TOURINg HISTORY
LET TIME gO bY FOR bEST RESULTS
PURSUIT OF gOOD POLICE
Taking a peek inside some of Hyattsville's historic homes PAGE 5
There is much to be learned by letting your plans unfold gently, says Cassie Johnson PAGE 4
Hyattsville's Officer of the Year in 2008 didn't know he wanted to be a policeman. PAGE 3
Code dept. overstaffed, could handle parking laws by Sarah Nemeth Proposals before the City Council suggest a smaller staff and more work for the Department of Code Enforcement. A management and efficiency study conducted for the City of Hyattsville recommended the reduction of one inspector by September. Mayor William Gardiner counter-suggested that rather than reducing the number of inspectors, code staff could assume the duties of a vacant parking enforcer position currently in the police department. The study, produced by Bethesda-based TATC Consulting suggested that the code department was overstaffed. There are four code inspectors, one full-time and one part-time administrative worker and Department Director Jerome Hampton. Due to a lack of detail captured through the department’s data software provided by Black Bear, TATC was unable to determine how many cases – or inspections – are conducted by each inspector. Using data captured from 2008, the study assumed that each fulltime inspector handled about 298
Hyattsville Life&Times
Vol. 6 No. 6
Hyattsville’s Community Newspaper
'PAW'-SING FOR LOVE
by Paula Minaert and Sarah Nemeth The City Council voted June 8th to authorize the development of a pilot program to reduce trash pickup in the city from twice weekly to once weekly. The action drew on information from a Preliminary Efficiency Study done by TATC Consulting, which showed that
the change could save Hyattsville more than $400,000 yearly. Three public meetings on the program will be held between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30. At those meetings, city staff will present a proposed schedule, estimated savings and other pros and cons of the change. Residents will be able to give input and ask questions, and the proposal states that council will consider and incorporate resident input as appropriate at their final vote on the program Oct. 5. TraSH continued on page 11
$21.2M budget passes by Sarah Nemeth
photo by paul hrusa Hyattsville resident Jason Riggs with his dog Lily PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit # 43 Easton, MD 21601
Trash pickup pilot program initiated City staff will gather data on once weekly garbage collection
cOde continued on page 10
The City Council voted 9-1 Monday night to approve a $21.2 million budget which includes additional staffing for recreation and policy development and an increase to
HERD AROUND HYATTSVILLE
We asked four people what they thought about the proposal to reduce trash pickup from twice weekly to once weekly. Here’s what they said:
Hyattsville Life & Times PO Box 132 Hyattsville, MD 20781
June 2009
" [The proposal] isn’t a good idea, because we’d pay the same for less service." — Linda Reyes
"I’d like to know where that savings to the city goes. If they cut jobs, then no. I’m a labor guy." — Warren Davis
"I like twice a week. It keeps trash from overflowing, especially in the summer, when it reeks." — Eric Lindell
"Once a week is a good idea — as a people we generate too much trash. Reuse and recycle " — Samantha Miskiri
the city’s support of the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department. Councilwoman Paula Perry (Ward 5) dissented and Councilman Anthony Patterson (Ward 3) was absent from the meeting. The budget is $1.2 million more than last year’s $20 million projected budget. In 2007, the projected budget $15.1 million. The fiscal year ends on June 30. A major change to the budget came before the vote, and cut the Office of Community Development budget from $120,000 to $70,000. Council Vice President William Tierney said there are projects within the scope of CD that are not within the consensus of the council. According to city regulations, City Administrator Elaine Murphy must consult the council before making any expenditure beyond $10,000. Tierney, who initially proposed dropping the CD fund to $20,000, said having double BUdGeT continued on page 10
Included: The june 10, 2009 Issue of The Hyattsville Reporter — See Center Section
Page 2
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
FromTheEditor
Two decisions, double standard by Sarah Nemeth
W
ithin seven days of Easter — Christianity’s most charged day — debate lines were twice drawn on the collective social schema of the University of Maryland, College Park. Two hot-button issues on the campus sparked controversy: prayer and porn. What’s new? College is the place where young adults learn how to think for themselves, how to stretch (or squelch) their ideologies, and how to tolerate the opinions of others. And so, good for UMD. It had its turn at the piñata and busted wide open two hidden agendas lining the walls of its social corridors. Agenda 1: Eradicate tradition
a community newspaper chronicling the life and times of Hyattsville Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, Md 20781 Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. Interested reporters should send their e-mail addresses to the editor to be reminded of deadlines and receive internal news. Articles and news submitted may be edited.The deadline is the last week of the month for the following month’s issue. Letters to the editor and opinions are encouraged. For all e-mail correspondence with HL&T: news, features, tips, advertising and business write to hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com. To submit articles, letters to the editor, etc. , e-mail Hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com. For inquiries re advertising rates or to submit ad copy please email to Hyattsvillelife@ Yahoo.com. executive editor Sarah nemeth 240.354.4832 betweensundays@gmail.com Managing editor Paula Minaert Production Ashley Perks Writers & contributors Victoria Hille Cassie Johnson Michael Martucci Hugh Turley Photographers Paul Hrusa Marsha Reynolds Board of directors Christopher Currie Tim Hunt Sarah Nemeth 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 7,500. Hl&T is a member of the national newspaper association.
because it no longer suits everyone College President C.D. Mote Jr. overrode the university senate’s decision to abolish a prayer during graduation ceremonies. The senate said an invocation was not appropriate for a public institution such as UMD. According to the Diamondback, this was the first time that Mote has challenged the senate since assuming his role in 1998. The senate is arguably UMD’s most powerful legislative and advisory body. It recommended cutting the two-minute prayer at graduation in a 32-14 vote. Good for Mote. He stood up for what he thought was right before anyone else made it popular. Agenda 2: Make a moral decision if free money’s at stake. In a second swipe at student wishes, UMD administrators cancelled a scheduled viewing of a pornographic film — to be shown at the student union’s theater — after state Sen. Andrew P. Harris (R-Baltimore County) threatened to block the university's $424 million share of state operating funds. The viewing was to be paid
for by ticket sales and a Planned Parenthood representative was invited to talk about safe sex practices (Clearly, the dichotomy of discussing safe sex before showing an XXX-rated, $10 million porn flick is apparent). Instead, a group of students rescheduled a showing of clips from the film at a lecture hall. The problem with not allowing the viewing of the film is one of Constitutional proportions. Our First Amendment allows us the freedoms of expression and speech, albeit not necessarily obscenity. In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Miller v. California that pornography is not protected under the First Amendment. There are three caveats to this decision, the loosest stating that “the work, taken as a whole, [must] lack serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.” UMD had every right to prohibit the viewing in the theater — Harris deemed it an “abuse of taxpayer dollars” in a Washington Post article — but it only did so after Harris’ threat. So the university isn’t fooling anyone standing behind the senator on his soapbox.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
VFD in need of funds Dear Mayor & Council Members, I write to all of you on behalf of my family and me, to oppose the budgeting of taxpayer funds for the private corporation known as The Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department Inc. As most of you are aware, this is a time of very lean funding sources and a depressed financial marketplace. There is only so much money to go around While the city is proposing to reduce/ limit the employee C.O.L.A.s and step increases during this budget cycle, we cannot in good conscience agree with the city giving taxpayer money to a non-city owned or controlled private corporation, even if that private corporation is the HVFD. We would rather you take that $50,000 and provide a one time, end of the calendar year bonus of $400 for the current city staff members, excluding department heads and contract employees. We propose the following alternative to budgeting taxpayer funds for the private corporation known as the HVFD: 1) The city would post in its newsletter a one-time mention that the city will be collecting private donations from “Hyattsville City Households Only,” on behalf of the HVFD; 2) [Collection will end on] Sept. 30, 2009 and [the city would make a one time] match shall not exceed $30,000; 3) Only donations from private households within the city, and sent directly to and received by the city shall qualify for the match; 4) Any donated monies received before or after the dates specified and/or entities outside of the city and/or from commercial or organized groups shall be turned over to the HVFD; 5) If no donations are received then no match shall be made and no city funds shall be provided to the HVFD. Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, The Marshall Family
AroundTheCity
What's your passion? by Paula Minaert
M
y friend the Rose Queen of Hyattsville (she has more than 100 roses in her yard) was showing me some of them recently. “Here's Madame Louise Odier,” she said, pointing to a pink one. “She’s a Bourbon bred in 1851 in France. And this luminous blend is Chihuli, named after Dale Chihuli the glass-blower. “This bush with auburn blooms is Hot Cocoa. And this white floribunda was developed in Germany in 1958. It’s called Schneewittchen there, or Snow Witch. We call it Iceberg. This shrub here is Memphis — it will be red and white striped when it blooms.” I was introduced to seven or eight more roses, some with
Shakespearean names, some antiques named after the breeders’ wives, mothers or daughters. “How do you remember all their names?” I asked. “I just do. Of course, that might be why I have trouble remembering other things,” she laughed. “When I was a child, my nickname was Amnesia.” She calls it her rose mania. What’s wrong with having a passion for roses? They’re beautiful and they smell wonderful. I can certainly think of many worse things to fill your mind with. The conversation set me wondering about all the different things people pay attention to, the things that fill their minds and move them to action — the things that can turn into passions. Sometimes people’s yards or
cars offer clear signs of their passions. On my walks around town I see one car covered with bumper stickers, proclaiming things like: “Proud to be a Democrat” and “Protect the environment — plant a Bush in Texas.” Then there’s the house with the sign that announces, “We vote prolife.” Another friend of mine is a scrapbooker. She has a whole room filled with paper, ribbons, scissors, stamps, eyelets, brads, embossing ink, and all the tools and supplies that go along with this pastime. She spends hours at it, and creates stunning scrapbooks that her family and friends will treasure for years. It’s not cheap, she says, but it’s cheaper than therapy. She jokes about starting a 12-step program for scrapbook addicts. Its first
step would be: “We admit we are powerless over this addiction” and the second would be: “So what’s the problem?” [Full disclosure: I too suffer from this addiction]. Some people are fortunate enough to find their passion in their jobs. One Hyattsville resident is an adaptive physical education teacher for orthopedically disabled children. “I help them do things they normally can’t do, and they get a feeling of accomplishment. It puts smiles on their faces. They enjoy life more.” He does things like arranging volleyball games for kids in wheelchairs. He lowers the net and gives them balloons to use — which they can spike. Of all the jobs in the world, he says, this is the #1 job he’d take if he could. And he has it. This work is where he feels he can best use his gifts. “God gave me a golden key that I use to unlock doors for other people. And it comes right back to me. It makes me happy.” I like that definition of a passion.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
Page 3
PROFILE Officer’s enthusiasm brings decrease in Hyattsville crime
Get Cozy with Yarn Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11–7, Saturday 11–6, Sunday 1–5
by Anke Bettina Irgang
Closed on Monday
When Andrew Davis, Hyattsville Police Officer of the Year for 2008, talks about his work, his enthusiasm is visible. “To most people, Monday’s the worst day of the week,” he said. “To me, it’s a good day. You wake up, and you’re just excited to go to work.” Davis was born in Silver Spring, and raised in Frederick, where he worked as a mall security guard. “I didn’t know I wanted to be a police officer until I was 18,” he said. Davis remembers repeatedly being approached by a Frederick County deputy sheriff while working at the mall. The officer asked Davis to come on a ride-along and see whether he would like to try out for a career with the police. Finally, Davis agreed. He said it was on this first ridealong that his passion for police work started. “It was just the best thing I’d ever seen anybody do for a living,” he said. A prospective officer is normally allowed two ride-alongs within a year. “I went on five,” Davis said, smiling. The minimum age for a police officer is 21. Therefore, Davis spent the next three years of his life doing research on police work and going on more ride-alongs. Eventually, he enrolled in a selfsponsored police academy. “That way, the department that hired me wouldn’t have to pay to put me through the academy,” Davis said. “I was trying to make myself more competitive.” Davis said he never regrets his career choice, even during frustrating moments. “The worst time as of yet,” according to Davis, came at the scene of a threatened suicide. “It was 38 degrees, pouring rain, and there was no cover,” he said. “I was out there for about an hour, freezing and soaking wet, monitor-
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International Travel Vaccines photo / anke bettina irgang Officer Andrew Davis, Hyattsville's Police Officer of the Year in 2008
“I didn't know I wanted to be a police officer until I was 18.” — Andrew Davis Officer of the Year, 2008
ing the back of a building. I didn’t even know the whole picture.” Davis has been with the Hyattsville police department for less than two years, but already has an exceptional record, according to Lieutenant Mark Roski. Roski said Davis has been instrumental in bringing about a de-
crease of crime in Hyattsville, issuing more citations and making more arrests than other officers in the department. He added that Davis “took it upon himself to provide extra patrols” in areas of the city which had recently seen crimes occur. Davis was nominated as the recipient of the Officer of the Year award by his superior officer, Sgt. Patrick O’Hagan, who called Davis “a very well-rounded officer”. O’Hagan added that Davis takes care to approach any problem he faces in his work by tackling its root causes. “The community ends up better for it,” O’Hagan said.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
TO HELP YOU NOURISH A TRANQUIL LIFE
LifeNotes Let plans unfold gently, slowly by Cassie Johnson Sometime in early April I was enjoying the natural finery of spring while running errands. The day was sun-brilliant and flowers were everywhere. But even with these announcements of warm weather to come, it was chilly — around 60 degrees — and a little windy. However, that hadn’t stopped some folks from shedding coats – even sweaters – to brave the chill in short sleeves. I saw them walking and standing at stop lights, and couldn’t help but notice a few who were obviously uncomfortable without warmer clothing. “Forcing summer,” I thought. Then I thought about how, just like the people forcing PlanS continued on page 9
MissFloribunda Dear Miss Floribunda, Enclosed you will find a sprig from my favorite shrub rose. It is weird looking, with twisted leaves and sprouts whirling out of other sprouts. Last year the same thing happened but it flowered. Nonetheless, I think something is the matter. Could this be a result of it being planted too close to a white hawthorn? I really love both of them and don't want to lose either. What do you think?
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Perplexed Dear Perplexed, I too was perplexed, having never seen anything even remotely like this except a condition called "witch's broom" that sometimes appears on trees. It seemed to require a disease expert, so I took it to my Cousin Moribunda. She took one look, and said: "This is
5219 Baltimore Avenue • Hyattsville, Maryland 20781 Tel: 301-277-3553 • Fax: 301-277-7142 e-mail: HyattsvilleVac@aol.com
serious. This is rose rosette disease, blown in from the West. It's deadly and it's contagious. Tell her to leave the hawthorn alone but dig up the rose bush and burn it. If the city doesn't allow that, she should bag it and throw it in the trash." A rose lover myself, I asked if there wasn’t some way to cut back the diseased part and save the bush, but Moribunda told me not to be sentimental. Next I took it to my friend in the American Rose Society, Citizen Cane, and then to an expert at the National Arboretum, Racine Greenfrond. They agreed with Moribunda, but gave me more information. Rose rosette disease (RRD) is a virus carried by a microscopic and wingless mite (eriophyte). It was introduced into the Western United States by the USDA in the 1930s to control invasive multiflora roses, but because it's wind borne it came east with tornadoes. It was not supposed to affect any other FlOrIBUnda continued on page 9
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
Page 5
Hyattsville House Tour marks 30 years
HYSTORY 2008 The city’s approved budget did not include a hike in the property tax rate, but leaned on a deficit of $160,501 which was to be gleaned from the city’s general fund to balance the bottom line. 2007 University Town Center’s Royale 14 Cinemas, a state-of-the-art 14 screen movie theater, opened. The theater was the first movie theater to call Hyattsville home for over 30 years. 2006 A benefit concert featuring local bands This Band, Butter, and Moonshadow netted over $2,600 for James E. Duckworth School for Special Needs Children in Beltsville. 2005 The Hyattsville Preservation Association opened a new Web site at www. preservehyattsville. org.
photos by paul hrusa 4110 Gallatin St. (left) and its dining room (right). Below: the parlor of 400 Crittenden St. The Historic Hyattsville House Tour that took place May 17 celebrated the 30th anniversary of this popular event. Sponsored by the Hyattsville Preservation Association, this year’s tour featured seven residential properties and the Gallatin St. post office building. Mayor William Gardiner issued a proclamation recognizing the importance of the HPA’s — and the city’s — contribution to the national preservation movement. The tour was held as part of the many celebrations of National Preservation Month across the country, coordinated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “The tour’s grown in size and scope over the years,” said Andra Damron, HPA historian. “People come from all over.” One house on the tour was the Paxton House, built in 1912 and located at 6122 42nd Ave. It is currently owned by Jeff and Marsha Moulton, who undertook major projects such as turning part of their back yard into a water garden and converting what was formerly a garage and suite of offices into an artist’s studio.
2004 “Building and Sustaining Families,” a mural by Curtis G. Woody, installed at the County Service Building on U.S. Route 1 and representing the diversity of Prince George’s County and the mission of the Department of Family Services, was dedicated.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
COMMUNITY CALENDAR □ Vacation Bible School: July 20 –24 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Contact Deacon Reggie Lee at 301.927.5620, Ext. 10 or reggielee@crossoverchurch.tv Local author offers signing at Book Nook
□ Sunday services: 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. & 11 a.m.; Prayer services: every Wed. at noon & 7 p.m.; Catalyst youth fellowship: every Wed. from 7-8:30 p.m. (ages 12-18); Bible study: every Wed. from 7:45-8:30 p.m.
Kim Kash will discuss and sign her new book, Ocean City: A Guide to Maryland's Seaside Resort, from 1-3 p.m. on June 27. Learn what brings vacationers back year after year, including information about area beaches, the Ocean City Boardwalk, area dining, shopping, golfing and water parks.
□"For
Girls Only Network" 2009 Mentoring Empowerment Program (ages nine to 18): Group mentoring, education, fun, support and guidance, interactive discussions. Register your daughter, friend, neighbors today. Contact Pastor Deborah Evans 301.927.5620, Ext. 12 or www.victoriouslivingnow.org/calendar.asp
First United Methodist Church □
Youth Choir rehearses every Sunday after the 11 a.m. church service. All middleand senior high youth are invited.
□ Register for the spring/summer ses- □ HIV/AIDS Ministry meets once a month sion of Community Life Groups. We have a variety of social and interests groups for you to enjoy and connect with others. Visit www. crossoverchurch.tv and click on Community Life Groups to register. Contact Pastor Tonya Williams at 301.927.5620, Ext. 20 or pastortonya@eccsaints.org
□ Men's Conference
and is working on plans to open a monthly test clinic. Also participates in group events. Contact Janet Cochran at 301.927.6133.
□
Vacation Bible School August 10-14. Contact the Christian education ministry team at 301.927.6133, or e-mail church@fumchy.org to help out.
June 19 at 7 p.m.
□ Summer Volunteers Needed calling
& 20 at 8:30 a.m.
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Venue is available for private parties, meetings and birthdays
Family Fun Night…
…is planned for 6:30 p.m. on June 18 at 31st Avenue and Hamilton Street.
Tai Chi classes offered in Chillum Tai Chi is being offered at Rollingcrest Community Center, 6120 Sargent Road, Chillum, beginning in early September. This is for ages 18 and up. Learn this ancient art of exercise for balance, stretching, muscle tone and flexibility. The fee is $40/residents and $48 non-residents. Call 301.853.2005.
Kindergarten registration ongoing at elementary schools
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Tickets for the 2009 Terps home games are now on sale. Visit http://ev9.evenue.net or call 1.800.IM.A.TERP. The football home game schedule is: □ Sept. 12 vs. James Madison □ Sept. 19 vs. Middle Tennessee State □ Sept. 26 vs. Rutgers □ Oct. 30 vs. Clemson □ Oct. 17 vs. Virginia □ Nov. 14 vs. Virginia Tech □ Nov. 28 vs. Boston College
An invasive plant removal is planned for 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. on June 20 at Magruder Park. The day will include information about natural history and features of the park, as well as reasons for controlling the calendar continued on page 7
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2010 school year must be five years old by Sept.1. Parents or court-appointed guardians may register a student. At the time of registration proof of residency and birth verification must be provided for each student. The Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also requires a series of immunizations, a physical examination and lead screening before attending school.
Invasive plant removal
Prince George’s County Public Schools is offering early registration at all elementary schools for kindergarten students for the 2009-2010 school year. Children registering for kindergarten for the 2009-
Adelphi Rd.
□ Food & clothing pantry for county residents Hours: Wed. & Fri. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. By appointment only 301.927.5620 Ext.19
students who need community service hours for graduation! Volunteers are needed in the church office to answer phones, monitor doors and assist staff. Substitutes are needed for both morning (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) and afternoon (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) shifts. Contact Elinore Sharp or Charlotte Kampia at 301.927.6133 or e-mail church@fumchy.org.
America Blvd.
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Entire Dinner Check (Min. $15)
Coupon valid only at Tokyo Sushi and China Buffet. Coupon may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 6/30/2009.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
calendar
continued from page 6
spread of invasive plants. Native flowers and other plants and animals will be identified. There will be a safety orientation with handouts. Gloves and tools will be provided. Contact Mary Parker at 301.927.6216, Colleen Aistis at 301.779.0245 or Mike Breen at 301.807.2519.
Wellness fair includes Tai Chi, nutrition education The University Park Church of the Brethren in collaboration with Doctor's Community Hospital will hold a Wellness Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 20. The fair will provide blood pressure testing, cholesterol and blood glucose screening, information on physical rehabilitation for elders, mental health, nutrition, and demonstrations of yoga, reflexology and Tai Chi. For children there will be a puppet show discussing school bullying, information on Internet safety, games and demonstrations on making healthy snacks. The event will be held at University Park Church of the Brethren parking lot, 4413 Tuckerman Street, University Park, at the corner of Tuckerman and Route 1. The fair will be held inside the church in the event of inclement weather. For more information call 301.864.4328.
Hyattsville groups host ArtSpin 2009: live musical performances and gallery
The Hyattsville Community Arts Alliance and the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, with the University Town Center management and local artists, are hosting ‘ArtSpin,’ a musical and artistic event engaging arts with community roots. ArtSpin 2009 runs until July 17. It will showcase selected works from participating fine artists of the region in an unfinished retail space below the Lofts 22 building at University Town Center. The artists’ works will remain on display during open gallery hours. For more information visit www.hcaaonline.org or www. hycdc.org. Tickets are $5 pre-paid, and $7 at the door and are available at Franklin’s General Store, Joe’s Movement Emporium, and at www.hycdc.org.
Free Jazz on the Portico summer concert series begins Listen to free jazz concerts at Riversdale
House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and a picnic, or purchase a dinner on the grounds courtesy of the Calvert House Inn. Concerts run from 7-8 p.m. and include:
□ August 26: MSG: The Acoustic Blues Trio A stripped-down blues combo that plays songs with meaning, fullness of heart, and sometimes humor. Featuring Riverdale Park’s own Miles Spicer!
□ June 24: Sandra Johnson Quintet Jazz standards by all the greats.
Concerts take place rain or shine. In the event of rain, everything moves inside. For information call 301.864.0420.
□ July 29: Apothecary Instrumentals feature an electric violin with inspiration from folk, jazz, classical jam-rock and Celtic music.
To submit a calendar item, e-mail hyattsvillelifeandtimes@gmail.com or call 240.354.4832.
Hyattsville Farmers Market W O N EN OP Tuesdays 2-6 pm
Visit your local award-winning farmers and bakers MD State Fair Champion - Peach, Apple and Pear
Queens Chapel Town Center, Rear Parking Lot
The Hyattsville Farmer’s Market is sponsored by the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission
Page 8
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
COMMENTARY AND OPINION ON HISTORY & POLITICS
want to write for the Hyattsville Life&Times? The HL&T is looking for a few good writers to report on events in your community. E-mail betweensundays@ gmail.com for more info!
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Hugh’sNews Red, white and pink slip blues by Hugh Turley
W
hile running for president, Barack Obama criticized massive spending on wars abroad during an economic downturn. In February, the New York Times reported that spending on the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and now Pakistan had passed $860 billion. Spending billions on adventures overseas probably did not cause the current financial crisis, but it is certainly not helping, either. Obama’s criticism of military spending turned out to be as forgettable as Elizabeth Alexander’s inaugural poem, “Praise Song for the Day.” We encounter each other in words, words Spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed, Words to consider, reconsider. We cross dirt roads and highways that mark the will of some one and then others, who said I need to see what’s on the other side. Alexander’s audience was noticeably unmoved, unless you count the rapid movement of the people from the mall. Jon Stewart of “The Daily Show,” after noting the record attendance, wondered aloud how the organizers could
possibly get all those people out of there efficiently. Then he cut to a clip of the quickly dispersing crowd as Alexander, professor of English language/literature, African-American literature, and “gender studies” at Yale University, droned away. As the inaugural poem faded from memory, average Americans find themselves relating better these days — perhaps as always — to the lyrics of popular country western music. Hank Williams Jr. sings in the chorus of his current hit: I paid my bills I paid my dues I paid my share of taxes too Now, I can’t buy my baby shoes I got the red, white, and pink slip blues. In the United States home values are falling at a record pace. Nationwide houses are 20 percent cheaper in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same quarter of 2008, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index. In Detroit house prices have fallen by 25 percent. Home foreclosures and unemployment in the country are the highest they have been in decades. Williams weighs in with this verse: I hide the pickup truck in Ricky Brown’s garage
“The human toll is almost beyond measure, but what about the enormous economic toll? Can the American people afford endless wars?” Over on the next block ‘cause there’s repos to dodge I slip out the back door, Lord, I never thought I’d live to see this day We’re gonna need that truck When they come to take the house away. The Washington Post reported, “The Obama administration is preparing to send General Motors into bankruptcy.” A couple of months earlier John Rich had already released the song, “Shuttin’ Detroit Down.” Cause in the real world they’re shuttin’ Detroit down, While the boss man takes his bonus pay and jets on out of town. And D.C.’s bailing out them bankers as the farmers auction ground. Yeah while they’re living it up on Wall Street in that New York City town, Here in the real world they’re shuttin’ Detroit down. Hundreds of billions of dollars have already been spent looking for a bearded man in a cave, and there’s no end in sight. The human toll, of course, is almost beyond measure, but what about the enormous economic toll? Can the American people afford endless wars in the Middle East? It is interesting that the wars began with jingoistic country and western music leading the way. Darryl Worley’s biggest hit in 2003 asked, “Have You Forgotten?” I hear people saying we don’t need this war I say there’s some things worth fighting for What about our freedom and this piece of ground? We didn’t get to keep ‘em by backing down They say we don’t realize the mess we’re getting in Maybe “they” were right.
Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
PLANS
continued from page 4 summer, I’ve tried to force issues in my life. Not a good idea. Acts of impatience never serve us well. They’re driven by impulses, not well-thought-out plans. And the impulse to move forward on our own terms and in our own time has an instinctive feel of wrong-mindedness if we listen to our intuition. A favorite quote in “The Quiet Mind” is: “Flowers do not force their way with great strife. Flowers open to perfection slowly in the sun.” For a culture so steeped in instant everything this idea seems to rarely resonate. But there’s much to be learned in allowing our plans to unfold gently. I’ve seen it as I work toward personal goals. At some points I’ve been further behind than I thought I should be. And to be honest, I’ve come close to hatching ideas that had “uncomfortable fit” written all over them to try to accomplish what I wanted. But in saner moments — remembering previous stumbles thanks to haste — I accept where I am in the scheme of things and
FLORIbUNDA
continued from page 4
rose, but obviously it has – sometimes in epidemic proportions. They confirm that your rose bush will not live more than four more years, though it will flower. The mite carries a vector that, once established, is fatal. The fact that it lingers makes it a menace to every rose bush in your neighborhood, so speedy removal is imperative. Once you dig up the diseased rose bush, carefully removing any pieces of root, you must not plant another rose in its place for two years. Citizen Cane regrets to say there
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Page 9 settle into a refresher course on patience and discipline. It’s during cycles like these that I’ve learned how thoughtful retreats can yield wonderfully creative results and set a different, and better, course toward my objectives. I’ve learned how using the opportunity as an “open to receive” tutorial can allow guidance and inspiration from sources I’d have missed by coercing things to happen. The measured approach encourages us to take advantage of so-called downtime to learn how to spin straw into gold. The process may not be quick or easy, but it beats the unsatisfying toll inherent in thoughtlessly pushing ahead. And why not have a gold standard? Why settle for the lesser outcome inevitable when we’re impatient? Whether it’s forcing summer on a chilly day, purchasing the dream house before solid financial resources are in place, or returning to the treadmill before the doctor’s okay, we’d do well to visualize flowers opening to perfection in the sun and slow our roll. Cassie Johnson is a Reiki master/ teacher. Contact her at cassie_ reikienergy@verizon.net.
is no organic control, and the only miticide that works is Avid. Avid is for prevention only – there is no cure. He urges you to spray all your other roses with Avid. I'm sincerely sorry, but Moribunda is right. I am withholding the name of your street so rose growers won't come looking for you with torches and pitchforks. For more information on plant care, please come to the next meeting of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society at 10 a.m. on June 20 at City Hall, 4310 Gallatin St. Miss Floribunda is the collected wisdom of the Hyattsville Horticultural Society compiled and edited by Victoria Hille.
MODERN ART
photo by paul hrusa Judges deliberate to choose the best piece of dog artwork at Dogs for the Arts held last weekend.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
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code
continued from page 1 cases that year. At that time, the department was down three staffers because of two lengthy absences and one resignation. According to the International City and County Manager Association’s “Center for Performance Management” report, the average number of cases handled by a code inspector is 587. The median number is 380. The ICMA’s report further shows that the average number of code cases per 1,000 residents surveyed was about 48. Using the 2007 data collected from Hyattsville’s code enforcement department – data shows that the population of Hyattsville in 2007 was 16,677 – the average number of cases is about 63 per 1,000 residents. Based on this information and surveying other local municipalities – data shows that one code inspector in the City of College Park yields 500 property management cases alone each year – TATC recommended the
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duced in report form. Hampton said he provided TATC’s Robin Haley with the monthly reports that he gives to council members, but that he should have given Haley a report of the entire year’s statistics. Such a report would have shown case closures instead of the 47 percent pending cases reflected in the monthly reports. There are far more cases closed than pending, Hampton said. Councilman Douglas Dudrow (Ward 1) suggested that inspectors spend time working on things other than writing warnings or violations including court time when a case goes before a judge. Inspectors also spend much time explaining citations and warnings to residents who receive them, said Councilwoman Paula Perry (Ward 4). Also, Inspector Chris Giunta is building a new reporting module to collect more detailed data per TATC suggestions, Hampton said. Details on how Gardiner’s proposal would work have yet to be determined, Hampton said.
A HELPING HAND
continued from page 1
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staff reduction. The reduction of one staff member likely would result in a savings of about $56,340 in salary and fringe benefits, the report states. Hampton said that 2007 and 2008 were unique years for his department because he had many new employees who had to broach a learning curve. In the last five years, the code enforcement department has undergone a total turnover in personnel and 25 percent of current staff has been on board for less than a year, Hampton said. He said the challenge of having such a new staff is diminishing as inspectors are learning the ropes. Hampton also said that inspectors in College Park have more duties than Hyattsville’s inspectors do, and they also often work more days and longer shifts. This past April, there were 245 violation notices written. In March, there were 130. Because of software deficiencies, data showing follow up work on cases was unable to be pro-
that amount immediately on hand would be sufficient. Perry agreed, saying that any item brought before council that was good for the city would get the number of required votes to be passed. Tierney’s initial motion failed, as did a supplemental motion proposed by Council President Marc Tartaro. Perry said she voted against the budget because of what she said were unnecessary line items including funding for the BB&T building on Hamilton Street, for consultants and for a supervisor in the recreation department. “…There’s too much fat in it,” she said after the meeting. To view the whole budget and budget presentations visit www. hyattsville.org.
photo by sarah nemeth Councilman Douglas Dudrow (Ward 1) gets a little help from some friends after his car died during the Hyattsville parade in May.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
trash
continued from page 1 Some residents expressed opposition to the program. “It’s wrong,” said Susan Holland. “People will just leave their garbage cans out. And we’ll have to spend money to change the city logo to ‘Hyattsville: a world within walking distance for rodents.’ The best word I can think of to describe this idea is ‘stupid’.” However, Jim Groves of the city’s environmental group said he supports the program. “We’ll never know if it’ll work if we don’t try it,” he said. “And I’ve called the City of Greenbelt, and they’re not overrun with rats and bad smells.” City staff will collect data from the neighboring cities of Greenbelt, College Park and Takoma Park on the results and “lessons learned” from their adoption of once a week trash pickup. Staff will also identify heavy usage households and areas for use in developing the pilot program. This information will be presented to the council for its Sept. 8 meeting. Staff will also develop a community education component to inform residents. Councilwoman Paula Perry
Page 11 (Ward 5) said most of the residents in her ward are against the shift to once a week. “We have a lot of multifamily houses here now,” she said. “Make sure that when you talk to other cities, talk to ones that have changed recently, not 10 years ago. Once weekly might have worked here back then, but not now.” Council president Marc Tartaro said that the city will save on fuel and operating costs if the trash trucks make fewer trips. The city now collects regular trash twice weekly, first on Monday or Tuesday, and a second pickup is done on Thursday or Friday, depending on where a residence is located. Data compiled early in the efficiency study found that it costs each household in Hyattsville $250 each year for twice weekly trash collection. Under a once weekly pickup plan, households would see a 50 percent decrease to $125 annually. Further, early data shows that the use of a side-loader trash truck – these trucks are fully automated by a driver and therefore require only a one-man crew instead of the multiple person crew used on many rear-loader trucks – could save households an additional $54 a year.
The city’s department of public works now spends $559,700 in labor costs for trash collection. Under the TACT proposal, brought forth by consultant Robin Haley, labor costs could be reduced by 50 percent to $279,870 and an additional 63 percent to $104,460 with the use of a side-loader. The council has previously discussed using a once weekly trash pickup model, but has not used it largely due to resident opposition. Haley said that there is room on the trash trucks for more garbage to be collected. There are about 413 stops per truck each day in the city, which is 45 percent fewer than the 750 stops that are generally seen in areas like Hyattsville, he said. Each truck holds 25 cubic yards, or 12.5 tons of garbage. However, each vehicle is only
collecting about 5.9 tons per day now, Haley said. The council also voted to move $60,000 from Community De-
velopment to the Department of Public Works (sanitation) so funds are available to return to twice weekly pickup.
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Hyattsville Life & Times | June 2009
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