01-2024 Hyattsville Life & Times

INSIDE SO LONG, 2023: Editor recounts downs and ups of the year gone by, P. 2 NEW LAWS: Learn how you’ll be affected at the state and county level, P. 12

VOL. 21 NO. 1

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

JANUARY 2024

New chapter in affordable housing

By EMELY MIRANDA-AGUILAR Shortly after being elected in 2019, Councilmember Danny Schaible was told by a constituent that their landlord increased their rent by more than 50%.

“That constituent reached out to me and asked if that was legal, and without something like rent stabilization, the answer is ‘Yes, it is legal,’” said Schaible, who represents Ward 2.

Hearing other complaints about lawful yet excessive rent hikes in Hyattsville, Schaible developed an interest in rent stabilization and began working with fellow councilmembers to create an ordinance that aimed to bring rents under control.

SEE HOUSING ON 11 

PGCPS asks for state funds, proposes budget

By KIT SLACK On Dec. 15, beats from a live drumline filled the parking lot at DuVal High School in Lanham as uniformed Air Force JROTC students stood at attention along a red carpet.

Students were welcoming elected state and county officials, arriving at the invitation of leaders of Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS).

Millard House II, who is serving his first year as PGCPS superintendent, laid out the school SEE SCHOOLS ON 7 

Janet Thomas (left) teaches Andie Huberty tai chi at University Park’s Church of the Brethren. PAUL RUFFINS

Dancing in Silence celebrates 15 years

By PAUL RUFFINS Early Saturday mornings, the University Park Church of the Brethren at Tuckerman Street and Route 1 hosts a small cadre of people led by a true believer.

They open their moving meditation with a healthy serving of what Janet Thomas calls “eating our bitter greens, which may not be pleasant but keep us healthy.”

Thomas is the founder of the Dancing in Silence martial arts center, and her bitter greens are the qigong exercises that form the basis for tai chi, as practiced primarily for health purposes rather than fighting.

Thomas moves with the suppleness of a

light middleweight boxer and speaks with the soothing cadence of a yoga teacher.

“Your body is upright like the top of your head is suspended from the ceiling by an invisible string,” she chants quietly. “Your shoulders hang low, your tailbone hangs low, and your weight is equally distributed on both feet.” New students often find it surprisingly hard to spend just three minutes standing up perfectly still.

The newsletter of Harvard Medical School praises tai chi as a form of moving meditation, explaining that “tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles

are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.”

A substantial body of scientific research suggests that tai chi is probably the single best exercise for senior citizens. It offers many of the nonimpact and cardiovascular benefits of swimming without requiring a pool. And, while most beginning yoga exercises take place on the ground, tai chi offers the same breathing and meditative benefits but is practiced the SEE TAI CHI ON 10 

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 430| January 2024

a big thank you to everyone who Claus Applause Holiday Lights Contest, and e.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 decorations from each Ward at hyattsville.org/applaus voted! View a slideshow of this year’s top y un gran agradecimiento a todos los de Luces Navideñas Claus Applause 2023, e. ¡Felicidades a los ganadores del Concurso de este año de cada Distrito en hyattsville.org/applaus que votaron! Vea fotos de las mejores decoraciones

Community Listening Session

in a listening Community members are invited to participate p.m., at the Kaiser session on Saturday, January 13, 3 – 5 Center Community Permanente West Hyattsville Medical of loitering, public Room, 5620 Ager Road, to discuss issues Chapel Town intoxication, and homelessness in the Queens to develop a Center area. The City will use the feedback concerns. to the comprehensive and equitable response Design Center will Representatives from the Neighborhood to City also be present to gather input for improvements infrastructure in the area. will be available & Spanish language translation services by emailing ASL interpretation is available upon request lle.org.

Sesión de Escucha

a participar en Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados enero de 3 - 5 p.m., en una sesión de escucha el sábado, 13 de Kaiser Permanente, el Salón Comunitario del Centro Médico los casos de vagancia, 5620 Ager Road, para conversar sobre en el área de Queens intoxicación pública y falta de vivienda los comentarios Chapel Town Center. La Ciudad utilizará y equitativa a las para desarrollar una respuesta integral Design preocupaciones. Representantes de Neighborhood reunir información para Center también estarán presentes para en el área. mejoras a la infraestructura de la Ciudad estarán disponibles y Los servicios de traducción en español a petición por email a la interpretación de ASL está disponible GARElearning@hyattsville.org.

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 2

FROM THE EDITOR

Tragedies, trials and happy trails: 2023 in review INSIDE

INSIDE

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

VOTE ON MAY 9: See our 2023 city election guide, P. 9

INSIDE

Zadig

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

9

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

By Heather Marléne

Zadig

to ward process changes , As city residents the recent redistricting boundaries from the complex undertaking participants in and recording lessons have been reflecting meetAt its Dec. 19, 2022, 10–1 for the next round.

City Council voted ing, the Hyattsville as Council nal map, known to approve the fi B), after the initial Requests Map (Option

Nov. 7, were rejected on two proposed maps the Hyattsville Redisto 2022, and sent back for revision. tricting Commission 2022, council meet21, During the Nov. (Ward 1) ber Sam Denes ing, Councilmem bers had that councilmem expressed dismay ’s proto the commission requested changes the indeundermined it saying posed maps, . of the commission pendent nature the Hyrecent email to Denes said in a

SEE REDISTRICTING

: CENTER SECTION Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

NEW CITY WARD MAP EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 7!

Northwestern Evening High School

Regal Cinemas Hyattsville

Deitz Park

Hyattsville Middle School

Nicholson Park

DeMatha Catholic High School Hyattsville Hills Child and Family Center Palette Apartments

Hyattsville Elementary School

Hyatt Park & Community Garden

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

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Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

St. Jerome School

Arts District Hyattsville

St. Jerome Child Centennial Park Center

City Building

Recreation Center

Ballet Tap and all that Jazz

Prince Georges District Court

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Driskell Park

NORT

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Emerson Street Food Forest Burlington Park

River

Melrose Park Trail

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0.2

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Schools

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City Facilities

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1.2

Ward 1

1.6 Miles Ward 4

Public Parking

Metrorail

Streams, Rivers, Ponds

Ward 2

Ward 5

Places of Interest

Trails

City, County, State Parks

Ward 3

City Boundary

La Ciudad de Hyattsville revisa los límites de sus Distritos cada diez años después del censo para asegurar una representación equitativa en el Concejo Municipal.

En su reunión regular del Concejo del 19 de diciembre, el Concejo Municipal de Hyattsville adoptó un nuevo mapa de límites del Distrito, lo cual tomará efecto el 7 de febrero de 2023. Los hogares que ahora forman parte de un nuevo Distrito pueden esperar recibir un aviso postal por correo este mes.

Un recordatorio que los límites del Distrito de Hyattsville afectan SOLAMENTE la representación en el Concejo Municipal y no afectan los límites de su distrito escolar ni a los representantes de su Condado, Estado o Federal. ¡Se alienta a los residentes de Hyattsville a saber cual es su Distrito antes de las elecciones generales de mayo de 2023 para alcalde y concejales! El registro de candidatos para la elección de mayo se abrirá el 7 de febrero de 2023. Puede revisar el mapa de límites de la Ciudad actualizado y obtener más información sobre la redistribución de distritos en hyattsville.org/redistricting.

Branch Northwest

µ MD State Plane NAD 1983

By Paul Ruffins

Map Produced by Sekour Mason December 13, 2022 Department of Community & Economic Development www.hyattsville.org (301) 985-5000 City Ward BaseMap Ledger Portrait_11142014.mxd

The Hyattsville Reporter | January 2023 | Page 1

I

n December 2022, Reporter an environmentalist discovered The Hyattsville that nearly a thousand scrap tires had been dumped from Interstate 295 down into Anacostia Park. As LOCAL! of press time, VOTA & LIDERA LOCAL! no one knows who VOTE & LEAD made the toss, but two local Maryland cases provide clues as to why they THE CITY OF

Issue 419 |

HYATTSVILLE

FEBRUARY

2023

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

Plan! Head to share your Sustainability Community today! com and comment en los del Basándonos Hyattsville! sesiones de Priorización preguntas en las ¡Te necesitamos, recopilados tenemos algunas hasta de enero, comentarios en HelloHyattsville.com de compartir Plan de Sostenibilidad su opinión oportunidad pierda la finales para Sostenibilidad febrero. ¡No al Plan de finales de y dar forma ¡Vaya a HelloHyattsville. sus opinionesfinal de cinco años!

Comunitaria hoy mismo! com y comente

de voto por y una elección un Alcalde organizará de Hyattsville que los residentes elijanLa fecha límite La Ciudad para de mayo para Distritos de la Ciudad. election on correo el 9 alternativa vote-by-mail para los cinco una dirección postal will host a Concejales Councilmembers A los votantes o enviar Hyattsville Mayor and una 17 de marzo. to register The City of to elect a para registrarse por correo es el automáticamente el residents The deadline a boleta May 9 for registro five wards. se les enviará to receive recibir una the City’s de abril. El registrados voters will mailing address disponibles for each of a principios previamente an alternative Previously registered guide in guía electoral también estarán or submit Un recordatorio boleta y una votación en persona is March 17. and an election voting will elecciones. y la ballot by mail be mailed a ballot el día de las debido al proceso de mismo día and in-personon Election Municipal estado de automatically diferente registration en el Edificio verificar el puede ser City Building Same-day early April. de 2022. Puede changed because de que su Distrito at the Hyattsville de distritos may have en hyattsville.org/vote. your voter also be available that your Ward redistribuciónvotante y su Distrito can verify de process. You Day. A reminder del Concejo su registro redistricting como miembro en Ward at hyattsville.org/vote. of the 2022 status and interesados para su comunidad su registration of the Los residentes ¡Sea una voz as a member de Hyattsville! Concejal pueden presentar in running Obtenga más o Municipal interested for your community between para Alcalde febrero y el 10 de marzo. en una sesión Residents Be a voice candidacy postularse de City Council! entre el 7 can file for y los requisitos de 10 Hyattsville the roles candidatura funciones 25 de febrero, Street. or Councilmember more about sobre las el sábado for Mayor 10. Learn at a candidate10 Gallatin información 7 and March for office para candidatosMunicipal, 4310 25, from February of running informativa February en Edificio Street. and requirements on Saturday, a.m. al mediodía, session 4310 Gallatin hyattsville.org/candidates. information at the City Building, Detalles en VOTANTES! a.m. to noon, FUTUROS votar en las elecciones Alcalde hyattsville.org/candidates. pueden A TODOS16LOS Details at porque nuestro a todos de y 17 años ¡LLAMANDO los jóvenes es importante que afectan ¿Sabía que y prioridades de tener una voz Votar localmente de Hyattsville? establecen políticas Asegúrese Hyattsville.

VOTERS! can vote in Hyattsville’s FUTURE 17-year-olds a los jóvenes! and del futuro de y los Concejales our Mayor - ¡incluyendocompartan su visión CALLING ALL that 16- and important because affect all residents que los residentes Did you know locally is officials that priorities that hoy en hyattsville.org/vote. eligiendo funcionarios elections? Voting set policies and at para votar voice by electing en las próximas Regístrese you have a Register to vote today “Yo voté” Councilmembers puede participar you! Make sure future. los de calcomanías 16 años, aún – including vision of Hyattsville’s un nuevo concursoEl día de las elecciones, ¡Si aún no tiene al Edificio share your a través de pueden venirperrito elecciones específica para estudiantes! in the upcoming de 15 años hyattsville.org/vote.

- ¿un participate and student-specific y una boleta de Hyattsville menoresdebate importante sus votos you can still 16 just yet, “I Voted” sticker contestand under can come que emitande tomarse una estudiantes votar para resolver un If you’re not a a new students 15 debate - is Municipal y un sándwich? ¡Los participantes la oportunidad de todas las election through Day, Hyattsville receive an important de votante, caliente es diseño de vote to settle cast their ballots will and futura tarjeta electorales! ¡Los estudiantes ballot! On Election concurso deuna tarjeta that Building and booth, recibirán una y regalos en nuestro to the City Participants a selfie at our voter in our “I for selfie de votantespueden participarla oportunidad de ganar hot dog a sandwich? tener card, a chance can also participate gift card! edades también en hyattsville.org/futurevoter. a future voter Students of all agesa chance to win a $100 “Yo voté” para calcomanías $100! Detalles disponibles election swag! design contest for 1 de regalo de Voted” sticker at hyattsville.org/futurevoter.

2023 | Page February Details available Reporter | The Hyattsville

¡NUEVO MAPA DE DISTRITOS DE CIUDAD EMPEZANDO 7 DE FEB!

Mosaic at Metro

2

3505 Hamilton St

SEE FENCING ON

CITY

may have done it.

In April 2022, Jonathan Meadows, of Riverdale, pleaded to illegal transportation guilty of scrap tires and littering.

He had rented a truck and dumped scrap tires in the woods behind a commercial property in Upper Marlboro at least five times. “Meadows chose to ignore the law in favor of illegalSEE TIRES ON 10



Serviceberry trees in flower at Driskell Park. See more neighborhood blooms

A

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

SEE PEDESTRIAN ON 14 

on P. 4. LAUREN REEDER

Next year, Hyattsville expects to spend more on policing and paying creditors, according to the proposed fiscal year 2024 budget, first presented to the city council on March 29.

The final FY 2024 budget will

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.

Breaking bread at Between the Bread Cafe

HAPPY 137th BIRTHDAY, HYATTSVI

new Meet theLLE! councilmember for Ward 3

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.

By Heather on what tips some additional Marléne “He gave me Zadig kinds of things might come up in the [voting For the those ideas I broughtheading anduninitiated rights] debate, out to try the newest — ” only — traditional here in Hyattsville, community back to theand deli in town, it’s important to allow a little extra time. Not from any Paschall said. long lines or lax put service, Paschall in 2014, year,mind you; rather, That same owners and locals Renata age Roy-Pinkney to lower the measure forward a “Toni” andvoting her husband, John Pinkney, e ThCafe preside over city elections. forBetween to 16 in Hyattsville the Bread as though welon coming midnight before little into their literal home. measure passed aguests They’re hoping BREAD a vote byON 11  of 7 to 4, in a city 2015, January 5,SEE council chambers so full of young residents eager to express their opinions that several people had to wait in the hall, according to SCIENCE OF THE CITY The New York Times.

By Sophie Gorman

Oriani

is the newly Kareem Redmond councilmemelected Ward 3 city in for his first ber and was sworn During the city’s term on June 5.

3 CouncilMay election, Ward decided member Ben Simasek and two not to run for reelection,to vie for up candidates stepped Redmond beat the role. Kareem receiving 171 Houck, Alexander

The county’s deadliest road

SEE TEEN VOTE ON 15 

ER ON 10 

ckle Grazing goats ta ies ec sp t an pl e invasiv

By Griffin Limerick about you should know The first thing are not Goats is that they Browsing Green lawn.

Mary here to mow your calls for that,” said “I get a lot of phone in SunderProsperity Acres Bowen, owner of Green Goats. “People land, home of Browsing broken down in July, is call: Their lawnmower to come out.” goats and they want the , goats are specialRather, as landscapers or vegetain hard-to-reach and ists: They work like wetlands, thickets tion-dense areas website calls “places Bowen’s what — slopes

humans can’t reach and that machinery chew on — where they and don’t want to go” vines, like kudzu broad-leaved, invasive weeds down to nubs the poison ivy, working more easily remove. said. that humans can in a toolbox,” Bowen you “It’s the first tool be-all. But it allows “It’s not the end-all on your really going on to figure out what’s map out a you can start to property, so that ” management plan. a plan such of pursuit in It was precisely Coordinator Environmental fall that Hyattsville out to Bowen last Colin Morrison reached to Driskell Park. goats about bringing the

SEE COUNCILMEMB

CENTER SECTION: Hyattsville Reporter Check out the ByThe Paul Ruffins latest issue of The Hyattsville Columnist note: My first installment in this series on Reporter, in traffic safety and pedestrian injuries looked at a fatalboth English ity on a road that was recently upgraded to incorporate and Español! a number of safety measures. This second article disTHE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

Issue 421| APRIL 2023

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

Council will issue a proclamation dog!

The J. Richard Lilly and Associates medical office, at 5804 Baltimore morning of Feb. 13 and sustained significant Avenue, caught fire early in the damage. Read the story on P. 5. KIT SLACK

C b p m d o om o PGCP Do h wo

CENTER SECTION : Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

NEW TIKTOK, NEED theft CAR LOCK? Car update, P. 7

By Heather Wright HYATTSVILLE?': J. Jarodanswers New column Chief Hyattsville Police ’s perplexing department HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING city-related Towers said the COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER wellness MAY 2023 questions.

P. 6 18-month-old mental has notably recheck-in program about therapy duced the stigma kept some emthat previously support. ployees from seeking started, Before the program or Towers if in December 2021, staff asked any of his command g a crisis cover city expenses from July an officer experiencin someexpenditures coming from the from city taxes and fees. Real 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024, to talk to The proposed Park. GRIFFIN LIMERICK if they wanted general fund. The $30.4 milbudget also property tax revenue is budin sections of Driskell was always and does not include American answer $1.4 anticipates lion in general fund expendione, “the invasive plant species million geted at $17.2 million, a 9% deployed to remove Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expenI don’t want to in ex’ and ‘No, from Green Goats were tures would be a 17% increase ‘I’m OK,penses special revenue said in increase from the FY 2023 ditures (see p. 3 for an ARPA 19, goats from Browsing anybody,’” to funds, suchTowers over what was approved for as grants that canFrom May 10 to May budgeted amount of $15.8 mil-talk fund update). interview. only be used for particular purFY 2023, and almost $6 million phone implelion, and income tax revenue isa The FY 2024 budget proposes program’s the and poses, more than anticipated general proposes $19.6 milbudgeted at $3 million, an 18% Since known $51.3 million in expenditures, lion in employees expenses from capital fund revenues of $24.6 million. increase from the $2.5 million mentation, a trauwith $30.4 million budgeted experienced improvement General fund revenues come funds typically to have of FY 2023. 7 ON 11 SEE BUDGET ON  SEE WELLNESS

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.

JUNE 2023

City proposes budget with $5.8M shortfall

By Claire Panak Tombes



By Paul Ruffins

9

NEWSPAPER

MORE MONEY MATTERS: Federal funds forthcoming. P. 3

coming Pedestrian safety cause LE for county concern

COMMUNITY

'WHAT THE

VOL. 20 NO. 5

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 available. be time motorists may not more to notice smallofbusidepartment nessesHyattsville’s lining the street.

Thoseabusinesses green include works has found public Shortcake Bakery, Maryland 13  Meadworks, SEE SHELTERS PizzaONParadiso, Brewing and five automotive Streetcar 82 shops.

The new trail should be finished by the end of 2023.

SCIENCE In the meantime, Cheryl Harrington, who owns THE CITY OFShortcake Bakery, worries that SEE TRAIL ON 11

TOWN HYATTSVIL

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

University Town Center

Pr i nc e Ge o rg e s Pl a z a M e t ro

McClanahan Park

St. Matthew's Parish Day School

5

FIRE IN DOWN

AWARD-WINNING

HPD wellness programINSIDE reduces stigma about therapy

By Kit Slack

Grass buffers, ranging from 5 to 8 feet wide, will protect trail users from Route 1 traffic — extra safety for children and beginning cyclists.

At bus stops, pullout lanes will replace the grass buffer. Route 1 will be reduced to one travel lane northbound, with turn lanes as well as the bus pullouts.

The narrowing of the road may slow car traffic coming into Hyattsville, giving

Why tires are a pothole along the twisty road to recycling

ON 11 

Hyattsville residents are encouraged to get to know their Ward before the May 2023 Citywide general election for Mayor and Council! Candidate registration for May’s election will open on February 7, 2023. You can review the updated City boundaries map and learn more about redistricting at hyattsville.org/redistricting.

Greenwood School

Chelsea

Metro Shops School

Nicholas Orem Middle School

4

Queens Chapel Town Center

MARCH 2023

improvements, a new middle school and an extended Trolley Trail. While most of this activity involves private developers or state and county agencies, several city capital improvement projects are in various stages of completion.

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

Northwestern High School

Prince George's Community College at University Town Center

Edward M. Felegy Elementary School

Bethel Healthcare Institute

We s t H y at ts v i l l e Me t ro

City improvement projec are reason behind fencin ts g

By T. Carter Ross

SCIENCE OF THE

The City of Hyattsville revises its Ward boundaries every ten years following the U.S. Census to ensure equitable representation on City Council. At their December 19 regular Council meeting, Hyattsville’s Council adopted a new Ward boundaries map, which will go into effect on February 7, 2023.

Households that are now part of a new Ward can expect to receive a postcard notice by mail this month.

A reminder, that Hyattsville’s Ward boundaries affect ONLY representation on the City Council, and do not affect your school district boundaries or your County, State, or Federal representatives.

3

The Mall at Prince Georges

Heurich Park

School

with

Throughout Hyattsville, signs of construction are evident everywhere. Ground has broken and construction been activity is ongoing for new homes, mixed-use commercial and residential space, (HL&T) that, although roadway ally a attsville Life & Times was “fundament map nal fi the he felt its adoption because good map,” he opposed “unnecessarily politiwas he felt the process partisan or nefarious. cal,” though not Council requests included Specific council 5) seeking Solomon (Ward President Joseph 5 closer align Wards 4 and a map that would ueens Chapel Sector to the West Hyattsville-Q

Issue 418 | JANUARY 2023

Map of CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

University Hills Duck Pond

Post Park Home Depot

Rosa Parks Elementary

in a partnership

street from Arrow Bicycle and next to Go Brent Realty.

When construction is finished, pedestrians and cyclists will be able to travel on a 10-foot-wide trail along the train embankment on the northbound side of the road. According to the partment of Transportatio Maryland Den website, the new trail will stretch from Farragut Street to Charles Armentrout Drive.

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter

Art Works Now

The answer: The state highway administration is extending the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail a half mile south from its current endpoint, which is across the

ting Sending redistreic ture lessons into th fu

SEE BREAD ON 9 

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

hosted by Story art class series,

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN HYATTSVILLE

COUNTY PASSES RENT STABILIZA TION MEASURE: See 'Briefs' for this story and more.

P. 4

los jóvenes de Votantes! ¿Sabía usted que ¡Llamando a Todos los Futuros Si usted vive en en las elecciones de Hyattsville?

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

VOTE LOCAL ON MAY 9!

¡VOTA LOCAL EL 9 DE MAYO!

Ciudad es el 9 de concejales de 2023 de la ¡La elección de alcalde y llegar a todos los guía electoral deberían for a Mayor & Councilmembers boletas mayo! Las boletas y una The City’s 2023 Election be a mediados de abril. Las an election guide should hogares de votantes registrados is on May 9! Ballots and por correo o a una de las 8 p.m. el 9 de mayo voter households by mid-April. deben devolverse antes St), la biblioteca arriving to all registered or to Municipal (4310 Gallatin by 8 p.m. on May 9 by mail caja segura en el Edificio Felegy (6110 Ballots must be returned St), Rd) o la escuela Edward City Building (4310 Gallatin de Hyattsville (6530 Adelphi a secure drop box at the enviar las boletas por correo (6530 Adelphi Rd), or Edward Editors Park Dr). Recomendamos Hyattsville Branch Library lleguen a tiempo; Editors Park Dr). We recommend antes del 29 de abril para asegurarse de que una boleta Felegy Elementary (6110 on time; de esa fecha. Si no recibe 29 to ensure they arrive utilice una caja segura después 985-5001 mailing ballots by April receive un reemplazo, llame al (301) that date. If you do not El a fines de abril o necesita please use a drop box after (301) a votebymail@hyattsville.org. need a replacement, call o envíe un correo electrónico estarán a ballot by late April or Same-day la votación en persona también registro el mismo día y at 985-5001 or email votebymail@hyattsville.org.

Municipal el Día de las elecciones. voting will also be available disponibles en el Edificio registration and in-person Day. sobre las the City Building on Election votar o tiene preguntas Si no se ha registrado para about Elecciones Sin Excusas to vote or have questions se preocupe - ¡la Gira de mayor If you have not registered Election Elecciones, no ayudarlo! ¡Cualquier persona it – the City’s No Excuses de la Ciudad está aquí para durante al of the Election, don’t sweat en la ciudad de Hyattsville 16+ that’s lived in the City de 16 años que haya vivido Tour is here to help! Anyone their U.S. de su estado de ciudadanía 30 days, regardless of menos 30 días, independientementemayo! Busque nuestra mesa Hyattsville for at least our voter votar el 9 de vote on May 9! Look for estadounidense, puede registrarse o citizenship status, can registered en un próximo evento para upcoming event to get de registro de votantes registration table at an entregar una boleta. or drop off a ballot.

Driskell Park, Fest! Driskell Park, 3911 Aniversario de la Ciudad!

• 29 de abril: Festival • April 29: City Anniversary p.m.

3911 Hamilton St, 4 – 8 Hamilton St, 4 – 8 p.m. urnas están de las Elecciones! ¡Las Polls are open at the City • 9 de mayo: Festival St, de 7 a.m.• May 9: Election Fest! food, Municipal , 4310 Gallatin St, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., with abiertas en el Edificio las 5 p.m.!

Building, 4310 Gallatin y diversión a partir de starting at 5 p.m.!

8 p.m., con comida, música music, and family fun

cusses the deadliest road in the DMV.

P

rince George’s County has the highest annual rate of pedestrian deaths and injuries in the DMV — roughly 12 per 100,000 residents. Statewide averages in Virginia and Maryland Alcaldía y al ! ¡Conozca a los candidatos a la CONOZCA LOS CANDIDATOSde un foro virtual de candidatos organizado Council to know this year’s Mayor & Life Concejo de este año a travésel 13 de abril! El foro comenzará a las 6 p.m. en MEET THE CANDIDATES! Get forum hosted by the Hyattsville por Hyattsville Life & Times La Ciudad compartirá la transmisión en vivo en candidates via a virtual candidate will start at 6 p.m. on facebook.com/ facebook.com/hyattsvillelife. hyattsville.org/meetings y & Times on April 13! The forum the live-stream on cable channels 71 71 (Comcast), 12 (Verizon), en facebook.com/ los canales de cable hyattsvillelife. The City will share hyattsville.org/meetings, and en facebook.com/cityofhyattsville.

(Comcast) & 12 (Verizon), at organizarán una cityofhyattsville.

3 Simasek y McClellan también en University Hills Duck a Ward Los Concejales del Distrito & McClellan are also hosting 3400 reunión y almuerzo con los candidatos del Distrito El Alcalde Croslin y los dos Pond, Ward 3 Councilmembers Simasek 29 de abril al mediodía. at the University Hills Duck Pond, 3400 Stanford St, el Houck y Kareem Redmond check-in & candidate luncheon Mayor Croslin and the two Ward 3 Concejo del Distrito 3, Alexander ningún foro. Las preguntas y la Stanford St, on April 29 at noon.Houck and Kareem Redmond will be in candidatos al Nota: la ciudad no respalda Council candidates, Alexander not endorse any candidate forums. The estarán presentes. a cargo de los grupos organizadores. moderación están groups. attendance. Note: the City does are managed by the organizing questions and moderation | April 2023 | Page 1 The Hyattsville Reporter

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The City of Hyattsville held its anniversary celebration at David Driskell Community Park on April 29. See more celebration photos on P. 12. JULIETTE FRADIN PHOTOGRAPHY

a lot of invasive plants and “We’ve got a lot of said. “The downside really invasive brush,” Morrison of problem is there’s to having that sort it.” of going through only one of two ways Morriherbicides, which One is the use of doing at “would like to avoid son said the city of volis the deployment and all costs.” The other lly tramp through unteers to systematica e brush, however, o Th remove the invasives.

: CENTER SECTION Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

THE CITY OF

Issue 423|

Reporter

HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville

June 2023

derecha izquierda a right | De Robert Croslin; From left to Ward 1, Mayor Concejo Municipal! Ward 2; Joanne Waszczak, Ward 3 a su Nuevo Schaible, Jimmy McClellan, | ¡Cononza Ward 5; Danny 1; Not pictured: New City Council!

Denes, Ward Joseph Solomon, Meet your Ward 3; Sam Lee, Ward 4; Ward 5; Michelle 4; Kareem Redmond, Rommel Sandino, 2; Edouard Haba, Ward reelegido Ward de haber sido Emily Strab, esta afortunado

Mayor Croslin

Una Letra del

Alcalde Croslin

muy servir a me siento deseando próximos Hola Hyattsville, de mayo. Estoy durante los re-elected en las eleccionesjunto con mis colegas prepara para to have been Concejo se this Alcalde fortunate comunidad to serving recién elegido I feel very algunas iniciativas look forward four maravillosa Mientras nuestro Hello Hyattsville,the May election. I for the next quiero compartir próximos meses. cuatro años. in año fiscal, my colleagues en los new fiscal as your Mayor un nuevo alongside to enter a pueden esperar entrar en community clave que Council prepares wonderful you can look y el personal presupuestarias newly elected initiatives del Concejo el years.As our del año en Mis colegas few key budget to share a el comienzo del Presupuesto: months. operaciones duro desde year, I want Actualización estado trabajando financia las in the upcoming han have Ciudad, que forward to presupuesto 2024 de la de la Ciudad and City staff de 2024. El del año fiscal colleagues 30 de junio on the City’s fondos para My Council presupuesto de 2023 al of the year año se asignaron del 1 de julio from ampliar y Budget Update: since the beginning junio. Este de la Ciudad City operations at work espacios públicos;retener y este mes de been hard which funds calles y los para was adopted final se aprobó dar apoyo year budget, pública, las final budget public seguridad 2024 fiscal 2024. The de dos proyectos de la comunidad; mejorar la – June 30, funds to improving y el la programación completar la construcción July 1, 2023 we’ve allocated and diversifying diversificar de Hyattsville y para los This year empresas; spaces; expanding to retain and this June. aumento de de Adolescentes ampliar las and public pesar del - el Centro support Pública. A of two long esperados providing sobre bienes safety, streets, y Seguridad largamente el impuesto programming; the construction and de Policía mantener community Si necesita and Police and to complete a favor de Cuartel General Teen Center de valor tasado.

Concejo votó Council expand businesses; costs, our – the Hyattsville cada 100 dólares costes, nuestro visitar hyattsville.org/ para los le animo a Despite rising $0.63 per $100 en $0.63 por awaited projects de la Ciudad de propiedad, Headquarters. fiscal disponibles tax rate at you de crédito los impuestos Public Safety homes. If real property ayuda con programas the City’s stay in their revisar los you to voted keep residents housing para value to help taxes, I encourageprograms como de Hyattsville. of assessed with homeowners’ $17.9 millones residentes the tax credit to review Ciudad recibió need assistance reservar el 2021, la (ARPA). Tras ARPA: En ideas visit hyattsville.org/housing Americano residents.

Plan de Gastos de Rescate propuso varias to Hyattsville la Ciudad Ley del Plan available $17.9 million los programas parte de la de emergencia, de la Ley, the City received After setting están requisitos para ayuda Plan: In 2021, que aún se Según los una parte Act (ARPA). restantes. a los residentes ante futuras ARPA Spending Rescue Plan Council proposed ayudando para los fondos the American relief, City su resistencia este mes deben seguir the Act’s as part of o reforzar se aprobó for emergency financiados funds. Per de la pandemia final de ARPA también aumentará aside a portion the remaining unspent to support recuperando gastos for de la Ciudad, must continue El plan de resiliency several ideas a la infraestructura apoyará la salud funded programsthe pandemic or build de plan emergencias. empresarial, aportará mejoras from requirements, para miembros ARPA spending de junio, y comunidad still recovering The final to de programas de nuestra residents improvements la visibilidad of future emergencies. y creará oportunidades and will bring community, in the face this June, medioambiental todas las edades. for our business and create de was also approved raise visibility pueden health, la comunidad gastos ARPA en su environmental City infrastructure, of all ages. del plan de también recibirá members City’s long-term y los documentos Este verano support the for community El presupuesto can be en hyattsville.org/budget. program opportunities por correo. consultarse plan documents una guía presupuestaria ARPA spending can also expect a mailed | Page 1 domicilio budget and June 2023 You The final Reporter | this summer. hyattsville.org/budget.

The Hyattsville viewed at to your home delivered guide budget

A Letter from

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 429 | March 2023

A Message from your Hyattsville City Administrator, Tracey Nicholson-Douglas Un Mensaje de su Administradora de la Ciudad de Hyattsville, Tracey Nicholson-Douglas Greetings, Hyattsville.

It’s been a busy year already!

As we look forward to some warmer months ahead, I’m excited highlight several important to initiatives for your awareness and participation.

Saludos, Hyattsville. ¡Ya ha sido un año ocupado!

Mientras esperamos a los meses cálidos que vienen por delante, me complace destacar varias iniciativas importantes para su conocimiento y participación.

Budget Season in Hyattsville: In February, City Council discussed budget initiatives Temporada presupuestaria for en Hyattsville: en febrero, prioritization of the remaining Fiscal Year 2024 and the Concejo Municipal discutió el $8.3 million of the City’s las iniciativas presupuestarias American Rescue Plan para el año fiscal 2024 Act (ARPA) federal funds. y la priorización de los You can $8.3 millones view details on proposed restantes de los fondos programs and provide federales de la Ley del feedback Plan de Rescate on HelloHyattsville.com Estadounidense (ARPA) until March 20. These de la Ciudad. Puede ver are your tax de los programas dollars hard at work and los detalles propuestos y proporcionar we encourage you to provide comentarios input! en HelloHyattsville.com hasta el 20 de marzo. ¡Estos Engagement Opportunities: son los dólares de sus impuestos This year we are entering trabajando duro y lo alentamos next five-year iteration the comparta su opinión! a que of our Strategic Plan (Sustainability Plan). This Plan is your opportunity to shape the future of our City by identifying Oportunidades de Participación: programs and priorities este año estamos that are important to you and entrando en la próxima your family. iteración de cinco años residents to visit hellohyattsville.comI encourage all de nuestro Plan Estratégico (Plan de Sostenibilidad). Este before March 17 to share feedback and ideas Plan es su oportunidad de dar for the Plan. Other engagement forma al futuro de nuestra opportunities include: Ciudad identificando programas joining a y prioridades que son importantes food and diaper distributions, City committee, supporting para usted y su familia. Animo a todos volunteering for invasive los residentes a visitar plant removals, and much hellohyattsville.com antes more! Stay current on del 17 de marzo para compartir all Hyattsville City events comentarios e ideas para and programming alerts at hyattsville.org/communications. by signing up for participación incluyen: el Plan. Otras oportunidades de unirse a las distribuciones de alimentos un comité de la Ciudad, apoyar y pañales, ser voluntario City Election : The next la eliminación de plantas para Citywide election to elect invasoras, ¡y mucho más! a new Mayor and Councilmembers Manténgase actualizado sobre todos is May 9! If you want to los eventos y la programación take the next step in serving Hyattsville registrándose de as a leader for our City, para recibir alertas en the deadline org/communications. for residents to file for hyattsville. candidacy is March 10.

If you’re not ready to serve on Council, the most significant way for you to have a voice in City decision-making Elección de la Ciudad: ¡La próxima elección de is to vote! The City is proud to offer both 16la Ciudad para elegir un nuevo Alcalde & 17-year old voting and y Concejales es el 9 de mayo! non U.S. citizen voting in City elections.

Si desea dar el siguiente paso para Find voter information servir hyattsville.org/vote. at la fecha límite para presentar como líder de nuestra Ciudad, su candidatura es el 10 de marzo. ¡Si no está listo para servir todavía, la forma más importante para que tenga voz en la toma de decisiones de la Ciudad es votar! La Ciudad se enorgullece de ofrecer el voto tanto para jóvenes de 16 y 17 años y residentes que son ciudadanos estadounidenses. Encuentre información para votantes hyattsville.org/vote. en The Hyattsville Reporter

| March 2023 | Page 1

Ca go a n de a men cau e oad c o u e env onmen a conce n

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

Wear Your during the fall 2022 and vest she created shows off the hat ART WORKS NOW Winifred Weaver P. 11. COURTESY OF Read the story on the City of Hyattsville.

the evolution of Little Miner Taco

By Heather Marléne

R

HYATTSVILLE’S

VOL. 20 NO. 6

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

By Kit Slack

Wondering why construction has narrowed Rhode Island Avenue to one lane between Melrose Skatepark and the Hyattsville courthouse?

Times Hyattsville Life & PO Box 132 20781 Hyattsville, MD

SEE BRIEFS ON 5 

Manifest Bread plans to mill more than half of its flour in-house, a labor-intensive process that adds an extra component of freshness to the flavor of the bread. COURTESY OF RICK COOK

Devoted fans of local cottage bakers Rick and Tyes Cook will finally have a physical storefront to visit this month.

As of press time, Manifest Bread was on the verge of holding the grand opening of its new brick-andmortar bakery and café in the historic Riverdale Park Town Center, offering everything from rustic sourdough loaves to sweet pastries, sandwiches and even cocktails.

“You can get a whole bottle of wine; you can get champagne on a Wednesday — whatever you want,” Rick Cook told the Hyattsville Life & Times. He noted that they’re aiming to achieve more of a European café vibe than a party atmosphere. “In Spain and Italy and France, it’s nothing to see an adult at noon having a bitters and soda or having a quick beer, so we wanted to offer that full experience. ” But the main event at Manifest is the bread, of course, and the difference between their bread and the supermarket stuff is, well, just about everything, according to fans.

“It’s just a pleasant way to get bread, ” said Manifest customer and Hyattsville resident Andrew Marder, adding that there is definitely a community and connection aspect that makes the experience so compelling.

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPE

Trolley Trail exten sion

APRIL 2023

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

5 SEE ANIMAL ON 

By Heather Marléne Zadig

AWARD-WINNING

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

The rise of taco truck Manifest Bread From to restaurant:

New ward map approved After months of research and discussion by the Hyattsville Redistricting Commission, the city council approved a new boundary map of the city’s five wards, following updated population data from the 2020 census.

The redistricting commission sought input from residents and stakeholders, and presented the city council with two map options, one prioritizing minimal adjustments to the ward boundaries, and one taking anticipated future growth into account to reduce the need for large shifts in ward boundaries in the future.

However, at the Nov. 7, 2022, city council meeting, the council voted against approving either of the two maps. Some of the councilmembers voiced opinions about changes that should be made to the maps.

Moreover, research after the Nov. 7 meeting revealed that past commissions had used a stricter interpretation of the requirement

HYATTSVILLE’S

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

NEWS BRIEFS

New, green bus shelters heading to Hyattsville

COLLEGE PARK MAYOR RESIGNS: What happens next for the city? P. 2

l Part-time anima control liaison position created

the plastic bag problem,” said Simasek.

Schaible stated that the Sierra Club, which previously presented to the HyattsBy Dan Behrend ville Environment Committee, estimated meeting, the that residents in Hyattsville use approxiAt its Dec. 5, 2022 admately 7.5 million plastic shopping Hyattsville City Council bags Welfare and a year. He noted that that equals roughly opted the Animal Act, an or40 tons of plastic waste per year.

Community Safety During the city council’s discussion of dinance that updates the city’s the draft ordinance, several members animal control code. posed of considerquestions and offered suggestions to fur-After two years and revision SEE BAGS ON 11  ation, discussion the new ordiby the council, effect on Dec. nance went into 25, 2022.

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

VOL. 20 NO. 4

ORIES RELIVING MEM

VOL. 20 NO. 3

CENTER SECTION: Check out the latest issue of The Hyattsville Reporter, in both English and Español!

Zon ng affi cen e age c educa on ake a pub c he a ng

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 422| May 2023

As part of Hyattsville’s 137th Anniversary Celebration this past April, City leaders honored its 2022 Hyattsville Volunteers of the Year, Fatima Vazquez and Padre Vidal Rivas of St. Matthews Church, for their extraordinary level of service to the community! We’re also seeking feedback on this year’s festivities! Visit hellohyattsville.com to complete a quick survey for City staff consideration.

Como parte de la Celebración del 137th Aniversario de Hyattsville el pasado mes de abril, los líderes de la Ciudad honraron a los Voluntarios del Año de Hyattsville de 2022, Fátima Vázquez y Padre Vidal Rivas de la Iglesia San Mateo, ¡por su extraordinario nivel de servicio a la comunidad! ¡También estamos buscando su opinión sobre las festividades de este año! Visite hellohyattsville.com para completar una encuesta rápida para la consideración del personal de la Ciudad.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS!

¡FELICITACIONES A NUESTROS FUNCIONARIOS RECIÉN ELEGIDOS!

Congratulations to our newly elected Mayor and ¡Felicitaciones a nuestro recién elegido alcalde y concejales!

Councilmembers! Find the results online at hyattsville.

Encuentre los resultados en línea en hyattsville.org/vote. Los org/vote. The official results will be certified by the Board resultados oficiales serán certificados por la Junta de Supervisores of Supervisors of Elections on May 11 and accepted by de Elecciones el 11 de mayo y aceptados por el Concejo en su reunión Council at their May 15 meeting. Community members del 15 de mayo. ¡Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a are invited to welcome our new officials at their Oath of dar la bienvenida a nuestros nuevos funcionarios en su ceremonia Office ceremony on June 5, at 5 p.m., at the City Building de juramento de oficina el 5 de junio, a las 5 p.m., en el Edificio (4310 Gallatin Street)!

Municipal (4310 Gallatin Street)!

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH: The City of Hyattsville offers MES DE LA CONCIENCIACIÓN SOBRE SALUD MENTAL: La Ciudad de free mental health and wellness resources year-round for community Hyattsville ofrece recursos gratuitos de salud mental y bienestar durante members and City staff through its Mental Health 24/7 program. Learn todo el año para los miembros de la comunidad y el personal de la Ciudad a more at hyattsville.org/mentalhealth. A reminder that help is always at través de su programa Salud Mental 24/7. Más información en hyattsville.org/ hand for you or a loved one through the 988 Lifeline. Just dial 988 for mentalhealth. Le recordamos que siempre tiene ayuda disponible para usted quick access to support. You are not alone! o para un ser querido a través de la línea 988 Lifeline. Sólo tiene que marcar 988 para un acceso rápido a la ayuda. ¡No está solo!

Join City Staff May 15, from 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., at the City Building, for a lunch and learn workshop on “Brain and Body Health: 7 Steps Únete al personal de la Ciudad el 15 de mayo, de 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., en el for Enhancing your Health and Mental Wellness.” Space is limited. To Edificio Municipal para un taller con almuerzo incluido sobre “Cerebro y register, call (301) 985-5000 or email community@hyattsville.org.

Cuerpo de la Salud: 7 pasos para mejorar su salud y bienestar mental”. Los espacios son limitados. Para inscribirse, llame al (301) 985-5000 o envíe un The City’s Health & Wellness Advisory Committee will be hosting a correo electrónico a community@hyattsville.org. webinar on June 3 (time TBD) where Physician Dr. Cheryl Holder of the American College of Physicians will present on mental health and its El Comité Asesor de Salud y Bienestar de la Ciudad organizará un seminario connection to climate change. Additional details will be made available web el 3 de junio (hora por determinar) en el que la Dra. Cheryl Holder, del at hyattsville.org/mentalhealth.

Colegio Americano de Médicos, hablará sobre la salud mental y su relación con el cambio climático. Más información en hyattsville.org/mentalhealth.

The Hyattsville Reporter | May 2023 | Page 1

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George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) bus driver shortages, which lead to late buses, frustrated families and teachers, and lost instructional time.

Right before the 2023-24 school year started, PGCPS was hit by a cyberattack from a ransomware group, which was surely a trial to those staff members whose data was stolen — and for Superintendent Millard House II, who came on board in early July. And nondigital safety concerns led to required clear backpacks and the phasing in of metal detectors at PGCPS high schools, as we reported on in August.

And then, September brought a cargo train derailment — and a large spill of little plastic pellets, called nurdles — along Alternate Route 1, which resulted in road closures and environmen-

tal concerns.

NEW TRAILS, HAPPY TRAILS …

Superintendent House wasn’t the only one who started a new journey with PGCPS in 2023. NKenge Baker took over as the principal of Northwestern High School, and hundreds of local middle school students started on shorter trips to school, as the new Hyattsville Middle School, on 42nd Avenue, opened on time — somewhat easing the strain of the previously mentioned bus driver shortage.

In February, Ashanti Martinez was sworn in as a member of the state’s House of Delegates.

Martinez is the third delegate for District 22, which includes Hyattsville, Greenbelt, New Carrollton and Riverdale Park.

Locally, two new councilmem-

Managing Editor Griffin Limerick

griffin@streetcarsuburbs.news

Business Manager Catie Currie catie@hyattsvillelife.com

Associate Editor Heather Wright

Advertising Sales Manager Miranda Goodson

heather@hyattsvillelife.com

Layout & Design Editors Ashley Perks, Valerie Morris Streetcar Suburbs Webmaster Jessica Burshtynskyy jessica@hyattsvillelife.com

Columnists

Imke Ahlf-Wien, Jessica Arends, Rick Borchelt, Victoria Boucher, Juliette Fradin, Paul Ruffins, Heather Marléne Zadig

Writers & Contributors Emely Miranda-Aguilar, Jimmy Tarlau

StreetcarSuburbs.News

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

FEBRUARY 2023

Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781

approves the motion, the city attorney will write an updated draft of the ordinance for further council review, feedback and approval.

Several members of the council and public commented that plastic bags are often found littering the community.

“For folks who have participated in any cleanups of Driskell Park, for any of the waterways — the Northwest and Northeast Branches that border our city of the Anacostia River — you may be familiar with

COLUMBIA

Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly

by Streetcar Suburbs Publishing Inc., a 501(c) (3) nonprofit corporation. Editors welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing address above or the email addresses provided.

At the Dec. 19 Hyattsville City Council meeting, councilmembers Ben Simasek (Ward 3), Danny Schaible (Ward 2) and Edouard Haba (Ward 4) introduced the “Bring Your Own Bag” ordinance.

The legislation encourages customers to use reusable shopping bags and to reduce the harmful impacts of plastic waste by prohibiting retail businesses, including food service businesses, from

providing customers with plastic shopping bags. In addition to banning plastic bags, the ordinance would require businesses in the City of Hyattsville to charge customers at least $0.10 for paper or new reusable bags.

Under the draft ordinance, plastic bags could still be provided for certain items, including fresh meat, prepared foods or bakery goods, dry-cleaned clothes, live fish and insects, and bulk items at grocery and hardware stores. If the council

D

http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes

NEWSPAPER

Council considers plastic bag ban

By Dan Behrend

F

http://facebook.com/ HyattsvilleLife

City animal control code updated

JANUARY 2023

O MARYLAN

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

DISTRICT

2023 ended in tragedy for local county schools and their communities: On Nov. 20, two Riverdale Elementary School students were struck and killed by a van at an intersection near their school. Numerous parent leadership groups, including those from Hyattsville Middle, Hyattsville Elementary and César Chávez Dual Spanish Immersion schools, penned a letter expressing their concerns about unfilled crossing guard positions and a lack of pedestrian safety around county schools.

Back in February, a fire demolished one of Dr. Lilly’s offices on Route 1. And in early March, the City of College Park was rocked by tragedy when its then-mayor was arrested for possessing and distributing child pornography and, later in the year, sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Smaller trials and tribulations occurred throughout the year, as well. The Robert J. King Park, on Gallatin Street (aka the tot lot), which closed in November 2022 for major renovations, remained gated off and inaccessible.

In late February, continued frustrations with the Gallatin Street post office and home delivery concerns led to a meeting between the local postmaster, the mayor and other city staff members to “stamp out mail woes.”

In the summer, we ran an article investigating the ongoing Prince

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING

COMMUNITY

MAKING ART,

RECYCLING SUCCESS STORY: 'Science of the City' explores the afterlife of car parts. P. 10

VOL. 20 NO. 1

AWARD-WINNING

NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID

TRAGEDIES AND TRIALS

HYATTSVILLE’S

HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

A

s we enter 2024, we cast a look back to reflect and review — to remember the old and then rally towards the new.

INSIDE

2022 IN REVIEW: What did the city and its residents do? P. VOL. 20 NO. 2 2

LGBTQ+ LOCAL PRIDE: stories, advocates share P. 6

EARTH MONTH: More environmentrelated stories, PP. 3, 5 & 16

Times Hyattsville Life & PO Box 132 20781 Hyattsville, MD

By HEATHER WRIGHT

:

SPRING BEE SWARMS5 call? P. Who you gonna

INSIDE

Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234

Executive Director Kit Slack Board of Directors

President: Stephanie Stullich Vice President & General Counsel: Michael Walls Treasurer: Joe Murchison Secretary: Melanie Dzwonchyk Bette Dickerson, Nora Eidelman, Joseph Gigliotti, Maxine Gross, Merrill Hartson, Marta McLellan Ross, T. Carter Ross Ex Officios: Katie V. Jones, Griffin Limerick, Kit Slack Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly

by U.S. mail to every address in Hyattsville.

Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city. Total circulation is 9,300.

HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association and the Institute for Nonprofit News.

bers began their terms with the Hyattsville City Council in June: Kareem Redmond joined Jimmy McClellan in representing Ward 3, while Michelle Lee joined Edouard Haba in representing Ward 4.

And we at the Life & Times began our own new chapter, with Griffin Limerick starting as managing editor in March and Kit Slack returning, but this time as Streetcar Suburbs News’ first executive director, in September.

The year brought some new gastronomic adventures to the area, including some delightful dosages of dough. Manifest Bread rolled out its new brick-and-mortar bakery and café at Riverdale Park Town Center in January. And a full-service deli, Between the Bread, opened in May, right near Franklins Restaurant (which, incidentally, started out as a general store and deli in 1992). In the fall, H & Chicken opened a second location, this one in West Hyattsville’s Queens Chapel Town Center; both locations offer Southern comfort food and late-night deliveries.

Humans weren’t the only ones setting off on new food escapades in 2023: In May, county-funded goats from Browsing Green Goats enjoyed their own vine crawl in Hyattsville, munching on kudzu, poison ivy and other invasives as part of the city’s tree canopy restoration efforts.

While we’re talking about invasives, I’ll take the time here to note that, fortunately, the nefarious nurdles’ navigations ended short of the Anacostia River, as we reported in November.

As the year itself came to an end, the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley

Trail extension opened in December — accompanied by much rejoicing, as Hyattsville had been advocating for the project since 2015 (see p. 5). Happy trails, indeed!

What lies ahead for 2024 then, as the road goes ever on? The opening of the Lidl grocery store to replace the old Price Rite on Queens Chapel Road? A rescheduled Anacostia River Splash? A newly refurbished King Park finally opening its gates? A city rent stabilization ordinance (see p. 1)?

The Northwestern High School soccer team winning another state championship? More invasive-species-chomping goats?

Regardless, we at the Life & Times thank you for helping us reach our end-of-year fundraising goal: We received $16,000 from you, our thoughtful readers, $15,000 of which will be doubled

by Newsmatch, a national campaign to support public service journalism. Thank you for setting your hyperlocal newspaper on the right path in the new year. (If you forgot, we’re still happy to take your donation through omella. com/streetcarsuburbs.)

Happy trails as you wend and wander your way into 2024!

Heather Wright is the associate editor for the Life & Times.

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 3

STATE SPOTLIGHT

T

he Maryland General Assembly will be in session from Jan. 8 to April 10.

We thought our readers would want to know what their representatives will be working on, so Streetcar Suburbs Publishing asked state delegates and senators the following questions: 1. What are your top priorities for this legislative session?

2. In what areas will you be seeking more transparency, accountability or budget cuts?

3. What are some district-specific issues you plan to take on?

4. With tightening budgets, how do you see public school funding being affected?

Their answers are below.

DISTRICT 22

(includes most of Hyattsville)

Delegate Anne Healey Top priorities: Because of our budget situation, we will have to work hard throughout this session to make sure our top priorities are adequately funded. This includes, but is not limited to, the Blueprint for our

public education system, as well as environmental goals that we must reach to address climate change, and serious issues in our health care delivery. Add to this statewide concern about violent crime and juvenile justice reform, and you can see we have our work cut out for us in the 90day session.

Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: The upcoming 2024 legislative session presents serious fiscal constraints that we have not had to address in recent years. This is mainly because of the influx of federal dollars to help the state and local governments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that those federal streams of money are drying up, we need to deal with a shortfall of more than $700 million in the General Fund and another very severe shortage in the Transportation Trust Fund.

District-specific issues: I have pre-filed several bills. Perhaps the most urgent is a local Prince George’s County bill to allow our local governments, both county and municipalities, to adopt camera enforcement of stop

signs and other traffic controls, such as one-way, do not enter, and the like. There was no appetite for this statewide when I introduced it last year, but it is very much wanted and needed in our county. It will help address unsafe situations, such as what resulted in the death of two children hit by a large vehicle in the crosswalk on their way to school in Riverdale Park.

I will also be involved in many other issues on the Environment and Transportation Committee, including housing issues, continuing to protect the Chesapeake Bay, agriculture, natural resources and more. As always, I look forward to working with our constituents and our communities as other issues arise.

several bills aimed at providing solutions to issues facing working families in Maryland.

From prohibiting discrimination in credit lending and insurance to establishing a grant program to help fund youth soccer leagues, my legislative agenda is comprehensive.

My top priority area will be addressing the mental health crisis in Maryland. Serving on the Health and Government Operations Committee, I have a frontrow view of the crisis and how it’s impacting Prince George’s County.

Delegate Ashanti Martinez

Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: I will always support more transparency and accountability in state government.

At the time of this publishing, I’m still consulting with appropriators in Annapolis to better understand what budget cuts are potentially up for discussion and the impact that would have on Prince George’s County as we navigate the budget deficit.

Top priorities: During the 2024 legislative session, I have

District-specific issues: Road safety is top of mind. We have

Public school funding: I wholeheartedly support increasing funds for public school construction. The children who live in our county need more and better school buildings.

Top-ranked in the DC metro area

a responsibility to make our roadways more equitable and ultimately safer for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. I’ll be supporting a number of bills that aim to make our state highways safer and our communities prioritized when it comes to pedestrian and cyclist improvement investments.

Public school funding: We have a responsibility to ensure the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future is done without delay; our students in Prince George’s County Public School can’t afford us to balance our books on their backs. I will fight against any attacks on education funding and work with all stakeholders to think through how we move our school system forward through this period of budget shortfalls.

Delegate Nicole Williams Top priorities: My top priorities for this upcoming legislative session are about increasing opportunities for individuals.

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Page 4

SPOTLIGHT FROM PAGE 3

The first piece of legislation that I am introducing was last introduced by then-Delegate [Erek L.] Barron, who is now the U.S. Attorney for Maryland. The legislation is to remove a barrier to expungements called the Unit Rule, which prevents expungeable charges that were also linked with charges that are not expungeable under the code from being expunged. Removal of this barrier will provide an opportunity for many Marylanders who have paid their debt to society to be able to restart their lives. The second piece of legislation that I am introducing for the fourth session in a row is to establish curbside voting in Maryland, which would be helpful for those with mobility issues who would like to go vote in person instead of using mail-in voting. Several other states across the country have curbside voting, like Wisconsin, North Carolina and Virginia.

Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: I serve on the Judiciary Committee. There will be legislation that will be reintroduced in my committee to create a correctional ombudsman unit in the Office of the Attorney Gen-

eral to oversee the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections. We are facing a budget deficit so we will see budget cuts in several different areas. The governor announced a few weeks ago massive cuts to the Department of Transportation, which will have an impact on road repairs, the frequency of mass transit services, and other services.

District-specific issues: There are several bond initiatives that we as a district will be introducing on behalf of the City of Hyattsville and other municipalities in our district. I was recently elected as chair of the Prince George’s County House Delegation, and I know we are going to proceed forward with county legislation regarding stop sign cameras to help capture individuals who run stop signs and commit various traffic violations within our community. Unfortunately, we did not have this technology available at the time of the fatal collision that occurred last month in Riverdale Park.

But, hopefully, we can pass this bill so that no one else will have to die because of a driver failing to stop at the intersection.

Public school funding: There have not been any talks from the

democratic leadership about cutting public school funding. There is a strong commitment to keep our promises for public education.

Senator Alonzo T. Washington had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.

DISTRICT 47

(includes Hyattsville west of Adelphi between East-West Highway and Calverton; also near the West Hyattsville Metro stop west of Ager Road)

Senator Malcolm Augustine Top priorities: My primary focuses for my 2024 legislative agenda include developing a comprehensive strategy for mental health, enhancing accessibility to energy assistance for underserved and low-income populations, championing environmental sustainability, advancing education and ensuring equitable health care. I am steadfast in my commitment to fostering a resilient, equitable community for all.

Transparency, accountability or budget cuts: As independent

analysis predicts budget shortfalls, it is incumbent on the legislature to scrutinize every proposed budget item to ensure that the state is producing maximum benefit for all Marylanders.

District-specific issues: Many constituents, civic associations and various leaders reach out regarding amendments to SB696 [Senate Bill 696], specifically targeting the Prince George’s County Gateway Development Authority and increasing civil/criminal fines imposed by charter counties to enforce certain local laws enacted by the county. Additionally, transportation sustainability is essential to the growth of Dis-

trict 47. I am working on a piece of legislation securing funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Public school funding: We are committed to a world-class education for all Maryland children. At these early stages of our demonstrated commitment through the Blueprint, I will remain vigilant in addressing any challenges to ensure sustained and equitable funding for Maryland’s public schools.

Delegates Diana Fennell, Julian Ivey and Deni Taveras had not responded to our inquiry as of press time.

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 5

THE HY-LIFE

Trolley Trail extension opens

By JESSICA ARENDS

O

n the sunny, crisp afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023, avid cyclist Rumi Matsuyama rode her bike down the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, passed the intersection with Farragut Street, thumped over a line of freshly paved asphalt, pumped a fist into the air and cried, “Yes! We can do this now!”

A stream of bikers, some hailing from as far as Pennsylvania, followed with whoops and hollers while a train pounded by.

After more than seven years of community advocacy and city planning, a year of construction, and $6.4 million dollars, the Trolley Trail extension from Farragut Street to Charles Armentrout Drive on Route 1 is finally complete.

So why did it take so long? According to Robert Patten, trail development program manager for Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation, the design phase began in 2016 after the City of Hyattsville’s formal request to build the extension was approved by the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) and a feasibility study was completed.

The design had to consider a number of challenges, including funding, bus stops, telephone poles, underground utilities and wheelchair access, as well as the negotiation of land use with the railroad company CSX. Since the extension runs right along Route 1, the designers had to consider how to meet the national standard of a minimum 5-foot buffer between a shared use bike and pedestrian path and the edge of a road. Additional trees and a low fence will help keep errant cyclists on the trail where the buffer is less than 5 feet, according to Patten. (See our March 2023 article for more planning details.)

The Trolley Trail Extension Celebratory Community Ride on Dec. 9 consisted of one group sponsored by Arrow Bicycle, starting at Hyattsville’s Shortcake Bakery, and another sponsored by Proteus Bicycles, beginning at their location in North College Park. The two groups converged on the trail in College Park, where they stopped for a festive photo of approximately 70 cyclists: One rider had a Santa hat taped to his helmet, another carried her dog in a handlebar basket. A few cycling clubs sported their bright green

Lucy Bowen McCauley from Arlington, Va., (left) greets Sherri Joyner from West Hyattsville and gives her companion Leo a scratch before they set off for the Trolley Trail celebration bike ride. JESSICA ARENDS

and yellow cyclist jerseys.

Matsuyama was especially motivated to advocate for the extension five years ago, after helping her husband open Maryland Meadworks, which is located across the intersection at the end of extension.

She said that during the 2018 annual Cider Ride, she helped the Washington Area Bike Association (WABA) staff a table in front of Meadworks to gather

signatures petitioning for the completion of the trail.

A few months later, WABA bike advocate Sam Denes, now a Ward 1 councilmember, came into Meadworks after being struck by a car while riding his bike.

“He was as white as a sheet,” Matsuyama said. Other cyclists had been struck by cars at the same intersection, according to Matsuyama. “So he and I both know all too well how incred-

ibly dangerous that stretch of Rhode Island Avenue was.”

The idea for the celebratory ride came about when Matsuyama went into Arrow Bicycle to fix a flat tire and bumped into Denes. She mentioned a private ribbon-cutting ceremony planned that week.

“It was not quite the public community celebration we had hoped for,” Matsuyama said of the Dec. 5, 2023, event.

Matsuyama and Denes immediately contacted Proteus Bikes, Shortcake Bakery and Denizens Brewing Company to gauge their interest in a celebratory event. Plans for the festive bike ride quickly took shape.

“It all came together probably within an hour,” Matsuyama said. “Not because I have any magical organizing skills, but because everybody in the community is so excited about having that trail finally completed and wanting to just celebrate as a community.”

Shortly after, other celebratory events were planned, including a run, pub crawl and Sunday Funday. As part of Sunday Funday, Anacostia Trails Heritage Association funded discount punch card raffle tickets, which included more than 10 area businesses and were distributed at the various events.

“We realize we rise or sink together, that we are compatriots more than competitors, right?”

Matsuyama said about the businesses along the extension route.

“Even though the construction

was miserable, we knew we would want this in the end.”

Cheryl Harrington, who opened Shortcake Bakery 12 years ago, stayed open late for the day of the ride. When asked if the construction impacted her business, Harrington said, “Oh, yes. It’s been hectic. Sometimes I’d drive by, and I’d think, ‘If I didn’t have to be here, I wouldn’t stop.’”

She continued, “But now, the trail, the road — it looks more welcoming. It’s gorgeous. You have to take care of what you have, because you know how long it took to get it!”

Valerie Woodall, a City of Mount Rainier councilmember, who also attended the event, submitted a proposal in June 2023 to the SHA to continue the trail south through North Brentwood and Mount Rainier to the D.C. border.

“Access to trails that connect to the larger Route 1 community is critical to driving visitors, business and providing space for healthy and active lives,” Woodall said.

Matsuyama says she’s now ready for the construction of the sidewalk on the west side of Route 1. “Hopefully it won’t take as long,” she said. “I might have to rent a jackhammer next!”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 6

RE-WILDING ROUTE 1

Meanwhile, back at the lodge

By RICK BORCHELT

B

usy as a beaver is an accurate watchword for this industrious mammal, second only to the South American capybara among the world’s largest rodents. Winter in our area gives us the best chances of seeing this mostly nocturnal creature in local lakes and rivers as it works overtime to keep its watery refrigerator stocked.

Beavers (Castor canadensis) were all but ubiquitous in Maryland when European settlers arrived in the 16th century. It’s no great stretch to say that the Maryland landscape early settlers found was literally sculpted by beavers. The state’s streams were dotted with beaver ponds every half mile or so, strung like a necklace of pearls across the landscape.

Each pond was created by a family of beavers that built a dam to flood the area. Rich, diverse habitats evolved around these ponds — stands of willows and alder, and wet grasslands studded with orchids, irises and carnivorous plants. Beavers worked overtime to keep trees from invading the shallow waters, and cattails and water lilies from choking the waterways; their activity in the ponds, surrounding

The distinctive orange color of a beaver’s front teeth comes from iron that makes those incisors powerful chompers. COURTESY OF NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

woods, and wetlands was vital to organisms throughout the ecosystem. In this way, beavers are what we call a keystone species.

Think of an arch made of stones; the keystone, at the top, holds all the stones in place. But pull that keystone, and the arch falls apart.

The same thing’s true in nature: If you remove a keystone animal (like beavers) whose contributions are essential, an entire ecosystem could fall apart.

By the late 1800s, though, beavers had been nearly wiped out east of the Mississippi after we turned their thick, brown waterproof pelts into fur coats and

warm hats. As beavers disappeared, the ecosystems they created changed dramatically. A host of forest and wetland plants and animals that depended on beavers to manage their habitat, including the Baltimore checkerspot (our iconic state butterfly) became endangered — or were wiped out entirely. The loss of beaver dams also made streams more prone to catastrophic flooding during severe weather events.

Beavers are active all year long, and their diet changes with the seasons. In spring they eat fresh green buds on willows and other streamside trees and shrubs; as spring turns to summer, beavers turn to grass, water lily and cattail tubers, and leafy vegetation. Beavers store fat under their warm coats and in paddle-shaped tails the size of dinner plates.

Even with this stored fat, they face challenges as winter rolls around. With fresh food disappearing, these aquatic engineers turn their skills from foraging to refrigeration.

From November to March, the water in our lakes stays pretty cold, a perfect icebox in which beavers can store green branches with tasty buds, limbs with tender bark they can gnaw off, and even entire small trees. Under the

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cover of darkness, beavers waddle out and gnaw down trees they can drag back to the lake. One adult beaver can fell 200 or more trees a year to feed the lodge’s stay-at-home offspring and their parents.

In the fall, the woods around beaver lodges are studded with the peculiar, pyramidal short stumps the beavers leave behind as they gnaw down trees and ferry them off to the underwater refrigerator. There, the lodgers can dine at their leisure, even if the lake is covered with ice.

Beavers are superbly adapted for this forestry work; they have huge upper and lower front teeth that are laced with iron, giving them added strength and a bright, rusty-orange cast. Those teeth can take out an eight-foot sapling in five minutes flat. An adult beaver weighs in at 35 to 65 pounds; much of their weight is pure muscle, which they put to good purpose, hauling timber from woods to water so they can build dams and lodges. Beavers’ feet are webbed, making them superb swimmers and divers.

Beavers are social creatures.

The adults mate for life, and the young (called kits) are born overwinter. They’ll stay in the family lodge and help care for the next generation before the adults show them the door at about two years old.

Beaver lodges usually have at least two entrances, both of them underwater to help protect the home from predators. A lodge is often spacious, with several rooms — a feeding den, a sleeping den and sometimes a separate nursery den. They also have air conditioning of sorts, a small tunnel or hole to bring in cool, fresh air from outside.

Lodges come in two flavors: bank lodges, which are built right up against a river or lake bank, and hut or island lodges, which rest on mud in shallow water, away from the bank or on a small island. Hut lodges predominate where beavers have dammed and flooded creeks and relatively small streams; there’s a limit even to beaver ingenuity that keeps them from damming large streams and rivers. Beavers typically build bank lodges in larger bodies of water, like rivers and lakes.

Adult beavers have few enemies in Maryland, now that wolves and mountain lions no longer roam our woods. And while the kits are vulnerable to foxes, bobcats, coyotes, dogs and even snapping turtles, vehicles are the biggest threat to Maryland’s beavers. Vehicles and hunters: Beavers are once again so common here that the state allows trapping during a specified season.

Dusk is the prime time to see beavers. You can easily spot them at Lake Artemesia, paddling at sunset and feeding in the grasses and water plants at the lake edge.

Listen for the distinctive percussive slap of their broad tails on the water if they get alarmed, or annoyed by people or dogs that get too close. And look for the wire cages protecting vulnerable lakeside trees, or the gnawed stumps of trees that weren’t protected.

If you’re eager to hear that percussive tail slap while you’re sitting in your living room, take a listen to one I recorded down at the lake: tinyurl.com/2p8s8wz3 Have questions for Rick about the world of nature in and around the city, or suggestions for future “Re-wilding Route 1” columns? Drop him a note at rborchelt@gmail.com.

THE CITY OF HYATTSVILLE

The Hyattsville Reporter Issue 430| January 2024

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 Claus Applause Holiday Lights Contest, and a big thank you to everyone who voted! View a slideshow of this year’s top decorations from each Ward at hyattsville.org/applause. ¡Felicidades a los ganadores del Concurso de Luces Navideñas Claus Applause 2023, y un gran agradecimiento a todos los que votaron! Vea fotos de las mejores decoraciones de este año de cada Distrito en hyattsville.org/applause.

Community Listening Session

Sesión de Escucha

Community members are invited to participate in a listening session on Saturday, January 13, 3 – 5 p.m., at the Kaiser Permanente West Hyattsville Medical Center Community Room, 5620 Ager Road, to discuss issues of loitering, public intoxication, and homelessness in the Queens Chapel Town Center area. The City will use the feedback to develop a comprehensive and equitable response to the concerns.

Representatives from the Neighborhood Design Center will also be present to gather input for improvements to City infrastructure in the area.

Los miembros de la comunidad están invitados a participar en una sesión de escucha el sábado, 13 de enero de 3 - 5 p.m., en el Salón Comunitario del Centro Médico Kaiser Permanente, 5620 Ager Road, para conversar sobre los casos de vagancia, intoxicación pública y falta de vivienda en el área de Queens Chapel Town Center. La Ciudad utilizará los comentarios para desarrollar una respuesta integral y equitativa a las preocupaciones. Representantes de Neighborhood Design Center también estarán presentes para reunir información para mejoras a la infraestructura de la Ciudad en el área.

Spanish language translation services will be available & ASL interpretation is available upon request by emailing GARElearning@hyattsville.org.

Los servicios de traducción en español estarán disponibles y la interpretación de ASL está disponible a petición por email a GARElearning@hyattsville.org.

If you are unable to attend the in-person session but would like to provide feedback on the issues, please send comments to GARElearning@hyattsville.org.

Si no puede asistir a la sesión en persona, pero desea proporcionar comentarios sobre los problemas, envíe comentarios a GARElearning@hyattsville.org

The Hyattsville Reporter | January 2024 | Page 1

ANNOUNCEMENTS |

ANUNCIOS

HYATTSVILLE SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

OPORTUNIDADES DE BECAS EN HYATTSVILLE

Hyattsville High School seniors and graduates pursuing post-secondary education are encouraged to advantage of the Higher Education Path Scholarship Program opening on January 29! Students who have been accepted to or are currently enrolled in college, university, or trade schools can apply for scholarships of up to $3,500 to help support the cost of tuition, books, and other school materials. Visit hyattsville.org/education to learn more.

¡Se anima a los estudiantes de último año en secundarias y graduados de Hyattsville que buscan educación postsecundaria a aprovechar del Programa de Becas que se abrirá el 29 de enero!

Los estudiantes que han sido aceptados o están actualmente inscritos en la universidad, la universidad o las escuelas de comercio pueden solicitar becas de hasta $3,500 para ayudar a apoyar el costo de la matrícula, libros y otros materiales escolares. Visite hyattsville.org/education para obtener más información.

Applications are open for a new scholarship program to support families in need of financial assistance to participate in Hyattsville’s spring and summer youth camps. Find more information and eligibility requirements at hyattsville.org/camp or by calling (301) 985-5000. The application deadline is February 2.

REMEMBER TO SHOP WITH REUSEABLE BAGS!

As of January 1, the County’s “Bag it Right” program is in effect, prohibiting retail establishments from providing single-use plastic bags to customers, and with some exceptions, charging at least 10 cents for a paper or reuseable bag. Learn more at mypgc.us/bagitright.

BUDGET SEASON

City Council & staff are beginning budget discussions for the 2025 fiscal year, which will run from July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025. Budget discussions are open to the public; find the full list of meetings at hyattsville.org/budget.

YOUTH CENTER & SPECIAL PROGRAMS

The Youth Center at Driskell Park is a FREE after-school resource for local students in grades 6-12! The Center offers drop-in hours from 3 -5 p.m. for group activities and homework support, and a Youth Leadership Program from 5 – 6 p.m. for middle and high schoolers looking to build valuable leadership skills.

As part of the Youth Center’s Leadership Program, students in grades 6 – 12 can share their unique stories and contribute to a short documentary film! Join us on Wednesdays from 5– 6 p.m., starting at January 17 at the Youth Center to be a part of this project. Learn more & register for these programs at hyattsville.org/youth-center.

BULK WASTE PICK-UPS & LEAF COLLECTION

Residential bulk waste and appliance pick-up services are set to resume on February 21. You MUST request a pick-up for these services as any bulk waste left curbside without an appointment may result in a fine. Please note that no more than four pick-ups can be scheduled per household in a year; guidelines can be found at hyattsville.org/bulk-waste. To request a pickup once services resume, please use the My Hyattsville App, hyattsville.org/request, or call (301) 9855032 during normal business hours.

Weather-dependent, leaf collection services will stop in late January or early February to allow for bulk waste pickups. If you still have leaves to be collected, bag them in your green compost toter or paper waste bags for a Monday morning yard waste pick-up. You can also leaf them alone by turning them into mulch for yard! Learn how at hyattsville. org/leaves.

Page 2 | January 2024 | The Hyattsville Reporter

Están abiertas las solicitudes para un nuevo programa de becas para apoyar a las familias que necesitan asistencia financiera para participar en los campamentos juveniles de primavera y verano de Hyattsville. Encuentre más información y requisitos de elegibilidad en hyattsville.org/camp o llamando al (301) 9855000. La fecha límite de solicitud es el 2 de febrero.

¡RECUERDE COMPRAR CON BOLSAS REUTILIZABLES!

A partir del 1 de enero, el programa “Bag It Right” del Condado está en vigor, prohibiendo a los establecimientos proporcionar bolsas de plastico de un solo uso a los clientes, y con algunas excepciones, cobrar al menos 10 centavos por un papel o bolsa reutilizable. Más información en mypgc.us/bagitright.

TEMPORADA DEL PRESUPUESTO

El Concejo Municipal y el personal están comenzando discusiones sobre el presupuesto para el año fiscal 2025, que se llevará a cabo del 1 de julio de 2024 - 30 de junio de 2025.

Los debates sobre el presupuesto están abiertos al público; encuentre la lista de reuniones en hyattsville.org/budget

CENTRO JUVENIL Y PROGRAMAS ESPECIALES

¡El Centro Juvenil en Driskell Park es un recurso GRATUITO después de la escuela para estudiantes locales en los grados 6-12!

El Centro ofrece horas de 3 - 5 p.m. para actividades grupales y apoyo a las tareas, y un Programa de Liderazgo Juvenil de 5 - 6 p.m. para estudiantes de escuelas intermedia y secundaria que buscan desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo. ¡Como parte del Programa de Liderazgo, estudiantes de grados 6 a 12 pueden compartir sus historias únicas y contribuir a un corto documental! Acompáñenos los miércoles de 5 - 6 p.m., a partir del 17 de enero en el Centro Juvenil, 3911 Hamilton Street, para ser parte de este proyecto. Obtenga más info y inscríbe a su jóven para estos programas en hyattsville.org/youth-center.

RECOGIDA DE BASURAS GRANDES Y COLECCIÓN DE HOJAS

Los servicios residenciales de recogida de basuras grandes y electrodomésticos se reanudarán el 21 de febrero. DEBE solicitar una recogida para estos servicios, ya que cualquier basura grande que se deje en la acera sin cita previa puede resultar en una multa. Tenga en cuenta que no se pueden programar más de cuatro recogidas por hogar en un año; Las pautas se pueden encontrar en hyattsville.org/bulk-waste. Para solicitar una recogida cuando los servicios resumen, utilice la aplicación My Hyattsville, hyattsville.org/request, o llame al (301) 985-5032 durante el horario comercial normal.

Dependiendo del clíma, se detendrán los servicios de recogida de hojas a finales de enero o principios de febrero para permitir la recogida de basuras grandes. Si todavía tiene hojas para recolectar, colóquelas en su contenedor de compostaje verde o en bolsas de papel para recolección junto con los residuos de yarda el lunes por la mañana. ¡También puede dejar las hojas solas convirtiéndolos en mantillo para el jardín! Aprenda cómo hacerlo en hyattsville.org/leaves.

CALENDAR SENIORFIT+ CLASSES

The City offers seated excercise classes on Wednesdays from 10 - 11 AM at the City Building. Drop-ins are welcome!.

FREE ZUMBA CLASSES Wednesdays from 4 - 5 PM at the City Building! Details at hyattsville.org/wellness.

GOODS DISTRIBUTION The Chelsea School and partners are organizing a goods distribution of meals, produce, clothing, hygiene products, and more on January 12, 10:30 AM - noon, at Driskell Park.

No registration is required. hyattsville.org/calendar.

INVASIVE VINES REMOVAL TRAINING

Learn how to safely remove invasive vines without harming trees on January 13, 9 AM - noon, at University Hills Duck Pond Park.

Register at hyattsville.org/ enviro-education.

LISTENING SESSION

Participate in a listening session on January 13, 3 – 5 PM, at the Kaiser Permanente Community Room, 5620 Ager Road, to discuss issues of loitering, public intoxication, and homelessness in the Queens Chapel Town Center area. Learn more at hyattsville.org/calendar.

MLK DAY

City offices are closed on January 15 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. No Monday yard waste, leaf, compost, or holiday tree collections will take for the week. Trash & County recycling routes remain the same.

FREE PRODUCE

Free monthly produce distribution on January 16 at First United Methodist Church, starting at noon.

Produce is first-come, firstserved.

CERT TRAINING

The next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) organization meeting is on January 17, 6:30 - 8:30 PM, at the City Building Anyone is welcome to attend.

Register at hyattsville.org/ CERT.

NARCAN TRAININGS

Free NARCAN community trainings at the City Building on January 18 at 6 PM and January 19 at 10 AM. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar.

NIGHT OWLS

Enjoy a Friday night out on January 19 by dropping off your little one(s) at the Driskell Park Rec Center from 6 - 9 PM for a grand time! hyattsville.org/nightowls.

INVASIVE REMOVALS

Help remove invasive species from Driskell Park between 10 AM - 2 PM on January 20! RVSP with environment@ hyattsville.org.

TROLLEY TRAIL CELEBRATION

Save the date for a Trolley Trail celebration & stroll organized by the Hyattsville Development Corporation on January 20! The stroll will begin at Melrose Park and conclude at the City Building with warm drinks & snacks. hyattsville.org/calendar.

EARLY DISMISSAL CAMP

The City is offering a day camp from on January 22 from 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM at the Driskell Park Rec Center. hyattsville.org/camp.

TREE CARE COURSE IN ESPAÑOL

Attend a tree care and community science training in Español on January 22, 1:30 - 3:30 PM, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church! Register at hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

| CREATIVE MINDS

Creative Minds & Mentes Creativas kick off January 23 & 25 at Driskell Park!

Learn more & register for our parent-toddler program at hyattsville.org/creativeminds.

SENIORS ACTIVITIES

Space is limited. Learn more and reserve a seat by calling (301) 985-5000: • Jan. 25, 10 AM - 1 AM: Sip & Paint • Jan. 29, 11 AM - 1 PM: Falls Prevention Lunch & Learn

CPR TRAININGS

Free CPR trainings in english & spanish on January 31, 6 - 8 PM, at the City Building. Register at hyattsville.org/calendar.

CLASES DE EJERCICIOS

La Ciudad ofrece clases de ejercicios sentados los miércoles de 10- 11 AM en el Edificio Municipa, 4310 Gallatin Streetl. ¡Las visitas son bienvenidas!

¡ZUMBA GRATIS!

¡Cada miércoles de 4 - 5 PM en el Edificio Municipal!

Encuentre detalles en hyattsville.org/wellness.

DISTRIBUCIÓN

La Chelsea School y socios están organizando una distribución de comida, alimentos, ropa, productos de higiene y más el 12 de enero de 10:30 AM al mediodía en Driskell Park.

No es necesario registrarse. hyattsville.org/calendar.

ENTRENAMIENTO

Aprenda cómo eliminar de forma segura vides nvasoras sin dañar los árboles el 13 de enero, de 9 AM al mediodía, en University Hills Duck Pond Park. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

SUGGESTIONS NEEDED FOR NEW SENIOR PROGRAMS!

The City recently received a Healthy Aging Grant from the Maryland Department of Aging to support and expand programming for older adults in the new year, and we need your feedback to gauge interest and find meeting times!

Programming includes expanded art classes (in-person and virtual), a family caregiver support group, and digital and technology literacy classes. To share your input, please call (301) 985-5000, email seniors@hyattsville.org, or visit hyattsville.org/ seniors to complete a brief survey by January 26.

CALENDARIO SESIÓN DE ESCUCHA Participe en una sesión de escucha el 13 de enero, de 3 a 5 PM, en la Sala Comunitaria de Kaiser Permanente, 5620 Ager Road, para discutir temas de vagancia, intoxicación pública y falta de vivienda en el área del Queens Chapel Town Center. hyattsville.org/calendar.

DÍA MLK

Oficinas de la Ciudad estarán cerradas el 15 de enero por el Día de Martin Luther King Jr. No se realizarán recolecciones de desechos de yarda, hojas, compostaje o árboles navideños durante la semana. Las rutas de basura y reciclaje siguen siendo las mismas.

DISTRO DE COMIDA

La próxima distribución gratuita de productos agrícolas por orden de llegada el es 16 de enero en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida, a partir del mediodía.

EQUIPO CERT

La próxima reunión de organización del Equipo de Respuesta a Emergencias Comunitarias es el 17 de enero, 6:30 - 8:30PM, en el Edificio Municipal.

Cualquiera puede asistir. hyattsville.org/cert.

ENTRENAMIENTOS NARCAN

Entrenamientos gratis de NARCAN en el Edificio Municipal el 18 de enero a las 6 PM y el 19 de noviembre a las 10 AM. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/calendar.

BÚHOS NOCTURNOS

¡Disfrute de un viernes el 19 de enero dejando a su(s) pequeño(s) en el Centro Recreativo Driskell Park de 6 - 9 PM para una noche de diversión! hyattsville.org/ nightowls.

REMOVIMIENTO DE PLANTAS INVASORAS

¡Ayude a eliminar especies invasoras del Parque Driskell de 10 AM - 2 PM el 20 de enero! RVSP con Environment@hyattsville.org.

CELEBRACIÓN

¡Guarde la fecha para una celebración y paseo por el Trolley Trail organizado por Hyattsville Development Corporation el 20 de enero!

El paseo comenzará en Melrose Park y concluirá en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/calendar

CAMPAMENTO

La Ciudad ofrece un campamento diurno el 22 de enero de 10:30 AM a 5:30 PM en el centro recreativo Driskell Park. hyattsville.org/camp.

CURSO DE ÁRBOLES

¡Asista a un entrenamiento sobre cuidado en español el 22 de enero, de 1:30 - 3:30 PM, en la Iglesia Católica de San Marcos! Regístrese en hyattsville.org/enviroeducation.

MENTES CREATIVAS

¡Mentes Creativas en ingles y español comienza el 23 y 25 de enero en Driskell Park! Detalles en hyattsville. org/creative-minds.

ACTIVIDADES PARA LA TERCERA EDAD

El espacio es limitado.

Aprenda más y reserve su espacio llamando al (301) 985-5000: • 25 de enero, 10 AM - 1 AM: Jubilados Beben y Pintan • 29 de enero, 11 AM - 1 PM: Taller de Prevención de Caidas

ENTRENAMIENTOS RCP

Entrenamientos gratuitos de en inglés y español el 31 de enero, 6 - 8 PM, en el Edificio Municipal. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/calendar.

¡SUGERENCIAS NECESITADAS PROGRAMAS DE TERCERA EDAD!

La Ciudad recibió recientemente una subvención del Departamento de Envejecimiento de Maryland para apoyar y ampliar la programación para adultos mayores en el nuevo año, ¡y necesitamos sus comentarios para evaluar el interés y encontrar horarios de reuniones! La programación incluye clases de arte ampliadas (presenciales y virtuales), un grupo de apoyo para cuidadores y clases de tecnológica. Para compartir su opinión, llame al (301) 985-5000, envíe un email a seniors@hyattsville.org o visite hyattsville.org/seniors para completar una breve encuesta antes del 26 de enero.

The Hyattsville Reporter | January 2024 | Page 3

HIGHLIGHTS | LO DESTACADO City of Hyattsville

Ciudad de Hyattsville

Community Listening Session

Sesión de Eschucha

C OM M UNI TY M E M BE R S A R E INVITE D TO PA RTIC IP A TE I N A C ONVER S A TI ON TO A DDRE SS I NS TA NC E S OF L OI TERING , P UB LI C I NTOX IC A TION, A ND H OM E L E SS NES S IN TH E QUEENS CH A P E L TOWN C E NTE R A R E A . THE CI TY WI L L USE TH E FE EDB A C K TO DE VE L OP A COM PR E H ENS IVE A ND E QUI TA B LE R ES P ONS E TO TH E CONC E R NS .

SE I NVI TA A L OS MI E MBR OS DE LA COMUNIDA D A PAR TI CI P AR E N UNA C ONVE R SA C IÓN PAR A CONVE R S AR S OB R E C A SOS DE VA G ANCI A , I NTOX I CA CI ÓN PÚB LI CA Y FAL TA DE VI VI ENDA E N E L Á R E A DE QUE E NS CH AP E L TOWN CE NTE R . L A C I UDA D UTIL IZA R Á LOS C OME NTA R I OS PA RA DE S AR R OL L AR UNA R E SPUES TA I NTE G R A L Y E QUI TA TI VA A L A S PR E OC UPA CI ONE S.

R EP R E S ENTATI VE S FROM TH E NE I G H BOR H OOD DE SI G N C E NTE R WI LL A L SO B E P R E SE NT TO G A TH ER I NP UT FOR IM P R OVEM ENTS TO C I TY I NFR A S TR UCTURE IN TH E A RE A.

Saturday, January 13, 3 - 5 PM

Kaiser Permanente Medical Center Community Room, 5620 Ager Road

S P A NI S H L ANG UA GE TR A NS L ATI ON SE R VI CES WIL L B E A VAI LA B LE, A ND A S L I NTE R PR E TA TI ON I S A VA IL AB L E UP ON R E QUE ST. FE EDB A CK CAN A L S O B E E M A IL E D TO G AR E LE A R NI NG@H YATTS VIL L E . OR G .

R EP R ES E NTANTE S DE NE I G HBORHOOD DE SI G N CE NTE R TAM B I É N E STA RÁ N PR E SE NTE S PA R A R E U NI R I NFOR MA C I ÓN PA RA M E JOR A S A LA I NFR A E STR UC TUR A DE L A C I UDAD E N E L Á R E A .

sábado, 13 de enero, 3 - 5 PM Salón Comunitario del Centro Médico Kaiser Permanente, 5620 Ager Road L OS SE R VI C I OS DE TRA DUC CI ÓN A L ES PA ÑOL E STAR ÁN DI S PONI B LE S, Y LA INTE RP RE TA CI ÓN DE AS L ES TÁ DI SP ONI BLE A PE DIDO. C OM E NTAR I OS TAM BIÉ N SE P UE DE N E NVIA R POR E M A I L A G AR E L EAR NING@H YA TTS VI LLE . ORG .

HYATTSVILLE FAMILIES IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE LOOKING TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY’S 2024 CAMPS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY BY FEBRUARY 2!

¡FAMILIAS QUE NECESITEN AYUDA FINANCIERA Y DESEEN PARTICIPAR EN LOS CAMPAMENTOS DE LA CIUDAD DEL 2024 PUEDEN APLICAR ANTES DEL 2 DE FEBRERO!

CAMPS AVAILABLE!

¡CAMPAMENTOS DISPONIBLES!

Spring Camp Mini-Camps Early Dismissal Camps Night Owls Program Summer Camp

Campamento de primavera Mini-campamentos Campamentos de salida temprana Programa Búhos Nocturnos Campamento de verano

REQUIREMENTS Recipients: K – 5th grade Families must demonstrate financial need Applicants must be residents of the incorporated City of Hyattsville

SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT HYATTSVILLE.ORG/CAMP FOR DETAILS & TO APPLY Page 4 | January 2024 | The Hyattsville Reporter

REQUISITOS Becarios: Kinder - 5º grado Las familias deben demostrar una necesidad económica Los solicitantes deben ser residentes de la Ciudad incorporada de Hyattsville

ESCANEA EL CÓDIGO O VISITA HYATTSVILLE.ORG/CAMP PARA MÁS DETALLES Y APLICAR

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

SCHOOLS FROM PAGE 1

system’s plans to advocate in the state capitol this coming legislative session, which runs from Jan. 10 to April 8.

The event was the first of three December announcements of PGCPS priorities. House went on to publish a proposed $2.8 billion operating budget on Dec. 18 and, on Dec. 19, a 90 Day Plan Report, described as a road map for immediate action.

MORE STATE MONEY, FEWER STRINGS ATTACHED According to the legislative platform presented Dec. 15, the school district is advocating more state funding to offset the end of federal COVID-19 relief, as well as full funding under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future — state legislation passed in 2021 to dramatically increase school funding over 10 years.

PGCPS seeks state funds for student welfare — for universal free lunch, counselors, addiction and crime prevention, immunization and school-based wellness clinics.

The school district also wants more state funding for virtual education, and to pay more competitive wages to information technology staff.

School construction is a big focus of the PGCPS legislative platform, including construction to support expansion of pre-K and career and technical education programs. School construction, according to PGCPS, should be exempt from “uncommonly rigorous stormwater management requirements, including during the construction period.”

PGCPS wants flexibility and control over testing and assessments, and opposes dedicating more classroom time to state tests.

When it comes to staffing and recruitment, the school district says the state should require uniform teacher career ladders in districts throughout Maryland, which would make it more difficult for other school districts to recruit teachers away from the county. PGCPS advocates waiving standardized testing requirements for teachers who fail repeated attempts to pass required exams but are deemed highly effective in the classroom, according to PGCPS evaluations. PGCPS also advocates lifting the requirement that teachers from out of state recertify in Maryland.

PGCPS advocates a significant increase in funding for special education, in particular, including for incentives to attract qualified staff and for tuition at nonpublic schools.

The school district also seeks more state funding for transporta-

tion, electric buses and bus driver recruitment.

Among other points calling for less state interference in the board of education’s operations, the platform says the county school board should have authority to appoint the superintendent. Currently, the county executive selects the superintendent with the help of a three-person committee whose members are selected by the governor and the state superintendent.

SHOW OF UNITY, START OF DIALOG After laying out PGCPS’s legislative platform, Superintendent House and school board chair Judy Mickens-Murray invited state and county legislators to join PGCPS officials in lobbying efforts around shared priorities.

The PGCPS legislative day was a new event and a significant step for a district that, as recently as 2021, began the legislative session with a dispute between board members over issues including a state lobbyist’s contract.

Former board chair Juanita Miller grabbed the microphone at the end of the presentation to thank state legislators in attendance for their advocacy for county students at the state level in prior years.

“I don’t want anybody to walk away from here today thinking that our state legislators have not provided for this county and our education system,” Miller said to loud applause, adding, “I am so happy that the superintendent and the chief of staff brought them and brought us together today, because we’ve been working in silos, and we’ve got to start working together.”

State and county officials had questions for PGCPS leadership.

Wanika Fisher, a county councilmember (District 2) who served as a state representative from 2019 to 2022, asked for plans and data on improving parent engagement, as well as for data showing specifically how increased state funding was helping students in the county.

Addressing history curriculum mandates, Fisher said, “Latino, Black and brown students need to know where they are coming from,” citing a need for LGBTQ+ history as well.

Judith White, PGCPS chief academic officer, outlined county curriculum reviews designed to ensure that “every student sees a mirror of themselves” and the “goodness in their people, in their contributions in the world and how they will continue to build on that.” Staff reiterated, however, that the school district opposes unfunded curriculum mandates at the state level.

Nicole Williams, who leads the state delegation for District 22,

Page 7

asked what PGCPS is doing to address achievement gaps and chronic absenteeism.

PGCPS Chief Accountability Officer Douglas Strader told legislators that six out of 10 PGCPS students come from families who live in poverty, and one out of four PGCPS students speak more than one language, factors often not taken into consideration when looking at achievement data.

House said that he welcomes ideas from state legislators and wants PGCPS to be at the table crafting solutions that hit the “sweet spot around accountability and supporting our students.”

Rahsheen Davis, the county’s chief of schools, cited new plans to address absenteeism, including educating parents about the importance of elementary students arriving on time and informing parents earlier in the day about student absences. Currently PGCPS informs parents of student absences via an evening robocall.

Jolene Ivey, current chair of the county council, expressed caution about state requirements for what the county spends on schools.

Ivey previously told The Washington Post that high property taxes and a looming county budget deficit made state requirements for school funding problematic.

PGCPS PROPOSES BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR Security and online learning programs account for the biggest staffing increases in House’s proposed operating budget, released Dec. 18, the Monday after the Friday session with legislators.

The budget proposes 59 new full-time equivalent security positions across the district’s 200 schools and 41 more employees for virtual classrooms. The budget forecasts an increase from 55 to

Security and online learning account for the biggest staffing increases in Superintendent House’s proposed operating budget.

600 students who will require inhome and hospital teaching.

The budget would also add 23 full-time equivalent employees for school athletic programs.

The school board will approve the final operating budget this summer, after adjusting for state and county funding decisions made this spring, and for public feedback and revisions by the school board.

The $2.8 billion proposed budget is a 0.9% increase over this year’s, with a projected enrollment increase of 0.7%, to 133,000 students. Nearly $21,000 would be spent per K-12 student.

The proposed budget forecasts an $86 million reduction in federal funding as COVID-19 relief money runs out. It includes about $960 million in county funds, an increase of about $16 million over the prior year. About $1.6 billion comes from the state, a $43 million increase over the prior year.

The budget shows PGCPS carrying over a $120 million fund balance, $50 million more than the prior year’s balance.

HOUSE’S 90-DAY REPORT AND ROAD MAP Dec. 19, a day after House pub-

lished the proposed budget, he released a report explaining new initiatives he intends to take this school year.

House said he has commissioned a transportation audit and a website functionality audit.

As previously reported in these pages, PGCPS is installing metal detectors in all high schools this school year and is requiring high schoolers to wear clear backpacks.

House listed new strategies for learners with special needs as a top priority in terms of equity, though the report did not include specifics.

House said he intends to convene and collaborate with parent, student, principal and teacher advisory committees and is considering hiring more parent engagement assistants. About 80 schools in the county currently have a staff person in that role, according to House’s report.

“We can’t do this alone,” House said in a video released with the report. “We need your active participation, your partnership and your accountability. Moving forward, please know that your feedback will continue to be valued in our decision making and in everything we do. We are not just building a school district, we are crafting a community-driven future.”

Residents can attend public hearings on the PGCPS proposed budget Jan. 25, Feb. 1 and Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. More information can be found at.pgcps.org/offices/ board-of-education.

T. Carter Ross, who is a member of both the Parent and Community Advisory Committee for PGCPS and the board of Streetcar Suburbs Publishing, reviewed this piece for accuracy.

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 8

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Veggies, valentines and vittles Dear Miss Floribunda, I read in a recent issue of Washington Gardener that the Department of Agriculture has rezoned us on its plant hardiness map from 7a to 7b. I think we were rezoned from 6b to 7a only 12 years ago.

I’ll bet we will be rezoned to 8a in the not too distant future. Frankly, I suspect we may already be there in Hyattsville because a 7b zone gets freezing temperatures as low as 5 to 10 F. I don’t recall temperatures falling so far for years. More important to me is that summer temperatures now sometimes get near or go over 100 F. To cut to the chase, I’m wondering about how this will affect gardening. While I like the fact that I can now have camellias without worry, it’s been years since I’ve even tried to grow broccoli, spinach or lettuce in spring, for example.

The broccoli just produces fairly nice yellow flowers, and the leaves of spinach and lettuce get bitter almost immediately. One recent summer was so hot that I got very few tomatoes!

Can you give tips on ways to adapt to climate change in the vegetable garden? Before COVID-19, the Hyattsville Horticultural Society had a seed sale at the Hyattsville Municipal Center that offered hot-weather vegetable varieties, but that seems to have been discontinued. Maybe you could recommend some, and where to find them.

Baffled on Buchanan Street

The Hyattsville Horticultural Society (HHS) is resuming its annual seed sale on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Hyattsville Municipal Building. UNSPLASH

Dear Baffled, I have wonderful news for you.

The Hyattsville Horticultural Society (HHS) is resuming its annual seed sale on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Hyattsville Municipal Building — now open again for public events. The sale will take place in the ground floor multipurpose room, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For those of you not in walking distance, there is limited free parking in the adjoining lot. The door leading to the lot will be open for easy access.

In addition to seeds from both the Hart Seed Company and Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, you can buy various baked goods, drinks, hot soups and savories to have for lunch or to take home. There will be a valentine-making corner at which you and your families can get creative with paper and supplies provided by the HHS. The horticultural society will be asking kids to make valentines for Hyattsville Aging in Place to distribute to local seniors, as well as valentines to take home themselves.

From what has been ordered from Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, you can choose

among the quick sprouting Calabrese broccoli, the slowto-bolt Sweet Valentine, Jericho, Thai Oakleaf and other loose-leaf lettuces, as well as the long-standing Bloomsdale and Verdil varieties of spinach.

Also offered are a number of tomato varieties that have been successful in states far to the south of us: Arkansas Traveler, Cherokee Purple, Green Zebra, Persimmon and Black Cherry to name just a few.

In addition, Southern Exposure’s treasures include many varieties of heat-loving squash, beans, corn (including the kind you can pop), cucumbers, carrots, many varieties of peppers both sweet and picante, tomatillos, edamame, okra, eggplant, watermelon and other summer favorites. Snow peas, radishes, pumpkins, collards, kale, chard, and Asian greens and cabbages can be ordered for a fall/ early winter garden.

Hart Seeds also offers many reliable vegetable varieties, such as the heat-tolerant broccoli raab — plus a panoply of herbs and flowers. You will find seeds for such native plants as black-eyed Susan (the Maryland state flower), milkweed, cleome, sunflowers, zinnias, and bee balm, as well as many varieties of hot-weather loving pollinator-nurturing nasturtiums, cosmos, larkspur, portulaca and marigolds.

I would particularly recommend their eco-friendly blends: Please Don’t Flutter By to attract butterflies, Beneficial Bug Mix, Bird Lover’s Mix and Bee My Friend. You can choose from cutting-edge hybrids, as well as tried-and-true heritage varieties.

This festive event has traditionally cheered the community at the bleakest season of the year. I hope to see you there.

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

Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 9

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

O

ur list of events sponsored by local nonprofits, arts organizations and performance venues, occurring between Jan. 10 and Feb. 13, 2024; all information is current as of Jan. 5. 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 Feb. 14 and March 12 to managing editor@hyattsvillelife.com by Feb. 8.

ONGOING View Pyramid Atlantic Art Center’s exhibit “Catalunya,” featuring works in colored pulp by Lynn Sures. Jan. 12 through Feb. 18, with an artist reception on Jan. 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. Exhibit: Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 4218 Gallatin St. pyramidatlanticartcenter.org.

301.608.9101 “Chosen Family” brings together the work of three sets of emerging African American artists who are also close friends. Curated by Dr. Lauren Davidson. Jan. 22 through March 9, with an opening reception on Jan. 27 from 5 to 8 p.m. Exhibit: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. brentwoodarts@pgparks. com. 301.277.2863

JANUARY 11 Experience surfing in January!

The film “Singlefin: Yellow” tells the story of one surfboard’s life as it travels the globe shared by a group of friends. Free. 7 to 9 p.m.

Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. brentwoodarts@pgparks.com.

301.277.2863

JANUARY 12 Come to Blues Night with Stormi and the Blue Skies at Maryland Meadworks. Free, although tipping the band is encouraged. 7 to 10 p.m. 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee. 201.955.9644

JANUARY 22 “Harlem Street Singer” (2013, 76 min.) chronicles the life of the Rev. Gary Davis, the great American ragtime, blues and gospel guitarist who inspired and influenced a generation of folk musicians in the 1950s and 1960s. Free. Register at pgcmls.info/events. 7 to 9 p.m.

Hyattsville Public Library, 6530 Adelphi Rd. 240.455.5451

JANUARY 27 As part of Route 1 Corridor Conversations, join Giant grocery store nutritionist Isa Carrizales, RD, LDN, to discuss healthy eat-

ing for the new year — including fun and tasty ways to make use of seasonal produce and learning to scale recipes for different sized households. Attendees can join via telephone or Zoom. Free. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Register at hyattsvilleaginginplace.org.

Come to an evening with Bumper Jacksons — a fiery five-piece, with horns and pedal steel — who have been honored multiple times as the mid-Atlantic’s Artist of the Year, Best Country/Americana Band and Best Folk Band at the Washington Area Music Awards. $20. Buy tickets at Joesmovement. org. 7 p.m. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd., Mt. Rainier. 301.699.1819 Wiley Gaby and Teresa Jiménez bring their classic country duets and soulful originals to Maryland Meadworks. Free (tipping encouraged). 7 to 10 p.m. 4700 Rhode Island Ave., Suite Bee. 201.955.9644

FEBRUARY 1 The documentary film “Descendants” follows descendants of the survivors from the Clotilda, the last ship that carried enslaved Africans to the U.S., as they reclaim their story. Free. For ages 60 and better. Register at pgparksdirect.com. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301.277.1710

FEBRUARY 3 “Janice the Griot: Fun with Animal Folktales & Soar with the Eagles”: Join this accomplished storyteller and official Griot of Maryland as she shares interactive tales from the African and African American experience featuring fun, instruments, puppets, songs and rhymes. $6, for all ages. Register at pgparksdirect. com. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Rd., Cheverly. 301.277.1710

FEBRUARY 9 EducArte presents the Irish harp dance duo of harpist/singer/ songwriter Abbie Palmer and dancer/percussive noisemaker Agi Kovacs. $20. 8 to 10 p.m.

Brentwood Arts Exchange, 3901 Rhode Island Ave., Brentwood. brentwoodarts@pgparks.com.

301.277.2863

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 10

TAI CHI FROM PAGE 1

way most people actually move, which is on both feet, standing up.

Thomas is an anomaly, a woman in electrical engineering, a field dominated by men, and an African American teaching old-style Lao Yang Family tai chi and Taoist longevity exercises. In 2008, she decided to offer classes

at the church as a form of community healing. Thomas’ chi energy draws an unusual concentration of scientists, other Black martial arts practitioners — and sometimes both. One of her newest students is Andi Huberty, who holds a doctorate in entomology from the University of Maryland and started studying in the spring of 2023. Huberty, who grew up playing soccer and danced as an adult, said, “I never considered

the fighting aspect of tai chi at all.

I joined to focus on my breathing and become more aware of how my body is moving in space.

I chose to study here because the group is very accepting of new students and willing to help you.”

Thomas’ oldest student is probably Keith Preddie, 85, a retired engineer who saw Thomas’ class practicing in the parking lot while he was driving up Route 1. He recruited his younger son, Darryl,

2023 Hyattsville Community Foundation News The Hyattsville Community Foundation(HCF) is pleased to announce grants, totalling $6500, were awarded to five IRS-designated 501( C) (3) not-for-profit organizations in the City of Hyattsville.

Based on recommendations from the foundation’s Board of Advisors, the following organizations were awarded community grants: Hyattsville Aging In Place, $1500 for Post covid Counselling Hyattsville Preservation Association, $1500 for Web Site Upgrade St. Mark’s Food Pantry, $1000 to Disburse food to needy families Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, $1000 for Studio Equipment Replacement Hy-Swap Inc., $1500 to Offset Spring 2024 Hy-Swap Event Costs The foundation sincerely thanks all of the not-for-profit staff and volunteers who work so hard for their organizations.

The HCF welcomes financial gifts which can be processed by credit card at the following website: www.thecommunityfoundation.org . Please be sure to select Hyattsville Community Foundation from the dropdown menu at “What would you like your donation to support?” The HCF also welcomes checks made payable to Hyattsville Community Foundation and mailed to: The Greater Washington Community Foundation, 1325 G Street NW, Suite 480, Washington D.C. 20005. All financial gifts are fully deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

For any questions about the foundation, contact HCF President Tom Slezak at 301-422-8563 or send an email message to slezaktj@gmail.com.

54, who is an architect, and his older son, Dexter, who is also an engineer.

As a young man, Darryl had taken karate classes and fought in World Champion Sugar Ray Leonard’s boxing gym in nearby Palmer Park. Now he’s one of Dancing in Silence’s five other instructors. “We’re incorporated because we need the same liability insurance as yoga studios and boxing gyms,” he said, “but, as far as I’m concerned, it’s really like an extended family healing circle.” Like Thomas, Darryl Preddie is a strong proponent for the restorative powers of tai chi. “After I developed a case of diabetes, Janet convinced me to really start reading the labels on what I was eating and pay more attention to the qigong exercises for cleansing and health,” he said. “They do a world of wonder for the mind and body.”

Another student who focuses on the healing aspect is Madeline Simpson, who said, “I study this traditional Lao Yang style here with Janet. But over at the Cedar Heights Community Center, I teach a style called Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Arthritis and Balance.” Simpson was introduced to Dancing in Silence by Eric Jordan, who taught her another modern version of tai chi known as 24

form, or simplified form, which is widely practiced all over the world (24 refers to the number of different movements). Jordan also recruited Gloria Hicks, who teaches at another community center.

Jordan is the school’s instructor who seems the most like a warrior and has earned the honorific title of “shifu,” or teacher. Not surprisingly, he is a retired military systems engineer. “I started studying hard styles of karate like tai kwan do when I was in college,” Jordan said. “And then I learned kempo, kickboxing and several other techniques in the military.

Wherever I was stationed around the world, I would drop into local martial arts schools just for fun. Eventually, I studied Healing Hands Tai Chi, then Yang 24.”

Jordan found Dancing in Silence through a meet-up app. “I discovered it almost by random chance,” he said, “but I stayed for the mindfulness, breathing and relaxation. Because of my background, I can help other students with both their fundamentals and advanced techniques. Most importantly, this school draws a lot of accomplished people who are still growing.”

For more information, visit dancinginsilence.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

HOUSING FROM PAGE 1

That effort led the Hyattsville City Council, at a Dec. 4, 2023, meeting, to authorize the city attorney to prepare the Hyattsville Rent Stabilization Ordinance.

The ordinance will regulate annual increases in rental prices in the city, where there are approximately 4,730 multifamily units and 519 single family rentals.

Under the ordinance, the change in the consumer price index — the fluctuations in the prices of goods and services that people commonly buy — will determine the maximum allowable annual rent increase.

(Rent control imposes fixed prices that are difficult to raise, while rent stabilization typically restricts allowable increases to a set percentage tied to factors like inflation.)

Schaible said that using the consumer price index in either low or high inflation is a compromise between how much rent can go up and its impact on property owners.

In 2021, Hyattsville adopted a 10-year Housing Action Agenda to support and create fair and affordable housing opportunities. In addition to increased housing affordability and removal of racially restrictive covenants, one of the plan’s priorities was creating a rent stabilization policy. Though such a policy can establish cost predictability — how well the costs compare with the original estimated cost — it cannot be used primarily as a housing affordability tool.

According to a study conducted and submitted by Enterprise Advisors, who provide consultations, technical assistance

Page 11

and capacity-building support for Hyattsville, “[A rent stabilization ordinance] should be designed to complement policies and programs that more directly make rents affordable for households with low and moderate incomes.”

After conducting its research, Enterprise Advisors made numerous recommendations on the ordinance’s original language. The most recent version, from the December 2023 meeting, included some of these recommendations.

Changes include increasing the number of units in a building that will be exempt from the limits imposed through the ordinance from two to four. If a building has four or fewer units, the ordinance will not apply. In addition, the ordinance now states that appeals from landlords and regulations related to the right to a fair return shall be prepared by the city and approved by the city council.

Other properties exempt from the ordinance include rental properties less than 15 years old, properties where the tenants share a kitchen or bathroom with the owner, short-term leasing agreements of 30 days or less, accessory apartment and dwelling units, and units subsidized or regulated by federal, state, county or local guidelines.

During the meeting, the mayor and all councilmembers voted to authorize the preparation of the ordinance, except for

Councilmember Emily Strab (Ward 2), who abstained.

Strab said she was concerned that the ordinance did not incentivize property owners and managers to provide fair wages to employees and pay for other expenses on their properties.

She suggested adding a buffer or escalator, between 1% and 3%, to the ordinance and an overall cap, rather than solely relying on the consumer price index.

Strab also said she’s hesitant and does not see why Hyattsville needs a rent stabilization program if the county is already working on one. The county established a rent stabilization workgroup made up of various stakeholders that began meeting in July 2023 and will conclude in June 2024. The workgroup is studying and offering recommendations for a permanent rent stabilization bill.

“Right now, it seems to me that it could possibly be a waste for us to invest dollars into standing up this program,” Strab said. “I’d much rather see that money go into direct rental assistance for Hyattsville residents who are most in need, rather than standing up a duplicative program.”

Council Vice President Joanne Waszczak (Ward 1) disagreed and lauded the ordinance.

“I think that we as a group are planning and discussing a fair and balanced approach overall,” Waszczak said. “I am supportive of keeping the rent

stabilization to the consumer price index because I think that is the middle way.”

Tram Hoang, a senior associate at PolicyLink — a national research and action institute dedicated to advancing economic and social equity — also voiced her support for the ordinance.

“The proposed policy has many promising features that align with the best practices for tenant outcomes, such as the creation of a rental registry, inclusion of rental fees and the maximum allowable rent increase, as well as the inclusion of civil recourse to support implementation and enforcement,” Hoang said.

Many Hyattsville members of CASA, a Latino and immigration advocacy and assistance organization based in Maryland, also urged the council to pass the ordinance. Spanishspeaking renters testified about their financial situations, experiences with their landlords, and how rent increases have impacted their families’ lives.

“My bills every month are over $150, and if I’m ever late on rent, I get charged $65 per day. Sometimes I’m left with nothing after I pay my rent,” said Maria Hernandez, who has been a Hyattsville resident for 30 years and whose monthly rent is $1,700.

The proposed ordinance is similar to one passed in Takoma Park, as the local consumer price index governs both. It was

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adopted in 1981 to protect affordable housing and economic and ethnic diversity in the city.

The current rent increase allowance in Takoma Park — applicable only to rent increases between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024 — is 3.7%.

Other key elements of Hyattsville’s rent stabilization ordinance include a rental registry, annual rent stabilization notifications in English and Spanish posted in a public space of every property subject to rent increase limits, landlords’ right to petition for a rent increase to obtain fair return, and preferential rent banking when there is a change of tenants.

The city’s attorney is working on the ordinance’s proper codified language. After that, the council will convene several times to review the final ordinance before voting on approval. Schaible said he believes this will be some time at the end of January or February.

Council President Joseph Solomon (Ward 5) indicated that the ordinance deserves approval.

“There are council colleagues who questioned whether or not this is the time,” Solomon said. “It is the time, and I think that this will be another item that, locally, we will be looked at as the template on how to get this done.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | January 2024

Page 12

New laws effective Jan. 1, 2024

By JIMMY TARLAU and STEPHANIE STULLICH

PLASTIC BAG BAN Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties have both instituted plastic bag bans that take effect as of Jan. 1, 2024. This follows a similar ban adopted by the City of College Park last year that became effective on Sept. 1, 2023. Plastic bags are still permitted for certain items such as raw meat and bulk goods. Retailers will have to charge a minimum of 10 cents for paper bags in most cases, to encourage shoppers to bring reusable bags.

The Environmental Protec-

tion Agency estimates that only 10% of plastic bags are recycled, much lower than the figure for paper bags and other paper (21%). “Plastic pollution is a real problem,” said Prince George’s County Councilmember Eric Olson (District 3). “This will remove over 300 million plastic bags a year from the waste stream in Prince George’s County alone.”

STOP THE SPAM CALLS ACT A new Maryland state law restricts telephone solicitations, prohibiting the use of automated systems to make calls to solicit people to pur-

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chase, lease or rent goods or services, offer a gift or prize, or conduct a poll. Automated surveys are also prohibited if the results will be used directly to solicit the purchase of goods or services.

Violations are punishable with a fine of up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $5,000 for each subsequent offense.

The prohibition does not apply to noncommercial telephone solicitations for religious, charitable, political, or educational purposes.

MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES TO $15 PER HOUR The state minimum wage in Maryland goes from $13.25 to $15 per hour starting Jan. 1, which is more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25.

It is estimated that this will affect over 160,000 workers.

For tipped workers, such as waiters and bartenders, employers are not required to increase the base wage, but must ensure that their total pay and tips is at least $15 per hour.

Tipped workers may be paid

an hourly wage as low as $3.63, but if actual tips do not raise their compensation to $15 per hour, the employer must make up the difference.

Workers younger than 18 can be paid 85% of the state minimum wage, which would be $12.75.

Maryland Del. Joseline Pena-Melnyk (District 21), a co-sponsor of the bill, said that the higher minimum wage is still too low, but it’s a step in the right direction.

“People are barely getting by. Even $15 an hour is not enough; we should have a living wage. But it’s a balancing act between the needs of people and what the businesses can handle right now.”

DIAGNOSTIC INSURANCE COVERAGE Health insurers in Maryland will be required to cover biomarker testing starting Jan. 1. Biomarkers are genes, proteins and other substances that provide information about cancer. Testing for biomarkers not only helps to detect cancer but can also inform treatment. The effective date for Maryland’s Medicaid program to cover biomarker testing is July 1, 2025.

A related law requires insurers to provide coverage for certain lung cancer diagnostic imaging. This law also limits copayments, coinsurance or deductibles that insurers can impose for lung cancer screening and diagnosis.

MEDICAID AND GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE Under the Trans Health Equity Act, the Maryland Medicaid program is required to cover a wider range of gender-affirming treatments. Under the previous law, Medicaid covered a more limited set of procedures, such as mental health services for gender dysphoria, hormone replacement therapy and gender-reassignment surgery. Under the new law, additional covered procedures include body contouring, hair alteration, voice modification surgery and therapy, puberty blockers, fertility preservation and certain cosmetic surgeries. Revisions and reversals of prior treatments also would be covered.

As under prior law, minor persons (under age 18) must have parental consent, and are usually prescribed a more limited range of treatments.