CROSSFIT HYATTSVILLE
The latest workout craze comes to Hyattsville. P. 3
Mead staged to make a quite literal historic comeback By Scarlett Salem
The meteoric rise of craft brews over the past few years has laid the groundwork for a return of mead, which may arguably be the world’s oldest alcoholic drink. And while it has gained traction nationwide and is set to storm the Washington, DC region, most people have never even heard of it. “People say ‘I saw it [the bottle] said Charm City... I bought it, I love it, I don’t know what it is,’” said Hyattsville resident and cofounder of the Baltimore-based Charm City Meadworks, Andrew Geffken. “It’s the world’s oldest alcohol and was relegated to the sidelines and we are trying to bring it back a bit,” he said. Although the drink’s popularity has waned since the advent of beer and wine which are less expensive to produce, it has been a constant presence at Renaissance Festivals and recent online data has shown a recent uptick in meaderies opening nationwide. Made with honey, water and fermented yeast, mead falls into a distinct class of its own, not traditionally considered a beer, cider, or wine. A substantial amount of honey is needed to create mead because of its higher
OURHYATTSVILLE INSTAGRAM
The handle has posted a year's worth of the city's diversity. P. 6
FORTY THIRD PLACE
One person's trash is this wood-worker's treasure. P. 10
Life&Times & &Times
Vol. 13 No. 2
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
SNOWZILLA VS. HYATTSVILLE
NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID EASTON MD PERMIT NO. 43
Property assessments skyrocket By Rebecca Bennett
possible because the symptoms are similar to the common cold. Once the cancer is detected it spreads fast. When neighbors learned about Michael’s condition they decided to come together and help the Sipe family with Johnna Schmidt leading the effort. “A friend told me about Michael's diagnosis. I knew that if people in the community also knew about the situation they would want to help,” said Schmidt. Schmidt organized a community meeting at her home, which gathered 25 concerned volunteers. “It really made me grateful to live in my neighborhood,” she said.
When City of Hyattsville residents received their residential property assessments for 2016, many were shocked at the value the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation placed on their homes. Those assessments — some residents say they were double the previous assessments — went up not only for the City of Hyattsville, but for many of the surrounding neighborhoods. At a community meeting she organized on the subject, Prince George’s County Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) said it’s a good thing that property values have gone up. She said county real-estate property tax will not increase much initially, but increased assessments will raise stormwater, trash, and Maryland National Capital Parking & Planning fees. Hyattsville City Treasurer Ron Brooks said the increased assessments don’t necessarily mean that residents will pay higher taxes. “It all depends on how the city reacts after the assessment,” he said. According to Brooks, the county sends the city an estimated revenue and a constant yield rate, which prevents city residents from being double taxed. The city then has the option to keep the rate, lower the rate or raise the rate. The city’s current tax rate is 63 cents per $100 of assessed value, which is where it has been since 2005, even though the city saw a great decline in 2013 property assessments. For next year, city staff will submit the budget on
CANCER continued on page 11
PROPERTY continued on page 13
MEAD continued on page 12
KEPA & SELYCE FREEMAN On Jan. 17, the Sunday after the blizzard, a line of cars was snowed in on Hamilton Street near Magruder Park.
Community offers support to family of toddler with stage 4 cancer By Maria D. James
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
February 2016
Michael Sipe was a very active 2 year old. So when he suddenly became lethargic and stopped eating last year his mother, Tiffany Sipe, grew concerned. “I took him the doctor three times and each time I was told he just has a cold, or it was normal for a toddler to not want to eat, but we knew something wasn't right,” said Sipe. A visit to Children's National Medical Center confirmed her suspicions. Michael was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma, which is a form of cancer where tumorous growths develop from a gland above the kidneys. Unfortunately, early detection is nearly im-
CENTER SECTION: FEBRUARY 10, 2016 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
FromTheEditor
I will not let fear take the trails from me By Rebecca Bennett
I have worked in local news in the Washington, DC, region for 10 years. I am an encyclopedia of the bad things that could happen to a person and the crazy incidents which have occurred in this region during that time. My job now in great part is to find out and report the bad and the good things that happen in and near the City of Hyattsville. After 20-year-old Catherine Al-
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
varado of Chillum was found murdered on the Northwest Branch Trail just outside of the city limits on New Year’s Day, discussions about trail safety were a little more tense. Police arrested a man she was previously in a relationship with, so the crime was not random nor do they believe she was exercising. Both of these details say a lot about how much residents should change their daily routines after hearing what happened to Alvarado. It is not in the best interest of our quality of life to avoid the trails and live in fear. They are used by many people daily. It is good to be aware of crimes that have occurred. Don't listen to music on the trail; be aware of your surroundings. Visualize what you would do if someone jumped out at you. But, don't let them stop you from using the trails.
Crime happens even in the most coveted or expensive parts of the region. When there has been a small uptick in certain types of crime and in different areas of the city, the Hyattsville City Police Department has communicated that crime and calls for service in the City of Hyattsville are overall on a downward trend. After a series of incidents earlier this year, I almost let them scare me away from using the trails. Instead, I bought a safety whistle and mace, both of which I carry with me on the trails. I also put all the phone numbers of local police on my phone as shortcut keys. The Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD) emergency number is 301.985.5050. The non-emergency number is 301.985.5060. In most other jurisdictions, the emergency number
Editor and Web Manager Rebecca Bennett rebecca@hyattsvillelife.com Managing Editor Maria D. James maria@hyattsvillelife.com
Production Ashley Perks Copy Editors Sean Bennett Karen Riley Sam Stern Advertising advertising@hyattsvillelife.com 301.531.5234 Writers & Contributors Julia Gaspar-Bates, Lauren Kelly, Andrew Marder, Chris McManes, Gray O’Dwyer, Kit Slack, Scarlett Salem, Fred Seitz, Caroline Selle Board of Directors Joseph Gigliotti - President and General Counsel Chris Currie - Vice President Caroline Selle - Secretary Peggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Rosanna Landis Weaver, Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter Ross Rebecca Bennett - 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.
is 911, though to get directly to the Riverdale Park Police Department, dial 301.927.4343. Put these numbers in your phone, and if you can, as direct dial shortcuts on your smartphone. It is also important to understand what city you are in on the trails you use, because it could add a few
View a map of the boundaries of the City of Hyattsville at www.HyattsvilleLife.com, search “trail”.
NEWS BRIEFS READ THE FULL STORY AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM
Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(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 below.
Editor Mark Goodson
REBECCA BENNETT Police arrested a suspect after multiple sexual assaults on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail in May and June of 2015.
minutes the response time for a 911 dispatcher to route your complaint to the correct police department. There are many places where the trails change jurisdiction. The recent murder happened in a little section of the Northwest Branch Trail that sits in unincorporated Prince George’s County between two sections of the City of Hyattsville. A sign on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail marks the change from HCPD jurisdiction to Riverdale Park just after the little Arts District playground. For the trails you frequent, check the maps to figure out when you leave the city limits and know which neighborhoods you travel through.
HYATTSVILLE HUMVEE TAKES ON SNOWZILLA According to the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD), city police worked with the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department during the Jan. 2016 blizzard by stationing the City of Hyattsville’s Humvee at the fire station. Police said the Humvee assisted officers and firefighters in getting to locations otherwise not accessible. Staffed with police and EMS personnel, it responded to EMS calls, including two cardiac calls. The Humvee was used to transfer a woman in labor from an unplowed apartment complex to a waiting ambulance, police said, which then became stuck. The Humvee then towed the ambulance out of the snow. The vehicle was also used to pull ambulances, fire engines, 4-wheel drive police vehicles, and a Hyattsville Department of Public Works snow plow out of the snow. Police said they also used the Humvee to transport officers to and from work, as well as nurses and doctors to Prince George’s Hospital. The Humvee was obtained by the city in 2014 as a part of the military surplus program.
WOMAN PUNCHED AND ROBBED According to the Hyattsville City Police Department, a man punched and robbed a woman at Queens Chapel Road and Jamestown Road near the West Hyattsville Metro Station. The incident happened at approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20. Police said the victim was walking in the area when she was punched in the back of the head by an unknown suspect. That man then demanded property from her, so the victim gave him her phone. He fled toward the West Hyattsville Metro Station. The suspect was described as a black male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, short hair, wearing a blue jacket with white stripes and black pants.
Lanham, Md. on Feb. 9. The Feb. 19 hiring event will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at ALDI, 4602 Kenmore Avenue, Alexandria, Va. 22304.
ALDI NOW HIRING According to a spokesperson for ALDI, the grocery chain is holding a hiring event on Feb. 19 in Alexandria, Va. for several of its local stores, including the Hyattsville location at a 3025 Hamilton Street. ALDI is looking to fill a total of 30 store associate positions in several stores around the region, including the Beltsville, Langley Park, Lanham, Oxon Hill, Alexandria, Va., Springfield, Va. and Woodbridge, Va. locations. The positions start at $13 per hour, according to ALDI, and include other benefits for staff members working at least 25 hours per week, such as full health insurance, dental coverage and a 401(k) retirement program. According to a press release, applicants must be 18 years old to apply, have a high school diploma or GED, must be available to work anytime between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday, and have the ability to lift 45 pounds. ALDI said retail experience is preferred and applicants will undergo drug screening and a background check. ALDI previously held one hiring event in
RIVERDALE PARK RESIDENT RECEIVES CHILDREN'S NATIONAL AWARD In December, Children's National Health System recognized Riverdale Park resident Anthony (Tony) Porter with the "Power of One" Award. According to a press release, Porter, a clinical operations representative at the pain medicine clinic, was nominated for the award by a family who took notice of his “professionalism, tact, and kindness.” Porter worked the night shift in the Howard University Hospital Emergency Department for 17 years before moving to Children’s National, a press release said, where he has worked since May 2015.
FORTY FAMILIES DISPLACED AFTER ADELPHI HIGH RISE FIRE Prince George’s County Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) said one of her immediate concerns was to raise funds for 40 families that were displaced after a large high rise fire on Jan. 13 in one building of the Presidential Park Condominium Complex on New Hampshire Avenue. To donate to help the victims of the fire, visit www.gofundme.com/presprkfirevictims
MAN ROBBED AT GUNPOINT DURING SHOE SALE On Jan. 27 at approximately 1 p.m., Hyattsville City Police said two suspects were arrested for after they robbed a man at gunpoint in the 5600 block of 29th Avenue. The suspects allegedly met with the victim to buy shoes he had for sale.
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
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CrossFit craze comes to Hyattsville By Scarlett Salem
It was only a matter of time before CrossFit came to Hyattsville. Some would argue that a recent resurgence in strength training may owe its momentum to the CrossFit workout movement slowly established from the humble beginnings of notorious founder Greg Glassman. Glassman opened his first studio space in California in 2001. Since then, it has exploded on to the workout scene and now has a website packed with content, a publication, a CrossFit Games competition that gets ESPN air time, thousands of international members, and much more. “In early 2013, a friend asked me if I wanted to try a CrossFit workout with him,” said Beth Mohr, owner of CrossFit Hyattsville. “I'm glad I did because since then CrossFit has been the center of my fitness routine.” Mohr said there are over 12,000 CrossFit affiliates worldwide, though CrossFit gyms are more commonly referred to as ‘boxes.’ The workout is self-described as ‘a regimen of constantly varied, functional movements, performed at high intensity’ and goes beyond the workout
by placing equal emphasis on a sense of community and healthy lifestyle. While there are many CrossFit boxes located in and around Washington, DC, very few boxes exist in Prince George’s County. Also, CrossFit isn’t exactly the most affordable of gyms to join with pricing in DC ranging anywhere from $195 to $225 a month, depending upon the membership. “When I decided I wanted to open a CrossFit gym, we looked at the affiliate finder map on CrossFit.com and realized there were several affiliates in DC and Montgomery County, but very few in Prince George’s County,” said Mohr. “We immediately thought Hyattsville would be a great location because of all the development happening along the Route 1 Corridor.” But the journey was not as simple as just looking at a map as Mohr faced several challenges before she could launch. “One of the largest hurdles was finding a space that was zoned for our use as a matter of right,” said Mohr. “For a start-up business, going through the procedure to obtain an exception is too expensive and too uncertain. ... Beyond zoning, it was difficult to find the right fit, whether it be
because of size, location, condition of the space, parking, lease terms, etc.” It took Mohr two years to overcome those logistical barriers. And so far the community has rallied and she has received an outpouring of volunteer support. “People from Hyattsville to College Park to Takoma Park have volunteered their time to help paint, lay mats and assemble equipment, all because they want to us open as soon as possible,”
she stated. Mohr’s box likely won’t disappoint them. ‘At CrossFit Hyattsville, our focus will be on safety, community, results and fun. We want people to get a good workout and to do it in a safe and welcoming environment,’ she said. Approximately 70 people showed up to the Jan. 30 open house. Mohr said she considered the event amazing and she couldn't be happier with how it went.
Mohr hopes to offer regular classes starting Monday, Feb. 15 and plans to offer two free community workouts on Saturday, Feb. 13. The first CrossFit Hyattsville workout will be free and can be scheduled via the website, by emailing or calling the box. For more information on class schedule, how to get started, pricing, and more, head to the website at: www.crossfithyattsville.com/
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BETH MOHR Volunteers who helped assemble the pull-up rig, left to right: Vasco Mateus (College Park), Kim Webb (Takoma Park), Karen Smith (Hyattsville), Robert Murray (College Park).
4318 Hamilton Street, Hyattsville, MD 20781 • (240) 770-8114 acdgperformingarts@gmail.com • www.alexandercdg.com
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
SNOW BIG DEAL
HOW HYATTSVILLE DEALT WITH SNOWZILLA
JANET FISHER WASEK
BARBARA KLIEFORTH
Saturday, February 27, 2016 . 5:00 - 7:00 PM City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street
$5. Tickets Kid Friendly per person Music 00
Refreshments
D anci ng
& Fun Photos!
Reservations are required.
To make a reservation, call 301-985-5021
Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the evening.
NANCY GILETTE Approximately 25 inches of snow fell in Hyattsville on Jan. 15 and 16.
Sábado, 27 de febrero 2016 . 5:00 - 7:00 PM Edif icio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street
Música para Niños
00 $5. Boleto por persona
Refrescos
Fotos divertidas y bailando!
Reservaciones son requeridas.
Para hacer una reservación, llame al 301-985-5021 Los niños deben estar acompañados por un adulto durante toda la noche.
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
Page 5
NANCY GILLETTE
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
OurHyattsville Instagram page to turn one By Mark Goodson
It began when former resident Lonna Hayes followed people on Instagram, the popular photo sharing social media service, in DC through a unique hashtag identifier. She said she thought “Hyattsville’s really awesome; why don’t we do it for Hyattsville?” On Feb. 27, 2015, Hayes posted on Instagram from the handle OurHyattsville for the 4547 Rhode Island Ave first | Brentwood, 20722docutime. TheMD picture mented Hayes’ delivery of a the Fiteny family, to Offset Printing ♦ Full meal ColortoDigital Printing help them with their newborn Wide Format Printing ♦ Copy & Fax Services baby, Malina. The meal was Design Services ♦ Wedding & an Social Invitations part of organized effort on behalf of the Hyattsville Nur~ Rush Service Available ~ turing Moms listserv. Hayes decided to pass the Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Instagram account around to residents who signed up on the OurHyattsville homepage. Residents can assume the handle for one week before LONNA HAYES passing it to the next person. E-mail: info@trainprinting.com The pic that launched 800 posts: Lonna Hayes delivered a meal to the Wait time to get a turn is typiFax 301-864-0740 • www.TrainPrinting.com Fiteny family and posted it to the OurHyattsville Instagram page. cally two weeks. In it’s debut
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year, at press time, more than 50 residents have posted 819 pictures. Hayes enjoyed watching the handle expand beyond her immediate circle of friends. “At first, it was all people I knew,” she said. “Now, it’s people I wouldn’t know other than seeing their photos because it’s a new perspective. … It ended up being people I had no contact with other than the instagram account.” Krissi Humbard assumed the role of handle-manager in July, when Hayes and her husband, former City Councilmember Clay Williams (Ward 5), moved to North Carolina. When Humbard heard Hayes was moving, she offered to step in to ensure the handle continued to document life in Hyattsville. “I love the idea of the project — building community and getting to know your neighbors and fellow Hyattsvillagers through photographs. I love discovering new things about the city too,” Humbard said. For example, Pat Padua posted a series of interesting facts about musical history. Red Allen and Frank Wakefield held an informal bluegrass jam in Wakefield’s Hyattsville home in 1963. Never intended for release, The Kitchen Tapes now serve as a bluegrass rarity and collectable. Hyattsville also played a role in the history of Rockabilly. Glasswing Studios, formerly on Ager Road, recorded Leslee “Bird” Anderson’s album Runnin’ Wild. A few other handler highlights included an in-depth look at Hyattsville history posted by Rudy Hogg and Kip Friel, the inner-workings of local Hyattsville crafts space Forty Third Place, posted by Jonaki Sanyal, and the postings of local professional photographer Juliette Fradin. When asked about a favorite,
Humbard said, “I don't think I can pick a favorite, I appreciate every poster. It feels great that people are excited to share a bit about their lives and participate in the project.” “Instagramming” has also helped Humbard get in touch with neighbors in person. “Chelsea [Lowes] recognized me from the photos I had posted on OurHyattsville and stopped to say hello one day while walking past my house,” she said. Humbard believes the handle demonstrates the city’s diversity, and that “no matter how different we are, we share some commonalities,” she said.
“At first, it was all people I knew. Now, it’s people I wouldn’t know other than seeing their photos because it’s a new perspective." — Lonna Hayes OurHyattsville What better way to celebrate the city’s diversity than with a barrage of images from various residents all celebrating their own version of what makes Hyattsville great. Taken together, the images form a mosaic as diverse and brilliant as the residents who live here. Founder Hayes still follows the handle from her new home in North Carolina. “I love it,” she said. “I love seeing what everyone is up to. I get to see their kids. It’s been fun to still have that connection after leaving.” You can follow and sign up to operate the OurHyattsville handle on Instagram at www.instagram.com/ourhyattsville.
Church of God and Saints of Christ
4203 Farragut Street, Hyattsville, Maryland Pastor: Evangelist Samuel Wade Time of Services: Beginning of the Sabbath: 7:30pm - 9:30pm Sabbath Service (Saturday) 11:00am to Sunset
The house of God is the house of prayer for all people. All are welcome.
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
Page 7
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, I bought quite a few packages of seeds at the Hyattsville Horticultural Society garden fair this month and would like to get them planted. However, I don't want to go through the mess of starting them indoors. I don't even like potted plants indoors and am of the opinion that soil ought to remain outside where it belongs. So, what do you think of the idea of starting the seeds outdoors using a cold frame? Do you know where to get one cheap or how I could make one myself? While I'm handy, I've never done this before and could use some information. I want to start ASAP. Eager on Emerson Street
To stay safe while planting your seeds, you can use a cold frame.
Dear Eager,
should be no unpleasant surprises this March and April. But, of course, the very nature of a surprise is to be unexpected so you may want to be stay on the safe side with a cold frame. It is certainly advisable to start seeds of such warm weather plants as tomatoes and peppers soon and that can only be done indoors or in a cold frame. A word of caution is in order. There are dangers using a cold frame in this area
There are actually some seeds you can plant directly in the ground reasonably soon — peas, kale, chard, radishes. According to the USDA planting chart for our zone, which is 6B, they can be planted in the third week of March and lettuce in the first week of April. According to my consultant, Dr. Meriweather at NOAA, the organization which gives official weather forecasts for each season, there
because temperatures fluctuate wildly in late winter and early spring. Consequently, you will need a cold frame with panels that either lift up or slide off if the afternoon becomes unusually warm. Monitoring the temperature in your cold frame will require time and attention on your part. If you have nine-to-five work hours, you may have to delegate a stayat-home friend or family member to keep watch. Probably the cheapest and
easiest cold frame you could make would be from old windows obtained inexpensively at Community Forklift in nearby Edmonston. You can use the wall of your house, garage, fence or other structure to prop the windows against. Prepare a raised bed, or if planting directly into tilled earth during a good thaw be sure the drainage is good in that spot. Sufficient sunlight is a must. Cinder blocks are good to anchor the window and it isn’t difficult to attach the sash to the structure with hinges. If the weather suddenly gets too warm, the hinges permit you to open the window before the seedlings fry. If the temperature plummets you can cover the window with a blanket overnight. Capability Green advises using windows with sliding screens, if you can find used ones cheaply. On warm days you slide the glass back, and expose the screen portion. This also lets air in. Capability lines her raised bed with paving stones which take in heat during the day and release it at night when it's needed. To discuss this and other gardening concerns, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the home of Susan Hines, 4901 40th Place.. The meeting will start at 10 a.m.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
the
Hyattsville Reporter No. 328 • February 10, 2016
Rescheduled City Council Budget Work Session
The City Council Budget Work Session postponed due to the blizzard has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street.
attsville will screen the movie Selma on Thursday, February 18, at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, please contact Cheri Everhart at 301985-5021.
Please Help Your Community
Movin’ With the Mayor
The City has mailed a survey to all residents, asking for your opinion on services for seniors and people with disabilities. The one-page survey shouldn’t take long to complete, and you can mail it back anonymously and free. Your answers will help City Council make decisions on how to best invest in our community. For more information, please contact Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5057 or bjohnson@hyattsville.org.
Notary Scams
Residents have recently been taken advantage of by local notaries charging illegally high rates. Notary services should always be relatively inexpensive, and are available free of charge at the City Administrative Building during business hours.
Senior Valentine Social
The City of Hyattsville will put some love in the air at its senior social for Valentine’s Day. The event will include music, games, prizes and refreshments. The Call-a-Bus will provide free transportation. Thursday, February 11, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the City Administrative Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. For more information please call Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5058.
Free Screening of Selma
In honor of Black History Month, the City of Hy-
To encourage health, and have some fun, Mayor Candace Hollingsworth is partnering with local businesses to offer free wellness classes to City of Hyattsville residents. Classes will be open to all skill levels. The next class is Yogalates on Saturday, February 20, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. For more information, please contact Ellarose Preston at 301-985-5006 or epreston@hyattsville.org.
Spring Sports Field Permitting Meeting
Sports organizations wanting to use City sports fields – at Magruder Park, Melrose Park and 38th Avenue Park – are encouraged to attend our spring permitting meeting. Field availability, permitting procedures, weather related closures and field maintenance will be discussed. Applications for field use will be accepted. Wednesday, February 24, at 7:00 pm in the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. For more information, please contact Cheri Everhart at 301-985-5021.
Parent-Child Dance Party
Follow the yellow brick road to an evening of kid-friendly music, a fun photo booth and tasty snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event. Saturday, February 27, 5-7 p.m. at the City Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
February is American Heart Month
Your heart is one of the most important organs in the body. Here are three tips to keep it healthy: • Check your cholesterol and blood pressure. • Eat plenty of fruit, vegetables, fish and whole grains. Avoid foods high in saturated fats and use herbs instead of salt. • Drink at least 8 cups of water daily and try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times per week.
Ageless Grace Senior Exercise Classes Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 AM – 11 AM Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org City Council Budget Work Session Wednesday, February 10, 7 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org Senior Valentine’s Social Thursday, February 11, 11 AM – 1 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Presidents Day - City offices closed Monday, February 15, No yard waste pickup. Emergency services continue. City Council Meeting Tuesday, February 16, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Environment Committee Meeting Wednesday, February 17, 7 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jim Groves, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com Price Rite Nutritional Tour Thursday, February 18, 2 PM. 3104 Queens Chapel Road or ride the Call-ABus. More information: Colleen Aistis, 301985-5057, caistis@hyattsville.org Black History Month “Selma” Screening Thursday, February 18, 7 PM. City Administrative Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Movin’ With the Mayor – Yogalates Saturday, February 20, 10:30 – 11:30 AM. Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. More information: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org Call-A-Bus Trip to Giant Monday, February 22, 11 AM. Pick up and drop off at your home. Reservations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Call-A-Bus Trips: Shoppers & Price Rite Tuesday, February 23 & March 8, 11 AM.
Reportero de Reunion del Presupuesto de la Ciudad
Presentacion de Selma
La reunión de trabajo del Consejo Municipal sobre el presupuesto de la Ciudad que fue aplazada por la tormenta ha estado re-programado para miércoles, 10 de febrero, a las 7 p.m. en el Edificio Administrativo de la Ciudad en 4310 Gallatin Street.
Ayuda Tu Comunidad Por Favor
Community Conversation on Islam
Escándalos de Notarios
Residentes han estado abusado recentamente por notaries cobrando tarifas ilegalmente costoso. Servicios de notarios siempre deben ser relativamente baratos, y son disponible gratis en el Edificio Municipal durante las horas de negocio.
Fiesta Valentín para Mayores
La Ciudad de Hyattsville pondrá amor en el aire en su fiesta Valentín para mayores. El evento tendrá musica, juegos, premios y refrescos. Transporte es gratis con el Call-a-Bus. Jueves, 11 de febrero, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal del Edificio, 4310 Gallatin Street. Para más información, por favor llame a Beryl Johnson at 301-985-5058.
Para celebrar el Mes de la Historia Afro-Americana, la Ciudad de Hyattsville presentará la pelicula Selma el jueves, 18 de febrero, 7 p.m., en el segundo piso del Edificio Administrativo de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Se proporcionarán refrescos.
Moviendo Con La Alcaldesa
Para apoyar la salud publica, y divertirse, Alcaldesa Candace Hollingsworth y negocios locales están ofreciendo clases de ejercicio y salud gratis a los residentes de la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Las clases estarán para todos niveles. La proxima clase es de yogalates el sabado, 20 de febrero, 10:30-11:30 a.m. en Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. Para más informacion, por favor contacte a Ellarose Preston en 301-985-5006 o epreston@hyattsville.org.
Reunión de Permisos de Canchas Deportivas
Organizaciones deportivas con interés en usar las canchas depotivas de la Ciudad – en Magruder Park, Melrose Park y 38th Avenue Park – están invitado a participar en nuestra reunión de permisos de la primavera. Hablaramos de la disponibilidad de canchas, los procesos de permisos, cerradas del tiempo y mantenimiento de las canchas. También recibiremos solicitudes para usar las canchas. Miércoles, 24 de febrero, a las 7:00 pm en el Edificio Municipal de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Para más informacion, por favor contacte a Cheri Everhart a 301-985-5021.
Baile de Padres e Hijos
Siga el camino de ladrillos amarillos a una noche de musica para familias, una cabina de fotos, y ri-
CALENDARIO
Pick up and drop off at your home. Reservations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org Hyattsville Planning Committee Tuesday, February 23, 7:30 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org Sports Field Permit Meeting Wednesday, February 24, 7 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org City Council Budget Work Session Wednesday, February 24, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org Call-A-Bus Trips to Safeway & Aldi Thursdays, February 24 & March 3, 11 AM Pick up and drop off at your home. Reservations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@ hyattsville.org Education Committee Meeting Thursday, February 25, 6:30 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Jake Rollow, 301985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org
Parent-Child Dance Party Saturday, February 27, 5-7 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Cheri Everhart, 301985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Community Conversation on Islam Sunday, February 28, 3-5 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Cheri Everhart, 301985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Board of Supervisors of Elections Meeting Tuesday, March 1, 4 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. More information: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org Seniors Free Movie Monday Monday, March 7, 9 AM – 12:30 PM. Beltway Plaza; Call-A-Bus will transport.. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org City Council Meeting Monday, March 7, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street More information: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville
No. 328 • 10 de febrero, 2016
Street. Tickets are $5.00 per person, payable at the door (cash or check only). Space is limited, so reservations are required. To make reservations, please call 301-985-5021 or visit www.hyattsville.org/yellowbrickroad. The City of Hyattsville benefits from tremendous diversity. Our community is comprised of people of countless faiths, cultures, abilities and backgrounds. As recent events have turned the national and international discourse towards Islam, the City is hosting a Community Conversation on the topic. In partnership with 20,000 Dialogues, we will host a presentation on the religion, a community dialogue and a short film. We invite all members of our community - Muslims and non-Muslims, residents of Hyattsville and neighbors - to participate. Please join us Sunday, February 28, 3-5 p.m., on the second floor of the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street. Refreshments will be provided.
Page HR2
el
La Ciudad envió una encuesta a todos los residentes, pidiendo su opinión de servicios para mayores y personas con discapacidades. La encuesta – de solo una página – no debe tomar mucho tiempo para llenar y lo puede hacer anonimo, y después enviarla gratis. Las respuestas ayudará al Consejo Municipal en decidir las mejores maneras a invertir en nuestra comunidad. Para más información, por favor contacte a Beryl Johnson a 301-985-5057 o bjohnson@hyattsville.org.
CALENDAR Creative Minds Parent-Child Program Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 12 PM. Magruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street. More information: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, srauf@hyattsville.org
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
Mentes Creativas – Programa de padres e hijos Los Martes y Jueves, 10 AM – 12 PM. Centro de recreación de Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, srauf@ hyattsville.org Gracia Eterna - Clases de ejercicios Los Miércoles y Viernes, 10 AM – 11 AM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Reunion de Trabajo del Consejo Municipal Sobre el Presupuesto Municipal Miércoles, 10 de Febrero, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org Fiesta Valentín Para Mayores Jueves, 11 de Febrero, 11 AM – 1 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Dia del Los Presidentes – Oficinas de la Ciudad Cerradas Lunes, 15 de Febrero. No Recolección de Basura de Jardín. Servicios de emergencia continuan. Reunión del Consejo Municipal Martes, 16 de Febrero, 8 PM. Edificio Mu-
nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org Reunion del Comité del Medioambiente Miércoles, 17 de Febrero, 7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Jim Groves, jgroves4ward2@gmail.com Gira Nutricional en Price Rite Jueves, 18 de Febrero, 2 PM. 3104 Queens Chapel Road o Toma el Llama-Un-Bus Más información: Colleen Aistis, 301-9855057, caistis@hyattsville.org “Selma” para el Mes de la Historia Afro-Americana Jueves, 18 de Febrero, 7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-9855021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Moviendo Con la Alcaldesa – Yogalates Sabado, 20 de Febrero, 10:30 – 11:30 AM Yoga Space, 4206 Gallatin Street. Más información: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, epreston@hyattsville.org Viaje con Lllama-Un-Bus a Giant Lunes, 22 de Febrero, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000
Febrero es el Mes Del Corazón
Tu corazón es uno los órganos más importantes. Aquí son tres consejos para mantenerlo saludable: • Revisa tu colesterol y presión arterial. • Come muchas frustas, verduras, pescados y granos enteros. Evite comidas alta en grasas saturadas y use hierbas en lugar de sal. • Tome ocho vasos de agua diaria y haz ejerecicio para 30 minutos cinco veces cada semana. cos bocadillos. Niños deben ser acompañados con un adulto todo el evento. Sábado, 27 de febrero, 5-7 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street. Boletos son $5.00 cada persona, de venta en la puerta con efectivo o cheque. Espacio es limitado y reservas son necesarios. Para hacer reservas, por favor llame a 301-985-5021 o visite www.hyattsville.org/yellowbrickroad.
Conversacion Comunitaria sobre Islam
En colaboración con 20,000 Dialogues, la Ciudad de Hyattsville está organizando una Conversación Comunitaria sobre Islam. Tendrémos una presentación, dialogo y una pelicula corta. Invitamos a todos miembros de la comunidad - Musulmanes y no-Musulmanes, residentes de Hyattsville y vecinos - a participar. Domingo, 28 de febrero, 3-5 p.m., en el segundo piso del Edicifio Administrativo de la Ciudad, 4310 Gallatin Street. Se proporcionarán refrescos.
Viajes con el Lllama-Un-Bus a Shoppers y Price Rite Los Martes, 23 de Febrero y 8 de Marzo, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Reunión del Comité de Planeación Martes, 23 de Febrero, 7:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, jchandler@hyattsville.org Reunion de Permisos de Canchas Deportivas Miércoles, 24 de Febrero, 7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Reunion de Trabajo del Consejo Municipal Sobre el Presupuesto Municipal Miércoles, 24 de Febrero, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, lreams@hyattsville.org Viajes con el Lllama-Un-Bus a Safeway y Aldi Los Jueves, 24 de Febrero y 3 de Marzo, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org
Comité de Educación Jueves, 25 de Febrero, 6:30 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Jake Rollow, 301985-5031, jrollow@hyattsville.org Fiesta de Baile de Padres e Hijos Sábado, 27 de Febrero, 5-7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Conversación Comunitaria sobre Islam Domingo, 28 de Febrero, 3-5 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, ceverhart@hyattsville.org Reunion de La Mesa de Supervisores de Elecciones Martes, 1 de Marzo, 4 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org Pelicula Gratis Para Mayores Lunes, 7 de Marzo, 9 AM – 12:30 PM. Beltway Plaza; Call-A-Bus transportará. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, bjohnson@hyattsville.org Reunión del Consejo Municipal Lunes, 7 de Marzo, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Laura Reams, 301-9855009, lreams@hyattsville.org
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
DeMatha guard named McDonald’s All-American By Chris McManes
You can now count Markelle Fultz among the finest players in DeMatha Catholic High School basketball history. And for a program that former coach Morgan Wootten built into a national powerhouse and present coach Mike Jones has maintained among the nation’s elite, that’s saying something. On Sunday Jan. 17, Fultz was named a McDonald’s All-American. Of the 755 seniors (boys and girls) who were nominated, only 48 were selected. Fultz will play for the East team in the 39th annual boys game at Chicago’s United Center on March 30. Fultz, a 6-foot-4, 185-pound combo guard from Upper Marlboro, found out he was chosen while the Stags were in Springfield, Mass., preparing to play in the Hoophall Classic. “That moment was unbelievable for me,” Fultz said during the selection show on ESPNU. “To be surrounded by my teammates who have helped me work out every day in practice, was just really unbelievable and such a great feeling.” Previous McDonald’s All-
EDWARD POTSKOWSKI DeMatha's Markelle Fultzpushes the ball up the court against league rival Gonzaga.
Americans include basketball greats LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Jones was happy to see Fultz, the reigning Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year, join the group.
“I’m very proud of him; he’s earned it,” Jones said. “He’s got much better days ahead of him.” Fultz will also play for the USA Basketball Junior National Select Team that will compete at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Ore., on April 9. Six days later, he will
be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., for the Jordan Brand Classic. He and V.J. King of WCAC rival Paul VI will be the first Washington area players to play in the game since former Bishop O’Connell and North Carolina star Kendall Marshall in 2010.
Fultz, who has accepted a scholarship offer to play at the University of Washington next season, is averaging 18.5 points for the nationally ranked Stags (16-3). Wootten coached 10 McDonald’s All-Americans during his 46 years (1956-2002) as DeMatha’s head coach: Sidney Lowe, Dereck Whittenburg (1979); Adrian Branch (1981); Danny Ferry (1985); Steve Hood (1986); Jerrod Mustaf (1988); Duane Simpkins (1992); Keith Bogans, Joe Forte (1999); and Travis Garrison (2002). In addition to Fultz, Jones has coached two other McDonald’s All-Americans: Quinn Cook (2011) and Austin Freeman (2007). Cook, a 2007 St. Jerome graduate, played three years for the Stags before playing his final season (2010-11) at Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Va. Wootten is chairman of the committee that selects the boys and girls rosters for the McDonald’s All-American Games. The first team was selected in 1977. It competed in the Capital Classic at the old Capital Centre in Largo against a team of local AllStars.
The City of Hyattsville
La Cuidad de Hyattsville
Community Conversation
Conversación Comunitaria
invites you to a about
le invita a una
ISLAM
acerca del
ISLAM
The City of Hyattsville benefits from tremendous diversity. Our community is comprised of people of countless faiths, cultures, abilities and backgrounds.
La ciudad de Hyattsville se beneficia de la diversidad. Nuestra comunidad está compuesta por personas de diferentes credos, culturas, y un sinnúmero de habilidades y fondos.
As recent events have turned the national and international discourse towards Islam, the City is hosting a Community Conversation on the topic.
A medida que los acontecimientos recientes que han convertido el discurso nacional e internacional hacia el Islam, la Ciudad está organizando una Conversación Comunitaria sobre el tema.
In partnership with 20,000 Dialogues, we will host a presentation on the religion, a community dialogue and a short film.
En asociación con 20.000 Diálogos, vamos a realizar una presentación sobre la religión, un diálogo con la comunidad y una película corta.
We invite all members of our community - Muslims and non-Muslims, residents of Hyattsville and neighbors - to participate.
Please join us Sunday, February 28, 3-5 p.m., on the second floor of the City Administrative Building at 4310 Gallatin Street.
Refreshments will be provided.
Invitamos a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad - los musulmanes y no musulmanes, residentes de Hyattsville y vecinos - a participar.
Por favor únase el domingo, 28 de febrero de 3 a 5 pm, en el segundo piso del edificio administrativo 4310 Gallatin Street.
Se proporcionarán refrescos.
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
Page 9
COMMUNITY CALENDAR February 13
Bright Star Theatre Presents... Struggle for Freedom: The Life of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., a 45-minute production that seeks to honor the American Civil Rights Movement. With excerpts of famous speeches, Civil Rights era songs and a variety of characters this moving production has been hailed as one of ‘the finest touring shows available for young audiences.’ Free. All Ages. 3 to 4 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.
movie Inside Out, a pizza dinner, and activity. $20 per child, ages 3 through 12, must be potty trained. Advance registration required. Art Works, 3711 Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Rainier. 301.454.0808. www.artworksnow.org.
affected by the riots, and a representative from the University of Maryland "Black Lives Matter Movement." In addition, film's producer Alvin 'Skipper' Bailey will be available for questions. 7 p.m. Free. 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.
February 20 and March 5
February 23
The Prince George’s PlanCome listen to fairy tales you ning Department is in the know, with a twist at Frac- first stages of preparing a new tured Fairy Tales! Join us for countywide functional massome hilarious modern spins ter plan called the Resource on classic stories. Stay after the Conservation Plan. This plan stories for some fun fairy tale will combine the related eleFebruary 14 crafts. Ages 5 to 12 years old. ments of green infrastructure Celebrate a Valentine themed Free. 3 to 4 p.m. Hyattsville planning and rural and agriTeddy Bears’ picnic with your Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi cultural conservation into one favorite stuffed animal. Stories, Road, 301.985.4690. functional master plan. Come singing, making valentines, and learn about the planning picnic and parade inside the February 20 effort and provide your inOld Parish House. to 4:30 p.m. Please join the Hyattsville Pres- put. Hear about next steps for 4711 Knox Rd, College Park. ervation Association for the Hy- moving the plan forward. Free. 301-927-3013. info@cpae.org attsville Fable of the Three Little 6:30 p.m., refreshments. 7 p.m. Pigs featuring Blue Sky Puppets input session. Hyattsville MuFebruary 15 and vocalist Audrey Engdahl. nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin and March 11 Coffee and refreshments avail- Street. RCPforPrinceGeorgFrom 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., join able for purchase. Free. 4:30 to es@ppd.mncppc.org. Art Works for School’s Out... 6:30 p.m. Vigilante Coffee. 4327 We’re In: Presidential Por- Gallatin Street. 301.699.5440. March 12 The Safe Home is the topic traits (Feb. 15) and Autolo- hpahyattsville@hotmail.com. of the next program presented comotives (March 11). $60. by Hyattsville Aging in Place Ages 5 through 12. Advance February 22 registration required. Before The Hyattsville Branch Li- (HAP). Learn practical ways and aftercare available with ad- brary Independent Film Se- to keep your home and family ditional fee. Art Works, 3711 ries presents “No Justice, No safe from fire and crime. Free. Rhode Island Avenue, Mount Peace - Baltimore.” The film Come for coffee and conversaRainier. 301.454.0808. www. documents the April 2015 pro- tion from 9am to 9:30am. Protests precipitated by the death gram from 9:30am to 11:30am. artworksnow.org. of Freddie Gray. A panel dis- Hyattsville Municipal BuildFebruary 16 cussion will follow the screen- ing, 4310 Gallatin Street. 301The Prince George’s County ing, with representatives from 887-3101. www.hyattsvilleagDistrict Council will hold a the Baltimore neighborhood inginplace.org. public hearing on the Adopted Prince George’s Plaza Transit District Development Plan and Endorsed Transit District Overlay Zoning Map Specializing in maSonry Amendment. Contact the Office of the Clerk of the Council & Small concrete conStruction at 301-952-3600 to register in FOr yOur cOnStructiOn neeDS, call uS at advance to speak. Free. 7 p.m. County Administration Building, 14741 Governor Oden Office: 4318 Hamilton St. #106 • Hyattsville, MD 20781 Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro.
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February 16 and 23
Celebrate Black History Month with Our Voices at the Hyattsville Branch Library. Join us for a series of portraits of influential African Americans. In each program we will read a biography and have extension activities (arts and crafts, film clips, music). All ages are welcome, but most appropriate for 5 to 12 year olds. 4:30 p.m. Free. 6530 Adelphi Road, 301.985.4690.
February 19
Art Works hosts Parents Night Out from 5 to 9 p.m. This evening features the Disney/Pixar
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Vigilante Coffee hosts Coffee Cupping every Friday this month! The series gives participants the opportunity to learn how to cup coffee and to taste the roastery’s latest offerings. Free. 1 p.m. Vigilante Coffee, 4327 Gallatin Street. Open Mic at Busboys and Poets, various hosts. Hear live spoken word poetry in the Zinn Room. Thursdays, 9 to 11 p.m. Come on inside for the The Riverdale Farmers Winter Market from 3 to 7 p.m on Thursdays, followed by a coffee market on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Live music, farmers, food vendors, and crafts. 6204 Rhode Island Avenue, Riverdale Park. Rise + Rhyme kicks off the week for the 5-and-under set with storytelling, perfor-
mances and more. Suggested donation, $5. Monday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Zinn Room, Busboys and Poets, 5331 Baltimore Avenue. 301.779.2787. A group bike ride starts every Sunday at 9 a.m. at Arrow Bicycle, 5108 Baltimore Avenue. This is a 32-mile, moderately paced ride that emphasizes group riding techniques. New group riders welcome. The route can be found by searching ‘arrow hyattsville’ at www.mapmyride.com. 301.531.9250. Community Calendar is a select listing of events happening in and around Hyattsville from the 15th of the issue month to the 15th of the following month. To submit an item for consideration, please e-mail tips@ hyattsvillelife.com Deadline for March submissions is February 25.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
SecondhandNews
Home is where the art is By Lauren Flynn Kelly
During a 10-year stint in Chicago, Hyattsville native Blake Sloane made a name for himself by creating beautiful things out of salvaged and reclaimed wood. Since 2014, the self-taught carpenter and woodworker has carved out a spot in the Hyattsville home he lovingly renovated, in order to repurpose things out of locally salvaged materials. I stumbled upon Blake’s work on the revolving Instagram handle OurHyattsville and felt he would be the perfect profile subject for Secondhand News. Here, Blake shares the story behind the blog, www.fortythirdplace.com and his local woodworking business, which you can learn more about at www.blakesloane.com. Besides being the street you live on in Hyattsville, what IS Forty Third Place? Sloane: I see Forty Third Place as the umbrella brand for the creative work me and my wife, Jonaki Sanyal, do, which is a mix of woodwork and photography. What started as the name of our blog and Instagram documenting the adventure of renovating our first home together later turned into a homage to Hyattsville, the community we love that also provided us with so much of the local materials that propels my work. It also happens to be the street I was born on and grew up on. So the name carries great his-
tory for us and also encompasses the continuing story of our little family and the work we love. One of my favorite posts on the Forty Third Place blog is #foundat43rdplace, showcasing found treasures that include a “spanking paddle,” a Soundgarden tape and a dirty gnome-like figurine. Where did you find all these strange things? Sloane: Some stuff came from inside of the walls we gutted; the spanking paddle was a floorboard among many we pried up. Renovating the house made us feel like archaeologists digging up all of these cool, mysterious details from the lives of past residents. So the story of the house is revealing itself over time. It’s a Cape Cod style from the 1930s that came into our lives by neighborly word of mouth. Having grown up across the street, my memories of Forty Third Place are of riding a sled from the second-story bedroom window as a kid in a blizzard in the ’80s when a bunch of young college students had made the house a bit of an “Animal House.” That’s hilarious. What home renovation projects have you taken on? Sloane: We have done a lot of projects. We installed locally milled ash hardwood floors on the first floor, renovated the master bathroom and kitchen, and
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installed a “hobbit door” in our daughter’s room, to name a few. We started playing with this giant pile of lath that came from tearing down a wall in our kitchen and got obsessed with making these geometric art pieces and trays. They’ve been pretty well received at some local craft fairs. They’re beautiful. Your carpentry work is often done with salvaged materials. Since your move to Hyattsville from Chicago, where have you source reclaimed wood for local client projects? Sloane: Sourcing material is one of the best parts of this type of work. My favorite material scores have been free and straight from the source — off of job sites in Hyattsville and Riverdale. I also love to frequent Community Forklift and similar reuse spots in Baltimore.
JONAKI SANYAL Blake Sloane enters his workshop basement. The wood for the sign was recycled from home renovations.
What types of clients have you served in the DC area and what have you made for them? Sloane: I seem to make more large dining tables than anything else, some sign carving for the DC restaurant, El Centro, and I’m really proud of the two big benches with herb planters I made for the Takoma Park Sit on the Art Project this past summer. I’ve also enjoyed bringing smaller handmade items (cutting boards, serving trays, jewelry) to some festivals, including the Hyattsville Arts Fest.
What’s your next big project? Sloane: I’m currently working with my father to rehabilitate a small 1920s house on Kennedy Street in Hyattsville. We are using a ton of reclaimed material and have decided not to alter the house’s charmingly small 600-square footprint. I hope it will serve as a new model for renovations in Hyattsville. I’m also working on creating some reclaimed wood accent walls to contribute to a project with Galaxy Homes, another great Hyattsville business.
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How do you feel about painted wood? Sloane: I love it and hate it. I love to design furniture where a beautiful wood grain contrasts with a pop of bold color. I hate removing the paint off of an antique that had no business being painted.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
Page 11
Lawson’s Pharmacy TIFFANY SIPE Last November 2-year-old Michael Sipe was diagnosed with stage four Neuroblastoma, a form of cancer found above the kidneys.
CANCER
continued from page 1
Together, the group has coordinated a continuous series of meals for the Sipe family, using the Meal Train website. They also provide after-school care for Michael’s 7-year-old sister Aiyana, and they contribute to a GoFundMe online fundraising account. “Fundraising was the easiest and most direct way to help,” said Schmidt. Since Michael has fallen ill, Sipe has had to quit her job in order to move into Michael’s hospital room while he has chemotherapy. After the diagnosis Andre (Michael's Dad), Tiffany, Aiyana, and Michael moved out of their home in order to live with family members to save money. “We've been blessed with amazing neighbors,”
said Sipe, who credits Schmidt with spreading awareness about her son’s illness.” Currently, Michael is going through his fourth round of chemo and is doing well.” After the final portion of chemotherapy is complete, Michael will undergo surgery to remove the cancerous tumor. Schmidt hopes the Sipe family won't have to worry about money and that Michael will soon be cancer-free. “It's also important that the family feels emotionally supported through this hard time by the community around them,” she said. If you would like to support the Sipe Family you can do so in two ways. To volunteer to make a hot meal or provide transportation assistance, sign up on Meal Train at: www.mealtrain.com/trains/vvgkmw. To contribute a monetary donation, visit the family’s GoFundMe page at: www.gofundme.com/9pjx4sgw.
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Page 12
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
MEAD
continued from page 1
alcohol content, which can vary between mead destined for a keg or a can. “[It’s about] one part honey to four parts water and can get somewhere in the 2,500 to 3,500 gallons a month. … There are some losses along the way for filtration,” said Geffken. Geffken, who moved to Hyattsville from Washington, DC with his wife in August 2015, co-founded the Baltimore-based meadery in early 2014, with fellow co-owner and Baltimore resident James Boicourt. Boicourt and Geffken grew up together on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Not only can they make mead, but they both and have backgrounds in mechanical engineering and have experience maintaining bee apiaries: Geffken’s on the Shore and Boicourt’s in Baltimore. Charm City currently sources most of its honey from Lancaster, Pa., but Geffken also plans to move some of the hives he maintains on the Eastern Shore to Hyattsville in the spring, assuming his neighbors are amenable. “Hopefully there will be some Hyattsville honey in
NANCY GILLETTE Hyattsville resident Andrew Geffken in the tasting room at Charm City Meadwork's Baltimore brewing location.
2016 Charm City Mead!” He said. Why did they choose Baltimore for their location? Warehouses are far more abundant and less expensive. “There are not as many warehouses in Hyattsville,” said Geffken. Outside of their home base, they
have found some local support. Charm City products are sold at Franklin’s General Store and have found rotation at Riverdale Town Center Market, which hosted a Charm City tasting before Thanksgiving. “The people there
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are great and they took the time to learn about it and to tell people about mead,” Geffken said of both locations. “Some people were skeptical when they heard ‘mead,’ but when they tasted it they were excited about the product and a lot of people bought the package,” said Town Center co-owner, Ted Spiropoulos, who had never tried mead before. “I was impressed with what he did with the product and the flavors and the styles that they have.” Unfortunately, they were less successful when the Olive Garden near the Mall at Prince Georges offered a Charm City keg last summer. Geffken said it didn’t go well. He added that the product typically doesn’t fare well in traditional chains because restaurant goers are reluctant to try something new.
Geffken and his wife have found that their home in Hyattsville offers a compromise between the Baltimore location of Meadworks and his wife’s job on Capitol Hill. He and his wife have enjoyed the community vibe: “A few days within moving in, the neighbors came over to introduce themselves and it is a nice balance of city living and suburbs. It’s been fun. ... We’ve been happy with it,” said Geffken. For more information about Charm City and where you can follow the mead, check out their website and social media: www.charmcitymeadworks.com/ and www.facebook. com/charmcitymeadworks Their taproom is also open for mead tastings, tours, and more 5 to 9 p.m. Friday evenings, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday afternoons located at 3511 8th Avenue, Baltimore, Md.
Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
Page 13
PROPERTY
continued from page 1
Feb. 24. After that, there will be discussions and hearings on the budget and tax rate. Daniel Puma, supervisor of assessments for Prince George’s County, said each group of neighborhoods is assessed every three years. Nearby Colmar Manor and Cottage City saw increases in their assessments last year, while areas like Hyattsville, Mount Rainier, Brentwood, Riverdale and others saw increases this year. The assessments, Puma said at a community meeting, are made by looking at the market sales values of arms-length transactions in the community and in similar communities. They do not consider foreclosures and similar types of sales. He said they were done by neighborhood and not by zipcode, so houses in the City of Hyattsville, for example, were not compared to sales of houses in University Park. According to Puma, one reason assessments went up is because the market improved in the local area. The Washington Post recently reported the median price of Hyattsville (20782) increased 18 percent in 2015 to $265,500. “Some of the areas are revitalizing, like Mount Rainier, the Route 1 Corridor and Hyattsville,� he said. “I think a lot of people ... bought their houses in 2009 or 2010 when the market was down and when the properties were in distress. Now they are at that point where they are ready to sell and they are putting their properties on the market.� Residents who do not agree with their property assessment have until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 11
REBECCA BENNETT The increase in 2016 property assessments is being credited to a better housing market in the immediate area.
to appeal. A recent list of comparable houses and the prices for which they sold can be attached, Puma said, though the comparable list is not a requirement to appeal. On the back of the notice, it lists instructions for residents to request the property worksheet and the comparable sales notice. If an appeal is requested by Feb. 11, residents can always withdraw that appeal after more information is gathered, Puma said. “It’s important to me that people get an answer if they feel it’s too high,� Puma said. “Don’t worry about what it went up. But if they think it’s too high, they should appeal.� Options for residents appealing include a face-to-face hearing, a telephone hearing, or a simple request for review. Puma said all of the options would garner the same results. According to the Maryland Department of Assessment and Taxation website, after this initial appeal, resi-
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dents can appeal to the the Property Tax Assessment Appeals Board and then the Maryland Tax Court. Residents can apply for a Homestead Tax Credit for their primary residence, which limits a tax on the property assessment to a 10 percent increase. Residents who make less than $60,000 per year can ap-
ply for a Homeowners’ Property Tax Credit by Sept. 1 each year. Tax bills on the assessed value are issued in July of each year and due Sept. 30. Property assessments will be made again for the City of Hyattsville in 2019. To appeal a property assessment
by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 11, email Dan Puma at dan.puma@maryland.gov, visit www. dat.maryland. gov, or having the written appeal postmarked by Feb. 11 to Prince George's County Assessment Office, 14735 Main Street, Suite 3548, Upper Marlboro, Md. 207723014.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | February 2016
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Obesity is often linked to diabetes, sleep apnea, heart disease and many other conditions. Bariatric surgery may help. Doctors Community Hospital’s Bariatric and Weight Loss Center provides professional, innovative and compassionate care to support people during their weight loss journeys. In fact, we were the first hospital in Prince George’s County to offer minimally invasive bariatric surgery using the daVinci® robotic surgical system. This type of surgery may result in reduced pain, shorter hospitalization and faster recovery. Our comprehensive program provides: : Experienced surgeons and a compassionate medical team : Access to weight management and behavior modification therapy : Advanced bariatric surgery technology : Dedicated bariatric suites : Access to additional services — Joslin Diabetes Center, Sleep Center, Comprehensive Orthopedic Services and others — all conveniently located at Doctors Community Hospital to further your overall health goals If you are an adult who is at least 30 pounds overweight, call us today to learn whether bariatric weight loss surgery is right for you! We accept most insurance plans and welcome new patients. Also, ask us about our free weight loss lectures held the first Monday and second Friday of each month at 9 a.m.
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