04-2023 Hyattsville Life & Times

New, green bus

shelters heading to Hyattsville

By Kit Slack

When Metro stops close from July 22 to Sept. 4 this summer, more Hyattsville commuters will be waiting for the bus in high heat. And with Hyattsville’s tree canopy under threat, shade may not be available. Hyattsville’s department of public works has found a green

SCIENCE OF THE CITY

Pedestrian safety cause for county concern

By Paul Ruffins

Columnist note: In this and my next few columns, I’ll be taking a look at Prince George’s County’s high rate of traffic injuries and fatalities. This installment focuses on a detailed study of a pedestrian death on a local road.

At the intersection of Hamilton Street and Ager Road, across from

Hyattsville teen vote turns eight

By Griffin Limerick

In a way, it started at a conference for young people.

Back in 2014, at a Young Elected Officials Network conference convened for public officeholders under the age of 35, Patrick Paschall observed a voting rights panel hosted by former Maryland state senator,

now U.S. congressman, Jamie Raskin. A year prior, in 2013, Raskin’s hometown of Takoma Park had just become the first municipality in the country to lower the legal voting age to 16 for local elections. The move was part of a larger push by Raskin for expanded voting rights, including sameday voter registration and an expansion of voting by mail.

Paschall, who had just been elected to Hyattsville City Council in 2013, said he stopped Raskin in the hallway after the panel to tell him he admired his work.

“He gave me some additional tips on what kinds of things might come up in the [voting rights] debate, and I brought those ideas back to the community here in Hyattsville,” Paschall said.

That same year, in 2014, Paschall put forward a measure to lower the voting age to 16 in Hyattsville for city elections. The measure passed a little before midnight on January 5, 2015, by a vote of 7 to 4, in a city council chambers so full of young residents eager to express their opinions that several people had to wait in the hall, according to The New York Times

Workers at MOM’s in College Park unionize

By Mat Schumer

Despite growing support for unions in the U.S., efforts to unionize have steadily declined for the past 40 years. But employees of businesses in niche markets — especially progressive ones — are increasingly pushing to unionize. Among these businesses is the MOM’s Organic Market off of Rhode Island Avenue in College Park.

In December, the workers of MOM’s in College Park voted to form a union with United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 400. The vote was held by mail-in ballot after employees worked for months to unionize. The final tally of 21 votes came at 17 in favor and four against.

Following the vote, MOM’s corporate office filed an objection to the vote with the National Labor Relations

Marshall, the regional director of NLRB’s fifth region, reviewed evidence and, in February, overruled the objections.

“MOM’s had disputed [the vote] on the grounds that the union was intimidating workers and telling them either to vote yes or not at all.

… There hadn’t been union reps physically in the store at that point for about a month,” said Cody Cochrane, a team member at MOM’s in College Park.

Cochrane noted that since the vote occurred, MOM’s corporate has purportedly suspended pay raises for employees at the College Park store until the workers and corporate can agree on a union contract. He also voiced his co-workers’ concern that the central office had been offering employees fewer hours and said that the company’s rationale for cutting hours is that the store is underperforming. Laura Jackson, who works at MOM’s Naked Lunch eatery, said that the College Park store has been steadily surpassing sales goals and even setting company records.

“It’s hard working in fast

casual food,” Jackson said. “There’s a lot of work physically and mentally dealing with people. We all have issues with our hands and wrists from food prepping constantly.” She said that she and her coworkers work hard to exceed their goals.

To see their unionization efforts come to fruition, the employees must engage in a series of bargaining sessions and arrive at a mutually agreeable contract for the workers at the College Park store. The members of the union asked for their initial meeting with corporate to be held in early April, in tandem with the other MOM’s unions’ meetings that are scheduled around the same time. According to Maydha Kapur, union organizer for UFCW Local 400, the company said they were not able to meet on any date before early May. “MOM’s is a company that styles itself around caring for its workers, and we hope to go into bargaining in good faith,” Kapur said. “We want a fair contract … and we would like a different tone than what was set during the union campaign.”

Board (NLRB). Among their objections was a claim that union organizers intimidated

workers on several occasions and tried to persuade them to vote in favor of the move. Sean

Inside the MOM’s Organic Market in College Park LAUREN REEDER

Working towards a healthier

By Alice Carlson

Since 2009, Anacostia Riverkeeper has used litter traps to help keep trash out of the Anacostia. Three such traps are in Prince George’s County: one in Mount Rainier, near North Neighborhood Park; one in Guilford Run, right behind Herbert Wells Ice Rink in College Park; and one in Seat Pleasant, located near the Addison Road Metro station.

Riverkeeper Trey Sherard, who serves as the voice of the nonprofit organization, said Anacostia Riverkeeper is dedicated to making the river a safe and fun place for all who live near the watershed. The county’s three litter traps are maintained by the Stream Team, which is an offshoot of Joe’s Movement Emporium. Joe’s formed the Stream Team, in 2018, to address a range of environmental issues in the county. In addition to working with Anacostia Riverkeeper, the team’s volunteers also collaborate with the City of Mount Rainier, the Prince George’s Department of Environment, the Maryland-

National Capital Park and Planning Commission, and the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Kevin McNeill, supervisor and project coordinator for the Stream Team, noted that the floating debris traps are designed to spare aquatic wildlife. Mount Rainier was the first community in the county to have one of these traps installed, in 2018, while College Park was the second, in 2019, according to McNeill and Sherard. “The next step is to raise awareness of why these

traps are necessary and get community members involved in slowing down if not stopping the issue. Litter and pollution are pandemics in themselves; we the people have the power to change this,” McNeill stated. In addition to taking action to enhance the health of the river, Anacostia Riverkeeper also promotes public education about the importance of waterways. Boat tours of the river, which launch from the Yard Marina in D.C., are one of the organization’s most popular

activities, Sherard said.

“People are physically cut off from the river, which is a problem, because then you have to be going there on purpose to see it. So they don't have a relationship with it. A big part of what we do is we create opportunities for people to connect with the river. The boat tours are one of the really fun ways that we do that,” he said. The organization also sponsors Friday night fishing during summer months. While it is not yet safe to consume

fish caught in the Anacostia, these fishing events provide another opportunity for public education, Sherard noted.

Anacostia Riverkeeper is also encouraging passage of a bottle bill that would place a point-of-sale deposit fee on plastic, glass and aluminum beverage containers, according to Sherard. Similar bills in many other states have been shown to be highly effective at promoting recycling and reducing waste, both in landfills and in the environment. Anacostia Riverkeeper also sponsors cleanups, popular and productive events that bring out hundreds of volunteers and result in tons of trash being removed from the river each year. These cleanups take place at least once a month.

Anacostia Riverkeeper offers many opportunities to volunteer and is eager to work with local residents. For more information about the organization and to explore volunteer opportunities with them, go to anacostiariverkeeper.org.

Alice Carlson is an intern with Streetcar Suburbs News.

A Bandalong Litter Trap in College Park’s Guilford Woods DAN BEHREND

IN BLOOM

Redbud and pink magnolia trees bloom in Driskell Park and along Route 1 in Hyattsville, along with spring flowers such as buttercups. LAUREN REEDER

Citywide composting program set to expand

By Juliette Fradin

April is Earth Month! Have you been looking for ways to limit your carbon footprint? Reducing food waste is one of the most impactful actions you can take, and the City of Hyattsville wants to help you. Later this spring, Hyattsville will roll out a citywide distribution of compost bins to single-family residences.

In 2022, the city commissioned an extensive study with SCS Engineers about solid-waste services. According to this study, on average, a single Hyattsville resident generates 703 pounds of trash annually, or almost 2,000 pounds of trash per household per year.

In Maryland, most wasted food is landfilled or burned in trash incinerators.

In 2019, the state recycled only 15% of its food waste. Unlike trash, food scraps

and other paper items can be turned into a valuable resource. This is what we call a circular economy that closes the loop: It reduces material use; redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive; and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Prince George’s County Organics Composting Facility, in Upper Marlboro, transforms our food and yard waste into Leafgro Gold, a nutrient-rich soil compost. Leafgro Gold is sold at a number of retailers in the DMV area, including most Lowes and Home Depot locations.

The Hyattsville Solid Waste Division collects yard waste and food scraps each Monday using three trucks that facilitate individual curbside collection to 3,500

Your food scraps and yard waste are turned into compost, a useful material in the garden.

single-family homes. Residents will be able to mix food scraps and yard waste together into the same compost bin.

There are also drop-off bins at five locations throughout the city: Driskell Park, Heurich Park, University Hills Duck Pond, the Department of Public Works Operations Center and along the Rhode Island Trolley Trail (adjacent to the parking lot by the Palette at Arts District apartment complex, 5501 45th Avenue).

Hyattsville Director of Public Works Lesley Riddle said that these drop-off bins are very well utilized.

Since the launch of the pilot program, in 2015, the amount of compost and yard waste collected has consistently risen and currently is at 10 to 20 tons each week, according to Riddle.

She added that the City of Hyattsville wants to expand the program in order to divert more food waste from landfills. Riddle explained that one ton of compostable material is less expensive to dispose of than one ton of trash.

The city plans to equip each single-family home with a 35-gallon tote that will be delivered directly from the manufacturer to households (multi-family properties aren’t yet part of this next phase). The 35-gallon totes are about half

the size of the county-provided 64-gallon recycling totes and a third the size of the city’s 96-gallon trash totes. City staff hope that eligible residents will receive their composting totes by early June, but supply-chain issues could result in later delivery.

According to Hyattsville Communications Manager Cindy Zork, the city is working with a contractor to create

educational fliers about the bins in both English and Spanish. They hope that more residents will join the program. The city also plans to publish environmental information throughout April in celebration of Earth Month.

Besides food scraps, there are other waste products you might not have thought of composting, including human and pet hair, nail clippings, coffee grounds, bones, paper that is not glossy (e.g., brown paper bags), toilet paper rolls, paper egg cartons, soiled paper products, (e.g., pizza boxes, tea bags or paper plates), natural loofah sponges — and even some cell phone cases. Just be sure to avoid composting grease, fat and pet waste. If you use a liner in your collecting bin, it should be compostable — or you can line it with newspaper! In addition to having a compost bin on your kitchen counter, place one in your bathroom and start collecting there, too.

Being mindful about your waste and disposing of it correctly will help you, your community and the Earth. Looking forward to seeing more compost bins out on Sunday nights!

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

City discusses budget; ARPA spending

By Sophie Gorman Oriani

On March 29, the Hyattsville City Council met for a presentation and work session on the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, as well as for an update on the status of the funds allocated to the City of Hyattsville from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA).

According to the presentation, the total proposed operating budget for fiscal year 2024 is projected at $51.3 million, with $30.3 million in expenditures from the general fund, and the rest in special revenue funds or capital improvement funds.

The proposed budget projects receiving only $24.5 million in revenues, so to present a balanced budget, it includes a transfer of $5.8 million from the general fund reserve balance, currently estimated at $28.2 million.

In the cover letter introducing the budget, City Administrator Tracey Douglas cautioned against allowing city services to continue to grow unchecked, as staff were already operating at or near capacity. "As new programs, priorities, and services are added, the city will need to work harder to prioritize and identify what ongoing services can or should be reduced or eliminated," she wrote, warning against an "unsustainable trajectory of increased spending."

According to the city, the largest category of spending in the general fund is for police and public safety, at just over $12 million, or 40% of the fund. The second largest category is public works, at just over $7 million, or 24%.

In response to councilmember questions, City Treasurer Ron Brooks noted that the capital

improvement fund is more akin to a wishlist than to what one might typically think of as a budget. As the capital improvement projects may not all happen in one year, many of the funds may not be spent. Expenditures over $10,000 must be approved by the city council, regardless of whether they are from the general fund or the capital improvement fund. Hyattsville still has about half of the nearly $18 million in ARPA funds to allocate, according to the city. While discussing how to best use these funds, several councilmembers echoed Douglas' concern about increased spending, and said that they hesitated to choose programs that would incur costs after the ARPA funds were all spent.

The April 17 city council meeting should include further discussion of the budget and ARPA fund allocations.

The city plans to equip each single-family home with a 35-gallon tote that will be delivered directly from the manufacturer to households (multi-family properties aren’t yet part of this next phase).

“As new programs, priorities, and services are added, the city will need to work harder to prioritize and identify what ongoing services can or should be reduced or eliminated.”

Tracey Douglas City Administrator

LIFE & TIMES LOCAVORE

Where the little wild things are

By Imke Ahlf-Wien

If you’ve ever driven down Bladensburg Road into D.C., about 20 minutes from Hyattsville, you may have wondered what is hiding behind the beautiful mural featuring large colorful flowers, shoots, leaves and greens. This is Little Wild Things City Farm: an urban farm, located in an old parking garage (906 Bladensburg Road NE). Three different kinds of crops are grown here on less than a quarter of an acre: microgreens (and their slightly larger sibling, shoots), salad greens and edible flowers.

Oksana Bihun, vice president of operations for the all-women team, excitedly leads me through the grounds: a few rows of blossoming pansies, corn flowers and salad greens, and rows and rows of microgreens, stacked on top of each other, sometimes up to five shelves high — making the most of the limited space. Employees are busy hauling soil and assembling pansy blossoms for the daily count: 1,026 in total, I notice later on the whiteboard. Microgreens seem to be all the rage these days, but what exactly are they? Essentially, they are the seedlings of edible vegetables and herbs, and they don’t need a lot of space to grow. At Little Wild Things Farm, they grow in small trays that are covered in nourishing soil with water trickling in, while overhead LED lights simulate sunshine.

With their high concentration of nutrients, especially minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and polyphenols, microgreens are nutritional powerhouses. They can pack four to 40 times more nutrient content than their fully grown counterparts. They are not dependent on the seasons, and they grow quickly: Microgreens are harvest-ready about one to four weeks after planting.

In the past 20 years, microgreens have slowly moved from fancy restaurant garnish to the mainstream. They’ve become a favorite of urban farming and have even been praised as an “efficient food resilience resource” that can help provide global nutrition security (Acta Horticulturae 1321, 2021).

Microgreens are versatile. You can use them like fully grown salad greens in sandwiches and salads or add them to stir-fries and smoothies. They often have

a stronger flavor than their fully grown counterparts, and some can be quite spicy. I tasted a few on-site and tried a few samples at home. While my favorites were the pungent radish and broccoli varieties, I was smitten with the pea shoots that taste like a mixture of baby spinach and peas.

Currently Little Wild Things Farm’s produce is available at their store (where you can also get a peek at their farming operations), at the Dupont Circle Farmers Market on Sundays (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and at the Columbia Heights Farmers Market on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), starting in April.

In Hyattsville, you can take advantage of their salad share, which runs for 10 weeks, five times a year, and can be picked up on Wednesdays at the farm or from a drop-off location in University Park; home delivery is also available for much of Hyattsville. The share usually includes shoots and salad blends, various micro greens and micro herbs, as well as seasonal treats and weekly recipes.

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

Stir-fried Pea Shoots (serves 4)

My favorite way of eating pea shoots is a quick sauté in olive oil and garlic with a pinch of salt and pepper. For this recipe, I added ginger and a mix of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, lime juice, honey and spices. Don’t overcook the shoots — you want to keep their vitamins and antioxidants intact!

Ingredients:

1 bag pea shoots, about ½ pound

1 clove garlic, minced ½-inch piece of ginger, minced

2 tablespoons avocado oil

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

½ teaspoon honey

1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice

a pinch of crushed red pepper salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Wash the pea shoots. Combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, lime juice and crushed red pepper in a mixing bowl, and set aside. Heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger. Once they start to brown, add the pea shoots, and simmer for about two minutes. Add the sauce, and let simmer for another minute or two. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Above: Little Wild Things City Farm is located at 906 Bladensburg Road NE in the District. Left: Shelves of microgreens growing at Little Wild Things City Farm IMKE AHLFWIEN

Appearances that don't deceive

Dear Miss Floribunda,

The forsythia in my backyard is blooming, so I’ve gone out and pruned my roses, as advised by you and some others. What I’m not sure about is when to put out the seedlings I started indoors this year for the first time. Although I’ve looked up what our last frost date should be, different sites give different answers. Also, even if I were sure, I know that some plants tolerate frost better than others. I usually plant peas directly in the ground in March, and I even think they prefer a cool air temperature. Probably even a

tomato seedlings if I planted them now. Is there something like the forsythia-in-bloom rule that might help guide me here?

Curious on Crittenden Street

Dear Curious,

Planting your seedlings outside is not just about frost and how severe it is, nor air temperature, but also about the warmth of the soil. When the soil warms to 60 F or higher, it’s safe to bring out seedlings for tomatoes, eggplants, peppers and other warm weather vegetables. You can plant seeds for summer

in the soil at that time, too. Usually late April is safe in our area, but you might want to invest in a soil thermometer to be sure. It’s not a bad idea to bring your seedlings outdoors earlier, keeping them in their pots and bringing them back in the house at night. This will help them gradually adjust, or “harden off.”

However, what you’re asking for is quite valid, and it has a name: phenology. Literally it means “the science of appearances,” and is the study of such seasonal biological phenomena as bird migration, animal hibernation, leafcolor change in fall and the sprouting and flowering of plants. When you live in a capricious climate, as we do, it helps to watch what is happening outside your window.

While this is an old science, it has become trendy of late under the name “springcasting.” Forsythia isn’t the only plant watched, but the blossoms of cherry and apple trees, dogwood and lilacs are among other flowering plants used as markers.

The Japanese, by the way, began recording the flowering of their cherry trees as early as the ninth century. In the western world, Carl Linnaeus (known as Carl von

Linné in his native Sweden) recorded his observations systematically in the 18th century, along with other amazing achievements that earned him the title “Father of Ecology.” And, if you’ve ever looked at an Old Farmer’s Almanac, you have seen quite a bit of phenological lore — including what phase of the moon is best for planting root vegetables, why grasshopper eggs hatch when the lilac blooms, what the signs of imminent rain are and so on.

Folk advice is of varying value: It won’t help to know that it’s time to plant garlic when the feet of the snowshoe hare turn white in the fall if there are no snowshoe hares in your area. Nor do I really want to peer up into oak trees to see if the leaves are the size of squirrels' ears before I plant corn.

However, I know that it really is true that a good time to plant corn is when apple trees finish flowering because I actually have apple trees. From my own observation, I have learned to wait to plant cool weather veggies until crocuses pop up in my yard — and that includes potatoes and peas. When my next-door neighbor Patapanelope's lilies-of-thevalley bloom, I know it’s safe to set out tomato plants.

The point is to find floral phenomena around you that reliably indicate the level of light and degree of soil temperature appropriate for

certain garden activities. You already know that when your forsythia blooms, you can start your spring pruning. My neighbor several doors down, Mr. Greenspan, takes this as a sign to fertilize his lawn. Is there a floral signal that will tell you when to set out your tomato seedlings? A marker you can use is the blooming of bearded iris in your own or nearby gardens. In our microclimate, that means the soil is warm enough for you to set out tomatoes and all your summer seedlings, as well as to plant seeds of tender annuals and vegetables. I’ve been told that if you have a lilac near you to watch, you can plant beans and squash when it’s in bloom and cucumbers and squash after the flowers fade. However, I still advise buying a soil thermometer!

To learn more fascinating lore from seasoned gardeners and participate in a plant exchange, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, April 15, at 10 a.m. It will take place in the lovely back garden of Mary Jane Stevens and Robert Meyer, 3925 Nicholson Street.

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

MISS FLORIBUNDA

Using forsythia blossoms, as well as other flowering plants, as markers is called "springcasting." PEXELS.COM

The Hyattsville Reporter

Calling All Future Voters! Did you know 16- and 17-year-olds can vote in Hyattsville’s elections? If you live in the City of Hyattsville and will be at least 16 years old on or before May 9, YOU can vote for our City’s next Mayor and Councilmembers! Kids 15 and under can also join us on Election Day at the polls to cast their vote and help settle the hotly debated issue: Is a hot dog a sandwich?! The results will be announced on election night, and Hyattsville’s Council will issue a proclamation declaring the winning position. Hot diggety dog!

¡Llamando a Todos los Futuros Votantes! ¿Sabía usted que los jóvenes de 16 y 17 años pueden votar en las elecciones de Hyattsville? Si usted vive en la Ciudad de Hyattsville y tendrá al menos 16 años en o antes del 9 de mayo, ¡puedes votar por el próximo alcalde y concejales de nuestra Ciudad! Los niños menores de 15 años también pueden unirse a nosotros el día de las elecciones en las urnas para emitir su voto y ayudar a resolver el tema tan debatido: ¡¿Es un perro caliente un sándwich?! ¡Los resultados serán anunciados en la noche de las elecciones, y el Consejo de Hyattsville emitirá una proclamación declarando el lado ganador! ¡Que cool!

VOTE LOCAL ON MAY 9!

The City’s 2023 Election for a Mayor & Councilmembers is on May 9! Ballots and an election guide should be arriving to all registered voter households by mid-April. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. on May 9 by mail or to a secure drop box at the City Building (4310 Gallatin St), Hyattsville Branch Library (6530 Adelphi Rd), or Edward Felegy Elementary (6110 Editors Park Dr). We recommend mailing ballots by April 29 to ensure they arrive on time; please use a drop box after that date. If you do not receive a ballot by late April or need a replacement, call (301) 985-5001 or email votebymail@hyattsville.org. Same-day registration and in-person voting will also be available at the City Building on Election Day.

If you have not registered to vote or have questions about the Election, don’t sweat it – the City’s No Excuses Election Tour is here to help! Anyone 16+ that’s lived in the City of Hyattsville for at least 30 days, regardless of their U.S. citizenship status, can vote on May 9! Look for our voter registration table at an upcoming event to get registered or drop off a ballot.

• April 29: City Anniversary Fest! Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton St, 4 – 8 p.m.

• May 9: Election Fest! Polls are open at the City Building, 4310 Gallatin St, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., with food, music, and family fun starting at 5 p.m.!

MEET THE CANDIDATES! Get to know this year’s Mayor & Council candidates via a virtual candidate forum hosted by the Hyattsville Life & Times on April 13! The forum will start at 6 p.m. on facebook.com/ hyattsvillelife. The City will share the live-stream on cable channels 71 (Comcast) & 12 (Verizon), at hyattsville.org/meetings, and facebook.com/ cityofhyattsville.

Ward 3 Councilmembers Simasek & McClellan are also hosting a Ward check-in & candidate luncheon at the University Hills Duck Pond, 3400 Stanford St, on April 29 at noon. Mayor Croslin and the two Ward 3 Council candidates, Alexander Houck and Kareem Redmond will be in attendance. Note: the City does not endorse any candidate forums. The questions and moderation are managed by the organizing groups.

¡VOTA LOCAL EL 9 DE MAYO!

¡La elección de alcalde y concejales de 2023 de la Ciudad es el 9 de mayo! Las boletas y una guía electoral deberían llegar a todos los hogares de votantes registrados a mediados de abril. Las boletas deben devolverse antes de las 8 p.m. el 9 de mayo por correo o a una caja segura en el Edificio Municipal (4310 Gallatin St), la biblioteca de Hyattsville (6530 Adelphi Rd) o la escuela Edward Felegy (6110 Editors Park Dr). Recomendamos enviar las boletas por correo antes del 29 de abril para asegurarse de que lleguen a tiempo; utilice una caja segura después de esa fecha. Si no recibe una boleta a fines de abril o necesita un reemplazo, llame al (301) 985-5001 o envíe un correo electrónico a votebymail@hyattsville.org. El registro el mismo día y la votación en persona también estarán disponibles en el Edificio Municipal el Día de las elecciones.

Si no se ha registrado para votar o tiene preguntas sobre las Elecciones, no se preocupe - ¡la Gira de Elecciones Sin Excusas de la Ciudad está aquí para ayudarlo! ¡Cualquier persona mayor de 16 años que haya vivido en la ciudad de Hyattsville durante al menos 30 días, independientemente de su estado de ciudadanía estadounidense, puede votar el 9 de mayo! Busque nuestra mesa de registro de votantes en un próximo evento para registrarse o entregar una boleta.

• 29 de abril: Festival Aniversario de la Ciudad! Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton St, 4 – 8 p.m.

• 9 de mayo: Festival de las Elecciones! ¡Las urnas están abiertas en el Edificio Municipal , 4310 Gallatin St, de 7 a.m.8 p.m., con comida, música y diversión a partir de las 5 p.m.!

CONOZCA LOS CANDIDATOS! ¡Conozca a los candidatos a la Alcaldía y al Concejo de este año a través de un foro virtual de candidatos organizado por Hyattsville Life & Times el 13 de abril! El foro comenzará a las 6 p.m. en facebook.com/hyattsvillelife. La Ciudad compartirá la transmisión en vivo en los canales de cable 71 (Comcast), 12 (Verizon), en hyattsville.org/meetings y en facebook.com/cityofhyattsville.

Los Concejales del Distrito 3 Simasek y McClellan también organizarán una reunión y almuerzo con los candidatos del Distrito en University Hills Duck Pond, 3400 Stanford St, el 29 de abril al mediodía. El Alcalde Croslin y los dos candidatos al Concejo del Distrito 3, Alexander Houck y Kareem Redmond estarán presentes. Nota: la ciudad no respalda ningún foro. Las preguntas y la moderación están a cargo de los grupos organizadores.

ANNOUNCEMENTS | ANUNCIOS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HYATTSVILLE!

This April marks the 137th anniversary of the City’s founding! We’ve come a long way in 137 years and are excited for what the future holds. Come celebrate the occasion with your neighbors at the City Anniversary Celebration in Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton Street, on April 28 and 29! The City is hosting an outdoor movie night on April 28 from 7:30 – 10 p.m. and a Festival on April 29 from 4 – 9 p.m. with games, food, music, and fireworks! Visit hyattsville.org/ anniversary for details.

APPLY FOR FINANCIAL RELIEF BEFORE THE DEADLINE

The deadline to apply for the Hyattsville Household Emergency Relief Program is May 31! City residents and families can apply for up to $5,000 in relief to help offset the financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more and apply at hyattsville.org/rescueplan. For questions or assistance with the application, call (301) 9855000 or email ARPA@hyattsville.org.

HYATTSVILLE COVID VACCINE & TESTING SITE CLOSURE

Take advantage of the opportunity to get your free vaccines and boosters before the City’s COVID-19 testing and vaccine site closes on May 9! After the federal disaster declaration ends May 11, vaccines and testing will still be available through pharmacies and health care providers. However, if your health care plan does not cover the cost of the vaccine or test, you may be charged for the service. Vaccines are available Tuesdays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Details at hyattsville.org/covidvaccine.

RENEW YOUR RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT

All residential parking permits set to expire by June can be renewed online when the renewal portal opens for your zone! Keep your eyes out for renewal reminder emails from “@rmcpay.com”! Through April 30, Group 2 (Zones 2, 6, 9A, and 13) can visit hyattsville.org/res-permits to complete the renewal process. Next up will be Group 3 (Zones 1, 8, 10, and 11) from May 1 – 31 and Group 4 (Zone 9B) from June 1 – 30. Group 1 permit holders that did not renew in March must now complete a new permit application. Have questions? Visit hyattsville.org/res-permits or call (301) 985-5027.

SENIOR ART CLASSES ARE BACK!

The City and ArtWorks Now are offering an eight-week mixed-media art class for older adults this spring! Classes will be held April 25 – June 13 on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Art Works Now. Space is limited. Learn more and register by contacting (301) 985-5000 or seniors@ hyattsville.org.

CREATIVE MINDS

Creative Minds is back this spring from April 25 - June 13! Hyattsville parents & guardians can join us Tuesdays with their toddlers from 10-11:30 am at the Driskell Park Recreation Center (3911 Hamilton St) for indoor and outdoor programming! Sign up now at hyattsville.org/ creativeminds.

GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESSES

The City’s Corridor Investment Grant Program cycle is now open! This program provides grants of up to $5,000 to businesses, non-profits, and community members for creative placemaking projects, programming, or business development strategies. Visit hyattsville.org/CIP to learn more!

¡FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS HYATTSVILLE!

¡Este abril marca el 137 aniversario de la fundación de la Ciudad! ¡Hemos recorrido un largo camino en esos 137 años y estamos emocionados por lo que nos espera en el futuro!

¡Venga a celebrar la ocasión con sus vecinos a la celebración del Aniversario en Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton Street, el 28 y 29 de abril! ¡La Ciudad está organizando una noche de cine al aire libre el 28 de abril de 7:30 – 10 p.m. y un Festival el 29 de abril de 4 - 9 p.m. con juegos, comida, música y fuegos artificiales! Visite hyattsville.org/anniversary para detalles.

SOLICITE ALIVIO FINANCIERO ANTES DE LA FECHA LÍMITE

¡La fecha límite para solicitar para el Programa de ayuda de emergencia a hogares de Hyattsville es el 31 de mayo! Individuos y familias de le la Ciudad pueden solicitar hasta $5,000 en ayuda para ayudar con las dificultades financieras causadas por la pandemia. Obtenga más info y solicite en hyattsville.org/rescueplan. Si tiene preguntas o necesita ayuda, contacte al (301) 985-5000 o ARPA@hyattsville.org.

CIERRE DEL SITIO DE COVID-19 DE HYATTSVILLE

¡Aproveche la oportunidad de obtener sus vacunas y refuerzos gratuitas antes de que el sitio de pruebas y vacunas COVID-19 de la Ciudad cierre el 9 de mayo! Después de que la declaración de desastre federal termine el 11 de mayo, las vacunas y pruebas seguirán estando disponibles a través de farmacias y proveedores de atención médica. Sin embargo, si su seguro médico no cubre el coste de la vacuna o la prueba, es posible que se le cobren por el servicio. Las vacunas están disponibles martes de 11 a.m. a 7 p.m. y sábados de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Detalles en hyattsville.org/covidvaccine.

RENUEVE SU PERMISO DE ESTACIONAMIENTO RESIDENCIAL

¡Todos los permisos de estacionamiento residencial que vencen en junio pueden renovarse en línea cuando se abra el portal de renovación para su zona! Hasta el 30 de abril, el Grupo 2 (Zonas 2, 6, 9A y 13) puede visitar hyattsville. org/res-permits para completar el proceso de renovación. A continuación sera el Grupo 3 (Zonas 1, 8, 10 y 11) del 1 al 31 de mayo y el Grupo 4 (Zona 9B) del 1 al 30 de junio. Las personas con permisos del grupo 1 que no renovaron en marzo deberán completar una nueva solicitud. ¿Preguntas? Visite hyattsville. org/res-permits o llame al (301) 985-5027.

CLASES DE ARTE PARA PERSONAS DE LA TERCERA EDAD

¡La Ciudad y ArtWorks Now están ofreciendo una clase de arte de medios mixtos de ocho semanas para personas mayores esta primavera! Las clases se llevarán a cabo del 25 de abril al 13 de junio los martes de 10:30 a.m. a 12:30 p. m. en Art Works Now. El espacio es limitado. Obtenga detalles y regístrese comunicándose con (301) 985-5000 o seniors@hyattsville.org.

MENTES CREATIVAS

¡Mentes Creativas regresa esta primavera del 25 de abril al 13 de junio! ¡Los padres de Hyattsville pueden unirse a nosotros los martes con sus niños pequeños de 10 - 11:30 a.m. en el Centro recreativo de Driskell Park (3911 Hamilton St) para programación adentro y al aire libre! ¡Inscríbase ahora en hyattsville.org/creativeminds.

OPORTUNIDAD DE SUBVENCIÓN PARA NEGOCIOS

¡El Programa de subvenciones en corredores de la Ciudad ya está abierto! Este programa proporciona subvenciones de hasta $5,000 a negocios, organizaciones sin fines de lucro y miembros de la comunidad para proyectos creativos de creación de lugares, programación o estrategias de desarrollo empresarial. ¡Visite hyattsville.org/CIP para aprender más!

CALENDAR | CALENDARIO

FREE ZUMBA CLASSES

Each Wednesday from 4 - 5 PM at the City Building. No registration required, but space is limited. Details at hyattsville.org/calendar.

SPANISH LANGUAGE CPR CLASS

Spanish language CPR class on April 12, 6 - 8:30 PM, at City Building. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar.

CANDIDATE FORUM

Virtual candidate forum hosted by Hyattsville Life & Times on April 13 at 6 PM. Find streaming options at hyattsville.org/calendar.

CITIZEN SCIENTIST: MOSQUITO CONTROL

Mosquito control workshop for teens (grades 6 - 12) on April 14, 4 - 5 PM, at Teen Center, 3911 Hamilton St. No registration required. More at hyattsville.org/calendar.

INVASIVE REMOVALS

Volunteering event to remove invasive plant species from Driskell Park on April 15 from 10 AM - 2 PM.

HEALTH-A-PALOOZA

The City & partners are hosting a health resource fair on April 15, 10 AM - 3 PM, at Hyatt Park. Learn more at hyattsville.org/calendar.

FRESH PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION

First-come, first-serve fresh produce distribution on April 18, at noon, at First United Methodist Church.

STREET ART COMMUNITY MEETING

Learn about the City’s new pilot program to beautify streets with art via a virtual meeting on April 20, 6 PM. Pre-register at hyattsville.org/ calendar.

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY

Dispose of unwanted prescriptions, medicines, vapes, and more on April 22, 10 AM - 2 PM, at City Building - no questions asked!

HY-SWAP

The community-organized event to “shop” for infants, childrens, maternity clothing, and more is on April 23 at Driskell Park! Get details & sign up for a shopping time at hy-swap.com.

CERT SESSION

The next community emergency response team (CERT) organization meeting is on April 26, 6:30 PM, at the City Building. Learn more at hyattsville.org/cert.

VIRTUAL CHAT WITH THE CHIEF Chat virtually with Hyattsville’s Police Chief on April 26, 7 - 8 PM! hyattsville.org/calendar.

NARCAN TRAININGS

Free NARCAN community trainings at the City Building on April 27 at 6 PM and April 28 at 10 AM. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar.

CITY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Come celebrate the City’s 137 anniversary at Driskell Park with a movie night April 28 from 7:30 - 10 PM and a festival on April 29 from 4 - 9 PM. Details at hyattsville.org/ anniversary.

REAL PROPERTY TAX RATE HEARING

The FY-24 real property tax rate public hearing is scheduled for May 1 at 6:30 PM. Register for the hearing at hyattsville.org/calendar.

AFFORDABILITY HOUSING DISCUSSION

BIKE RODEO

Join City staff and community partners for a Bike Rodeo Day on May 6, 11 AM - 2 PM, at Edward Felegy Elementary. Details at hyattsville.org/calendar.

TREES EDUCATION WORKSHOP

Join Casey Trees & City staff for a Family Tree Day in Driskell Park on May 6 from 1:30 - 3:30 PM. Details at hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

CLASES GRATUITAS DE ZUMBA

Cada miércoles de 4 - 5 PM en el Edificio Municipal. No requiere registro pero el espacio es limitado. Detalles en hyattsville.org/calendar.

CLASE DE RCP EN ESPAÑOL

Clase de RCP en españoñ el 12 de abirl, 6 - 8:30 PM, en el Edificio Municipal. Regístrese en hyattsville. org/calendar.

FORO DE CANDIDATOS

Foro virtual de candidatos organizado por Hyattsville Life & Times el 13 de abril a las 6 PM. Encuentre opciones de transmisión en hyattsville.org/calendar.

TALLER DE CONTROL DE MOSQUITOS

Taller de control de mosquitos para jóvenes (grados 6 a 12) el 14 de abril, de 4 - 5 PM, en el Centro de Jóvenes, 3911 Hamilton St. No es necesario registrarse. Más en hyattsville.org/calendar.

REMOVIMIENTO DE PLANTAS

Evento de voluntariado para eliminar especies de plantas invasoras del Parque Driskell el 15 de abril de 10 AM - 2 PM.

The City of Hyattsville will host a virtual Housing Affordability Panel Discussion on April 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Community members can join City staff and the Prince George’s County Department of Housing and Community Development to discuss the status of affordable housing in the City and County, what is being done to help residents remain in their homes and communities of choice, available resources, and more. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar or by calling (301) 985-5000.

HEALTH-A-PALOOZA

La ciudad y socios organizarán una feria de recursos de salud el 15 de abril, de 10 AM - 3 PM, en Hyatt Park. Más información en hyattsville.org/calendar.

DISTRIBUCIÓN DE PRODUCTOS AGRÍCOLAS

Distribución de productos frescos por orden de llegada el 18 de abril, al mediodía, en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida.

REUNIÓN COMUNITARIA DE ARTE CALLEJERA

Des las recetas, medicamentos, vaporizadores y más no deseados el 22 de abril, de 10 a. m. a 2 p. m., en el edificio de la ciudad, ¡sin hacer preguntas!

DÍA DE DEVOLUCIÓN DE MEDICAMENTOS

Deshágase de medicamentos no deseados el 22 de abril, de 10 AM - 2 PM, en el Edificio Municipal –¡no se le hacen preguntas!

INTERCAMBIO COMUNITARIO

¡El evento organizado por la comunidad para “comprar” bebés, niños, ropa de maternidad y más es el 23 de abril en Driskell Park! Obtenga detalles y regístrese en hy-swap.com.

SESIÓN DEL EQUIPO CERT

La próxima reunión de organización del equipo comunitario de respuesta a emergencias (CERT) es el 26 de abril a las 6:30 PM. en el Edificio Municipal. Obtenga más información en hyattsville.org/cert.

CHAT VIRTUAL CON EL JEFE

¡Hable virtualmente con el Jefe de Policía de Hyattsville el 26 de abril, de 7 - 8 PM! hyattsville.org/calendar.

ENTRENAMIENTOS DE NARCAN

Entrenamientos gratuitos de NARCAN en el Edificio Municipal el 27 de abril a las 6 PM y el 28 de abril a las 10 AM. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/calendar.

CELEBRACIÓN DEL ANIVERSARIO DE LA CIUDAD

Venga a celebrar el 137 aniversario de la Ciudad en Driskell Park con una noche de cine el 28 de abril de 7:30 - 10 PM y un festival el 29 de abril de 4 - 9 PM. Detalles en hyattsville.org/ anniversary.

AUDIENCIA DE TASA DE IMPUESTOS

La audiencia pública sobre la tasa de impuestos para el año fiscal 2024 está programada para el 1 de mayo a las 6:30 p. m. Regístrese para la audiencia en hyattsville.org/calendar.

RODEO DE BICICLETAS

Únase al personal de la ciudad ya los socios de la comunidad para un día de rodeo de bicicletas el 6 de mayo, de 11 AM - 2 PM, en la escuela primaria Edward Felegy. Detalles en hyattsville.org/calendar.

TALLER DE EDUCACIÓN DE ÁRBOLES

Únase al personal de Casey Trees & la Ciudad para un Día del Árboles para la familia en Driskell Park el 6 de mayo de 1:30 - 3:30 PM. Detalles en hyattsville.org/ enviro-education.

DISCUSIÓN SOBRE VIVIENDA ASEQUIBLE

La Ciudad de Hyattsville organizará un panel de discusión virtual sobre asequibilidad de la vivienda el 28 de abril de 11 a. m. a 12:30 p. m. Los miembros de la comunidad pueden unirse al personal de la Ciudad y al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario del Condado Prince George’s para hablar sobre el estado de las viviendas asequibles en la Ciudad y el Condado, lo que se está haciendo para ayudar a los residentes a permanecer en sus hogares y comunidades, los recursos disponibles y más. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/calendar o llame al (301) 985-5000.

HIGHLIGHTS | LO DESTACADO

CITY OF HYATTSVILLE ELECTION

The Hyattsville Life & Times reached out to all candidates registered to run in the city’s 2023 election. You’ll find their statements in this section. Wards are listed in numerical order; candidates are listed alphabetically by last name within each ward.

Candidate Forum

April 13

Join us April 13 at 6 p.m. as the Hyattsville Life & Times asks candidates your questions. This virtual event will be moderated by Maria James, former managing editor of the HL&T.

Video of the answers to each question will be available at StreetcarSuburbs.News after the event.

Election day is May 9. You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen to vote, only a City of Hyattsville resident age 16 and older. In-person voting and same-day voter registration will be available at the Hyattsville Municipal Building (4310 Gallatin Street).

Registered voters who receive mail-in ballots may vote by mail or deliver their ballots to drop boxes at the Hyattsville Municipal Building, the Hyattsville Branch Library (6530 Adelphi Road) and Felegy Elementary School (6110 Editors Park Drive). The ballot box at the library is inside and accessible only during library hours. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on May 9; ballots arriving after May 9 can not be counted.

MAYOR

services we depend on, we have been able to:

• Provide food for families in need.

• Donate diapers to families with young children.

• Offer free COVID-19 test kits and masks.

• Make COVID-19 testing and vaccines available.

ROBERT CROSLIN

Age: I am comfortably over 21. Day Job: Mayor, goldsmith/ jewelry artist. I design and create all types of jewelry, some of which is on display at Fleisher’s jewelry store. I also specialize in wedding rings. Website: robertcroslinjewelry. com

Community Involvement: I have served as mayor for more than a year and as Ward 2 councilmember for more than nine years.

Statement to Voters: During the last year, I have served as your mayor. It has been an honor and privilege — and with your help and support, I want to continue serving as your mayor for four more years. I respectfully ask for your vote. Working together we can move beyond some of the roughest and most trying times our city has endured recently, certainly in the 34 years I have lived here.

During this time, while continuing to provide the

• Make American rescue funds available to our businesses.

• Use ARPA funds to help prevent families from losing their homes.

croslinformayor.com

WARD 1

• Council liaison, Health, Wellness and Recreation Advisory Committee

• HVL Street Design Team

• Liaison, U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness

• Member, Alumni Board, University of Michigan School of Social Work Statement to Voters: I’m running for reelection because:

First, I find this role meaningful and rewarding. I enjoy serving as your representative and contributing to the community in this way. In the past year and a half, I’ve learned from the questions, frustrations, sorrows and joys you’ve shared with me, and want to further leverage the investments we've made together.

WARD 2

and I’ve provided excellent constituent services. Hyattsville is a regional leader on issues of democracy reform, civil rights protections, environmental sustainability, and community engagement. On these big issues, Hyattsville is known as a small town that punches above its weight. Let’s keep Hyattsville moving in the right direction! If reelected, I will fight for:

• Affordable housing

• Walkable neighborhoods

JOANNE WASZCZAK

Age: 52

Day Job: Special assistant to the CFO, Federal Transit Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation Community Involvement:

• Councilmember, City of Hyattsville

• Council liaison, Educational Facilities Task Force

Second, our city staff, council and committees form a highperforming and collaborative whole. I thrive as part of a leadership team that engages stakeholders, does its research, discusses meaningful issues, and works together to weigh tradeoffs and make the best possible decisions. I lift our voices to make Hyattsville an even better place to live, work and visit, and to ensure that benefits and opportunities are equitable and accessible to all.

Third, I want to keep working with you to strengthen Hyattsville’s sustainability, resiliency, engagement, transparency, health and safety.

Age: 46 Day Job: Landscape architect with the National Park Service. I work on Transportation Design and Construction Projects in the DMV.

Community Involvement: I’ve served on the Hyattsville City Council since 2019. I’ve helped organize the HVL Street Design Team, a local group focused on street safety and walkability. I formerly served as the District 22 at-large member to the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee.

Statement to Voters: I have represented Ward 2 on the Hyattsville City Council since 2019. Although I have a busy personal life, it’s always been easy to find time for city council business because I truly love it.

In my four years on the council I’ve been a focused and tireless legislator, I’ve engaged with residents through frequent check-ins and by publishing my newsletter The Schaible Scoop,

• Smarter land use and zoning regulations

• Environmental sustainability

• Responsive and effective city government

ALEXANDER HOUCK

Age: 34

Day Job: I am a deputy chief safety officer for the Maryland Transit Administration based in Baltimore.

Community Involvement: I have served as a Prince

DANNY SCHAIBLE

George’s County election judge, a public notary, foster through Knine Rescue, volunteer at Historic Congressional Cemetery, and am a member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. Statement to Voters: If the citizens of Hyattsville and Ward 3 share the vision of a greener, cleaner, and safer Hyattsville, then I am the candidate to help us move the city in that direction. I have been a public servant since moving to Maryland, living in Hyattsville as both a renter and homeowner, and am familiar with the challenges unique to each. In a time of economic pressure that is squeezing the wallets of all Hyattsvillagers, I believe city council’s main duty is to plan an efficient budget that makes good decisions with our money. Ward 3 is home to the Mall, Metro, Northwestern High School, University Town

Center, and some great parks that welcome a lot of people from outside of our immediate community, and I want to ensure these areas are still inviting to those who make Hyattsville their home.

Business Improvement District

Formation Steering Committee member

• Regular attendee of Hyattsville City Council meetings

KAREEM REDMOND

Age: 37

Day Job: Manager, Leadership Development Programs–Association of American Medical Colleges

Community Involvement:

• Board member and president, One Independence Plaza Condo Association

• Hyattsville Crossing

Statement to Voters: Since moving to Ward 3 in 2012, my love has grown for Hyattsville and the people that make our community unique. That uniqueness is not something we can take for granted. If elected, I will work to increase public safety, support creation of vibrant community spaces, and protect housing accessibility and affordability for all. For the last several years, I’ve served as the president of my condo association. In this role, I’ve implemented solutions to improve the well-being of several hundred residents while advocating for University Town Center’s revitalization. Throughout my career, I’ve worked in nonprofit management, strategic planning, and stakeholder

engagement. There is a consistent theme among all my experiences. It is my ability to build relationships and align individuals around shared goals to create a better future for those I serve. It would be my honor to represent Ward 3 on Hyattsville’s City Council. Learn more about my priorities and share your thoughts at kareemforward3.com or follow up on social media @ KareemforWard3.

WARD 4

Michelle Lee for Ward 4

As a Prince George’s County native and a 10-year resident of Hyattsville, I have a great appreciation for this wonderful and diverse community. It’s my belief that we all deserve to live in a community where we can all grow and thrive in peace. I want to be an advocate for the people to bring community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and open communication about issues that matter to you all and that will keep Hyattsville moving forward. Please make sure your voice is heard and vote! Your vote matters!

I appreciate your support and look forward to making a difference in the community and #moving4ward. Thank you!

WARD 5

MICHELLE LEE

Age: 40

Day Job: Executive assistant

Community Involvement:

• Jamestown Road Block Party committee member/volunteer (2019)

• Driskell Park Food Drive volunteer (2020)

• Organizer for Ward 4 meeting with interim mayor/ candidate Robert Croslin (2022)

• Attendee of different committee meetings and community events

Statement to Voters: Hi neighbors!

As a 10-year resident of Hyattsville and a born-andraised Prince Georgian, this is a privilege to be a candidate for councilmember to represent Ward 4. I want to make a commitment to work on improving community engagement to keep Ward 4 moving forward to be a community for all. I will serve as a liaison and partner with residents to present all matters to the mayor and all the councilmembers to make sure that the residents’ voices are heard. I will listen to residents to learn what matters to them and address those concerns and take action to improve and fix those issues.

I believe community is really what makes a place special to live, getting to know neighbors and looking out for one another. But as the saying goes, “It takes a village,” and I believe that it takes all of us working together to keep our city moving and thriving. Connect with me on Instagram @ michelle4ward4hyattsville.com.

JOSEPH SOLOMON

Age: 37

Day Job: President/CEO of SI FEDERAL, a systems integration and technology consulting firm. I specialize in the design, implementation, project management, and security of enterprise resource planning systems. I hold a B.S. in Computer Science from Morehouse College, and an M.S. in Computer Science from Rutgers University. I moved to the area when starting my career in consulting for Accenture Federal Services. After seven years, I established my own firm, contracting with the Office Personnel Management, Department of Agriculture, and Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Community Involvement: Hyattsville City Council President (councilmember for 10 years)

Statement to Voters: To voters, constituents and friends in Ward 5, thank you for your confidence in my ability and willingness to serve our community over the past 10 years. I am extremely grateful and looking forward to continuing to support and develop our beloved community. With several new road projects, development initiatives, and a new West Hyattsville Sector Plan, I felt it important to continue in my role to ensure the successful implementation and completion of the myriad of projects in progress. Let’s continue to work together to build a greener, safer, walkable community for all.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Our list of events sponsored by local nonprofits, arts organizations and performance venues, occurring between April 9 and May 8; all information is current as of April 3. 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 May 8 and June 12 to managingeditor@ hyattsvillelife.com by May 4.

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. Listeners welcome! 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

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 “Freedom,” a collection of their masterful quilts, at the Brentwood Arts Exchange. Closes April 22. 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

APRIL 14

Emory Grey is a new project by Erin Frisby, founder of the nonprofit record label This Could Go Boom! After touring extensively with Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray and FuzzQueen, Frisby settled in the District, where she cofounded the post-punk rock band, The OSYX. Purchase tickets through pgparksdirect. com. $15. 8 p.m. Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. 301.277.2863

APRIL 15

Join the Hyattsville Horticultural Society for their spring plant exchange. A short business meeting will be followed by the exchange of plants, including annuals, perennials, vegetables, volunteer tree saplings, etc. No invasive plants; bare-root plants preferred. Non-members are welcome, as well as anyone without plants to share. 10 a.m. Walk down the driveway to the backyard of 3925 Nicholson St. hyattsvillehorticulture.org

Go on an action-packed scavenger hunt! Complete a list of missions using the GooseChase mobile app on your iPhone or Android smartphone. Collect photos, videos, GPS checkpoints and text-based answers to score as many points as possible in the time allowed. All ages. 1 p.m. Register at pgparksdirect. com. $3 county residents, $4 nonresidents.. Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Rd., Bladensburg. 301.779.0371

APRIL 20

Join aerial artists from UpSpring Aerial Lab and the musicians of Kundalika for a preview of their upcoming show, “Elemental,” a

$20 suggested donation. 8 p.m. Archie Edwards Blues Foundation, 4502 Hamilton St. Acousticblues.com

Bring your beagles and beagle wanna-bes to Greenbelt Dog Park for Beaglefest, a beagle prom and class reunion all in one, which will benefit Beagle Rescue and Welfare, or BREW. All dogs are welcome to enjoy this quality unleashed time with other dogs. $10/dog entry. Noon to 4 p.m. 7300 Hanover Dr., Greenbelt. brewbeagles.org

APRIL 23

items, smaller pieces of furniture, toys and games. Cash only. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. University Park Church of the Brethren, 4413 Tuckerman St., University Park.

APRIL 30

collaborative performance exploring how people are experiencing climate change. After watching performance excerpts, the audience will be invited to share their feedback and ask questions. Pay-what-you-wish starting at $5. 8 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. Joesmovement.org

APRIL 21

Open mic night with Cherry Blossom Special at My Dead Aunt’s Books. $10 suggested donation. Doors open at 7 p.m., open mic 7:30 p.m., band 8:30 p.m. 5132 Baltimore Avenue. 240.472.9325

APRIL 22

Come listen to Andy Cohen in concert. Andy Cohen is a blues musician who plays mostly Southeastern music that was on 78s, including blues, gospel, country dance music, fiddle tunes, monologues, ballads, classic rags, ditties, country songs and boogies.

The HY-Swap is back for another year! Drop off presorted donations from 9 to 11 a.m., then come and “shop” for free from noon to 1:30 p.m., or 2 to 3:30 p.m. Items are free; $10 suggested donation per family to cover operating expenses. Rain date May 7. Driskell Park Pavilion (behind the softball field). hy-swap.com

APRIL 24

Learn the importance of native plants, how they grow, the benefits they provide and how they help us grow food. Make a seed bomb to take home and help encourage native plant growth. Presented by Defensores de la Cuenca in Spanish and English. 4 p.m. Hyattsville Public Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451

APRIL 29

“New-to-You” yard sale to benefit Route One Communities Care/Greater Riverdale Cares. All proceeds buy meals from local restaurants for neighbors facing hunger. Find new and lightly used items, including clothes, jewelry, household

Sacred circle dance is a circle dance experience that draws from ancient and traditional folk dances, many from Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The dances in this workshop evoke peace, insight, healing, joy and a powerful sense of interconnection with each other and all life. $35. 10:30 a.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. Joesmovement.org

MAY 6

Do you nerd out about "My Hero Academia," "Attack on Titan," "Demon Slayer” or "Sailor Moon?" Come enjoy a showing of the “Laid-Back Camp Movie.” Refreshments will be provided. Teens. 11:30 a.m. Hyattsville Public Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451

MAY 8

Independent Film Series: “My Year of Living Mindfully.” In the midst of a global mental health crisis, millions of people have turned to mindfulness. But does it actually make us happier and healthier? In this world-first experiment, journalist Shannon Harvey recruited a team of scientists to put mindfulness to the test. 7 p.m. Hyattsville Public Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451

Preventing car crime

By Catie Currie

In late January, my life turned upside down.

My husband and I were walking out of our apartment with our 2-year-old and infant, excited that we could take our toddler to his favorite store. We were stunned to find our reserved parking spot empty. After the initial shock and having to explain to our toddler that he wouldn’t get to go on the trip he’d been asking about for days, reality started to set in. We had many immediate concerns on the surface. My husband was starting a six-day work week schedule the next day and would need his car to commute, and our medically complex toddler had multiple appointments in the coming week that I would need to take him to. Our kids’ car seats were in the car, so we were still in a bind, even if we could find a ride. Our financial situation is precarious, making it difficult for us to replace car seats, much less a car. And our living situation is far from ideal, too; we need every penny we’ve saved to move when our lease is up.

All of these overwhelming concerns came to mind first, of course, but after that first day of panic and conversations with insurance adjusters and police, deeper losses began to surface.

I drove that car to my first date with the man I would end up marrying, and I drove it to my wedding. Both of my babies came home from the hospital in that car. It was with me for all of the most significant moments in my life — and now it’s gone. My toddler's special car toy and my baby’s favorite teether were both in that car. But the loss that’s been hitting me hardest is the loss of the stack of projects we had just picked up from our toddler’s art class. I prioritized bringing in the groceries and left that artwork on my dash, assuming I would be able to grab those treasures the next morning. The project at the top of the pile was this lopsided owl that I wanted to hang in my son’s play area. It may be silly, considering how significant the other concerns are, but I’ve been missing that owl every day. Overall, I'm thankful for our safety. Carjacking, or auto theft with an element of force,

is common in my area, and I’ve been very anxious about what I would do in that kind of situation.

I reached out to retired Prince George’s County Police Department police sergeant Kevin McSwain to learn more about how to protect myself against auto theft. According to McSwain, there are practical steps we can take, including using anti-theft devices such as

a steering wheel or brake lock, or a car alarm. A brightly lit area can deter thieves, and security cameras may offer added protection. McSwain also said community, itself, can play an important part. When people are out and about, watching out for each other, crime rates are typically lower.

McSwain walked me through what police do when a car is reported stolen. The vehicle’s VIN and plate number, along with a description, are entered into a database that will alert the police if the car gets towed or shows up in a routine traffic stop. The police use tag readers — devices that alert police officers on the road if a stolen car is located in their vicinity.

McSwain added that the vehicle recovery rate depends on the purpose of the theft. Some people steal cars to go on joy rides or commit other crimes and leave the vehicles when they’re done. If a vehicle’s stolen for parts, though, recovery’s a longshot.

McSwain emphasized that one should not engage with a perpetrator. Property can be replaced; personal safety is paramount.

McSwain had strong advice about carjackings, too, which typically occur when a driver’s

alone and distracted — say in a parking garage, loading things into the trunk. He said to be especially aware of surroundings and to note large objects, like dumpsters, or dark areas in a covered lot that could give someone a spot to hide. He noted that it’s wise to ask a friend or neighbor to watch out for you as you’re heading to your car, too.

If you do end up in a carjacking situation, McSwain advised remembering two words: cooperation and communication. The most important thing is to ensure that the perpetrator feels that they are in control; McSwain underscored that you have a better chance of being safe if they feel calm. Never attempt to fight the perpetrator, and cooperate with them to the extent you safely can.

As I reflect on my conversation with McSwain, I keep thinking about how much he emphasized vigilance. I plan on being much more aware of myself, my loved ones and my vehicle. And I hope that my story helps you become more aware and learn how to be safer, too.

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Catie Currie is the business manager for Streetcar Suburbs News.

According to retired Prince George's County Police Department police sergeant Kevin McSwain, community can play an important part. When people are out and about, watching out for each other, crime rates are typically lower.

tech solution, with the help of David Tilley, an associate professor of environmental science and technology at the University of Maryland.

On Aug. 1, 2022, the Hyattsville City Council approved the purchase of 10 bus shelters from Living Canopies for $115,000.

Tilley founded Living Canopies, a University Parkbased company that sells shade for patios. The shade comes in the form of umbrella-shaped trellises covered with tropical flowering vines, which are watered by solar-powered automated irrigation systems. Vigilante Coffee Company has had Tilley’s living canopies shading tables outside its College Park location.

Shading bus stops with living plants will be a new venture for both the company and the city. “This is going to be a demonstration of the technology,” said Tilley, in his initial presentation to the city council last April. “Hyattsville’s on the cutting edge, so if you want to pat yourself on the back, you should!”

When the foliage on the new bus shelters dies back in the winter, commuters will still have shelter from the rain.

According to the proposed design attached to August’s council materials, the shelters will have green roofs that capture rainwater. The captured rainwater will run down into a 100-gallon cistern in the bus shelter bench. When sensors indicate that soil on the roof is dry, a pump powered by solar panels will send water back up to the plants on the roof.

The bus shelter solar panels will also power lights and a cell

phone charging station.

In the summer, native plants growing on the trellises on each end of the bus shelter roof will extend the shade offered by the bus shelter by about 12 square feet in each direction.

Tilley first reached out to the city about the bus shelters in the spring of 2021, according to Leslie Riddle, Hyattsville’s director of public works.

Hyattsville is “definitely on the low end for bus shelters,” Riddle

said when she introduced Tilley to the city council.

There are currently six county bus shelters in zip code 20781, according to a manager from InSite Street Media, which maintains and sells advertising on the shelters.

Tilley’s initial April 2022 presentation featured a number of design options and 12 potential sites on city roads — many of them along Hamilton and Jefferson streets -– from

a list that Tilley said was provided by the city’s public works department. At the August 2022 council meeting, Councilmember Rommel Sandino (Ward 5) requested community input on the location of the shelters.

At a small virtual community meeting in March, resident Gregory Pitman suggested Queensbury Road, Queens Chapel Road, Hamilton Street near the Aldi, and 42nd Avenue near Hyattsville Middle School as potential sites. Hal Metzler, Hyattsville’s deputy director of public works, mentioned difficulty securing permissions to install bus shelters on state roads like Queens Chapel, and space challenges on Queensbury.

According to Tilley’s initial presentation, the shelters will be accessible for those with disabilities, and will be 7 feet tall, 9 feet long and 4 feet deep.

Also at the community meeting, resident Adnan Barazi advocated for a display giving real-time data

on when buses would arrive, something Councilmember Joanne Waszczak (Ward 1) voiced support for during last April’s council meeting.

Tilley said that an electronic display would be too power hungry for the bus shelter’s solar panels. “It would be a great feature to have, but it won't make it into the first generation models,” he said in an email. “Hopefully, we can accommodate them in the near future.”

As of press time, some details of the contract are still being finalized, according to Tilley, so a delivery timeline is not yet available.

Hyattsville has been an early adopter of green technology before — it was one of the first municipalities to invest in an electric garbage truck and an electric police car. Mayor Robert Croslin said in the council meeting last April that he was excited for Hyattsville to be first on solar-powered bus shelters, too.

UNDER

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— Crissie B.

A rendering of a proposed green bus shelter COURTESY OF NICHOLAS GRAY AND LIVING CANOPIES

the West Hyattsville Metro station, is a small memorial of flowers and a cross honoring Helen Jorgensen, who was killed by a car on Aug. 13, 2021. She was 61, and her death added to a terrible trend.

According to Pamela Sebesky, chair of the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, 360 lives were lost on roads in the greater metropolitan area that year; the total includes deaths of pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers and passengers.

“This represents a 12% increase in fatalities from the prior year and the second year in a row that fatalities have risen. Serious injuries also rose,” Sebesky wrote.

In the last five years, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased much faster than the overall number of traffic accidents. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, pedestrian deaths have increased 59% from 2009 and account for 17% of all traffic deaths. (Fatalities involving bicyclists are at 2%.)

Prince George’s County has had an unusually high number of pedestrian deaths.

According to figures from regional police departments compiled by DCist, an online newsletter of WAMU, the pedestrian death rate in Prince George’s County was 11.8 per 100,000 residents in 2022, 240% higher than the District’s rate (4.9 per 100,000) and 274% higher than that of Montgomery County (4.3 per 100,000).

Prince George’s County is implementing the Vision Zero program, which aims to reduce traffic injuries and deaths. Vision Zero grew out of

an initiative that has reduced traffic fatalities in Sweden, the Netherlands and New Zealand by more than 50% since the mid-1990s. Other nearby jurisdictions have adopted the Vision Zero program, as well. Rather than focus on the mistakes of individual drivers or pedestrians, this data-driven approach prioritizes structural issues, such as roadway design, and targets areas that are inherently more dangerous. Some of the most dangerous local areas are University Avenue from Edwards Place, in Langley Park, to West Park Drive, in Lewisdale/Adelphi, and Kenilworth Avenue from Carters Lane to River Road, in Riverdale Park. The area in Green Meadows/Lewisdale where East-West Highway, Riggs Road and Ager Road come together is particularly dangerous.

Managing Editor Griffin Limerick griffin@hyattsvillelife.com

Jorgensen, however, was hit in a crosswalk in a stretch of Ager Road specifically designed to be safe.

The Jorgensen accident was the subject of a recent crashanalysis discussion organized by civic leaders and local activists.

Hyattsville City Councilmember Danny Schaible (Ward 2) nominated the crash for investigation.

“It took place on a 1.28mile section of the recently completed State Highway Administration’s Ager Road Green Complete Streets Project, near the West Hyattsville Metro station, which won a 2023 design award from the American Society of Civil Engineers,” he wrote in an email to the Hyattsville Life & Times

The project was intended to improve stormwater runoff

Business Manager Catie Currie catie@hyattsvillelife.com

and make Ager Road safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Upgrades to the road included two 11-foot travel lanes, a 6-foot bike lane, continuous 6-foot sidewalks, 11-foot turn lanes, and ADAcompliant sidewalks, driveway entrances and bus stops.

The Jorgensen accident didn’t occur at the site of her memorial, but in a crosswalk in the 5600 block of Ager Road, where the posted speed limit is 30 mph. According to police reports, the crash had several complicating factors. The victim was intoxicated and may not have activated pedestrian warning lights, and the driver originally left the scene before returning and might have been distracted by an electronic device he was using.

only increase a vehicle’s momentum at impact, it lengthens stopping distances, and reduces a driver’s ability to handle curves. Seatbelt use, body panels designed to crumple and absorb energy, padded dashboards and multiple airbags may save the lives of drivers and passengers, even in crashes at highway speeds. But pedestrians remain at high risk, and even a small increase in speed can make a deadly difference. According to an IIHS report, a pedestrian hit by a car or light truck going 17 mph has a 10% chance of being killed or seriously injured. That risk rises to 90% when the car is going 48 mph.

Why are 70% of the drivers on Ager Road speeding?

Dan Behrend is a local traffic safety advocate (and writer for Streetcar Suburbs News). He and members of the panel believe that Ager Road is simply too wide for its intended use.

The stretch between EastWest Highway and the West Hyattsville Metro station has characteristics of a highway designed for some 20,000 cars a day traveling at speeds of 40 mph or more, but this stretch of Ager Road carries about half that number of vehicles.

“Drivers almost unconsciously drive the speed the road was designed for,” Behrend said. “Simply slapping up signs saying ‘30 miles per hour’ isn’t working.”

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Speed may have also been a factor — even a significant factor. After tracking 600 vehicles with a radar gun, volunteers from the Washington Area Bicyclist Association determined that speeds along this block of Ager Road ranged from 19 to 55 miles per hour, with close to seven in 10 drivers exceeding the speed limit. More than 7% of drivers were going more than 10 mph over the limit.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has determined that speed is a critical factor in traffic accidents. Speed doesn’t

Schaible noted that the county’s new street design standards, which recommend a speed limit of 25 mph around Metro stations, kicked in in 2017, after the longplanned improvements to Ager Road were largely done. (The work to reconnect Ager Road to Queens Chapel Road, however, remains unfinished.)

“Ager Road is simply too wide and fast for an area where we are encouraging thousands of pedestrians and cyclists to cross it to get to the Metro station every day,” Schaible said.

CORRECTION

The March article “Martinez appointed as District 22 delegate; calls for special elections continue” originally stated that Del. Anne Healey (District 22) was appointed, rather than elected, to the House of Delegates. Healey was elected to her seat in the House in 1990.

Paul Ruffins is a citizen scientist and professor of curiosity.

The memorial honoring Helen Jorgenson, located at the intersection of Hamilton Street and Ager Road PAUL RUFFINS

One of the dissenting votes that night was former city councilmember, now mayor, Robert Croslin, who wanted the issue to be placed as a referendum on the public ballot. For years, Croslin had advocated for a teen city council, in which “teenagers would elect their own representatives and their own mayor and be tutored by the council.”

“They would learn what it takes to run a city and why it’s important to vote,” Croslin said. “Plus, we would learn from them what’s important, what their reason for being in Hyattsville is.”

For Paschall, however, allowing teenagers to cast a ballot isn’t merely about educating them, but about providing them their due rights as residents.

“It’s my belief that every resident of the City of Hyattsville has an absolutely equal stake in who should represent them,” Paschall said. “I don’t believe that it’s appropriate for us to give halfway rights, or partial rights, or training-wheels rights.”

Nine years after Paschall’s youth voting measure, it remains to be seen whether Hyattsville teenagers are taking advantage of their enfranchisement. According to numbers provided by City Clerk Laura Reams, in the June 2022 mayoral special election, 11% of registered 16- and 17-yearolds voted (nine total), while in the October special election in Ward 2 for that year, 18% turned out (eight total).

Croslin said he hasn’t noticed much difference in youth

involvement since the legislation was passed. However, he also pointed out that Hyattsville voter turnout in general is low; only 22% of all registered voters showed up for that same 2022 mayoral special election, according to the city’s website.

“It’s hard to get a dog to vote,” Croslin said. “The numbers are really bad. If you broaden it, have more people able to vote, what does that do? Does that get more people involved?”

Although overall voter turnout in Hyattsville has increased significantly over the past two years — mostly due to the introduction of city-wide vote by mail, according to Hyattsville Communications Manager Cindy Zork — a clear answer to the question of what mobilizes

teen voters has yet to emerge. In 2021, during the Ward 1 special election, the City of Hyattsville partnered with the University of Maryland and Vote 16 — a national campaign that supports lowering the voting age at local and national levels — in a study to gauge whether “contacting voters specifically about the ability for people under 18 to vote would increase turnout.”

According to a report published on the vote16research. org website, the city clerk sent a postcard mailer to the 2,816 voters in Ward 1. Some voters received a specialized postcard emphasizing that 16- and 17year-olds could vote, while others received a more general voting message. Numbers for 16- and 17-year-old voting did improve that year — 41% voted overall, according to Reams — but “the study found that the special messaging about 16 and 17 year old voting did not increase turnout more than a regular card,” notes the website.

Another strategy has been to target teenage voters at school. Reams said in an email that, although no formal partnership is in place, over the past eight years, the city has “regularly visited Northwestern High School to engage youth on voting and register eligible 16+ voters.”

Outreach outside of school has recently included a registration event at the Hyattsville Teen Center in February and a visit by the Board of Supervisors of Elections to the Teen Action Group at the Hyattsville Library in March.

Jackson Yoder, a sophomore at DeMatha Catholic High School who turned 16 last October and plans on voting in the next election, said in an email that he didn’t learn about his ability to vote at school, but rather from his parents.

“I was really surprised because, from what I knew, you had to be 18 to vote, period, but they informed me of the new rules in Hyattsville,” Yoder said, adding he is excited to participate.

This synergistic effect of voters within a shared household nudging one another toward the polls is precisely why it’s so important for 16- and 17-yearolds to get involved, said Paschall, who noted that often teenage voters are the ones who influence their parents to vote, rather than vice versa. Paschall dubbed such a teenage voter a “spreader of democracy.”

“The idea behind it is, we can — over the period of a generation — make it a voting habit norm that spreads more broadly and starts at an earlier age, which hopefully then ultimately increases voter turnout across a lifespan,” Paschall said.

Election day is May 9. Voters may register on the same day they vote at the Hyattsville Municipal building, 4310 Gallatin Street.

Although overall voter turnout in Hyattsville has increased significantly over the past two years, it remains fairly low. COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

“We can — over the period of a generation — make it a voting habit norm that spreads more broadly and starts at an earlier age, which hopefully then ultimately increases voter turnout across a lifespan.”

Patrick Paschall

Former city councilmember and Hyattsville's current plan manager for spending federal COVID-19 relief funds

How to live like an ant: Small acts make a big impact for Mother Earth

By Jessica Arends

Since Earth Day’s inception on April 22, 1970, the celebration has grown and spread throughout the globe — now, over a billion people in more than 190 countries celebrate the annual event, according to National Geographic.

Many of us in Hyattsville live out our environmental values on a continual basis by composting, recycling, using solar panels and maintaining gardens to attract native pollinators and manage stormwater. But how much of an impact can one person or family really make when it comes to the environment?

“Consider the ant!” said Dawn Taft, the city’s arborist and environmental programs manager. “A single ant carrying a grain of sand doesn’t seem like much, but the collective action of the entire colony carrying sand, digging tunnels, sharing food and so on makes a world of difference.”

Luckily, we have many opportunities here in Hyattsville to live like the ant.

While walking through Driskell Park two years ago, retiree Bob McTague noticed how many trees were covered by invasive vines.

According to Taft, invasive vines like English ivy strangle and eventually kill trees, which then negatively impacts animals and insects that rely on native plants for food and shelter. The loss of trees also leads to more polluted waterways because trees' root systems prevent erosion and filter water as it flows into streams and rivers, she said.

Caring for trees ensures a healthy tree canopy, which does more than just provide us with shade. According to the 2020 Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Report, prepared for the city by the Davey Resource Group, the tree canopy in Hyattsville removed about 41,343 pounds of pollutants and 740 tons of carbon from the air, while keeping 8 million gallons of stormwater from entering storm drains. Higher levels of tree canopy have been linked to lower levels of cardiovascular and pulmonary disease, according to the UTC Report.

Now, McTague regularly volunteers with the city’s invasive plant removal program where he enjoys doing something useful, getting some exercise and learning more about plants in the area.

“It's generally a lot of fun. Everyone who shows up is like-minded in wanting to do this,” McTague said. “We usually get a nice cross section of people — from

students doing community service to retirees like me.”

Another way to go green locally is to enjoy nature’s delicious bounty at one of the city’s two food forests, where anyone from the community can meander in to harvest and enjoy edible produce at their leisure.

Looking to clean up an empty lot across the street from Burlington Park, the city planted berries, greens and edible flowers to establish the Emerson Street Food Forest during the fall of 2017. A second food forest was created, in spring 2020, at McClanahan Park, previously an underutilized pocket park along Oliver Street, near the Hyattsville Crossing Metro station.

Each spring, starting in April, the food forests will produce sorrel, a lemonflavored herb; yaupon holly, which makes a delicious herbal tea when dried; and greens like sea kale. Strawberries and

mulberries will arrive in May.

Berries that will be ready to pick in June include currants, bush cherries, black chokeberries, blackberries and raspberries. In the fall, look for figs, which can be eaten fresh off the tree or dried, and persimmons, which have a sweet, honey-like fruit.

Harvesters are encouraged to visit early in the picking season, and the city welcomes volunteers to help with weeding and watering. A map of the forests and estimated ripening times can be found at hyattsville.org/food-forest.

The city also offers free trees for planting, a Watershed Stewards Academy that teaches residents about waterway pollution prevention, and workshops and resources on installing monarch butterfly-friendly gardens.

“No one of us can address climate change on our own, but through everyone taking small, meaningful actions we can see progress,” said Taft in an email. “If a majority of our community practices were environmentally friendly — waste management, purchasing habits, home and yard maintenance and more — we could see cleaner streets and waterways, improved air quality, and cooler local temperatures.”

Happy Earth Day!

To learn more about ways to go green or to volunteer with the city’s environmental programs, including serving on the Hyattsville Environmental Committee and the Shade Tree Board, visit the City of Hyattsville Sustainability and Protecting the Environment webpage.

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

Volunteers from a permaculture class assist with weeding and maintenance of the Emerson Food Forest, back in spring 2019. COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

Volunteers help protect and maintain new plantings at 38th Avenue Park in the fall of 2022. COURTESY OF THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE