a day.

BP, always to the accompaniment of very pleasant music, assures us in commercial after expensive commercial that it is “going to make things right.” Is that possible? When the livelihoods of millions of people are involved and the cost of the cleanup is overwhelming, whom do you trust?

Ibsen had tried to make a living as a journalist and knew firsthand the role of the media in establishing public confidence. He had learned what cynical opinionmolders have known for a long time: People will believe what they most want to believe, and it doesn’t take much to nudge them in that direction.

Lawson’s Pharmacy PICK-UP & DELIVERY OF PRESCRIPTIONS Ostomy Supplies, Sr. Citizen’s Discounts Convalescent Aids Sales & Rentals Richard Sabatelli, R. Ph.

301-864-4043

International Travel Vaccines 6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20782 (301) 403-8808

Yellow fever, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Malaria, Polio, etc.

Loving Care Pediatrics Janet V. Johnson, MD

6525 Belcrest Road Suite #203 Hyattsville, Maryland 20783 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

M-F 9 - 6 p.m. • Evening & Saturday hours by appointment Same day appointment available *Most Insurance Accepted*

3415 Hamilton St., Hyattsville, MD 20782

Page 12

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

volunteers

continued from page 1

city’s Green Summer Job Corps, the group of 40 brightly painted H-shaped planters adorned the H Street corridor during a construction project. With construction moving into a different phase, the squat wooden consonants needed a new home.

“They were intended as artistic place markers to highlight the fact that there has been no greenery along H Street,” said Peter Ensign, executive director of DC Greenworks. Later, they will be replaced by trees. But for now, he said, “some of them are in the way of the machinery.”

A few sharp-eyed Hyattsville city employees had long been interested in the future of the Hs. So when they learned in July that the letters would be available in less than a month, they moved quickly.

The Office of Volunteer Services tapped its network of volunteers, lining up two groups to remove and deliver the Hs on August 16.

The letters began popping up in Hyattsville parks and other public areas the next day.

On August 25 a third volunteer group, the College Park Scholars at the University of Maryland, planted flowers in them, one of a

long list of city projects they completed that day.

“There are many things that volunteers do for the city each year,” said Abby Sandel, Hyattsville’s communications manager, “efforts that many don’t notice and the city wouldn’t necessarily be able to afford.”

Resident reaction has been mixed.

“If any residents would want to have an H in their yard, we have about 20 left. They’re welcome to just come by and pick them up off the street.”

— Peter Ensign DC Greenworks

Posts on the H.O.P.E. listserv called the planters “ugly” and “trash”; the one in the University Hills Neighborhood Park (also known as the Duck Pond) sparked so many complaints that the city intervened.

The offending H was relocated to Melrose Park, and its final destination is in the hands of the University Hills Area Civic Association.

“If residents choose to ‘adopt’ the H, it will be returned,” said Ward 3 Councilmember Tim Hunt, who lives in the neighborhood.

But the response hasn’t been all negative. “I think they’re cute and funky,” said Meredith Massey, who has lived in the area for nine years.

Another longtime Hyattsville resident, Jean Smith, called it “a cool idea. I’d like to see some artists get a hold of them and do like they did to the birds,” a reference to the county’s Bird’s-I-View art installations, which can still be seen outside various businesses and residences in the city.

The planter boxes come in five colors — yellow, orange, pink, purple and blue. The city plans to stencil them in a way that identifies them with Hyattsville and is considering other decorative options. Project H is not envisioned as a permanent addition to the cityscape, so enjoy them while you can.

Or you can get one of your very own; Ensign says about half of the planters are still up for grabs. “If any residents would want to have an H in their yard, we have about 20 left,” he offered. “They’re welcome to just come by and pick them up off the street.”

Since the 4-foot-by-3-foot structures weigh in at about 200 pounds, though, aspiring owners couldn’t really do that on a whim.

“They should call our office and we can help figure out the logistics,” Ensign clarified. “They’re free; we just ask that people send us a picture of where the Hs are sited and what they did with them.”

To view photos of the Project H moving process, visit the city’s website at www.hyattsville.org and Facebook.com/cityofhyattsville, respectively. To contact DC Greenworks, call 202.518.6195 or e-mail info@dcgreenworks.org.

photo courtesy of the city of hyattsville Elaine Stookey started as city treasurer this month.

treasurer

continued from page 1

ernment Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada, where she served as co-chair of the Women’s Network. She also is a member of Maryland Government Finance

“I love governmental accounting.

I love accounting, period.”

— Elaine Stookey new city treasurer

Officers Association. She is on this organization’s Special Review Committee, which reviews Comprehensive Annual Finan-

cial Reports of member jurisdictions.

“One of my goals,” she added, “is to prepare a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Hyattsville. It explains the overall operations of the city and what the year’s highlights are.”

Stookey has two children. Her daughter is a harpist who lives in Fairfax, Virginia and teaches music there. (Stookey’s instrument is the piano.) Her son will go to Marine boot camp in October.

She said she prefers accounting in government to accounting in the private sector.

“I love governmental accounting,” she commented. She paused, then added, “I love accounting, period.”

Mayor Bill Gardiner said, “The city was fortunate to find an experienced professional with Elaine’s skills and enthusiasm for local government.”

BRICK WORK PLUS Specializing in maSonry & Small concrete conStruction FOr yOur cOnStructiOn neeDS, call uS at

Scrubnik Lawn Care, Inc. Quality Service since 1985

301-864-8161 • Fax 301-864-0013

Office: 4318 Hamilton St. #106 • Hyattsville, MD 20781

George W. Reaves, Owner

Annual Maintenance Contracts For As Low As $200 per Month

TRAIN PRINTING COMPANY

Governmental, Commercial and Residential Accounts

Offset Printing • Digital Color Printing Design & Layout • Photocopying • Fax

Clean-ups, Mulching, Hand weeding, Fertilization, Aeration, Seeding, Sodding, and Flat Flagstone Installation

Quality trees, plants and flowers delivered and installed. Professional landscape design.

301.864.6020 4621 42nd Place | scrubnik@verizon.net |www.scrubnik.com Scrubnik also delivers bulk red and brown shredded mulch.

Free estimates. 10% discount for new customers w/coupon.

Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

301-864-5552 • Fax 301-864-0740 e: info@trainprinting.com www.trainprinting.com

4547 Rhode Island Avenue • Brentwood, MD 20722

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

Page 13 a store we would have!” said longtime resident Gloria Thompson, who pressed to know when someone might take a rag to the area behind the vending machines.

“Tonight, Ms. Thompson, tonight,” promised a weary-looking Nell.

But two weeks later, Thompson said, dirt was still lurking behind the ice machine, among other places: “Someone needs to stand over the cleaning crew and say, ‘You need to clean under here and behind here.’ ” Besides cleaning, residents suggested a variety of improvements, from restriping the parking lot to adding more motorized carts. Afterwards, according to Nell, seven people signed up to be on a task force that would continue to work with store officials on improvements.

For some, those improvements can’t come soon enough.

“When I first moved here 15 years ago, the first comment card I sent said that you should be ashamed of yourself for redlining,” said Victoria Moss, referring to the illegal practice of limiting commercial services in certain neighborhoods. “I still feel that way. I can’t shop there anymore.”

But TenEyck said, “The same trucks deliver to all our area stores. You’re getting the same produce that Georgetown gets. Of course,” he added, “the truck might stop in Georgetown first.”

“This community has been loyal even when they haven’t been treated very well,” said Del. Anne Healey, one of many elected officials present and a Hyattsville Hills resident for more than 30 years. “They deserve to see some changes.”

venture a guess on that. I know there are a number of projects in the pipeline and capital has already been committed to them.”

The company has been reluctant to invest in the Hyattsville store, he said, because of a possible relocation to University Town Center. In 2006, UTC announced that a new 56,000-square-foot Safeway would open during the winter of 2008. So far, financial pressures have prevented the developer from building it.

“Now that it appears that the prospects of the new store are dim, we need to invest in upgrades [at this one],” said TenEyck.

That sentiment seemed to be unanimous among the crowd. Several spoke passionately in favor of keeping the store where it is, citing its walker-friendly location and easy parking — a sharp contrast, they said, from the traffic-congested area around the proposed location.

“Now that I’m retired, I have time to go to the Giant and deal with all the traffic over there,” said one of many retirees in the crowd. “But not everybody wants to do that.”

TenEyck was joined by store manager Nikki Nell and District Manager Eric Gronbeck at the meeting, which was organized and facilitated by Ward 1 Councilmember Douglas Dudrow. The officials were mostly silent in the face of criticism ranging from expired products to broken freezers to unspecified “deli issues,” as one speaker put it.

“If you took the loss incurred because of the way you handle your products, and spent it on soap and water instead, what

OLD DOMINION

BREWHOUSE & RESTAURANT Daily Happy Hour Specials Mon. - Fri. 4-7 pm Appetizers as low as $2.00 Come enjoy all the games on our 25 HDTVs

301-887-1818

Venue is available for private parties, meetings and birthdays

BACK TO SCHOOL

photo by chris currie Schoolchildren re-enacted a September ritual dating back more than a century in Hyattsville, bidding summer fun goodbye and heading towards a new school year.

all you can eat

china buffet University Town Center Across from Royal 14 Theaters 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD

Shrimp • Snow Crab Legs • Sushi • Salmon • Mussels • Fish • Salad • Fruit Salad • Seafood • Soup • General Tso’s Chicken • Seafood Delight • Ice Cream • Cake • And MUCH MORE!

301-887-1991

15% OFF

Entire Dinner Check (Min. $20)

Valid only at Old Dominion Brewhouse. Discount does not apply to daily specials or happy hour.

Coupon may not be combined with any other offer.

Expires 9/30/2010.

Belcrest Rd.

University Town Center • Next to PG Plaza 6504 America Blvd. #105 Hyattsville, MD

PG PLAZA MALL

15% OFF

Parking 2 HRS FREE Parking 2 HRS FREE

Old Dominion China Buffet Tokyo Sushi East West Hwy.

Adelphi Rd.

continued from page 1

America Blvd.

safeway

1

Entire Dinner Check (Min. $15)

Coupon valid only at Tokyo Sushi and China Buffet. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 9/30/2010.

Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2010

autumn is coming

there’s no better time to buy a new house!

CURRENTLY LISTED WITH LARRY: 4423 39th St. 4004 30th St. 4306 29th St. 4305 29th St. 7214 16th Ave. 2208 Woodberry St. 3105 Webster St. 3450 Toledo Ter. 4806 Lexington Ave. 8455 Greenbelt Rd. 2214 Banning Place UNDER CONTRACT 3817 Newark Rd

Call

$269,000 $169,995 $199,000 $334,500 $329,995 $247,000 $299,000 $97,000 $275,000 $139,995 $199,995 $215,900

CONDOMINIUMS

Greenbriar Condominium $125,995 - $169,995 Hunting Ridge Condominium $129,995 - $149,900 Maryland Farms Condominium $144,000 - $155,900 Montpelier Village Condominum $109,995 - $155,900

LARRY PERRIN

LARRY PERRIN PROPERTIES

Realtor ®

“THE” Hyattsville Realtor ® since 1977

301.983.0601 • 301.220.2229 Selling Your Home? Free Home Value Estimate!

If your home is currently listed by another Realtor ®, please disregard this offer. It is not my intention to solicit the offerings of other brokers.