02-2023 Hyattsville Life & Times

WHERE'S THE MONEY?: Find out where the $2.75 billion PGCPS budget is likely headed. P. 2

BLACK-OWNED SOHY BUSINESS: 'The HyLife' profiles Whistle Stop tattoo studio owner. P. 3

City animal control code updated

Part-time animal control liaison position created

By Dan Behrend

At its Dec. 5, 2022 meeting, the Hyattsville City Council adopted the Animal Welfare and Community Safety Act, an ordinance that updates the city’s animal control code.

After two years of consideration, discussion and revision by the council, the new ordinance went into effect on Dec. 25, 2022.

MAKING ART, RELIVING MEMORIES

By Heather Marléne Zadig

Devoted fans of Little Miner Taco in Brentwood rave over their signature birria de res beef tacos, loaded nachos and chicken tinga empanadas, but there’s so much more to the restaurant than its crave-worthy Mexican street food. Perched in an unpretentious white rectangular block of a building along Rhode Island Avenue, it can be easy to miss, but the restaurant earns

Sending redistricting lessons into the future

By Heather Marléne Zadig

As city residents process changes to ward boundaries from the recent redistricting, participants in the complex undertaking have been reflecting and recording lessons for the next round. At its Dec. 19, 2022, meeting, the Hyattsville City Council voted 10–1 to approve the final map, known as Council Requests Map (Option B), after the initial

two proposed maps were rejected on Nov. 7, 2022, and sent back to the Hyattsville Redistricting Commission for revision.

During the Nov. 21, 2022, council meeting, Councilmember Sam Denes (Ward 1) expressed dismay that councilmembers had requested changes to the commission’s proposed maps, saying it undermined the independent nature of the commission.

Denes said in a recent email to the Hy-

attsville Life & Times (HL&T) that, although he felt the final map was “fundamentally a good map,” he opposed its adoption because he felt the process was “unnecessarily political,” though not partisan or nefarious. Specific council requests included Council President Joseph Solomon (Ward 5) seeking a map that would align Wards 4 and 5 closer to the West Hyattsville-Queens Chapel Sector

CENTER SECTION:

Winifred Weaver shows off the hat and vest she created during the fall 2022 Wear Your Story art class series, hosted by Art Works Now in a partnership with the City of Hyattsville. Read the story on P. 11. COURTESY OF ART WORKS NOW

School board reviews proposed $2.75B budget, seeks comments

By Kit Slack

In a Feb. 3 interview, state Sen. Alonzo T. Washington said a top concern he hears when he knocks on doors in Prince George’s County is about school funding: “They all say, ‘Where does the money go?’”

This month, county residents have an opportunity to take a close look at county school funding and voice their opinions. The Prince George’s County school board is holding work sessions and hearings on a proposed $2.75 billion annual operating budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Monica Goldson, CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), presented the draft budget to the school board in December 2022, saying her focus for the coming year will be on math, school climate and mental health.

COMPENSATION AND STAFFING

Goldson is budgeting for 20,857 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions next year to serve approximately 130,000 students attending the county’s 204 schools. This level of staffing represents an increase of about 500 positions.

During her presentation, Goldson highlighted a $94 million increase in employee compensation, which includes wage increases agreed to in the county’s contract with the local teachers union that was ratified in September 2022.

According to The Washington Post, some certified teachers in high-needs schools will see raises of as much as $22,000 next school year under the contract.

At a Feb. 2 school board meeting, Kristi Murphy Baldwin, PGCPS chief human resources officer, said that her office calculates that teachers who spend 20 years with the county school system make more money than teachers with any other school district in the D.C. area.

Baldwin also noted a crisis in teacher staffing at the meeting and discussed recruitment efforts at local historically Black colleges and universities, as well as local programs designed to encourage students and those seeking a career change to pursue teaching.

Employee compensation, including wages and benefits, come to $2.2 billion in the draft budget — more than 80% of the total. The second largest expense is for contracted services, about

Managing Editor for the Hyattsville Life and Times Sought

Streetcar Suburbs Publishing is seeking a managing editor for this newspaper, the Hyattsville Life and Times.

The managing editor is responsible for connecting story ideas with writers and photographers, editing copy as it comes in, monitoring beats, and attending city events as needed.

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$355 million, or 13% of the total.

Goldson proposes adding 26 full-time school-based technology coordinators, each assigned to support a small cluster of schools, at a cost of $3.8 million. The budget also adds $4.7 million for 60 new FTE positions at early childhood centers.

FUNDING AND PROCESS

Goldson’s budget forecasts that county schools will receive $1.4 billion from the state, $970 million from the county and $230 million from the federal government. About $74 million of the state contribution will come through the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future program, much of it targeting areas of concentrated poverty.

The state and county governments are each forecast to contribute about $110 million more than they did during the last fiscal year; this increase is due to changes in the state-aid formulas and required county contributions. Federal funding will decrease by about $84 million as pandemic relief programs expire. Funds for school construction and repairs are part of a separate capital improvement budget.

nual expenses of $258 million for fiscal year 2024.

The school board can amend the operating budget this spring, after which it will go to the county council as a budget request and then back to the school board for final approval in June.

SCHOOL BOARD CONTROVERSY RECEDING; LEADERSHIP IN FLUX

Board-level budget meetings in January and February have been courteous and collegial, following two years of significant controversy among board members that often left the school board at an impasse.

Former Board Chair Juanita Miller refused to step down this summer after County Executive Angela Alsobrooks called on her to do so; Miller posted a public defense which remains on the board’s website.

Miller is still on the board but stepped down as chair in December 2022. The board struggled to find a majority willing to support a replacement but finally elected former vice chair Judy Mickens-Murray on Jan. 12.

On Jan. 5, CEO Goldson announced her retirement, ef-

year, when her current contract ends. She cited political infighting among members of the board of education in an email announcement. Goldson has worked for PGCPS for nearly 20 years and has served as CEO of county schools since July 2018.

NEW OVERSIGHT PROPOSED

State Sen. Washington announced Jan. 27 that he is again advocating, at the state level, for establishment of a permanent office within PGCPS charged with reducing waste, fraud and abuse. This office would be independent of the school board, and would replace the county schools’ internal audit department, which is budgeted in the draft for 28 FTE positions.

The Prince George’s County House Delegation supports the initiative, and Washington said that the county council does, too. Washington hopes that an independent, politically insulated office could help increase public confidence that money allocated to the county public schools is well spent.

The next public hearing on the county’s school budget will be held on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m.

For details on how to participate in a hearing, go to pgcps.org/offices/ board-of-education/participate-in-aboard-meeting-or-a-public-hearing.

For more information on the draft budget, go to pgcps.org/offices/ budget-and-management-services.

Whistle Stop tattoo: Reckoning with the past to leave a mark on the future

By Jessica Arends

In honor of Black History Month, I sat down with tattoo artist and Hyattsville native Shawn Brown and his wife, Michelle Roberts, to discuss their experiences growing up in the area and opening their tattoo business, Whistle Stop Studio, five years ago on Gallatin Street.

Tucked up on the second floor of the SOHY Arts Building in the warm space of their shop, we sat surrounded by twisting, colorful images of skulls, animals and human figures, as well as a wall of black-and-white family photos. Brown shared stories of his childhood as he traced his fingers along the pictures, including framed family photos from the Hyattsville and Prince George’s County editions of the Images of America book series.

Brown grew up in the 1970s along Route 1, in a house on property now occupied by the Palette at Arts District apartments. He described his house as the last one standing on the property, alongside a few car repair shops and the old Lustine building. Brown remembers

feeling isolated from his friends, as they mostly lived on the other side of Route 1, yet fortunate, as the wilderness surrounding the train tracks was his very own to explore.

Brown was raised Catholic with a large extended family that lived throughout

the city and in the Melrose area where the Melrose Skatepark now stands. Brown spent time with aunts, uncles and cousins — including cousin Charles “Queenie” Queen who assisted at the Hyattsville Hardware Co. store, now home to Franklins. As they do today, the sound of

trains echoed throughout his childhood — hence the name of his tattoo shop.

We discussed the current political climate, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how history books don’t always give the full story when it comes to race and race relations.

“America is still trying to figure itself out of the whole situation of race,” Brown said. “We need to go through periods of chaos in order to make progress.”

As a child, Brown heard stories of his family's encounters with segregation and racism. Family members couldn't go to the movie theater across the street; Carrie, Brown's grandmother, could only ride in the back of the streetcars which ran alongside his family's property.

As a kid working odd jobs around town, including sweeping the Lustine building, Brown was subjected to charged comments from people. “There were constant reminders of your place or class. It sticks with you,” Brown said.

Brown spoke of the importance of learning about all facets of U.S. history, even the painful ones. “No one wants to feel bad, or we say, ‘Oh, that was in the past.’ But I still have to walk around with that in the back of my psyche.”

Roberts reflected on how growing up in Colesville, just 10 miles away, provided a more racially diverse experience for her as a child. She explained that since people are sometimes surprised to learn Hyattsville was segregated, she, as a white per-

Shawn Brown and his wife, Michelle Roberts, in their Whistle Stop tattoo studio located in the SOHY Arts Building on Gallatin Street JESSICA ARENDS

ZERO WASTE OF TIME

Energy-saving habits to warm your winter

By Juliette Fradin

Winter time is here, and even though we would like to cozy up inside and hibernate in a warm cocoon, heating our homes is becoming more expensive than ever. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects a surge in home heating costs for 2022-23 in the Northeast region: an increase of 17% for natural gas and 11% for electricity compared to last winter. Rising energy costs are linked to higher fuel prices (resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine), a colder winter than last year and increased energy consumption.

Although the shorter days and longer nights of winter pull us indoors more, we can still be mindful of our energy use and try to rein in our carbon footprint. Consider these practical ways to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions this winter:

■ Adjust your thermostat. According to the Department of Energy, the ideal temperature

for your home in winter is 68 F for comfort and to save energy. Lower it at night between 60 to 67 F and when nobody’s home. The World Health Organization recommends 64.4 F for most healthy adults. Use programmable and smart thermostats to automate these changes.

■ Adjust your water heater’s temperature. Keep the temperature set at 120 F, and consider adding an insulated blanket that wraps around the tank to prevent heat loss. Or install a water heater timer and set it to run just when you need it. Also, the next time you need to replace your hot water heater,

consider going tankless to drastically cut your energy bill costs.

■ Close doors and vents in unused rooms. If you have a guest or storage room you rarely use, close off all vents in the room and shut all doors so you don’t heat uninhabited space.

■ Change your furnace filters. Keep your HVAC system running at peak efficiency by changing the filter at least every 90 days.

■ Clean your refrigerator coils. Your fridge has to work extra hard when its condenser coils are dirty, so try to clean them thoroughly once a year.

■ Unplug unused electronics to avoid “phantom load” (or “vampire energy”), the electricity a plugged device uses even when it’s turned off. Think of chargers, computers, printers, coffeemakers, microwave ovens and so on. Or use a smart strip surge protector that you can turn off.

■ Air dry dishes in the dishwasher. Choose an express or delicate wash cycle that doesn’t include a full drying session. Once the dishwasher is done, simply crack the door open a

few inches and let the dishes finish air-drying. Check if your appliance has an automatic airdry setting. And remember to always fully load the dishwasher before washing.

■ Turn off your oven early and preheat only if you must. Turn the oven or stove off a few minutes before your meal is ready and let the heat finish the job for you. For foods that require long cooking times, preheating the oven is often unnecessary.

■ Close the damper when not using the fireplace.

■ Close the curtains at night. Windows cause heat loss as they are not as insulated as walls. Cover them up with insulated thermal curtains during the night to reduce heat loss.

■ Use cellular (or honeycomb) shades. The cell pockets trap air around the windows and drastically prevent heat from escaping your home in winter and entering in summer. They keep the room warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Look for ones made from

recycled materials.

■ Stay warm with clothes, blankets and socks. It’s much more cost-effective to warm your body than your house.

■ Place rugs on hard floors. And even on your walls! Rugs can work as wall hangings to add more insulation to a room.

With the onset of 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 helps consumers to switch from fossil fuels to electricity, thanks to rebates and tax credits through 2032. Next time you need to make some home improvements, you can claim up to 30% of the cost of new qualifying windows, solar panels, heat pumps, electric stoves and more.

Most of these tips can save you money all year long. The goal is not to be perfect all the time but to do what is right for the earth … and your wallet!

Juliette Fradin writes about ecofriendly living for the Hyattsville Life & Times

When the weather outside is frightful, cozy up with your favorite hot drink in hand.

JULIETTE FRADIN PHOTOGRAPHY

The bill’s sponsor, Councilmember Danny Schaible (Ward 2), said, “The biggest challenge of this is finding something that is the right size for Hyattsville and finding a solution that can function in a city of our size.” He concluded, “I think we landed in the right spot.”

Schaible introduced the legislation in December 2020 to address community concerns about unclear animal control regulations and haphazard enforcement, as well as to position the city to better address issues of aggressive animals and the humane treatment of pets. On Oct. 4, 2021, the council authorized the city attorney to draft the ordinance.

That draft ordinance was discussed at the Oct. 3, 2022, city council meeting. While many residents spoke in support of the ordinance, a number expressed concerns about specific provisions or the meaning of certain terms.

A further updated version of the ordinance was included as an action item at the Nov. 21, 2022, city council meeting. Based on public and council feedback at the October meeting, the revised ordinance included procedures for issuing citations for improperly tethered dogs, a provision that was inadvertently dropped during the drafting process; additional definitions to clarify terms like “public nuisance animal” and “severe weather” in alignment with state and county law; and certain exceptions for service animals and K9 police dogs. A summary of the changes, which were ultimately adopted by council, were included in a presentation prior to the council’s vote.

The ordinance created a part-time city staff position of animal control liaison, who will provide residents with a point of contact for animal control information and help coordinate between county and city departments.

The city selected Cinthia Manzano as the new community support coordinator, who serves as the animal control liaison and provides additional community services support. Some residents may recognize Manzano from her previous role as the city’s front desk receptionist.

During discussion at the Nov. 21, 2022, council meeting, City Administrator Tracey Douglas noted that she expects Manzano will help the county’s animal services division provide better service in the city and “take some pressure off” of residents trying to get a response from the county.

Douglas said, “We expect [county] animal control to keep doing their job. We expect this will help them do it with a little more urgency.”

During the November public comment session, however, two residents expressed concern about the city’s decision to continue to rely on the county enforcement of animal control complaints, rather than increasing city enforcement. One resident said, “[Section] 52-8 states that the city is basically going to delegate all the enforcement of the animal code to the county. … Citizens have brought forth these concerns and asked for a stronger code because the county has

City residents can contact the new animal control liaison by calling 301.985.5000 or by emailing animalsupport@ hyattsville.org.

The city website notes, however, that the city’s liaison “is not responsible for responding to active animal control issues, including reports of sick or injured wildlife. If you need emergency assistance with an animal incident, please call 911. All other incidents should first be reported to the county's animal services division at 301.780.7200.”

Residents should also be aware that neither the city nor the county address issues with sick or injured wild animals (e.g., deer). Those concerns should be reported to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Services at 877.463.6497, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Outside of business hours, residents should contact the Maryland Natural Resources Police’s 24-hour dispatch at 410.260.8888.

not been responsive. So, they’re asking the city to take responsibility for enforcing this code.”

In December 2019, the county adopted a comprehensive update to its animal control code. The update included provisions to better address issues of animal neglect, like providing animals with proper shelter and prohibiting the tethering or chaining of dogs for long periods of time. The county update also gave the county more options to take action against owners of dangerous or potentially dangerous animals.

However, even after the update of the county’s ordinance, many city residents continue to express frustration about the lack of resources for and enforcement of animal control complaints. In 2021, citizen group Residents United for Furry Friends, or RUFF, shared data showing that county animal control made over 5,000 visits, including 186 for animal bites, in the Hyattsville area between 2015 and 2020.

The county’s animal services division is funded for 16 full-time animal control officers, but three of those positions were unfilled during 2022 due to retirements, attrition and difficulty hiring. The division’s current operating budget included salary increases to help address attrition and fill open positions. In 2022, animal control received 8,637 service calls and investigated 1,884 animal cruelty and neglect cases county-wide.

Back to the roots

By Imke Ahlf-Wien

Eating locally, even just a small portion of your meals, means getting in sync with the seasons.

As we’re reaching the peak of winter, I am reminded that there are months when fresh produce is harder to find. During winter, opportunities to purchase local produce almost come to a halt. Most area farmers markets have closed, and even at markets that stay open, regular vendors have taken a break and will be back in the spring.

A few farmers markets are still open and have hardy vendors every week. At the Riverdale Park Farmers Market (currently open every Thursday from 3 to 6:30 p.m. at 6220 Rhode Island Avenue, Riverdale Park), Cat’s Paw Organic Farm offers a mix of produce like spinach, Brussels sprouts and green onions from their fields; zucchini and tomatoes from their greenhouse; and potatoes, sweet potatoes and beets from a winter storage unit. While a December snowfall hit McCleaf’s Orchard, located in southern Pennsylvania, they’re still offering produce, including apples and pears, from their winter storage.

Roasted Root Vegetables

(serves 4-6)

This colorful side dish combines produce found at the Riverdale Park Farmers Market that can be stored in a root cellar: potatoes, sweet potatoes and beets. You can use whatever root vegetables you have on hand; carrots, parsnips, rutabagas and turnips would all be great together. Cutting the vegetables into pieces that are roughly the same size will allow them to cook at the same rate; I like bite-size chunks.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes

2 medium yellow potatoes

2 medium beets

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil

½ teaspoon sea salt or more to taste

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425 F and position a shelf in the middle. Peel the vegetables, removing any stems or leaves, and chop into uniform chunks. Place the chopped vegetables in a bowl. Add oil, salt and pepper; mix well. Cover a sheet pan with parchment paper, and spread the vegetables in a single layer. Bake for 20 minutes, then sprinkle with thyme and rosemary. Continue to bake until the vegetables are tender and start to caramelize, about 10 to 15 minutes.

McCleaf’s also has root vegetables and winter squash from their root cellar. Now that phrase sounds almost magical to me! I grew up in Germany in the 1980s, and our home had an area in the

basement that was cool, slightly damp and earthy smelling — a perfect place to store potatoes, onions and apples — as well as pickled cucumbers in a large clay jar.

McCleaf’s farmer Brady Griest explained that their oldfashioned root cellar is located underneath the 200-year-old farmhouse that has been in his family for five generations. The root cellar’s stone and rock walls and floors keep conditions damp and cool, and water flows along the floor on rainy days. The root cellar's ideal conditions don’t call for any additional cooling, keeping costs down.

According to almanac.com, a root cellar “is any storage location that uses the natural cooling, insulating, and humidifying properties of the earth.” For ideal storage, “it should hold a temperature of 32 to 40 F and a humidity level of 85 to 95 percent.”

It’s tough to find root cellars in and around Hyattsville, though. Even the older houses in the Historic District, homes that were built in the mid- to late-1800s, didn’t typically have a room or an outbuilding like this.

Fortunately, Gloria FelixThompson, president of the Hyattsville Preservation Associa-

tion, pointed me to the Hitching Post Hill, also known as Ash Hill and Ash Land. The mansion was built in 1740 and sits on a quiet cul-de-sac in the city’s University Hills neighborhood. Its owner, Randy Fletcher, kindly showed me the property, including the spring house, which is now used as a shed. The structure used to house a working well and is naturally cool and damp — those ideal conditions for a root cellar. Seeing it, I could imagine it full of root vegetables in the deep of winter.

This column was inspired by the first chapter of Full Moon Feast: Food and the Hunger for Connection by Jessica Prentice. I’d also like to thank Gloria Felix-Thompson and members of the Hyattsville Preservation Association for their invaluable help with this article.

Imke Ahlf-Wien is a nutrition educator with a passion for fresh, locally procured foods.

The former spring house at Hitching Post Hill Mansion IMKE AHLF-WIEN

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Our list of events sponsored by local nonprofits, arts organizations and performance venues, occurring between Feb. 10 and March 10; all information is current as of Feb. 2. For events and meetings organized by the City of Hyattsville, see the Hyattsville Reporter in the newspaper’s centerfold.

Please send notices of events that will take place between March 11 and April 8 to managingeditor@hyattsvillelife. com by March 3.

RECURRING

Busboys and Poets hosts an open mic for poets every Thursday. $5. 8 to 10 p.m. 5331 Baltimore Ave. 301.779.2787. Busboysandpoets.com

Weekly acoustic blues jams, in the Piedmont blues tradition. Proof of vaccination required; masks, too, unless singing or playing a harmonica or horn. Free. Saturdays 1 to 5 p.m. Archie Edwards Blues Foundation, 4502 Hamilton St. acousticblues.com

Sharpen your drawing skills in a relaxed, informal setting at Hyattsville figure drawing group's drop-in drawing sessions at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center. Sessions consist of several short warm-up poses and a single sustained pose for the duration of the session. Bring your own art supplies; drawing boards and chairs provided. $20/session or $75/5-session punch card or $15/session for Pyramid Atlantic members. Tuesdays, 6 to 9 p.m. 4218 Gallatin St. hyattsvillefiguredrawing@ gmail.com

ONGOING

A Collaboration of Creativity: Print Work of David C. Driskell. As an artist, Driskell is best known for his modernist paintings, collages and prints. In 2003, Driskell began a collaboration with master printer Curlee R. Holton. Together, they produced over 40 creative projects with two still in progress at the time of Driskell’s passing. For this exhibit, Holton shares a curated grouping of approximately 30 prints made with Driskell. Feb. 11 to March 19. Free. Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, 4218 Gallatin St. 301.608.9101

The Uhuru Quilters Guild, a group of 80 predominantly African American quilters

who meet monthly to share work, challenge skills and inspire future projects, has a mission to promote the work and accomplishments of African American quilters and preserve the traditions, culture, and history of quilting. Come see a collection of their masterful quilts at the Brentwood Arts Exchange.

Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. 301.277.2863

FEBRUARY 12

Boardgame Sunday at Maryland Meadworks. Bring your own games or borrow some (for free). Kids welcome with mead-drinking adults. Free. 2 to 5 p.m. 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee.

201.955.9644

FEBRUARY 18

Paint Branch Creek — featuring musicians Eric Maring, Allison Hughes, Greg Heelan, Patrick Lynch and Arun Ivatury, with lyrics by Eric Olson — is an acoustic musical collaboration rooted firmly in Americana. Free. 7 to 10 p.m. Maryland Meadworks, 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee.

201.955.9644

As part of the Freedom Stories initiative, three Black poets and a white poet from the D.C. area will share their moving poetry

about the troubled history of the Woodlawn Plantation in Alexandria, Va. Paywhat-you-wish starting at $10. 7 to 9 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. Joesmovement.org

FEBRUARY 22

Coffee and a Classic: Spend an afternoon at the Hyattsville Public Library for coffee and tea plus a screening of the 1940’s classic “His Girl Friday,” starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell. Grant plays a newspaper editor who uses every trick in the book to keep his ace reporter ex-wife

from remarrying. 1 to 3 p.m. 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451

MARCH 5

Family Film Day and Dressup: Dress to impress as your favorite regal or adventurous cosplay character as we feature the groundbreaking 1997 film version of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” featuring an all-star cast, including Brandi, Whitney Houston and Whoopi Goldberg. Purchase tickets through pgparksdirect.com.

$5. 2 p.m. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301.277.1710

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MARCH 9

Kick off Women’s History

Month with a dazzling tribute featuring the music of Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Marvelettes, Tammi Terrell, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin and more. Spread the word, and bring your friends for a matinee concert of Motown music. Ages 60+. Purchase tickets through pgparksdirect. com. $10. 11 a.m. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301.277.1710

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MISS FLORIBUNDA

Saving beans by sowing seeds

Dear Miss Floribunda,

I've been looking at the HHS seed sale website published in last month’s column. I’m tempted to try to buy seeds for the first time in my life. I have a garden but usually buy bedding plants and vegetables in six-packs.

I think I could save a lot of money if I bought seeds and started them in six-packs myself. Can you give me some do’s and don’ts? Especially don’ts! You’ve heard the saying “Experience is the name we give to our failures.” Well, let’s just say that I would rather not have to learn from painful experience.

Inexperienced on Ingraham Street

Dear Inexperienced,

I’m glad that you have looked at the seed sale feature on the Hyattsville Horticultural Society (HHS) website, hyattsvillehorticulture.org/seeds. Not only will it show you what is for sale, what the prices are, and how to order, but it will give you descriptions and pictures of each offering from the Charles C. Hart and Southern Exposure companies, as well.

Furthermore, if you scroll down to the “Seed-starting resources” section, you can see a seed-starting calendar and a

PowerPoint presentation and handout showing you how to start seeds, maintain seedlings and harden them off for planting outdoors. I will give you a thumbnail sketch here.

Perhaps the first thing to know is what can be planted directly outside and what has to be planted indoors. Next, timing is important. Most seed packets, including those from HHS providers, will specify the best times to plant. Outdoor planting can start as early as late February in our microclimate.

As always, I consulted Dr. Greenjeans for advice about indoor planting, but I also asked guidance from Giorgic Vegeberghe, who often prefers to sow directly outside, as well.

Seeds for cool-weather plants like peas, including the flowering variety, should be planted as soon as the ground is soft enough to dig if you expect to get crops before hot weather comes. Spinach and lettuce seeds can be sown outdoors as early as late March. Carrots are best sown in mid-April for a July harvest, and then again in midAugust for late-autumn and early-winter harvests. Seeds for beets can be planted four weeks before the last expected frost. Rapini, or broccoli rabe, develops quickly and keeps producing side shoots after the head

is harvested. It can be sown directly outdoors two weeks before the last expected frost.

Southern Exposure’s specialty is heat-tolerant vegetables. Its salad bowl loose leaf lettuce is ready in 40 days and stays sweet even after the weather warms up. Both companies carry wonderful varieties of corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, squashes and other vegetables and flowers to plant when the soil warms. However, all of these can be started indoors as well for a head start.

Dr. Greenjeans warns me that a windowsill, even if it faces south, will not provide enough light for early seed starting indoors. If, like most of us, you don’t have a greenhouse, you will need extra light from lamps or grow lights. Grow lights are a bit of an investment, but they will pay for themselves if you are going to start plants indoors on a yearly basis. You might also want to invest in heating pads because many seeds germinate much more slowly when soil temperature is below 70 F.

The seed packets will list how long it takes the seeds to germinate, as well as when seeds can be planted directly outside. Use the latter as your settingout dates for your seedlings. All seedlings started indoors will need to be hardened off

Yard by Yard Makeovers

— gradually introduced to full sun, wind and outdoor temperatures. Now, when you set a date for planting seeds, don’t forget to factor in some time between the appearance of the first sprouts and hardeningoff before planting. Right now is not too early to start quite a number of vegetables and flowers.

Of course, make sure your soil is sterile. If you have kept and want to use the plastic sixpacks from last year’s plantings, make sure you have washed and disinfected them — first with soapy water to remove all traces of soil, and then with a bleach solution. Or, you can imitate my cousin Parsimony and use egg crates and even eggshell halves. However, I think a beginner would do well to buy

WHISTLE STOP

FROM PAGE 3

son, makes it a point to bring up this important part of the city’s past. “You have to know the history,” Roberts said. “You have to acknowledge it in order to deal with it and move forward.”

As a teenager, Brown found community in the District’s punk rock scene, which is how he eventually connected with tattoo artists and learned his craft. He first apprenticed with D.C. artists, honing his skills in the classic tattoo style and in meticulous sanitation standards. After 20 years of tattooing in street shops in Maryland and the District, he landed back in his hometown, opening his own business. Brown points out that Whistle Stop offers private tattoo appointments, a model that other tattoo businesses are emulating.

“It is gratifying to now own a business across the street from where I grew up, in a building full of so many other creative Black business owners, and to see how Hyattsville's diversity has progressed,” said Brown. Other Black-owned businesses in the SOHY building include the Little Inkplay Shop, Love Your Roots hair salon, the Trap Factory Studio and Gremlin’s Tattoo Lounge.

Brown and Roberts expressed deep gratitude to the Hyattsville community for the business support they’ve been given, especially during the pandemic. They received a small business grant from the

sterile peat pots. They can be popped directly into the ground later without disturbing the root system of the young plants. Finally, check your pots daily to see that the soil stays uniformly moist — neither dry nor sopping wet. The roots of seedlings don’t penetrate very far, so there is no need for deep watering. It’s better not to use tap water for irrigation, but distilled water, or — better still — rain water you have trapped. I wish I could invite you to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society, but it hasn’t been determined yet. Please keep checking the website for updates.

Miss Floribunda writes about gardening for the Hyattsville Life & Times. You may email her at missfloribundav@gmail.com.

city and several donations from residents — clients, friends and other small business owners, some of whom hadn’t been previously connected to the shop but wanted to show support.

“One of the most amazing things about the pandemic was people being able to see each other’s humanity,” Brown said.

“It’s nice to know somebody is thinking about the little guy, too.”

Jessica Arends is the arts, culture and lifestyle columnist for the Hyattsville Life & Times.

“America is still trying to figure itself out of the whole situation of race. We need to go through periods of chaos in order to make progress.”

Shawn Brown Hyattsville native and Whistle Stop tattoo studio owner

The Hyattsville Reporter

We need you, Hyattsville! Based on feedback collected at the January Sustainability Plan Prioritization sessions, we have a few final questions for your input at HelloHyattsville. com through the end of February. Don’t miss your chance to share your opinions and shape the final five-year Community Sustainability Plan! Head to HelloHyattsville. com and comment today!

¡Te necesitamos, Hyattsville! Basándonos en los comentarios recopilados en las sesiones de Priorización del Plan de Sostenibilidad de enero, tenemos algunas preguntas finales para su opinión en HelloHyattsville.com hasta finales de febrero. ¡No pierda la oportunidad de compartir sus opiniones y dar forma al Plan de Sostenibilidad Comunitaria final de cinco años! ¡Vaya a HelloHyattsville. com y comente hoy mismo!

VOTE & LEAD LOCAL!

The City of Hyattsville will host a vote-by-mail election on May 9 for residents to elect a Mayor and Councilmembers for each of the City’s five wards. The deadline to register or submit an alternative mailing address to receive a ballot by mail is March 17. Previously registered voters will automatically be mailed a ballot and an election guide in early April. Same-day registration and in-person voting will also be available at the Hyattsville City Building on Election Day. A reminder that your Ward may have changed because of the 2022 redistricting process. You can verify your voter registration status and Ward at hyattsville.org/vote.

Be a voice for your community as a member of the Hyattsville City Council! Residents interested in running for Mayor or Councilmember can file for candidacy between February 7 and March 10. Learn more about the roles and requirements of running for office at a candidate information session on Saturday, February 25, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Details at hyattsville.org/candidates.

CALLING ALL FUTURE VOTERS!

Did you know that 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in Hyattsville’s elections? Voting locally is important because our Mayor and Councilmembers set policies and priorities that affect all residents – including you! Make sure you have a voice by electing officials that share your vision of Hyattsville’s future. Register to vote today at hyattsville.org/vote.

If you’re not 16 just yet, you can still participate in the upcoming election through a new “I Voted” sticker contest and student-specific ballot! On Election Day, Hyattsville students 15 and under can come to the City Building and vote to settle an important debate - is a hot dog a sandwich? Participants that cast their ballots will receive a future voter card, a chance for a selfie at our voter booth, and election swag! Students of all ages can also participate in our “I Voted” sticker design contest for a chance to win a $100 gift card! Details available at hyattsville.org/futurevoter.

VOTA & LIDERA LOCAL!

La Ciudad de Hyattsville organizará una elección de voto por correo el 9 de mayo para que los residentes elijan un Alcalde y Concejales para los cinco Distritos de la Ciudad. La fecha límite para registrarse o enviar una dirección postal alternativa para recibir una boleta por correo es el 17 de marzo. A los votantes previamente registrados se les enviará automáticamente una boleta y una guía electoral a principios de abril. El registro el mismo día y la votación en persona también estarán disponibles en el Edificio Municipal el día de las elecciones. Un recordatorio de que su Distrito puede ser diferente debido al proceso de redistribución de distritos de 2022. Puede verificar el estado de su registro de votante y su Distrito en hyattsville.org/vote.

¡Sea una voz para su comunidad como miembro del Concejo Municipal de Hyattsville! Los residentes interesados en postularse para Alcalde o Concejal pueden presentar su candidatura entre el 7 de febrero y el 10 de marzo. Obtenga más información sobre las funciones y los requisitos en una sesión informativa para candidatos el sábado 25 de febrero, de 10 a.m. al mediodía, en Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street. Detalles en hyattsville.org/candidates.

¡LLAMANDO A TODOS LOS FUTUROS VOTANTES!

¿Sabía que los jóvenes de 16 y 17 años pueden votar en las elecciones de Hyattsville? Votar localmente es importante porque nuestro Alcalde y los Concejales establecen políticas y prioridades que afectan a todos los residentes - ¡incluyendo a los jóvenes! Asegúrese de tener una voz eligiendo funcionarios que compartan su visión del futuro de Hyattsville. Regístrese para votar hoy en hyattsville.org/vote.

¡Si aún no tiene 16 años, aún puede participar en las próximas elecciones a través de un nuevo concurso de calcomanías “Yo voté” y una boleta específica para estudiantes! El día de las elecciones, los estudiantes de Hyattsville menores de 15 años pueden venir al Edificio Municipal y votar para resolver un debate importante - ¿un perrito caliente es un sándwich? ¡Los participantes que emitan sus votos recibirán una futura tarjeta de votante, la oportunidad de tomarse una selfie de votantes y regalos electorales! ¡Los estudiantes de todas las edades también pueden participar en nuestro concurso de diseño de calcomanías “Yo voté” para tener la oportunidad de ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $100! Detalles disponibles en hyattsville.org/futurevoter.

ANNOUNCEMENTS | ANUNCIOS

EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE!

Hyattsville businesses, non-profits, and childcare providers have until March 31, 2023, to apply for financial relief through the City’s American Rescue Plan programs. Hyattsville residents can apply for individual or family relief until May 31. Find application information at hyattsville.org/rescueplan.

RESIDENTIAL PARKING ZONE UPDATE

Following a resident petition, the City of Hyattsville has designated the 5500 block of 38th Avenue as part of the existing residential parking zone 13. Effective May 1, 2023, parking restrictions will be in place from 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. seven days a week and will be applicable to all vehicles parked on curbside spaces within the designated area. Affected property owners can apply for residential parking permits at hyattsville.org/parking. Have questions? Call (301) 985-5000 or email parking@hyattsville.org.

BULK WASTE SERVICES

Residential bulk waste and white good appliance pick-up services resume this month! You MUST request a pick-up for these services; bulk waste left curbside without an appointment may result in a fine. Service guidelines can be found at hyattsville.org/bulk-waste. Request a pick-up using the My Hyattsville App, hyattsville.org/request, or calling (301) 985-5032 during normal business hours.

HYATTSVILLE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

High school seniors and graduates interested in pursuing higher learning are encouraged to apply to the City’s Education Path Scholarship program! Students who have been accepted or are currently enrolled in a college, university, or trade school can apply for funding to support the cost of tuition, books, or other school materials. The deadline to apply is March 24. Visit hyattsville.org/ education for details.

MINI & SPRING CAMPS DAYS

Registration for Hyattsville’s Youth Mini Camps (March 6 & April 21) and Spring Camp (April 3 – 7 & 10) is now open! Parents and guardians can sign up campers in grades K – 5 for a day or week of fun at the Driskell Park Rec Center. Learn more & register your camper at hyattsville.org/ camps.

CAMP COACH IN TRAINING PROGRAM

Hyattsville youth ages 13 – 17 interested in working with children and developing their leadership skills are encouraged to apply for the City’s Summer Camp Coach in Training program! Applications are available now and are due by March 15. For more information and to apply, visit hyattsville.org/ccit.

SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY

Make your City a better place to live, work, and play as a member of a Hyattsville committee! Many of the City’s volunteer committees and advisory boards have open positions – find the right fit for you at hyattsville.org/ committees. NEW THIS YEAR! The City is now offering a committee member stipend of $40 per meeting attended to help offset the costs of childcare, food, transportation or other expenses associated with meeting attendance. All committee members are eligible! Learn more at hyattsville. org/committees.

¡FONDOS DE AYUDA TODAVÍA DISPONIBLES!

Negocios, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y proveedores de cuidado infantil de Hyattsville tienen hasta el 31 de marzo del 2023 para solicitar ayuda financiera a través de los programas del Plan de Rescate Americano de la Ciudad. Los residentes de Hyattsville pueden solicitar ayuda individual o familiar hasta el 31 de mayo. Encuentre info sobre las solicitudes en hyattsville.org/rescueplan.

ACTUALIZACIÓN DE ESTACIONAMIENTO RESIDENCIAL

Despúes de un petición residencial, la Ciudad de Hyattsville ha designado la cuadra 5500 de 38th Avenue como parte de la zona de estacionamiento residencial existente 13. A partir del 1 de mayo de 2023, las restricciones de estacionamiento estarán vigentes de 7 a.m. a 9 p.m. los 7 días de la semana y se aplicará a todos los vehículos estacionados en los espacios por la acera dentro del área designada. Los propietarios afectados pueden solicitar permisos de estacionamiento residencial en hyattsville.org/parking. ¿Preguntas? Llame al (301) 985-5000 o envíe un email a parking@hyattsville.org.

SERVICIOS DE RECOGIDA DE BASURAS GRANDES

¡Este mes se reanudan los servicios residenciales de recogida de basuras grandes y electrodomésticos! DEBE solicitar para estos servicios; basura grande que se deje en la acera sin una cita pueden resultar en una multa. Las pautas de servicio se pueden encontrar en hyattsville.org/bulk-waste. Solicite una recogida utilizando My Hyattsville, hyattsville.org/request, o llame al (301) 985-5032 durante las horas de negocio.

OPORTUNIDAD DE BECA DE HYATTSVILLE

¡Se anima a los estudiantes de último año de secundaria y graduados interesados en obtener un aprendizaje superior a solicitar la Beca Educacional de Hyattsville! Estudiantes que hayan sido aceptados o estén actualmente matriculados en un colegio, universidad o escuela de oficios pueden solicitar financiación para cubrir los gastos de matrícula, libros y otros materiales escolares. La fecha limite para aplicar es el 24 de marzo. Visite a hyattsville.org/education para detalles.

DÍAS DE CAMPAMENTO DE PRIMAVERA

¡Ya está abierto el registro para los minicampamentos (6 de marzo y 21 de abril) y el campamento de primavera (3 – 7 y 10 de abril) de Hyattsville! Padres pueden inscribir a campistas en los grados K - 5 para un día o una semana de diversión en el Centro Recreativo de Driskell Park. Aprenda más y registre a su campista en hyattsville.org/camps.

PROGRAMA DE ENTRENADORES FUTUROS

¡Se anima a los jóvenes de Hyattsville de 13 a 17 años interesados en trabajar con niños y desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo a que soliciten el programa Entrenadores de Campamento de Verano de la Ciudad! Las solicitudes están disponibles ahora y deben ser sometidas antes del 15 de marzo. Visite hyattsville.org/ccit para detalles y solicitar.

SIRVA A SU COMUNIDAD

¡Haga su Ciudad un lugar mejor para vivir, trabajar y jugar como miembro de un comité de Hyattsville! Muchos de los comités de voluntarios de la Ciudad tienen puestos vacantes - encuentre el adecuado para usted en hyattsville.org/ committees. ¡NUEVO ESTE AÑO! La Ciudad ahora ofrece un estipendio de $40 para miembros del comité por cada reunión que asistan para ayudar a compensar los costos de cuidado de niños, comida, transporte u otros gastos asociados con la asistencia a la reunión. ¡Todos los miembros del comité son elegibles! Obtenga más info en hyattsville.org/committees.

CALENDAR | CALENDARIO

AUDUBON TRAININGS

The Prince George’s Audubon Society is offering a 4-part training starting February 9 for community members interested in helping others transform their yards into a wildlife-friendly space! Learn more at hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

50+ FRIENDSHIP EVENT!

The Hyattsville Branch Library is hosting a FREE event on February 9, 1 - 3 PM, for adults ages 50+ to meet others through discussions, games, and dancing! Call (240) 4555451 or visit pgcmls.info to register.

FIELD PERMITS

A field permit meeting will be held virtually on February 9 at 7 PM. Organizations interested in using the fields this spring at Driskell Park, Melrose Park, and 38th Ave Park are encouraged to attend. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar.

FRAUD & FINANCIAL RESILIENCY WORKSHOP

On February 13, from 11 AM12:30 PM, the City and area partners are offering a FREE workshop to help senior community members with fraud prevention & financial resiliency. The workshop will be at the City Building, 4310 Gallatin Call 301) 985-5000 or email seniors@hyattsville. org. to register.

HEURICH PARK COMMUNITY GARDEN

We’re seeking volunteers to lead the new Heurich Park Community Garden coming this spring! Learn more or express interest by sending an email with subject line: “Heurich Park Garden” to environment@hyattsville.org, or attend an informational webinar on February 13 at 7 PM. Register at hyattsville.org/ calendar.

KNITTING CLASSES

The City & Sweet Pea Fiber are offering a FREE six-week knitting class for senior residents! Classes will be offered on Tuesdays from February 14 – March 28, from 10 – 11:30 AM, at 5307 Baltimore Avenue. Space is limited. To register, call (301) 985-5000 or email seniors@ hyattsville.org.

CLOSURES & CHANGES IN SERVICE

Hyattsville’s admin offices & COVID test site at the First United Methodist Church will be closed on February 20 in honor of Presidents Day. There will be no Monday yard waste or compost pick-ups the week of February 20. Trash & recycling routes remain the same.

FRESH PRODUCE

The City of Hyattsville and parnters are hosting produce distributions on February 21 at the First United Methodist Church and on February 25 at Driskell Park. Both distributions begin at noon. Produce is first-come, firstserved.

ADMIN HEARING

A virtual admin hearing will be held on February 23 at 6 PM for a petition to withdraw the 5700 block of 37th Avenue from the Residential Parking Zone program. Register at hyattsville.org/ calendar.

KING PARK WORSHOP

Attend the King Park Community Workshop on February 23 at 6:30 PM, at the City Building to find out what’s going on behind the fence! Details at hellohyattsville.com.

BUSINESS ROUNDTABLE

The next Hyattsville Business Roundtable will take place on February 28 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. via Zoom. Preregister at hyattsville.org/ roundtable.

CAPACITACIONES DE AUDUBON

La Sociedad Audubon de Prince George’s está ofreciendo una capacitación de 4 partes a partir del 9 de febrero para personas interesadas en ayudar a otros a transformar sus yardas en un espacio amigable con la vida silvestre. Más infor en hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

¡EVENTO DE AMISTAD PARA 50+!

¡La Biblioteca de Hyattsville está organizando un evento gratuito el 9 de febrero, 1 - 3 PM, para adultos 50+ para conocer a otros a través de discusiones, juegos y baile! Llame al (240) 455-5451 o visite pgcmls.info para registrarse.

PERMISOS DE CAMPOS

Una reunión de permisos de campo se llevará a cabo virtualmente el 9 de febrero a las 7 PM. Se anima a organizaciones interesadas en usar los campos esta primavera en Driskell Park, Melrose Park y 38th Ave Park a asistir. Regístrese en hyattsville. org/calendar.

TALLER DE FRAUDE

El 13 de febrero, de 11 AM a 12:30 PM, la Ciudad y los socios del área ofrecerán un taller GRATUITO para ayudar personas de la tercera edad con la prevención del fraude y la resiliencia financiera. El taller será en el Edificio Municipal. Llame al (301) 985-5000 o envíe un email a seniors@hyattsville.org para registrarse.

¡NUEVO JARDIN!

¡Estamos buscando voluntarios para dirigir el nuevo Jardín Comunitario del Parque Heurich que viene esta primavera! Obtenga más info o exprese su interés enviando un email con el asunto: “Heurich Park Garden” a environment@ hyattsville.org, o asista a un seminario web informativo el 13 de febrero a las 7 PM. Regístrese en hyattsville. org/calendar.

CLASES DE TEJER

¡La Ciudad & Sweet Pea Fiber ofrecerán clases GRATUITAS de tejido de seis semanas para los residentes de la tercera edad! Las clases se ofrecerán los martes del 14 de febrero al 28 de marzo, de 10 AM a 11:30 AM, en el 5307 Baltimore Ave. El espacio es limitado. Para registrarse, llame al (301) 985-5000 o envíe email a seniors@hyattsville.org.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS!

The City of Hyattsville is proud to celebrate Black History Month with two events this February! Join Maryland Commissioner on African American History and Culture Janice The Griot as she tells the story of “Passage to Freedom” on February 17, from 6 – 7:30 p.m., via Zoom. Register at hyattsville.org/bhm. Residents are also invited to a Call-A-Bus day trip on February 22, from 9:30 a.m. to noon, to see the Montpelier Art Center’s exhibition featuring stories of Black resistance in Prince George’s County. Lunch is included. Space is limited, and registration is required. Register by calling (301) 985-5000.

CIERRES Y CAMBIOS EN SERVICIO

Las oficinas de Hyattsville y el sitio COVID en Iglesia

First United Methodist estarán cerradas el 20 de febrero en honor al Día de los Presidentes. No habrá recogidas de compostaje o yarda la semana del 20 de febrero. Las rutas de basura y reciclaje siguen siendo las mismas.

DISTRIBUCIONES DE FRUTAS Y VERDURAS

La Ciudad de Hyattsville y socios están organizando distribuciones de frutas y verduras el 21 de febrero en la Iglesia First United Methodist y el 25 de febrero en Driskell Park. Ambas distribuciones comienzan al mediodía. Los productos son distribuidos por orden de llegada.

AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA

Una audiencia administrativa virtual se llevará a cabo el 23 de febrero a las 6 PM para una petición para retirar la cuadra 5700 de la Avenida 37 del programa de Zona de Estacionamiento Residencial. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/calendar.

TALLER DE KING PARK

¡Asista al taller comunitario de King Park el 23 de febrero a las 6:30 PM, en el Edificio Municipal para averiguar qué está pasando detrás de la cerca! Detalles en hellohyattsville.com.

REUNIÓN DE NEGOCIOS

La próxima reunión de negocios de Hyattsville tomará plazo el 28 de febrero, de 10 AM a mediodía, vía Zoom. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/ roundtable.

¡CELEBRACIONES DEL MES DE HISTORIA AFROAMERICANA!

¡La Ciudad de Hyattsville se enorgullece de celebrar el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana con dos eventos este febrero! Únase a la Comisionada de Maryland sobre Historia y Cultura Afroamericana, Janice The Griot, mientras cuenta la historia de “Pasaje a la Libertad” el 17 de febrero, de 6 p.m. a 7:30 p.m., a través de Zoom. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/bhm. Los residentes también están invitados a una excursión el 22 de febrero, de 9:30 a. m. al mediodía, para ver la exhibición del Montpelier Art Center que presenta historias de la resistencia Afroamericana en el Condado Prince George’s. El almuerzo está incluido. El espacio es limitado y es necesario registrarse. Regístrese llamando al (301) 985-5000.

¡Haz el cambio!

¡Hyattsville está cambiando de sopladores de hojas a gasolina a eléctricos!

Todos los sopladores de hojas usados en los límites de la Ciudad deben ser eléctricos antes del 2024 de agosto. ¡Los soplantes de gas pueden ser cambiados por un reembolso de hasta el 75% sobre el costo de compra de una soplador eléctrico hasta el 2023 de agosto! Más información en hyattsville.org/leafblower

¿Por qué hacer el cambio? Los sopladores de hojas eléctricos son:

MÁS SANOS

Mantenga los humos nocivos fuera de sus pulmones y nuestra comunidad!

MÁS SILENCIOSOS

Mejor para sus oídos y sus vecinos lo apreciaran!

MAS BARATOS ¡Ahorre dinero en gasolina!

CRONOLOGÍA DEL PROGRAMA DE INTERCAMBIO

Los residentes y contratistas* pueden reclamar reembolsos y deshacerse apropiadamente de sopladores de gas en eventos de intercambio de la Ciudad. USTED DEBE LEER los requisitos en hyattsville.org/leafblower

AHORA –31 DE JULIO DE 2023

Intercambie para un reembolso de 75% del costo de un soplador eléctrico, que no exceda los $150 (Contratistas: $900)

1 DE AGOSTO DE 2023

–31 DE ENERO DE 2024

Intercambie para un reembolso de 50% del costo de un soplador eléctrico, que no exceda los $100 (Contratistas: $600)

1 DE FEBRERO DE 2024

–1 DE AGOSTO DE 2024

Intercambie para un reembolso de 25% del costo de un soplador eléctrico, que no exceda los $50 (Contratstas: $300)

1 DE AGOSTO DE 2024 Sopladores de hojas eléctricos son requeridos dentro de los limites de la Ciudad; Programa de intercambio termina.

a second glance: This roadside taco joint is anything but typical.

For one thing, the restaurant and its trio of food trucks began spontaneously offering free meals to kids in the community early in the pandemic when public schools — and their free or subsidized lunches — were shuttered, giving away an estimated tens of thousands of meals at no cost. Against all odds, they quietly decided to maintain their kids-eat-free policy indefinitely, not for the accolades, but because they thought it was the right thing to do.

“It’s never a consideration to amend that or change that or take it off the menu,” owner Kathy Voss told the Hyattsville Life & Times. “The community comes out and supports us so much. The least we can do is feed the kids.”

Voss took over as sole owner of Little Miner in October 2022 from co-founder and business partner, Mackenzie Kitburi, and the commitment to authentic, from-scratch cooking endures.

Originally from Pennsylvania, Voss has toiled in the business side of restaurants for over 20 years, arriving in D.C. back in 2013 to work for Joe’s Seafood

Prime Steak and Stone Crab.

She left Joe’s in 2019 to help open Little Miner in its former location directly across the street, in the miXt Food Hall. Back then, the neighborhood’s only other options were highly processed fast food, with limited grocery selection, said Voss. “So when we came in, we were super intentional about being as healthy as possible — no additives, no preservatives. We’re

literally cooking from scratch every morning.”

Just in time for New Year’s resolutions, the restaurant added a build-your-own burrito bowl option with fresh seasonal greens, beans or Spanish-style rice as a base for patrons seeking even healthier meals. Additionally, a soy-based vegan “al pastor” and vegan “carnitas” are both due to debut soon on one of its Taco Tuesdays, joining Little Miner’s mushroom-based vegetarian options.

Though it can be rare to find truly authentic-tasting Mexican street food this far northeast, Voss explained that the key to the homemade flavors at Little Miner is the fresh ingredients and especially the from-scratch cooking of their experienced culinary team, led by executive chef Joel Sánchez.

Voss said that significant research and testing done by the team both in Mexico and back here in the kitchens went into perfecting the recipes — which

this Southern California native can report taste shockingly like home.

“How do we come up with great Mexican cuisine?” Voss said in response to my surprise.

“We hired great Mexican chefs.”

The commitment to authentic Mexican cooking still allows some wiggle room for playful experimentation, however, which led the team to adapt the rich beef birria consommé broth to a menu of Mexicaninspired ramens. “They’re like great distant cousins,” said Voss of the Japanese soup broth and the birria Mexican stew base.

“And it happens that a lot of the toppings that we already would have for tacos or burritos are just kind of symbiotic for a ramen as well,” she explained, adding that it was a fun and different way to use their consommé.

The local food reviewer known on social media as Big Schlim said he often opts for Little Miner when he’s not reviewing.

“I truly love this spot,” wrote the

D.C. native, describing its birria meat as “consistently tender and juicy” and the chips and guacamole as “absolutely delicious!”

Several patrons surveyed were surprised to learn of the kids-eat-free menu options but said it wouldn’t be the main draw for them. That would be the food, which they described as “addictive” and “so good,” and which earned the restaurant a 2022 RAMMY Award for Favorite Fast Bites in the D.C. area.

Although her focus has been on the business side of the culinary world, Voss prides herself on having “a discerning palate” and described the restaurant as a labor of love. “You feel a calling of what you’re supposed to do, and you just kind of do it.”

Little Miner Taco (littleminertaco. com) is open seven days a week at its Brentwood location, 4308 Rhode Island Avenue. Additional locations are in NoMa in D.C. and at a Bethesda food hall.

“As a total novice, it helped immensely to have someone so knowledgeable and professional yet down to earth in my corner. 110% satisfied!”

“Ann did a great job and managed to be present and helpful in the key, clutch moments. That kind of instinct is pretty impressive to see.”

“Ann knows the Hyattsville market and was right on about what we needed to do to sell our house. She listened to our concerns and guided us through the entire process including summarizing and presenting offers from buyers. We do recommend her expertise and the care she took with us.”

Both meat lovers and vegetarians alike have plenty of options at Little Miner Taco, like these tacos al pastor, with a soy-based version coming soon. COURTESY OF LITTLE MINER TACO

Clang, bing, bang, hiss!

By Randy Fletcher

Our boiler made a huge fuss the first time it came on this season. My wife and I heard — and even felt — its loud rumble from our kitchen, which is directly above the boiler room. All the fuss quieted down after a while — or perhaps we just got used to the muffled din. The radiators slowly came to life as the boilerheated water began circulating through their veins. From radiator to radiator, room to room, I could hear each one cry out, “Clang, bing, bang, hiss!” as if in protest at being roused from a deep slumber.

I wasn’t concerned about the sound. I knew I hadn’t bled the radiators in the fall, and radiators generally make some noise while they are heating up. And I knew it wouldn’t be long before a gentle heat would be emanating from each one.

The first time I heard the word "bleed" relative to radiators was right after we moved into this house. As we were giving a few neighbors a tour, one of them asked if I had a radiator key. Seeing that I was clueless, he explained that radiators should be bled every fall to release trapped air from the system. (Admittedly, old gangster movie images came to mind.) He described how bleeding the radiators prevents some of the banging sounds and makes the radiators more efficient. A few days after that tour, I found a small package containing two radiator keys tucked behind the screen door. I still use them to this day.

Radiators are typically found

in older homes, and though the technology was developed in the mid-1800s, they are very efficient at heating up a room — not to mention at warming gloves, hats, bath towels and unmentionables. Plus, they don't dry out the house in winter the way forced hot air can. The series of coiled pipes that make up a radiator are called fins, which are made of cast iron or other conductive material. The heart of a radiator heating system, the boiler, heats up water, which circulates through the pipes. Hot water enters the radiator fins on one end and exits on the other. The water inside the coils cools off as heat is transferred from the fins to the air, and

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the water then recycles back to the boiler and is reheated.

Franz San Galli is widely credited for inventing the heating radiator in the mid 1850s. Those early radiators circulated hot steam through the system. A decade later, based on updated designs by two Americans, Joseph Nason and Robert Briggs, hot water radiators became the standard of the day.

Most of my radiators need work. They are covered in chipped paint, and their fins are choked with detritus from the past century. Don’t get me wrong — we vacuum and try to scrape out the dirt that has petrified between each fin. I recently bought a radiator brush

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tive. There are companies that will do this for you, but they are expensive. That leaves me chipping away the paint with my trusty paint scrapers. Eventually most of it comes off, at which point I sand, wash down and repaint the fins. (There is definitely lead paint on these things, so all standard precautions must be taken!)

We recently had our boiler serviced by a guy from our new local oil provider. While he was cleaning out the old beast, I stood behind him and watched as he scraped out layers of debris from the fire box, where the fuel is burned. There was quite a lot of it. He swore more than once as his shop vac filled up and had to be emptied multiple times, perhaps setting a new record. He hissed out of the side of his mouth something about his predecessor being a “#!@&8!” for leaving him such a big mess to contend with.

to help extract the ornery debris, which sometimes contains precious items of past owners, such as coins, rings, hair pins and paper clips. I even found an old thank-you card from 1943 tucked behind the back leg of one of the radiators.

None of the many projects in our house are as daunting as refinishing a radiator, but it's not just about making them look nicer. Removing built-up grime and layers of old paint can make them more efficient and effec-

So now I feel confident that we are set for the rest of the season. The radiators all seem to be doing their job effectively, though. You can still hear the familiar “clang, bing, bang, hiss!” All that noise is now me, monotonously tapping on the fins, slowly removing the old paint chip by chip, with expletives now falling from my own lips while I hiss that I am yet again embroiled in another dirty, never-ending house project.

The Hyattsville Preservation Association (preservehyattsville. org) seeks to engage residents in the preservation and promotion of the many historic homes and buildings in our city.

A radiator key hangs from the bleed valve of a refinished radiator. The inset image is what the radiator looked like before all the paint was removed. RANDY FLETCHER

Art Works for Hyattsville seniors

By Torrence Banks

Did you know that if you’re over 55, you’re eligible for free art classes through Art Works Now?

In 2015, Art Works first started offering free art classes for senior Hyattsville residents, in partnership with the City of Hyattsville, through the city’s Hyattsville is Home initiative.

According to Quianna Taylor, the Hyattsville Department of Community Services Senior and Wellness coordinator, Hyattsville is Home was created by the City of Hyattsville more than a decade ago, prior to the city’s collaboration with Art Works.

In 2019, Art Works received a grant to expand its free art classes to anyone 55 and older through its Creative Aging Program. “For our free Creative Aging classes, we have people ages 55 or better from Prince George's County, across

REDISTRICTING

Plan, and Councilmember Emily Strab (Ward 2) asking that the Suffrage Point development stay in Ward 2.

In a memo to the city, the commission noted that it could not formally recommend either of the council requests maps, as the short timeline did not allow for public input on them before they were presented to the council. Additionally, both maps, the memo said, gave the appearance of the council interfering in a political way, regardless of motives.

“Appearances matter. Process matters,” Denes said at the Nov. 21, 2022, meeting.

Solomon disagreed. “I’ve been on this council for a long time, and I’ve seen how councils can play politics,” he said. “I do not see politics being played by any councilmember.”

Denes replied, “We are a political body. When we get involved in this process, it becomes political.” Denes was the sole vote against the final map at the Dec. 19, 2022, meeting.

Redistricting commission member Andrew Sayer noted in his Nov. 21, 2022, presentation that although the commission felt it could only endorse one of the three final maps presented, the members believed all of the maps were reasonable. “There’s no way to avoid the changes in wards given the rapid and uneven growth in the city,” he said.

Sayer and other commission members have repeatedly said in public comments that they

Maryland, and even other states,” said Aimee Olivo, Art Works executive director.

Art Works’ Creative Aging classes, which typically have just nine to 18 students, are very popular and fill up quickly, according to Olivo. Art Works usually offers six Creative Aging classes each season, ranging from eight to 10 weeks. This winter, Art Works is offering two in-person, three virtual and one hybrid class.

Hyattsville is Home classes, which have no more than 12 students, differ from the other Creative Aging classes in that they are only open to Hyattsville residents and offer a different class theme for each session. Classes run for eight weeks in the fall and spring. Hyattsville is Home participants can also register for Creative Aging classes.

During the initiative’s fall 2022 Wear Your Story series, par-

wished they’d had more time to prepare the maps and gather feedback.

In an interview with the HL&T, Hyattsville Public Information Officer Cindy Zork said that several outside factors contributed to a truncated timeline. First, the pandemic delayed the census results, and then the city had to navigate a series of special elections to fill unexpected council vacancies.

“Ideally, they would have a longer window,” Zork said of the redistricting commission.

Following the Nov. 7, 2022, council meeting, a review of records from 2002 and 2012 revealed that those redistricting commissions used a stricter interpretation of the allowable 10% difference in ward populations than the current commission used. As a result, the current commission discarded its proposed Minimal Adjustments Map, which had a 16.6% variance between the largest and smallest wards.

The remaining Growth Conscious Map had received more public support and also met the difference criteria, but the commission then had to find a way to accommodate council requests while keeping within the 10% difference threshold.

All of this had to be completed in time to allow for citywide elections on May 9 (candidate registration began Feb. 7).

According to commission member Sayer, who is an applied mathematician, the language regarding population variance between wards wasn’t

ticipants created hats and vests, which they presented during a December 2022 runway show.

Olivo said, “They [the participants] used all kinds of different materials to create expressive hats and vests that really expressed and shared who they are with the world.”

Winifred Weaver, who has lived in Hyattsville for 10 years, said the vest she created represented the 1960s protests against the Vietnam War.

“So the whole front part of my vest deals with war, peace, the anti-war movement,” Weaver said. “There’s a picture of the crowd heading from the [Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool] to the Pentagon, and I was part of that march.”

Creative Aging and Hyattsville is Home classes not only provide participants with new creative outlets but also help them build

especially clear.

“In our final report and a subsequent ‘lessons learned’ package, we recommended a watertight definition with a worked example of the population requirement,” to eliminate ambiguity, Sayer wrote in an email.

With a full 10 years between each redistricting process, the turnover of institutional knowledge and dramatic changes in technology contribute to the challenges of maintaining consistent practices across decades, Zork acknowledged.

“None of the commission members or staff liaisons were directly involved last time,” she noted.

Though much of the time crunch was unavoidable, city staff are leaving digital bread-

lasting relationships.

“We’ve watched them build friendships through the course of the class, and we’ve watched them open up and find something in themselves that they may not have known,” said Taylor.

Participants especially appreciated the classes during the pandemic lockdown, according to Olivo.

“They’ve said that this program literally saved their lives. I mean, some of them were just so lonely and so isolated,” Olivo said, noting that even the virtual connections the students established through the program online during the pandemic were helpful.

Retired lawyer Rosezella CantyLetsome was in the Hyattsville is Home program until the pandemic, when she moved to University Park with her daughters. She now participates in virtual Creative Aging classes. Canty-Letsome

crumbs for future commissions to help them learn from the mistakes and challenges faced this round, Zork said, including saving documents both on the city server and in the cloud.

Despite the last-minute issues, the commission’s performance has been widely praised by those involved.

In a recent interview, Councilmember Schaible said, “Of course there’s going to be a tug of war in this process, but the commission really did hit it out of the park.”

Schaible lamented that Ward 2 no longer included portions of West Hyattsville, adding that the new map also formalizes a split that was already psychological. Still, he acknowledged

has taken watercolor painting, improv acting and multiple drawing classes and explained that the classes have allowed her to more fully engage the creative part of her brain.

Taylor said studies show that the process of creating art from scratch with your hands keeps the brain sharp, ultimately improving overall health and wellness.

Hyattsville is currently the only Maryland city that has a partnership with Art Works. Taylor wants to expand the city’s partnership with Art Works to add shorter class series in the winter and summer.

“They really look forward to it,” Taylor said. “And they really enjoy doing it. So we want to offer it as much as we can.”

For more information on the Hyattsville is Home initiative and Creative Aging classes, visit artworksnow.org/creative-aging.

Torrence Banks is a journalism graduate student at the University of Maryland.

the new map’s appeal in terms of compactness and straighter lines.

In a January email, Councilmember Joanne Waszczak (Ward 1) echoed others’ praise for the commission and reiterated the value of the current commission’s after-action report.

As of press time, no other councilmembers had responded to requests for comment.

Sayer was optimistic about sending lessons to future redistricting commissions. “A lot has changed in terms of digital storage since 2002, and even since 2012,” he noted in an email, “so I am hopeful that our materials will be more readily available to 2032 than the older ones were to us.”

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COUNTY STUDENTS STRUGGLE TO REBOUND FROM PANDEMIC

County children are struggling to catch up to pre-pandemic levels of achievement in math, according to data released, separately, by Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and Maryland in January.

In the fall of 2022, only 4% of middle and high school students in the county school system met expectations on grade level standards in math, according to a Jan. 23 presentation to the school board’s academic achievement committee. This was a slight improvement from 3% for those age groups in the fall of 2021.

County data, presented by grade level, showed proficiency at its lowest among the county school system’s oldest students, with 26% of second graders meeting expectations in math, in contrast to 1% of 12th graders.

Dr. Judith White, the chief academic officer for PGCPS, explained that in middle and high school, test results reflect

proficiency in particular math courses, like algebra or geometry, rather than overall mathematical competency.

For reading and writing, the picture is somewhat brighter, though challenges remain; about 23% of PGCPS high schoolers met expectations in the fall of 2022, a percentage that held steady from the fall of 2021.

The data comes from a county benchmark test administered in each public school at least twice a year, beginning in the 2020-21 school year.

Maryland released data Jan. 24 for last school year which showed that while students around the state had caught up to pre-pandemic proficiency in reading and writing, they had not done so in math. Statewide, mathematical proficiency for children grades three through eight was 22% in the 2021-22 school year, down from 33% in the 2018-19 school year.

Last school year, according to the same state data, 10% of PGCPS students grades three through eight were proficient in math. Baltimore City was the only Maryland school district

with a lower math proficiency rate, at 7%.

The Maryland Department of Education plans to make school-by-school data available in February on reportcard.msde. maryland.gov. Prince George’s County is developing a parent portal for individual student assessments, set to launch in the next few months, according to the January presentation.

HYATTSVILLE METRO STATIONS TO CLOSE DURING THE SUMMER AND EARLY FALL

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has announced several upcoming Metro closures, including a 44-day shutdown of service between the Fort Totten and Greenbelt stations.

Metro ridership has fallen dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Pre-pandemic trends show August as a month of traditionally low ridership.

According to the WMATA, the Green Line closure will last from July 22 to Sept. 4. The closure will enable workers to finish installing fiber-optic cables.

“While Green Line customers in this location experienced a recent summer shutdown for station improvements, the installation of fiber optics was unable to be addressed at that time due to the use of the tracks to move equipment,” the announcement read.

The Green Line closure affects the following stations: Fort Totten, West Hyattsville, Hyattsville Crossing, College Park-University of Maryland and Greenbelt.

In the past, WMATA has provided shuttle bus service when trains are not running; no details have been provided for the upcoming Green Line closure, as of press time.

NEW POLITICAL APPOINTMENTS FOR HYATTSVILLE

Hyattsville area residents are experiencing some shifts in their government representation, as former state Sen. Paul Pinsky and state Del. Alonzo Washington move to different roles.

Newly elected Maryland Gov. Wes Moore picked Pinsky to lead the Maryland Energy Administration, which left his senate seat vacant.

The Prince George’s County Central Democratic Committee is responsible for filling certain vacancies in the county. The committee voted unanimously to recommend Washington to fill Pinsky’s senate seat, and Moore confirmed the selection. Washington was sworn in on Jan. 30.

This leaves Washington’s District 22 seat in the state House of Delegates open. (The other two District 22 delegates, Anne Healey and Nicole Williams, are keeping their seats.)

At least three people intend to seek the open seat: Rush Baker, the son of former County Executive Rushern L. Baker III; Ashanti Martinez, who ran for the seat in last July’s election and came in fourth; and Molly McKeeSeabrook, a former chief of staff for state Sen. Bill Ferguson.

The Democratic central committee will recommend someone to fill Washington’s seat, and Moore will decide whether to confirm the appointment. Candidates for the open seat must have filed with the committee by 5 p.m. on Feb. 7, and the committee will hold a hearing on Feb. 9.