September 2020 Hyattsville Life & Times by Hyattsville Life and Times

INSIDE HYATTSVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL: Who’s the principal? When’s the rebuild? P. 4 TARDIGRADES: Look, you have piglets in your yard! P. 8

VOL. 17 NO. 9

HYATTSVILLE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SEPTEMBER 2020

Restaurant initiative distributes warm meals ... and hope By Heather Wright At a time when food pantries are running out of supplies each week and restaurants are permanently shutting their doors, a restaurant initiative started in Riverdale Park has distributed more than 5,000 meals, put more than $50,000 into local restaurant coffers and is expanding into Hyattsville and other Route 1 communities. Food insecurity is on the rise during the pandemic. Area food pantries have increased their supplies three-fold but are still SEE RESTAURANTS ON 6 

Day cares during the pandemic By Sophie Gorman Oriani The coronavirus pandemic has devastated the child care scene in Prince George’s County. According to Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, in a July 30 press conference, the number SEE DAY CARES ON 13 

Pathway Toward Unity march along Baltimore Avenue to Washington, D.C., on Aug. 28

JULIA NIKHINSON

Too much heat on the street? Race and Equity Committee discusses policing By Brandon Fastman During the last days of August, when another police shooting of an unarmed Black person was captured on video and thousands gathered in D.C. for the Get Your Knee Off Our Necks March, Hyattsville’s Race and Equity Task

Force met twice, focusing much of their discussion on police reform. The city has charged the committee, first convened in 2018, with developing a Race and Equity Plan. The plan will address equity in city administration, public services and community development, and is due

to the Hyattsville City Council at the end of the year. The committee convened on both Aug. 24 and Aug. 25. The purpose of the first meeting was to hold a conversation with state delegate and former Hyattsville resident Alonzo SEE POLICE ON 13 

CENTER SECTION: The September 8, 2020 Issue of The Hyattsvile Reporter — in Español too! HYATTSVILLE MD PERMIT NO. 1383

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Hyatts KIDS Page 2

NEW LIBRARY CONSTRUCTION ADJUSTS TO COVID-19

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

Created by contributors in grades K-8, the HyattsKIDS Life & Times features local news, columns, art, and comics from our city’s youngest journalists. This issue was produced under Editor Claudia Romero Garvey. To participate or oﬀer story leads, contact adult adviser Mary Frances Jiménez at mf_jimenez@yahoo.com.

by Alistair Johnson

Masked Fighter

GOOD THING I’M WEARING A MASK

By Delia Silva and Marta Vaidyanathan The new Hyattsville Public Library was supposed to open in spring 2021. However, with the changes that COVID-19 has brought, have the plans for the library changed too? The original library plans were impressive. The plan was to have eight study rooms, two meeting rooms, a cafe, a history and genealogy room, and more. Besides that, the plans said that the new library would hold 85,000 books, and cost $35.5 million. Michael Gannon, Prince George’s County Memorial Library System’s Chief Operating Oﬃcer for Support Services, is in charge of the construction of the new library. Reporter Marta Vaidyanathan asked him for details on how plans have been changed due to the coronavirus. Gannon stated that the library’s main features were not changed, but some small things have been altered to help people stay safe. There will be less furniture and more space for people so that they can socially distance better. But even before the library opens, the construction staff need to stay safe. To learn more about what precautions workers are taking, reporter Delia Silva spoke with Winston Williams, the project manager for PGCMLS, and learned that about 100 to 120 people from construction company

A community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781 http://HyattsvilleLife.com http://facebook.com/ HyattsvilleLife http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, 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.

NOW I’M GOING TO ROB THIS BANK

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IT’S SO HARD TO STAY SOCIAL DISTANCING

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Hyattsville’s new library will be finished in 2021. DELIA SILVA

Tuckman-Barbee are working on the project at any given time. Williams stated, “Some of the many precautions that we are taking due to COVID-19 are wearing masks, doing social distancing, and following the construction safety measures held by the OSHA.” Although coronavirus has pushed the finish date from January to March, the library should still be done in spring 2021.

Williams also shared that the footprint of the library is going to be 42,000 square feet. It will have a children’s room, a reading garden, 74 public computers, and a reading terrace. All in all, it will still be possible to go to the library and read. So, even though it will be different in some ways, the new library means life is going back to normal.

AN EPIDEMIC OF LOST PETS? By Jackie Daniels It seems like more pets have been getting lost in Hyattsville during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a lot of “lost pet” signs hanging on telephone poles. Between March and Aug. 31, more than

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Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti — President and General Counsel Chris Currie — Vice President Reva Harris — Treasurer Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross, Emily Strab Maria D. James — Ex Oﬃcio Circulation: Copies are distributed monthly by U.S. mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are distributed to libraries, selected businesses, community centers and churches in the city. Total circulation is 9,300. HL&T is a member of the National Newspaper Association.

70 messages were posted on the local H.O.P.E. listserv about lost and found pets. “In the spirit of the large number of lost dog posts recently, I thought I’d add another lost creature to the listserv — a lost chicken,” said one listserv message. However, Jennifer BevanDangel, State Director at the Humane Society of the U.S., says in Prince George’s County slightly fewer pets have gone missing over the last few months than normal. To avoid losing a new cat or dog, keep it inside for at least a week and get a microchip for your pet. If you find a lost pet, take it to a veterinarian who can check for a microchip.

STRAY PETS INCLUDE EXOTIC ANIMAL By Harriet Marx On Aug. 25, Sacha J. Talisman saw a bearded dragon loose on 43rd Avenue. It was spiked on its head and all over. It had a white belly. Talisman’s neighbor was trying to catch it. Then it went under the house. It was as fast as a squirrel. Talisman went for a walk with his net the next day and did not find it. It was a weird sight, because they do not live in this environment.

MY FAMILY’S LIFE DURING CORONAVIRUS By Bella Romero Because of COVID-19, my family is having a summer that’s very different from what

we expected. The local pools are only letting a limited number of people in, and my sisters and I don’t see friends as often as we would during a regular summer. St. Jerome Church has limited capacity as well. Although we’ve been through many struggles due to the pandemic, we’ve also realized how much we took for granted before everything happened. My mom now works from home instead of her oﬃce in Arlington, and we’re a lot less scheduled and busy. I’m grateful for the extra time we’ve gotten to spend together. In addition to the pool, my mom came up with a lot of ways to have fun even during coronavirus. For example, we played with water balloons, went on the “Slip and Slide,” and cooled off on the water trampoline. My family has also been partaking in a fun book, “The Adventure Challenge: Family Edition.” This book is filled with scratch-off adventures and activities. One fun activity was called “Russian Roulegg.” We added two dozen raw and boiled eggs in a bowl. Then we had to pick an egg blindfolded from the bowl and crack it on our head! If the egg is boiled, you get 1 point. If the egg is raw ... well, you get a head full of yolk! My family has also been baking a lot more. Our favorite is chocolate chip banana muﬃns! Even though coronavirus has been tough, Hyattsville is a great place to be. We are able to meet up with friends at Magruder Park, bike ride on the trolley trail, or eat dinner outside at Franklins. Our amazing town enables my family to still be social and have fun even during the pandemic.

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

HMS updates: New principal here, new building coming By Kylie Rau and Sophie Gorman Oriani

NEW PRINCIPAL Hyattsville Middle School (HMS) has welcomed Chanita Stamper as the acting principal and continues to develop plans to rebuild a brand new school facility. Stamper holds her National Board Certification and has over 22 years of experience. In a Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) newsletter released July 14, Stamper noted that she has worked as a classroom teacher, instruction and professional development lead teacher, and assistant principal. Most recently, Stamper served as the assistant principal of Greenbelt Middle School. She has worked with PGCPS for almost 18 years. “The importance of building positive relationships with my students, my parents, my teachers and the

broader community has been paramount,” Stamper explained. She also noted that she has worked with diverse populations of students and staff in grades pre-K through eight. “I am elated to bring my skills as an educational leader to Hyattsville Middle School and to work collaboratively with you to ensure your child’s success,” Stamper said. She emphasized the importance of treating the HMS community as family.

NEW BUILDING Other changes are in store for HMS, too, as PGCPS makes progress towards reaching an agreement with a developer to build six new schools, including a new school building for HMS, which would be built with publicprivate partnership (P3) funding. Jason Washington, director of the PGCPS Public-Private

Partnerships Program, gave a presentation to the Prince George’s County Board of Education (BOE) during their retreat on Aug. 21. Washington said that the final request for proposals was released on Aug. 19, with proposals due Sept. 14. The board plans to select a developer in October, with an exclusive negotiating period of up to 60 days following the selection. Washington said that the negotiating period will allow PGCPS to have “one-on-one open book negotiations with the preferred developer,” but that the proposal locks in the majority of the project, including the maximum monthly cost. Washington added that the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the P3 process. While the project was initially scheduled to be completed in time for the 2023-2024 school year, some schools may not be ready to open until the next

academic year. Developers will be required to submit a timeline as part of their proposal package. After a school is complete, PGCPS will make monthly payments to the developer for building maintenance; the school system will pay out approximately $34 million dollars per year for 30 years. When the building transfers out of the 30-year period, the developer will refurbish the buildings, guaranteeing there are at least 5-15 years left on systems and parts. The new school buildings must last for 60 years. BOE member Raaheela Ahmed (District 5) has been critical of the project and concerned about the potential for rising costs. In response, Washington focused on the security deposit stipulated in the contract, saying that the agreed-upon costs won’t go up during the negotiating period.

“If you [the developer] play with the price, we will take your money,” he said. Shawn Matlock, director of capital programs for PGCPS, added that the county is putting an extra $450 million towards the P3 project, which they otherwise wouldn’t have contributed to building new schools. BOE member Sonya Williams (District 9) emphasized that the potentially higher costs will be offset by the speed by which the buildings will be built. “This gets us six new schools in a few years, which is absolutely incredible,” she said. “We don’t have an alternative other than waiting 10 years for one school to be built at a time.” “This is for our children and our teachers … to be in appropriate, healthy facilities,” agreed BOE member Pamela Boozer (District 3). “We are expending so much money on maintenance every year for a building that is beyond its useful life. This investment is for the most important investment in the county — our children.” Kylie Rau is a summer intern with the Hyattsville Life & Times.

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NEWS BRIEFS CITY TAX BREAK ESTABLISHED FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING On Aug. 10, the Hyattsville City Council voted unanimously to make city tax breaks available for “the production of affordable housing.” Mayor Candace B. Hollingsworth sponsored the amendment to Section 108-4 of Hyattsville’s city code. The city adopted a tax revitalization program in 2013. The program allows the city to give tax credits for development projects that would increase tax-assessed property values in certain areas of the city. Under the program, the council granted a $400,000 tax credit for the construction of a Safeway in 2013 and a $3 million tax credit for the development of the Hyattsville Armory Apartments in 2019. The credits in that program were limited: They could be used to avoid paying only an increase in taxes, not to avoid paying existing taxes. That limit would be lifted for affordable housing under the proposal approved Aug. 10. Developers could qualify for a tax break on 100% of the value of a property for developing new affordable housing. For projects with 13 or more units, 15% of new units would have to be affordable, and the tax credit would last up to 10 years. For projects with 20 or more units, 20% of new units would have to be affordable, and the credit would last for 15 years. Developers could also earn a 50% tax break for maintaining an existing inventory of affordable housing. To qualify for a tax credit, a development would have to provide housing affordable to families and individuals who earn 60% of area median income. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median income in Hyattsville was $77,097 in 2018.

CITY CONTINUES PROGRESS ON COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN At the Aug. 10 city council meeting, Kate Powers, the city planner, gave an update on the 2017-2021 community sustainability plan. The plan’s vision is “to create a thriving city, grounded in sustainability and inclusiveness, that advances the lives of its residents through the building of community, connectivity of people and places, and responsible development.” The community sustainability plan is “used by the City Council, City staff and

community residents to set goals and measure progress,” according to the report given to city council. The city planner updates the council yearly on the progress toward the stated goals. A new 5-year plan will be made in 2021. Building on the three themes of community, connectivity and development, the current plan has 67 action steps. According to the Aug. 10 update, approximately one quarter of these have been completed, one third have not been started and the rest are either in progress or ongoing. Examples of action steps completed include purchasing a second teen center location at 5812 40th Avenue, implementing the Capital Bikeshare program, evaluating the feasibility of a city-wide circulator bus, and improving parking and wayfinding signage around the city. Action steps that are ongoing or in progress include rebranding the Prince George’s Plaza area, planting native trees in city rights of way, pursuing grants to revitalize the city’s parks and encouraging new development projects to create affordable rental housing. Action steps that haven’t been started yet include transforming Centennial Park, requesting state legislation to allow more speed cameras in the city and placing bike grates over storm drains on roads with bike lanes.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

RESTAURANTS FROM PAGE 1

running out of food each week. Even the most stalwart local restaurants are struggling to keep their lights on. In an Aug. 28 email, Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store owner Mike Franklin wrote, “We are up to around 50% of previous business while keeping around 75-80% of our staff. Needless to say we are losing money.” “In late March, it was becoming really clear that food assistance needed to really be ramped up,” said County Councilmember Dannielle Glaros (District 3) in an Aug. 31 interview. “We also knew that a lot of our restaurants had been closing down, and we needed to figure out ways to get food into the community.” To address these concerns, Glaros and more than 25 community partners, including Central Kenilworth Avenue Revitalization Community Development Corporation (CKAR CDC), area churches, SEED (Sowing Empowerment & Economic Development), and Kaiser Permanente formed Greater Riverdale Cares (GRC) in early April.

The restaurant initiative is a part of this broader effort to address food insecurity. Banana Blossom Bistro, Denizen’s Brewing Co., 2Fifty Texas BBQ/Dumm’s and Riviera Tapas Bar — all from Riverdale Park — were the first eateries to join the initiative. “As a small business, we’re always left behind,” said Riviera Tapas Bar co-owner Patricia Martinez in a video statement. “[The initiative] helps us to pay some of the bills and to come up with new ideas that led us to not give up during this pandemic time.” Restaurants that sign on to the effort agree to provide a nutritious warm meal with a protein, starch and vegetable, stated CKAR CDC Executive Director Patricia HayesParker in an Aug. 27 interview. Restaurants receive a stipend of roughly $10 per meal, according to Glaros, and usually provide about 100 meals on a weekly or bimonthly basis. “People are so excited to get the hot meals,” said Glaros. “I think everything we do is about bringing hope to the community. It can be as simple, I think, as getting a meal into someone’s hand or some food into someone’s hand — people

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The Greater Riverdale Cares and Route One Communities Care restaurant initiative delivered about 500 meals to Oak Ridge Apartments in Riverdale Park on Aug. 14. COURTESY OF EAMAN JAVED/CENTRAL KENILWORTH AVENUE REVITALIZATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

knowing that there are people out there that care about them in this time of need.” In early summer, the restaurant initiative began to expand its reach into Hyattsville, College Park and University Park. Additional restaurants have signed on, including Emerita’s Pupuseria & Carryout and Shortcake Bakery from Hyattsville and Food Factory, Krazi Kebob and Marathon Deli from College Park. “All around us, we know there’s a huge need,” said David Brosch, an organizer of the initiative’s fundraising and a University Park resident. He explained

“At the end of the day, all of us who love our local restaurants ... have a stake, I think, in ensuring their survival.” County Councilmember Dannielle Glaros (District 3)

how the effort aimed to help those without jobs, including restaurant workers, and added, “And we want restaurants also to survive because one of the nice things about this community is our restaurants.” Glaros agreed, saying, “I’m excited about this expansion. I’m excited for more restaurants to be able to benefit from this initiative and idea. I’m excited for it to grow, and I hope the community embraces and continues to help financially support it because it’s completely driven by financial support — money comes in and money goes out.” She added, “So, really, it’s local contributions that will make the difference in keeping this initiative alive. And at the end of the day, all of us who love our local restaurants ... have a stake, I think, in ensuring their survival.” Hayes-Parker expressed hope that the initiative could build to nine restaurants each providing 200 meals every week. The group would need to raise approximately $280,000 to fund the program at this level for the rest of the year. “My hopes are that we can get through this Covid period, and we would have helped [some local restaurants] keep those lights on, keep a few employees, until we get a new vaccine and a new normal appears,” said Hayes-Parker. Your $40 donation can feed a local family of four a nutritious meal from an area restaurant; recurring monthly donations are especially needed. If you are able, please consider donating to the initiative at gf.me/u/x4bmfa or send a check to CKAR CDC and write “Route One Communities Care” in the memo.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

Page 7

HUMANS OF HYATTSVILLE

Fostering children and gardens M

aria Cecilia Ulrickson lives on 42nd Avenue. You will often see her taking walks and going for jogs around Hyattsville. She is a passionate gardener and foster mom, and she hopes that she can convince you to foster children, too. What is your occupation? I’m a professor and foster mother. I teach history of the Catholic church and slavery. What does your family structure look like? It’s hard to say how many children we have. On any given day it is changing. My husband and I moved into a big multifamily home in Hyattsville so we could be foster parents.

Currently we have two children in our home. One of them is 13 months old and has been with us since he came out of the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit]. The other is 6 months old and has been with us from very early in her life. Since we became foster parents in March 2019, we have had eight foster children. Some of the children we have had for 18 hours; others of the children we’ve had for over a year. The children’s ages have ranged from newborn to 15 years old. One of our former foster children is our godson. After he reunited with his mother, we together decided to join households, and he now lives with us a couple days a week.

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How would you describe yourself ? I am a Dominican American. I’m a wife and mother and academic. I’m a Catholic. I’m a daughter and sister. I’m also a gardener-in-training. What causes, whether local or beyond, are you passionate about? What topic really gets you talking at a party? Anything related to racism, slavery, colonial history and foster care. Oh, and the environment and care of the Earth. How do you wish people saw you? It depends on where I am. When I’m in the Dominican Republic, I wish they saw me as a Dominican, not just an American. I’m more of a heritage Spanish speaker. I love that part of myself and my family very much, but I’ll never be seen there like I would like to be. My mother only spoke to me in Spanish, but I didn’t start speaking back to her until adulthood. Now I am basically fluent, but it is always work. I’m at least trying to give my own children full exposure to the Spanish language, which

Maria Cecilia Ulrickson is a professor and foster mother. COURTESY OF MARIA CECILIA ULRICKSON

is what my own mother so graciously gave to me. What are some of your favorite aspects of life in Hyattsville? I love our multi-family house because it’s allowed us to have a family. When we were moving to Hyattsville, we realized that because we wanted to foster children, we needed to have the capacity for them before we could take the classes to

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become foster parents. I also love our yard and garden. We would love to survive solely on our garden for nutrition. When COVID-19 hit, I Ioved thinking about what it would look like to live only off of our garden. Of course, that would have been only seven heads of lettuce, a few green beans and maybe some eggs, … but it was fun to dream. We love our neighbors in Hyattsville. They are so awesome. One of our neighbors (I’m not sure how) knew it was my birthday and brought over cake. Another one of my neighbors helped last year when one of our trees fell into the road. My husband was gone and a neighbor of ours dropped everything to come and help us take care of it quickly. Other neighbors also joined in to help get it out of the road.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

the

Hyattsville Reporter No. 390 • September 8, 2020

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000 - Teen E-Center - Tutoring - Virtual Committee & Community Meetings - Virtual Hyattsville Council Meetings (Sept. 21 & Oct. 5)

Census, Census, Census!

#CountMeIn Census Challenge: With just a few weeks left until the Census stops collecting data on September 30, we’d like to see everyone’s Hyattsville pride by participating in the #CountMeIn Census Challenge! In either a photo or a 15-30 second video, simply and creatively explain why you took the Census and why others should too. There’s no age limit, and submissions in all languages are encouraged! The best photos and videos could end up on the City’s social media pages, and the top three will win gift cards to Hyattsville businesses or restaurants. Rules and instructions to submit can be found on hyattsville.org/census. And if you haven’t completed your Census, there’s still time! The next Census won’t be here for another 10 years, so don’t let your household be undercounted or Hyattsville be underfunded. Head over to my2020census.gov and complete the form – it only takes 10 minutes! Your information remains private and is not shared with any outside organization or agency.

Limited or Suspended Services and Activities - Access to Municipal Facilities - Call-A-Bus Transportation - Fingerprinting - Public Information Act Requests - UMD Shuttle Transportation

Cancellations and Postponements

A family enjoys a refreshing treat at the Hyattsville City Police Grab N’ Go Ice Cream Social and Backto-School Supply Drive! ¡Una familia disfruta de una refrescante delicia en el evento social de helado y recolección de suministros de regreso a la escuela del Departamento de Policia de Hyattsville!

Notices & Updates

Prince George’s County Remains in Phase 2: Although Maryland Governor Hogan has authorized counties to move into a Phase 3 reopening, Prince George’s County will remain in Phase 2 until data shows a decrease in local COVID-19 cases. County officials urge residents to continue to use face masks in public spaces, avoid large gatherings, and practice social distancing. For approved activities under the County’s Phase 2 guidelines, please visit mypgc.us/reopen. PGCPS Distance Learning Resources: Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has various resources available to support families during distance learning. Parents who need assistance can call the distance learning hotline at (240) 696-6629 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit an in-person support center, open Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To set up an appointment, call (240) 696-3315 or visit pgcps.org/reopen/distance-learning/. PGCPS is offering free meals to all students between ages 2 to 18 through December 31, 2020. Students can pick up daily meals for the week from any Hyattsville public school on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. using their name, pin, and enrolled school name (if meals are picked up from a different school than the one registered in). Parents and guardians may also pick up meals with the student’s pin, ID, or most recent report card. For more information, visit pgcps.org/reopen/distance-learning/. Vote-by-Mail General Election Deadlines: If you plan to vote by mail in the upcoming November 3 general election, please be sure to return your application requesting a mail-in ballot by October 20. To request an application, visit elections.mypgc.us or text VBM to 77788 (for Spanish, text VPC to 77788). If you are not yet registered to vote, the voter registration deadline is October 13.

Programs, Services, and Events

Hyattsville COVID-19 Testing Site: Starting Monday, September 14, the free, non-appointment Hyattsville COVID-19 testing site will return to the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, located

- Ageless Grace Exercise Classes - Community Yoga - Cyclocross (Oct. 4) - Electric Vehicle Car Show (Oct. 3) - Invasive Plant Removals - Mary Prangley Day (Oct. 3) - Police Ride-A-Long’s - Senior Bus Trips - Senior Dining & Lecture Series - Summer Jam, Sept. 18 - Sunset Movie Series, Sept. 25

Age-Friendly Programs at 6201 Belcrest Rd, Hyattsville, MD 20782. This comes as part of a partnership between the Church, Luminis Health, The Prince George’s Health Department, and the City of Hyattsville. The site will offer drive-thru and walk-up testing on Mondays and Saturdays between the hours of 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Drivers should enter the Church’s parking lot using the entrance on MD Route 410 (East-West Highway). Walk-up tests will be conducted at the front of the Church facing Belcrest Road. Everyone is asked to follow traffic guidance as directed by the City of Hyattsville Police Department. Relief Funds still Available for Residents, Artists, and Childcare Providers: $200 cash cards are available for Hyattsville residents earning $19 or less an hour as part of the City’s Pandemic Relief Fund partnership with Employ Prince George’s, and $1,500 emergency grants for Hyattsville residents are available through the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation’s COVID-19 Relief and Assistance Program. Eligible applicants can use the emergency grants to cover rent, mortgage, utilities, and other urgent needs. Visit hyattsville. org/relief-fund for more information and links to apply. Funds from the $1M Relief Fund set aside for childcare providers and working artists remain available. Providers and artists can apply for $2,500 grants ($1,000 for artists) to help cover COVID-19 related costs. Applicants can apply once per cycle, with the second cycle set to close on September 30. To apply, visit hyattsville. org/relief-fund. Free Disposable Masks: The City of Hyattsville has a limited supply of disposable masks available for residents. Community members in need, or those who know someone in need, can call (301) 985-5000 to request a pick-up on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the City Building (4310 Gallatin Street). MyPGServices:

you

need

help

during this crisis, MyPGServices offers Hyattsville residents the opportunity to locate many low and no-cost resources in the surrounding area, including those that provide food, healthcare, housing, job training, and more. Visit mypgservices. com to get started. Fall Field Permits: Following County and State recommendations, City park fields will remain closed for team sports until further notice. City staff will continue monitoring the current COVID-19 infection rate and will make an announcement when fields reopen for organized play. As a reminder, soccer, football, and softball fields are available for use by permit only. To obtain a field permit, the requesting organization or team must attend a permit meeting. Meetings are typically held twice a year, one in February for spring sports and again in July for Fall sports. If you’d like to learn more about the field permitting process or have additional questions, please contact Cheri Everhart at (301) 985-5021 or via ceverhart@ hyattsville.org. Ward Two Virtual Check-In: Join Ward 2 Councilmembers Robert Croslin and Danny Schaible for a virtual check-in on Tuesday, September 29, at 7 p.m. To pre-register for the Zoom meeting, visit hyattsville.org/calendar. Announcement of City Services: A list of suspended, limited, and continuing services are listed below. Visit hyattsville. org or call (301) 985-5000 for the most upto-date information. Continuing Services

- Bulk Trash & Appliance Pick-ups (by request only) - Creative Minds at Home (begins September 22) - Compost & Yard Waste Pickups - Licensing & Inspections - Notary (by appointment only) - Parks & Playgrounds (follow safety guidelines) - Parking Enforcement - Permit Processing - Police Patrols & Emergency Response - Solid Waste & County Recycling Collections

Frozen Meals Program: The Prince George’s County Senior Nutrition Program offers a free frozen meal delivery service to seniors aged 60 or older in need during this pandemic. The meals include perishable items such as bread, milk, and microwaveable foods that are dropped off every Thursday for the whole week. There is no income requirement, and residents can call the County at (301) 265-8475 or the City’s coordinator at (301) 985-5058 to sign up. Home Modification Program: Following CDC guidelines, the City of Hyattsville is resuming its partnership with Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland and Hyattsville Aging in Place to offer free home modification services to eligible residents. Under this program, services include therapy for functional limitations, fall prevention and recovery strategies, and structural modifications to make homes more age-friendly. To learn requirements, visit hyattsville.org/ capable. To request a mailed application, call (301) 990-0014 ext: 19 or email repair@ habitatmm.org. For assistance completing the application or to volunteer, please call (301) 887-3101 or email HAPCares@gmail. com.

Youth Services

Teen E-Center: The City’s Teen Center is back virtually with a series of free, afterschool programs for the teens and tweens in the community. Programming will run from September 1 to December 18 and will include tutoring and homework help, life skill classes, art workshops, a book club, and many other special events! Find the full schedule and apply for membership through the City’s hyattsville.recdesk. com/community/programs webpage or by calling (240) 487-1718. Creative Minds at Home: Toddlers, along with their families or guardians, can enjoy weekly, online, creative activities this fall with multilingual songs, games, arts & crafts tutorials, storytime, and special events! Participants even have the option to obtain a supply box with art materials. To register, visit hyattsville.recdesk.com/ community/program.

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

Reportero de

Page HR2

Hyattsville

No. 390 • 8 de Septiembre, 2020

Los fondos del Fondo de Alivio de $1M reservados para proveedores de cuidado infantil de Hyattsville y artistas trabajantes están disponibles. Proveedores y artistas pueden solicitar por subvenciones de $2,500 ($1,000 para artistas) para ayudar a cubrir gastos relacionados al COVID-19. Solicitantes pueden aplicar una vez por ciclo, con el segundo ciclo cerrándose el 30 de septiembre. Para aplicar, visite Hyattsville.org/relief-fund.

¡Censo, Censo, Censo!

#Cuentame Reto del Censo: Con solo un par de semanas hasta que el Censo pare de recopilar datos el 30 de septiembre, ¡queremos ver a todo Hyattsville participar en el Reto del Censo #Cuentame! En una foto o un video de 15-30 segundos, explica de forma sencilla y creativa por qué tomo el Censo y por qué otros también deben hacerlo. ¡No hay restricción de edad y, se animan sumisiones de todos idiomas! Las mejores fotos y videos podrían terminar en las páginas de redes sociales de la Ciudad y los tres mejores ganaran tarjetas de regalo para usar en restaurantes de Hyattsville. Las reglas e instrucciones se pueden encontrar en hyattsville.org/census. Y si no ha completado su Censo, ¡todavía hay tiempo! El próximo Censo no estará aquí por otros 10 años, así que no permita que su hogar no sea contado ni que Hyattsville le falten recursos. Diríjase a my2020census.gov y complete la forma ¡solo toma 10 minutos! Su información se mantiene privada y no es compartida con ninguna organización u agencia.

Mascaras Desechables Disponibles: La Ciudad de Hyattsville tiene un suministro limitado de máscaras desechables disponibles para residentes. Miembros de la comunidad en necesitad pueden llamar al (301) 985-5000 para recoger unas los lunes, miércoles o viernes entre las 9 a.m. y las 11 a.m., en el Edificio Municipal (4310 Gallatin Street). Sitio de Recursos: Si necesita ayuda durante esta crisis, MyPGServices ofrece a los residentes de Hyattsville la oportunidad de localizar varios recursos de bajo costo o sin costo en el área cercana, incluyendo aquellos que proporcionan alimentos, atención médica, vivienda, entrenamiento de trabajo y mucho más. Visite a mypgservices.com para empezar.

Avisos y Noticias

Condado Prince George’s se Mantiene en Fase 2: Aunque el Gobernador de Maryland Hogan ha autorizado a condados a que muevan a Fase 3 de reapertura, el Condado Prince George’s se mantendrá en Fase 2 hasta que data muestre una reducción en casos de COVID-19. Funcionarios del Condado urgen a residentes a continuar a usar máscaras en espacios públicos, evitar reuniones grandes y practicar el distanciamiento social. Para ver actividades aprobadas debajo de las directrices de Fase 2 del Condado, visite mypgc.us/reopen. Recursos de Aprendizaje a Distancia de PGCPS: Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado Prince George’s (PGCPS) tiene varios recursos disponibles para apoyar a familias durante este tiempo de aprendizaje a distancia. Padres que necesitan asistencia pueden llamar al (240) 696-6629 para soporte de lunes a viernes, de 9 a.m. a 5 p.m., o pueden visitar un centro en persona, abiertos de lunes a miércoles, de 8 a.m. a 10 a.m. y de 6 p.m. a 8 p.m. Para hacer una cita, llame al (240) 696-3315 o visite pgcps.org/ reopen/distance-learning/. PGCPS esta ofreciendo almuerzos gratuitos a todos los estudiantes de 2 a 18 años hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2020. Estudiantes pueden recoger almuerzos para la semana de cualquiera escuela pública de Hyattsville los lunes y miércoles entre las 10 a.m. y la 1 p.m. usando su nombre, pin y el nombre de su escuela registrada (solo si los almuerzos están siendo recogidos de una escuela diferente de la que atienden). Padres también pueden recoger los almuerzos con el pin, la ID o calificaciones del estudiante. Para más, visite pgcps.org/reopen/distancelearning. Fechas Limites de Elección General para Votar por Correo: Si esta planeando votar por correo en la elección general el 3 de noviembre, asegúrese de retornar su aplicación solicitando la boleta por correo antes del 20 de octubre. Para solicitar una aplicación, visite elecions. mypgc.us o envíe un texto con la clave VPC al 77788. Si no esta registrado/a para votar, la fecha limite para registrarse es el 13 de octubre.

www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Ward 3 Councilmember Ben Simasek and Council Vice President Carrianna Suiter supporting voter registration and the census at the August 28 Unity March. Concejal del Distrito 3 Ben Simasek y la Vicepresidenta del Concejo Carrianna Suiter apoyando el registro de votantes y el censo en la Marcha de la Unidad del 28 de agosto.

Programas, Servicios y Eventos

Sitio de Pruebas COVID-19 de Hyattsville: Empezando el lunes, 14 de septiembre, el sitio de pruebas COVID-19 que no requiere cita y es gratuita regresara a la Iglesia First United Methodist, ubicada en la 6201 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782. Esto es una asociación entre la Iglesia, Luminis Health, el Departamento de Salud de Prince George’s y la Ciudad. El sitio ofrecerá pruebas a conductores o personas a pie los lunes y sábados entre las 9 a.m. y las 3 p.m. Los conductores deben entrar por el estacionamiento de la Iglesia usando la entrada en MD Route 410 (EastWest Highway). Las pruebas a personas caminando se llevarán en frente de la Iglesia. Se pide que sigan las instrucciones que de el Departamento de Policía de la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Fondos de Alivio todavía Disponibles para Residentes, Artistas y Proveedores de Cuidado Infantil: Tarjetas de efectivo de $200 están disponibles para residentes de Hyattsville que ganan menos de $19 la hora como parte de la asociación de la Ciudad y Employ Prince George’s, tanto como subvenciones de emergencia de $1,500 para residentes de Hyattsville a través del programa de asistencia y alivio de COVID-19 de la Corporación de Desarrollo Comunitario de Hyattsville. Solicitantes elegibles pueden usar los fondos para la hipoteca, utilidades, alquiler y otras necesidades urgentes. Visite hyattsville.org/relief-fund para información sobre todos los fondos disponibles y los enlaces para solicitar.

Permisos de Campo este Otoño: Siguiendo recomendaciones del Condado y del Estado, los campos en los parques de la Ciudad se mantendrán cerrados para deportes de equipos hasta un nuevo aviso. Personal de la Ciudad continuaran a monitorear los casos de infección de COVID-19 y harán un anuncio cuando los campos se reabran para juegos organizados. Cómo un recordatorio, campos de futbol, béisbol y futbol americano están disponibles para uso con permiso. Para obtener un permiso de campo, el equipo u organización solicitante debe atender una reunión de permiso. Las reuniones normalmente ocurren dos veces al año, una en febrero para deportes en la primavera y otra en julio para deportes en el otoño. Si quisiera aprender más sobre el proceso para obtener un permiso de o tiene preguntas adicionales, contacte a Cheri Everhart al (301) 985-5021 o vía ceverhart@hyattsville.org. Reunión Virtual del Distrito 2: Acompañe a los Concejales del Distrito 2 Robert Croslin y Danny Schaible para una reunión virtual el martes, 29 de septiembre, a las 7 p.m. Para pre-registrarse para la junta, visite hyattsville.org/calendar. Anuncio de Servicios de la Ciudad: Una lista de servicios suspendidos, limitados y continuando que la Ciudad ofrece esta debajo. Por favor visite hyattsville.org o llame al (301) 985-5000 para la información más reciente. Servicios que Continúan:

- Recolección de Electrodomésticos y Basuras Grandes (por solicitud solamente) - Creative Minds en Casa (empieza el 22 de sept.) - Recolección de Compostaje y Residuos de Yarda - Inspecciones y Licencias - Notario (con cita solamente) - Parques y Áreas de Juegos (siga pautas) - Enfuerzo de Parqueo - Procesamiento de Permisos - Vigilancia de Policía y Servicios de Emergencia - Recolección de Basura y Reciclaje - Centro de Jóvenes Virtual - Tutoría para Menores - Reuniones Virtuales de Comités y Comunidad

- Reuniones Virtuales del Concejo Municipal (21 de sept. y 5 de oct.)

Actividades y Servicios Limitados o Suspendidos: - Acceso a Facilidades del Municipales - Transportación del Llame-Al-Bus - Huellas - Solicitudes de la Ley de Información Pública - Transportación de los Autobuses UMD

Eventos Cancelados o Pospuestos:

- Clases de Ejercicio Ageless Grace - Yoga Comunitario - Ciclocross (4 de oct.) - Expo de Autos Eléctricos (3 de oct.) - Eventos Voluntarios de Remover Plantas - Día Mary Prangley (4 de oct.) - Paseos con Policías - Viajes para la Tercera Edad - Serie de Lectura para la Tercera Edad - Summer Jam, 18 de sept. - Serie de Películas al Atardecer, 25 de sept.

Programas Amigables con la Edad

Programa de Comidas Congeladas: El Programa de Nutrición para Personas de la Tercera Edad del Condado ofrece un servicio gratuito de entrega de comidas congeladas a personas 60 o más años en necesitad. Las comidas incluyen productos perecederos como pan, leche y alimentos microondas que se dispersan los jueves para toda la semana. No hay requisito de ingresos y los residentes pueden llamar al Condado al (301) 265-8475 o a la coordinadora de la ciudad al (301) 9855058 para inscribirse. Programa de Modificaciones para Hogares: Siguiendo pautas de seguridad, La Ciudad está resumiendo su asociación con Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland y Hyattsville Aging in Place (HAP) para ofrecer servicios gratuitos de modificaciónes de casa para residentes que sean elegibles. Para aprender más, por favor visite a hyattsville.org/capable. Para solicitar una aplicación por correo, por favor llame al (301) 887-3101 extensión 19 o envíe un email a repair@habitatmm. org. Si necesita ayuda con la aplicación, contacte a HAP al (301) 887-3101 o envíe un correo electrónico a HAPCares@gmail. com.

Servicios de Menores

Centro de Jóvenes Virtual: El Centro de Jóvenes de la Ciudad está de regreso virtualmente con una serie de programas gratuitos después de la escuela para los adolescentes y preadolescentes en la comunidad. La programación se llevará a cabo del 1 de septiembre al 18 de diciembre e incluirá tutoría y ayuda para la tarea, clases de habilidades para la vida, talleres de arte, un club de lectura y muchos otros eventos especiales. Encuentre el horario completo y solicite la membresía a través de hyattsville.recdesk.com/community/ programs o llamando al (240) 487-1718. Creative Minds en Casa: ¡Los niños pequeños, junto a sus familias, pueden disfrutar pasar tiempo de calidad semanalmente este otoño con canciones, juegos, artes y artesanías tutoriales, tiempo de la historia, y eventos especiales! Participantes hasta tendrán la opción de obtener una caja de suministros con materiales artísticos. La inscripción se abre el 8 de septiembre. Para registrarse, visite hyattsville.recdesk.com/community/ program.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

NATURE NEARBY

The toughest critter in the city — or anywhere else By Fred Seitz

was out hunting in the moss, and there he or she was. I looked closely with my illuminated magnifier and saw the little dark shape creeping through the wet moss. While the magnification was not suﬃcient to see his eight legs, I am reasonably certain it was a tardigrade, or slow-stepper, named for the way they walk. They’re also known as water bears or moss piglets because of their appearance and need for wet surroundings. These minute little beasties are by no means solely Hyattsvillians, as they can survive just about anywhere on earth — and beyond, as you’ll soon see. There are 1,300 species inhabiting mountains (including Mount Everest), tropical jungles, hot springs and oceans worldwide. They can even survive in Antarctica. Based on fossil finds, we know that tardigrades have been around at least from the time of the dinosaurs, but they likely evolved long before T-Rex and his associates arrived. The earliest fossils were found in amber and differ only slightly from their descendants, having one less pair of legs. Tardigrades are usually about 0.02 inches long, have eight legs, and are black, brown or orange. Their coloring is at least partly attributable to what they eat. They munch on moss and algae, and also eat small nematodes, which are very small worms that live in water or moss. Larger nematodes eat the tardigrades, and sometimes tardigrades eat other tardigrades.

A tardigrade

COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Tardigrades adapt well and can survive in adverse conditions. They’ve survived being dehydrated, frozen, exposed to radiation and even subjected to the complete lack of oxygen in outer space. Some have visited the space station, and others were on board an Israeli space probe that crashed on the moon. Sadly, we don’t know how the crash victims fared, but the other eight-legged astronauts who visited the space station did return, and several of them survived. Tardigrades sometimes survive by entering a cryptobiotic state, an inactive condition triggered by a dry environment. This allowed them to survive the

airlessness in outer space. When conditions become more favorable, rehydration wakes them from dormancy. Some tardigrade species can reproduce parthenogenetically — without a mate — while others partner to reproduce. In some tardigrade species, males deposit sperm inside the cuticle of a molting, egg-carrying female. Sometimes reproduction occurs after molting, as females deposit eggs in their shed cuticles, which are later fertilized by males. The young hatch in approximately two weeks, although it can take as long as 90 days depending on species and environmental conditions. Tardigrades’ amazing adaptability to a wide variety of settings and hostile conditions make them a focus of a lot of current research on environmental adaptation. They benefit us in many other ways, as well. Their consumption of small nematodes helps gardeners, as the nematodes often can destroy or damage crops or other plants. Many people think they’re cute, and some kids raise them in school classes or keep them as pets. There are several delightful videos about tardigrades online, and some very readable books about them — consider starting with Michael W. Shaw’s Kids and Teachers Tardigrade Quiz and Fact Book. Better still, if you’re up for an adventure, grab a good magnifying glass and head out in search of some moss or leaf litter, and be on the lookout for this minuscule bear, this minute piglet, with a toughness and tenacity far beyond her size. She and her neighbors could give you quite a show. Fred Seitz is the nature columnist for the Hyattsville Life & Times.

NOW OPEN!

Yes, it’s an

outdoor Tiki Bar in downtown Hyattsville!

Special Tiki Bar menu, including Franklins’ own tikitacular cocktails. Come on by, grab a drink, stick your toes in the sand, and enjoy the best beach experience that Hyattsville has to offer! Under the bridge in the Franklins parking lot 4PM-9PM Monday-Thursday, 4PM-10PM Friday Open-close Saturday & Sunday

franklinsbrewery.com

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

Page 9

ZERO WASTE OF TIME

Go old school and give line-drying a try By Juliette Fradin

lmost every summer, I go back to my native France, and it always strikes me that, from my greatgrandmother to my friends, everybody hangs every load of laundry outside to dry. Backyard clotheslines may seem old-fashioned, but there are some great benefits to line-drying laundry. I have been very serious about it for the past 10 months (especially since my dryer died!), when I decided to go old school and buy myself a rotary clothes line dryer. The switch is easier than I thought it would be, and I take full advantage of the sunny days and gentle breeze. You may think hanging a load of laundry takes a lot of time, but it is quite simple and quick. There are ample reasons to let Mother Nature work her miracles and provide that fresh scent and feel you can only get from the great outdoors. First, you become more aware of how often you really need to wash clothes and decide if it can wait until a later time. You wash only when something is truly dirty. It saves you time, money and energy. To be even more environmentally friendly, use cold water. Heating water for a load of laundry consumes 90% of the total energy required to wash that load. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle to help dissolve the laundry detergent. Vinegar also acts as a natural fabric softener. Don’t worry, the

On a sunny day, head outside with your kids and line-dry your clothes while they play. JULIETTE FRADIN

vinegary smell will disappear when the clothes dry. Second, air-drying is much easier on your clothes than drying them in a machine is. A dryer can shrink fabric and cause tiny bits to break away —the fuzzy stuff in your dryer’s lint trap. Line-drying also reduces wrinkles. Hang pants and shorts inside out and by the hems, not the waistband. Since the clothes are weighed down by the water, they naturally stretch. To achieve a softer dry, give your clothes a good shake before hanging them on the line. Hang colored clothes in the shade or inside out to preserve the fabric dye, and hang whites in the sun to naturally bleach them. Full sun is also the best

for socks, towels and underwear, as the sun’s UV rays quite effectively kill the bacteria that cause odor on these types of garments. If you are sensitive to pollen, dry laundry indoors on a foldable rack while you wait for pollen season to pass. You might also have to line dry your clothes indoors if it’s raining or if you don’t have easy access to the outdoors. Use a drying rack that folds down when not in use or a retractable line for more hanging space. Be creative: Hang clothes on hangers from the shower rod, drape large items on the top of doors (they will dry quickly because heat rises), or simulate a breeze by turning on a ceiling

fan, opening the windows or placing clothes near a heat vent. Air-drying your clothes indoors doesn’t have to be an allor-nothing venture. If you’re only able to air-dry some of your laundry, you’re off to a good start. It is possible to line dry clothes all year round. With cooler temps outdoors in winter, however, you’ll need more time or more breeze. Agitation speeds up the process. You might get freeze-dried clothes if it’s dry and cold outside, but clothes will be surprisingly dry when you bring them back into the house because of a process called sublimation (this is the process by which a solid — ice, in this case — changes directly to a gas, skipping the liquid state). Third and most importantly, there is something very therapeutic about line-drying your clothes outside. Since I started line-drying my clothes, doing laundry has become a kind of ritual that keeps me in touch with the natural rhythms of the earth and helps keep me humble by reminding me of my small place in the universe. Along with many other simple rituals, it has made my life more satisfying. Juliette Fradin is the sustainability columnist for the Hyattsville Life & Times.

Page 10

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

MISS FLORIBUNDA

Hyattsville is tree-mendous Dear Miss Floribunda,

than later, where could they find them? Taft: There are lots of local nurseries in the area. I would suggest an internet search for local native tree sales. Returning to the topic of tree size, I recommend buying smaller trees in 15 to 20 gallon pots. Small trees typically are much healthier, more stable and easier to plant. Remember, they sleep the first year, creep the second and leap the third year! Interested community members should stay tuned for our series on tree education and stormwater management workshops coming in the spring of 2021.

Life isn’t fair. I bought my Hyattsville home 10 years ago mostly because of a gorgeous magnolia shading the dining room. The tree died this summer and had to be cut down. I know I’m not alone in this because a couple of my neighbors tell me they also chose their homes because of a favorite tree, and the same thing happened to them. I guess I could plant tomatoes in the now sunny area, but I really love trees. Can you recommend something really fast-growing? Mourning my Magnolia on Madison Street Dear Mourning, I’m sincerely sorry for your loss. Yes, trees can live longer than people do, but they, too, are only mortal. Unfortunately, a number of splendid old trees in our town have died over the past few years. Fortunately, the City of Hyattsville works vigilantly to preserve our urban forest and has been recognized as a Tree City by the National Arbor Day Foundation for the past 25 years. Thanks to a partnership with the Prince George’s County Department of the Environment and the D.C.based nonprofit Casey Trees, the city will be planting more than 150 trees on public and private property over the next year. The program included a free tree giveaway to private citizens, and the overwhelming response shows you are not alone in your loss! These trees will probably be small, but that’s good. Smaller trees with more of their root system intact have a much better chance of survival. Dawn Taft, the Hyattsville city arborist, has informed me that trees that grow too fast can have weaker wood — the “slower the tree grows, the stronger the wood.” Some recommended overstory trees that grow fairly quickly are the American linden, hackberry and willow oak. Because your question has other ramifications, I asked Ms. Taft to take time out from her busy schedule for an interview. Floribunda: Thank you very much, Ms. Taft, for agreeing to talk with me about this new program. I know it’s a boon for individual citizens, but can you

Trees play a huge role in the reduction of stormwater as well as capturing and filtering of pollutants and sediment that would otherwise be carried to streams and estuaries. COURTESY OF DAVID VIG VIA UNSPLASH

tell me the other reasons why the city is promoting it? Taft: Hyattsville has a very mature and aging tree canopy. In the last two to three years, this mature canopy has been declining rapidly, and we have to take action to help ensure its robust maintenance. As we move to replace these aging trees, our space in the City Right of Way (ROW) is limited. Much of the space available is under power lines, where replacements will have to be understory trees (under 35 feet tall). We are looking for creative ways to encourage residents to plant trees on private property. The focus of the grant received by Hyattsville is stormwater stewardship. Trees play a huge role in the reduction of stormwater as well as capturing and filtering of pollutants and sediment that would otherwise be carried to our streams and estuaries. We need them for clean water, clean air, shade, wildlife habitat, and our overall health and well-being. Floribunda: Can you tell me what tree varieties are being offered as giveaways? Taft: The application for the free tree program is now closed, but for the residents who applied soon enough and have been accepted as recipients, Casey Trees has a wide variety of native trees to choose from. At this time, it is limited to one per person. Someone from Casey Trees will consult with the resident on choosing the right tree and on planting it in the right place. There are requirements we follow for the distance away

from utilities, typically 8-10 feet away. Trees selected this fall will be planted in the spring of 2021. If you are still interested in a free tree on your property, you can contact me directly at dtaft@ hyattsville.org, and I will log your information as we hope to do similar programs in the future. Residents can apply for a free tree to plant in the public ROW at any time by going to hyattsville.org/trees. Floribunda: What are the sizes of the saplings offered? Taft: 6 to 8 feet tall with a 1.5 to 2 inch caliper. Caliper refers to the diameter of a tree’s trunk. Floribunda: How large are they likely to get? Taft: That depends on species. We would love to have all “overstory” trees planted, but in some homes it is not possible, and any native tree is better than no tree at all. Floribunda: Will there be a future tree giveaway? If so, how long would residents have to wait? For those who don’t want to wait, would the city reimburse citizens for purchasing trees on their own? Taft: Because of the “treemendous” response already, requests have exceeded my free tree capacity by about 72 trees! I am looking for alternate funding and plan to continue these efforts to get trees planted for residents that want them. I do have some smaller 7-gallon trees that were to be given away this past Arbor Day if there is interest. In the meantime, I encourage the use of the Prince George’s County

Rain Check Rebate Program through the Chesapeake Bay Trust (cbtrust.org/grants/princegeorges-county-rain-checkrebate). Citizens can receive a reimbursement of up to $150 per tree for the purchase and planting of native trees on their property provided they apply in advance. Floribunda: If residents want to go ahead and buy native trees on their own, sooner rather

Floribunda: Thank you, Ms. Taft. You’ve provided a wealth of information. At this time no date has been set for the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society. Please watch our website, hyattsvillehorticulture.org, for information. Miss Floribunda is the Hyattsville Life & Times garden columnist. You may email questions at floribundav@gmail.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

Page 11

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send your events or information on local private aid efforts to Kit Slack at kit@hyattsvillelife.com.

ere in Hyattsville, we have all had a pretty quiet Labor Day weekend, doing our best to avoid a post-holiday spike in cases. In the coming weeks, local organizations have various creative events planned to keep us connected with each other and with artists in our community. Below our community event list, you’ll find our Give Help/ Get Help section, where we list some of the ways neighbors are helping each other during the pandemic.

September 10

Illustrated lecture entitled “Old World Master Paintings: Riversdale’s Famous Artworks,” presented by Susan Pearl of the Prince George’s County Historical Society and hosted online by Maryland Milestones (Anacostia Trails Heritage Area). View the Riversdale Mansion art collection from 200 years ago. Free. 7 p.m. Register at bit.ly/ GoToMeeting9-10-2020.

September 11 & October 9

Joe’s Movement Emporium is hosting an online open mic series entitled “Amplify!” From their website: “Amplify is a freeform virtual platform where local artists can reflect, release and protest through their artistry. Each program in our series will take on a focused topic that will guide artists to Amplify a collective voice of the community.” September’s theme is Release & Reflect. October’s theme is Motivate & Inspire. Tickets are $5 early bird, $10 general admission. 7 p.m. joesmovement.org/new-events

Through September 13

Gallery exhibition at Pyramid Atlantic entitled “Patterning,”

curated by Molly Ruppert and featuring artwork by Sobia Ahmad, Michael Booker, Ellen Hill, Sarah Matthews, Cece Cole McInturff, Frederick Nunley, Ira Tattelman and Jordan Tierney. Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Masks required. 4318 Gallatin St. pyramidatlanticartcenter.org. 301.608.9101

September 19

Guitar workshop with Miles Spicer. 11 a.m. Check the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation webpage, acousticblues.com, or their Facebook page for more information.

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Online auction benefiting the New Deal Cafe in Greenbelt, with a goal of keeping it in business until it can bring back its live local music, including several Hyattsville bands. 32auctions.com/newdealcafe

October 7

Workshop entitled “Craft the Full Story: Voting Rights Advocacy Beyond 1920.” Join Sarah Marsom for a virtual suffrage banner craft workshop that explores how and why the suffrage movement pushed Black, Indignenous, and people of color to the sidelines, and activism preceding the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Hosted online by Maryland Milestones (Anacostia Trails Heritage Area). $10 per person. 30 person cap. 7 p.m. Register at bit.ly/ SarahMarsom10-7-2020.

October 20

It’s Earth Day in October! The Anacostia Watershed Society’s annual Earth Day cleanup. Dozens of cleanup sites. Free. 9 a.m. to noon. Register at anacostiaws.org/earthday2020.

Recurring

Acoustic blues jam sessions have resumed, outside in the parking lot behind Archie’s Barbershop — note new location: 4502 Hamilton St., Saturdays 1 to 4 p.m. Check the Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation webpage, acousticblues.com, or their Facebook page for more information. Poetry open mics are back up and running every Thursday night at 9 p.m. at Busboys and Poets. 5331 Baltimore Ave. $5 cover. busboysandpoets.com. 301.779.2787 Hamilton Splash Park, the outdoor pool at 3901 Hamilton St., is open through Sept. 27, weekends only, after Labor Day. To swim, residents must register at pgparksdirect.com and book a reservation 24 hours in advance. $4 for adults, $3 for children and seniors, free for children 2 and under. Residents may sign up for one two-hour session per day: 10 a.m. to noon; 1 to 3 p.m.; or 4 to 6 p.m. 301.779.8224 Pyramid Atlantic, the nonprofit art center at 4318 Gallatin St., is open to the public and continues to offer arts workshops online in techniques ranging from making cereal box mechanical cards to spinning paper thread. pyramidatlanticartcenter.org

Riverdale Park Farmers Market is open every Thursday in the parking lot near the Riverdale MARC Station, 4650 Queensbury Rd., from 3 to 7 p.m. Many vendors are offering pre-order options to reduce time spent shopping. No live performances for now. facebook.com/RPFMarket Local yoga studios are back up and stretching. Love Yoga is offering outdoor yoga classes, including an outdoor family yoga class. love-yogastudio. com/schedule.html. Yogi Amalie offers adult chair yoga, accessible yoga for all bodies, ages and experience levels. Email yogiamalie@gmail.com for more information.

Give Help/Get Help

The Blessings Box on 43rd Ave. between Jefferson and Hamilton Streets is a regularly stocked Little Free Pantry. Please drop off nonperishables, and come get them if you need them! This is a project of Girl Scout Troop #6899. Contact dinacolin@ netzero.net with questions. Saint Jerome’s Café provides a free lunch-to-go every Thursday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for those in need. 5205 43rd Ave. Table set up outside the rectory in the lower parking lot; please wear a mask. Since March, meals have been provided by local restaurants. Donations can be sent to the address above by check made out to St Jerome Catholic Church, with “Saint Jerome Café” in the memo line. Greater Riverdale Cares & Route One Communities Care ask you to help our neighbors most in need and our local family-owned restaurants. Your donation will pay for nutritious meals for neighbors facing food insecurity. Local participating restaurants include Hyattsville’s own Shortcake Bakery and Emerita’s Pupuseria. Donate at gf.me/u/x4bmfa. St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church’s food pantry is open every Tuesday at 10 a.m. until the food runs out, 7501 Adelphi Rd. The pantry is primarily drive-through, though it accepts walk-ups who live in the community or come by bus. Cars line up as early as 7:30 a.m. Due to a three-fold increase in families served, the pantry needs funds. Please contribute at gofundme.com/ stmarksfoodpantry.

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How does the virus attack? Why do masks work? Is it safe to go out? These are some of the questions Dr. Stephanie Trifoglio, a geriatric medicine specialist working in Greenbelt, answered during a webinar, “COVID-19, It’s Complicated!” sponsored by Hyattsville Aging in Place (HAP) on Aug. 8. “I hope you will feel … empowered, feel more protected and able to cope with everything that’s going on in the world,” Trifoglio said to the 96 attendees. “There are many many things we can do to keep ourselves safe.” Trifoglio confirmed that the coronavirus is transmitted mainly through direct contact. Therefore, she suggested that people avoid touching their faces, shaking hands or hugging others. She also suggested disinfecting frequently touched household surfaces twice a day with two teaspoons of bleach per cup of water, and emphasized the importance of wearing a mask. “Masks really do matter,” Trifoglio said. “Anything that cuts down on transmission matters.” She recommended using either an N95 respirator mask, which blocks 95% of infectious particles, or a standard

“With so much confusion over whether it is safe to go out, to travel, and the increasing number of cases, we thought it was time to have a serious presentation with a population that continues to be at risk,” explained Walker. “Dr. T[rifoglio] has spoken at HAP events annually for a while now, and her conversations are always well received.” Trifaglio previously gave a presentation to Hyattsville residents about how to use community resources to help citizens with dementia. The COVID-19 program was presented cooperatively with Helping Hands University Park (HHUP). Walker said that HHUP has an active Zoom events program, so partnering with them brought Trifoglio to a larger audience. Loretta Vitale Saks, HHUP chairperson, added that the organization was delighted to co-sponsor the virtual program on COVID-19 with HAP. “Dr. Stephanie Trifoglio practices in the only geriatric medical practice in our county and is an extraordinary physician and educator,” Stalks said. “After the program, one HHUP member told me, ‘She answered questions I didn’t even know I had.’”

medical mask. And she explained that medical masks are most effective if users pinch them to their noses, forming them to their face shape. Trifoglio also suggests visiting with people outdoors, although only in small groups. “Getting together six feet apart [ for] outdoor activities, … that is much much safer,” Trifoglio said. “Indoors is not.” She added that air circulation reduces transmission of the virus. “Right now, air is your friend,” she said. “If you can get outside during this period, I think that’s great. … If you can be on a deck, and it’s big, get a fan.” Participants said they appreciated Trifoglio’s tips and will apply them. “I liked the way [Trifoglio] broke down the coronavirus and why it has crowns,” said Sarah Harper, who attended the event. “It was helpful to have a little more in-depth knowledge of what the virus is and how it can infect people.” Harper said before Trifoglio’s talk, she didn’t know flu droplets were very light and could travel longer distances than coronavirus droplets, which are heavier. “I had slacked off washing my hands for 20 seconds,” Harper said. “[The webinar] was a good reminder.” According to Lisa Walker, HAP’s chair, the webinar event was a great success.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

POLICE

FROM PAGE 1

Washington (District 22), who is the co-chair of the recently created Police Reform Work Group, which will report to County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in October. Among Alonzo’s many concerns were the lack of a uniform state code regarding law enforcement’s use of force, a lack of transparency at all levels of government when it comes to sharing law enforcement data, and the need for citizen oversight with true subpoena power. A chunk of the discussion centered around what it actually means to defund the police, a phrase that has become a rallying cry of the Black Lives Matter movement. Does it mean reallocating resources away from the police and towards, for instance, social services and schools, or does it mean actually abolishing police departments? Washington said, “I don’t think anyone on the panel really believes that [police departments should be completely disbanded],” but he added, “Everything is on the table, as far as I’m concerned.” Washington said that in the entire county, there are between 1,500 and 1,600 police officers, while there are only 64 community policing officers. From there, the discussion turned to whether law enforcement should be present in schools. According to the Maryland State Department of Education, there were 3,141 arrests in schools during the 2018-2019 school year, including 311 in Prince George’s County. Though only 33% of the state’s students are African American, they accounted for 56% of those arrested. Washington said there are

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constituents that want school resource oﬃcers (SROs) removed from schools, while others want them there for safety. Northwestern High School’s SROs are provided by the Hyattsville City Police Department, but any policy change regarding the roles of SROs would need to be made at the county level. Members of the Race and Equity Task Force committee expressed a desire to take the public’s temperature on such questions. Committee member Joanne Wasczcak introduced a discussion on participatory budgeting, which means giving citizens a voice in the city’s budgeting process, perhaps through various forms of focus groups. Underpinning that discussion was one about what voters actually value. On the first night, Washington said that voters generally prioritize education, public safety and health care, in that order. That discussion raised the question of whether voters are adequately informed. As it pertains to the Race and Equity Plan, committee member Latoya Robinson asked for more historical context on the city police department so that community members have a better understanding of “where it was and how it has transformed.” Member Joanne Wasczak suggested that to “some people,” language in the draft may seem “too complimentary” of the police department. Co-chair Andrea Dargin and committee member Ashleigh Brown-Grier discussed methods, such as surveys and interviews, for collecting community feedback. Co-chair Stacie Whitesides asked for a heat map of police

activity in the different wards. City councilmember and liaison to the committee Daniel Peabody (Ward 4) summed up such concerns by saying, “If the argument is that people are made to feel safer [by police] … that’s a very broad, blanket statement. Certainly, the presence of officers don’t make everyone feel safer. … [I]f the argument is going to be made that no, they don’t make people feel safer, then having some evidence behind that, whether it’s anecdotal or empirical, would be necessary.” Members expressed a desire for their work to result in actionable outcomes. They discussed with Peabody how their suggestions would be communicated to the council and mayor. Whitesides suggested forming a race and equity-focused advisory council that would include a liaison from each of the city’s other committees. Dargin stressed the need to focus on priorities, given the scope of the Race and Equity Plan and a looming due date at the end of the year. “We only have so much bandwidth and so much time and so much talent,” said Wasczak, lamenting that the city hadn’t provided the committee with enough resources to conduct proper outreach, perhaps in the form of consultants. In fact, community policing is the subject of only one of five sections in the Race and Equity Plan. On Aug. 25, Whitesides presented on the community engagement section. She called for more attention to race, and especially to Black people, saying, “If we are not focused on the people who are marginalized the most, then nothing is ever going to be right.”

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DAY CARES FROM PAGE 1

of child care slots in the county had fallen from 25,000 to approximately 14,000. This reflects a significant decrease in the number of child care providers, which Alsobrooks noted had fallen by 42%, from 1,100 to 635. On July 30, Alsobrooks announced that she had allocated $2 million of CARES Act funding to child care providers. “It is our hope that these funds will help these facilities to reopen, remain open, and provide safe and reliable child care for all of our families,” she said. The City of Hyattsville has also set aside $100,000 of their $1 million COVID-19 pandemic relief fund for child care providers. At the Aug. 10 city council meeting, City Administrator Tracey Douglas noted there was still funding available for child care providers. Several Hyattsville day cares have received grants from the city, including two day cares that received an additional grant in the second funding cycle. Sarah Petrus lives in Hyattsville and has been working on and off in child care for over 20 years. Three years ago, she opened a home day care program, which she, like so many others, had to close in March. “When I tried to reopen, it was very hard to get kids,” she said. With only one child attending her program,

Petrus was forced to close again. She did not apply for a grant from the city and has no plans to reopen, but has applied for a job as a 911 dispatcher. Petrus called her decision to close permanently “devastating,” adding, “I used to work 12 hours a day and treat these kids like they were my own babies.” Other child care programs have reopened and are managing to hold on. Christie Cooper, the director of the St. Jerome Child Center, said that the center has been back in operation for about 10 weeks. Cooper noted that finances are tight, and she is hoping to apply for some of the CARES Act funding. “I’m one of the fortunate ones,” she said. “Our parents want to come back, and I have a wait list. So when someone drops, I call someone off my wait list right away.” She has about 60 children currently attending the center; some families have chosen to pay a reduced fee to hold their spot while they continue to keep their children home. Hours at the St. Jerome Child Center are slightly reduced to allow for more cleaning, but the day care is close to full, with only five spots currently open. Parents aren’t allowed in the building, but drop off their children at the door instead. “I have very strict rules,” laughed Cooper. “I’m trying to not have any extra germs involved.”

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Page 14

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2020

New dessert boutique brings fresh flavors to Hyattsville By Anuoluwapo A. Adefiwitan At 4344 Farragut Street in Hyattsville is a dessert boutique that aims to make their clients feel like family. At the age of 6, Nicole “Cotton” Ward began baking with her parents. She thought her mom was a superhero because she could identify all the ingredients in anything she tasted. Her first baked good was a German chocolate cake with yellow coconut icing that she made with her father. Ward’s love for baking became a business, Cotton’s Gourmet Gifts and Creations, in June 2003, a year after the passing of her father. “I ended up just starting it,” Ward said. “I still had jobs, but in my soul I’m like, I’m not supposed to be doing this.” Ward recalled becoming unhappy at her jobs. But at each one, she would end up making baked goods for her colleagues. “They would be like ‘Girl, what did you bring today?’” Ward explained. ”Now they’re looking

for me just to bring baked goods.” In 2010, Ward decided to fully focus on her business. She worked out of commercial kitchens, taking online orders and delivering them to clients at the Starbucks on Annapolis Road. After the passing of her newborn in 2013, Ward renamed her business Tiered & Petite for the tiered cakes and petite desserts she artfully creates. Her website notes, “To honor the beloved memory of her parents, James Henry Ward and Barbara C. Ward, and her beloved infant son, Byron Alexander Brown, Cotton established this wonderful from scratch, small-batch baking dessert boutique.” Ward prides herself in using premium ingredients and making her baked goods from scratch. As the store’s website proclaims, “We use only fine, high quality couverture chocolates (not candy melts), cocoa powders imported from France, Italy and Venezuela (not the local grocer’s), Madagascar bourbon vanilla beans and

Tiered & Petite owner, Nicole “Cotton” Ward, prides herself in using premium ingredients and making her baked goods from scratch. COURTESY OF TIERED & PETITE

European style French butter.” “I am not a special person, my ingredients are special,” noted Ward. “You’re not gonna find my [ingredients] on the shelf.” Both her rum bun and red velvet cupcake were absolutely delicious. The rum bun was moist and perfectly balanced

between sweetness and rum. And the bun also had a creme that made it seem especially moist. Ward’s red velvet cupcake was also nothing short of gourmet. She noted that her ingredients are so organic that she doesn’t even need to use red dye to change the color of the cake —

beets are enough. Ward said she appreciates having complete control of the baking process because it allows her to showcase the quality of her food. Her control of her ingredients can’t help but pay off. Since she was young, Ward has also had a gift for drawing. She brings her baking and art skills together, sketching images of many of her themed cakes before she starts making them. Ward collaborates with cake clients, relying on them for inspiration to create their dream cake. Ward has always operated in Maryland, and she moved into her Hyattsville space this past April. The shop has been open since May 29. Despite the ongoing pandemic, Tiered & Petite has seen a lot of success, Ward says, because most of her business is through delivery. Walk-ins are welcome Tuesday through Saturday. Anuoluwapo A. Adefiwitan is a summer intern with the Hyattsville Life & Times.