april 2016 hyattsville life & times

April 2016Hyattsville’s Community NewspaperVol. 13 No. 4

Life&Times

April 2016Hyattsville’s Community NewspaperVol. 13 No. 4

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CENTER SECTION: APRIL 13, 2016 ISSUE OF THE HYATTSVILLE REPORTER — IN ESPANOL TOO!

Special election guide: meet the Ward 5 candidates. Page X.

LIBRARY RENOVATIONSInnovations in learning amid plans for rebuild. P. 6

DANCE SHOWCASELocal students show off their talents. P. 8

BIRD KITCHENWhat do the Marines, a Moroccan prince and Mount Rainier have in common? P. 11

By Rebecca Bennett

At a March 10 Prince George’s County budget listening session, Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) said millions were in the capital improvement program for major renovations to two local schools. � e county also plans to build three new public schools that will pull students from two schools in the City of Hya� sville.

According to the proposed FY 2017 county budget, $32.6 million is marked for a FY 2018 to 2021 renovation of Hya� sville Elemen-tary School (HES). According to a presentation by the county coun-cilmember, in FY 2015, the school underwent � oor construction, and in FY 2016, it was scheduled to receive fan coil units and grease traps. In FY 2017, HES is sched-uled for � re alarm replacement, the presentation said.

An $84.6 million renovation is proposed for Hya� sville Middle School (HMS) in FY 2021 to 2024. � e county councilmember’s pre-sentation said that in FY 2015, renovations included grease traps, a stage and locker rooms. FY 2017 budgeted renovations included � re alarms, a dance � oor, lockers, struc-tural foundation, and stage lighting.

County budgets major school renovations,new schools

BUDGET continued on page 10

It's � nally here! New 24-hour Safeway boast many amenities

By Maria D. James

On April 9, the City of Hya� s-ville and Prince George’s County o� cially welcomed the newest Safeway store, located at 3702 East West Highway, to the region with a ribbon cu� ing ceremony.

Safeway Eastern Division Presi-dent Steve Burnham announced that the so� opening of the store on April 6 was so successful that the store had to activate another checkout register.

“One resounding message has been: welcome back,” said Burnham.

According to a Safeway press re-lease, amenities at the new 24-hour store include a Starbucks Co� ee bar, freshly cut in-store fruit and vegetables in the produce depart-ment, bulk foods and full-service pharmacy, deli, meat and seafood departments. Speciality meal ser-vices include butchers to provide custom cuts of meat, a bakery of-fering custom cake designs and french bread that is baked fresh

By Rosanna Landis Weaver

As election season builds up next fall, po-litical aspirants across the country will say, “When I go to Washington … ” Like the geographic distance, the temporal distance is less in the Maryland 4th congressional dis-trict, which includes portions of Hya� sville. In an overwhelming Democratic district, it is widely presumed that the winner of the April 26 Democratic Party primary will win in the general election in November.

On � ursday, April 7, in an event co-orga-nized by the the Hya� sville Life & Times, Hy-a� sville City Councilmember Joseph Solo-

mon (Ward 5), and Candace Rojo Keyes, the assistant editor of the Prince George’s Senti-nel, � ve of six candidates faced o� in a lively discussion of the issues.

Maryland State Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk (District 21) was unable to a� end.

� eir opening statements framed much of the discussion that followed, with broad agreement on goals and disagreements for the most part more on style than substance.

Prince George’s County Prosecutor Glenn F. Ivey set the tone with a biography that in-cluded references to his childhood in North Carolina and the Civil Rights movement. He described his entrance into public service as

motivated by the desire “to make a di� erence in other people’s lives the same way other people had done for mine.” When he ran for state’s a� orney’s o� ce in Prince George’s County, he made promises to reduce crime, to move away from over-incarceration with intervention and prevention programs, and to hold o� cers accountable who crossed the line, all of which he felt he achieved.

“� e promises I kept there should give you some comfort that I’ll keep the promises I make if you send me to Congress,” promises to � ght on behalf of the citizens of the district

Hya� sville hosts Congressional Democratic Debate

SAFEWAY continued on page 17

DEBATE continued on page 16

REBECCA BENNETTOn April 9, executives from Safeway joined local officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Gate-way at UTC grocery store, including (pictured here) Hyattsville City Mayor Candace Hollingsworth, Council-member Tom Wright (Ward 3), Prince Georgeʼs County Executive Rushern Baker, III, County Councilmember Dannielle Glaros (District 3).

Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2016

A community newspaper chronicling the

life and times of Hyattsville

Mailing address: PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

http://HyattsvilleLife.com

http://facebook.com/HyattsvilleLife

http://twitter.com/HvilleTimes

Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly by Hyattsville Community Newspaper, Inc., a 501c(3) nonpro� t corporation. Editors welcome reader

input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted using the mailing ad-dress above or the email addresses

below.

Editor and Web ManagerRebecca Bennett

[email protected]

Managing EditorMaria D. James

[email protected]

EditorMark Goodson

ProductionAshley Perks

Copy EditorSean Bennett

[email protected]

301.531.5234Writers & 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 - SecretaryPeggy Dee, Karen J. Riley, Rosanna Landis Weaver,

Gretchen Brodtman, Debra Franklin, T. Carter RossRebecca Bennett - Ex O� cio

Circulation: Copies are distrib-uted 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.

FromTheEditor

By Maria D. James

On March 28, my family and I had to make a tough decision. Our family dog, Sam, became ill and he no longer wanted to eat or drink. He was sleeping more and walking very slowly. � e truth was right in front of our eyes; Sam was ge� ing older, but I didn’t want to accept the reality of a world without him.

A visit to his vet confirmed our suspicions that he was dy-

ing. In 1999, I convinced my mother to purchase Sam from a local pet store. He was just a puppy then — full of life and energy, but fast forward to 2016 and it was a differ-ent story. My best friend was ill and he needed us to love him enough to put his quality of life over our desires to have him here in our lives. That day we made the decision to say good-bye. Watching Sam take his last breath was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make in my life. In the days following his death I started reflecting on his 16 years of life and asking myself whether I’d done all I could to provide him with a good life.

Recently, while I was shop-ping in the local Target I overheard a family discussing whether or not the children deserved to get a dog. Their conversation reminded me of all the things I wish that I knew when I was adopting a dog, such as the cost and time required for their care.

According to American Soci-ety for the Prevention of Cru-elty to Animals (ASPCA), the first year costs of having a dog or cat can range from $1,000 to $1,200. This estimate includes one-time expenses such as the cost to have the pet spayed or neutered. Other expenses to consider are regular visits to the vet and pet sitters or boarding if you plan to go away overnight. Then, depending on where you live, you may be required to pay a pet deposit plus a monthly fee. Sometimes finding affordable rental prop-erties that allow pets can be a challenge.

I will admit when we made the decision to purchase Sam we did so purely out of emo-

tion; he is this adorable little Carin Terrier puppy who was a blonde version of Toto from the Wizard of Oz. He looked into my eyes and grabbed at my heart strings. Over the past 16 years, our family has endured many challenges. There were times when we had to ask ex-tended members of our family to keep Sam while we relocat-ed or secured new housing. We were fortunate that no matter what happened we never had to give Sam away.

I realize that not everyone can say the same. Sadly, ac-cording to the ASPCA, each year approximately 7.6 million

animals enter animal shelters nationwide — nearly 2.7 mil-lion are euthanized each year.

Pet shelters such as the SPCA realize that giving up a pet is a difficult decision. Doing so can be the result of one or a combination of issues, such as economic difficulties, chal-lenges with a pet’s behavior or housing concerns.

Regardless of the reason, dealing with homeless pets is a growing issue many commu-nities are facing nationwide. Adopting any pet into your household is a big responsibili-ty, but it is also very rewarding. Having Sam in my life helped

me experienced love in a new and exciting way. However, I learned that love doesn’t just mean ensuring that he lived. It also meant helping him transi-tion out of pain in a peaceful and respectable way. I can tru-ly say that I did my best to en-sure that Sam lived a great life. We all miss him terribly. In his memory I have decided to be-come more involved in helping to end animal homelessness.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how we can work together to tackle the challeng-es that lead to animal homeless-ness in Hyattsville. Contact me at [email protected].

Caring for a pet requires more than just love

March 17, 2016

I was interested in the piece “Residents complain of spotty mail delivery” (April 2016). Where I live, we’ve been lucky to have terrific mail service for the last several months.

Keith Brown is a warm, friendly young man, who even has a greeting for the pets when he sees them. I feel super-lucky to have him because we know all too well —

from the period between Tommy Clark's retirement and Keith Brown's arrival — about spotty mail delivery, and how frus-trating it is trying to reach, and get a re-sponse from postal supervisors when there is a problem.

I'm motivated to write to HL&T because now that we've got a good, reliable, and pleas-ant carrier, I hope the wider community will help ensure that the good carriers know they are appreciated and valued. From post-retire-

ment chats with Tommy, we know carriers are overburdened and underpaid.

As far as I know, there is no Mail Carrier Appreciation Day. So we might as well let the good ones know how much they’re appreci-ated every chance we get!

Sincerely,Robert RiddleMadison StreetHya� sville, Md.

MARIA D. JAMESMaria and her Carin Terrier, Sam. Sam passed away on March 29, 2016 at the age of 16 years old.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR


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By Susan Hines

From April 8 until Oct. 23, 2016, Riversdale House Museum will feature a new exhibit entitled Some of the finest paintings ever in America. The house museum is celebrating the 200th anniver-sary of an 1816 display of Old Master paintings at Riversdale. During that long ago spring, for a week or so, American artists and prominent citizens from up and down the east coast visited the house to see a collection of approximately 60 paintings, including works by Peter Paul Ruebens, Anthony van Dyck, and Jan Brueghel.

The story of how this remark-able collection came to the na-scent United States and was stored in the newly built home of Rosalie Stier Calvert and her husband George Calvert is inter-esting in and of itself. In 1794, Henri Stier, a Flemish aristo-crat fleeing French Republican troops, carefully packed this art collection for shipment to America. His family also made the dangerous trip across the Atlantic. Paintings and people landed safely in Philadelphia. Stier settled in Prince George’s County, and began building Riv-ersdale on 800 acres of rich farm-land on the Northeast branch of the Anacostia River.

The Stier family was welcomed into the upper echelons of Maryland society where Hen-ri’s daughter, Rosalie, met and married Calvert, grandson of Charles Calvert, Lord Baltimore. Just a few years after their 1799 marriage, political conditions in Europe improved. Stier and his wife returned to their homeland in 1803. Rosalie and George Calvert remained at Riversdale, overseeing completion of the house and safeguarding the col-lection of still-crated paintings. Only twelve small paintings hung at Riversdale, the rest re-mained in storage at the man-sion. In 1816, Stier wrote his daughter instructing her to re-turn the collection to Antwerp.

Several American artists had been allowed to view the paint-ings, including Rembrandt Peale, who painted Henri Stier’s likeness in 1799, and Gilbert Stuart, who created Rosalie’s own portrait in 1804. Urged to exhibit the collection before it left America, Rosalie reluc-tantly agreed. For brief time in April 1816, guests visited the collection. The impact of the exhibition on the lucky few who managed to get to Riversdale is difficult to imagine. Today, we are constantly bombarded by images. In 1816, even the very wealthy would seldom have ex-

perienced such a heady concen-tration of fine portraits and land-scapes.

Historian Susan Pearl has made identifying the paintings once stored at Riversdale a personal and professional quest. For the past twenty-five years, she has combed letters, diaries, invento-ries, and sale catalogs, and has consulted with museum cura-tors, to identify and locate these paintings. She has been guided by Arthur K. Wheelock, Jr., Curator of Northern Baroque Painting at the National Gallery of Art. During a recent talk at the Hyattsville Branch Library, Pearl recalled her surprise and delight at the eminent curator’s willingness to help her, then a Maryland-National Park and Planning Commission historian, expand knowledge about this lit-tle known collection and its brief sojourn in Maryland.

"This painting collection is one of several things that make the history of Riversdale unique,”

Pearl says. “The study of this col-lection has, for me, been the ideal dream research project - working with wonderful and always excit-ing original sources, and travel-ing to see in person these glori-ous masterpieces - and there is always more to discover, so the fascination never ends."

Pearl and Wheelock are confi-dent that the paintings selected for this exhibit, Some of the finest paintings ever in America, were among those displayed in 1816. The special event at Riversdale draws from Pearl’s research and will reintroduce the Old Masters to visitors through digital tech-nology.

High-quality reproductions of 16 paintings have been purchased from the museums that currently house the works, many of which are acknowledged masterpieces. The exhibit can be viewed during open hours on Fridays and Sun-days, April 8 - October 23, 2016, 12:15-3:15 p.m. and by appoint-ment for groups of 10 or more.

Some of the “finest paintings” in America on display

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN PEARLResearch suggests Jan “Velvet” Brueghel’s "The Entry of the Animals into Noah’s Ark" (1613) was one of the Old Master paintings exhibited at Riversdale in 1816.

This painting collection is one of several things that make the history of Riversdale unique."

— Susan PearlHistorian


MissFloribundaDear Miss Floribunda,

Displacement of animal life due to nearby construction on Baltimore Ave. has caused my yard to become "home on the range," where deer,if not antelope, have invaded. Christ-mas morning I noticed curved hollows on an area sloping to the street. At � rst I thought an army of squirrels had come for bulbs but then I realized that my plumbago was missing. My li� le boy gave me the clue when he suggested that because we'd forgo� en to put out milk and cookies for Santa the reindeer had been allowed to get a snack. I recalled having seen deer running nearby.

Now I need a ground cover to replace the plumbago, which had lovely blue � owers for quite a long time in summer. My da� odils are untouched but neighbors predict my upcoming tulips will a� ract deer like a salad bar. How can I protect them? Is it possible? Can you provide tips that will help me choose a� ractive plants that would possibly repel deer? I don't want to su� er this kind of loss again.

Deer-ranged on Nicholson Street

Dear Deer-ranged,

� ere are certain kinds of plants that deer generally avoid, but if they are hungry enough all bets are o� . Unfortunately, the loss of their habitats has created a sig-ni� cant problem for them, and for us. Normally, deer will avoid plants whose taste and/or tex-ture displeases them. � ey avoid poisonous plants like da� odils, foxgloves and lilies-of-the valley; are repelled by the odor of spider lilies, mints, rosemary and other herbs; and avoid prickly and even fuzzy plants. which would include hollies and conifers as well as lamb's ear and dusty mill-er. An exception to the prickly rule is the rose, whose extreme allure cancels out the threat of thorns.

Your tulips are not poisonous and deer do � nd them delicious, so you may wish to buy a deer-repellent product or place net-ting over them. If you have hos-tas that died back before the deer arrived, preemptively anchor ne� ing over their beds. If you have any azaleas protect them also with wire enclosures. My

old uncle Barcus always saves the fur he combs from his dogs and places it around his azaleas. He claims to have had luck also with shavings of tallow-based soaps. It wouldn't hurt to try these home remedies.

Among ground covers, the

deer-resistant periwinkle (Vin-ca minor) has � owers that can be as blue as plumbago blooms. Vinca can also tolerate shade, but the blooming season is in spring with only sporadic bloom a� er April. Creeping blue ju-niper would be a� ractive and

both its fragrance and the rough foliage repel the deer. Bugle-weed (Ajuga reptans) blooms in blue, purple, pink and white, and its minty taste is unpalat-able to deer. It spreads widely and quickly, so be sure you like it very much. Sun-loving ground covers that deer disdain include most sedums and ice plants. � ere are many varieties of se-dums in an array of colors. � e ice plants I've seen for sale have daisy-like blooms of knock-your-eye out pink, yellow and orange and they also spread, so be sure you � nd their color exciting rather than unnerv-ing. Or search online for white and pastel varieties. All plants mentioned here are low mainte-nance and perennial.

To learn more � om experienced gardeners, please come to the next meeting of the Hya� sville Horticul-tural Society on Saturday, April 16, � om 10 a.m. to noon. Our hosts will be Joe Buriel and Dave Roeder at 3909 Longfellow Street. Best of all, there will be a plant exchange and you may be able to pick up some-thing lovely to replace your losses.

Netting or deer repellent products can make delicious plants less appealing.


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By Rebecca BennettAt the March 10 Prince George’s County budget listening session, Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) said a milestone in the FY 2017 budget is $32.7 mil-lion for construction of the new Hyattsville Branch Library, which is financed through a bond.

More details about the long-awaited Hyattsville library re-construction were announced at the March 12 Prince George’s County Friends of the Library meeting, including an updated timeline estimate, a temporary library location and details about the new children's space. This as patrons can already see the li-brary system innovating its ap-proach to childhood learning.

The Prince George’s Coun-ty Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is currently in the construction document phase and plans to submit for permits at the end of summer 2016, according to Chief Operating

Officer for Support Services Michael Gannon. The tentative closure date is currently set for late winter 2016 with construc-tion potentially beginning in the spring of 2017, said Area Manager Cathy Hollerbach. According to library officials, there are many variables in-volved and the estimated clo-sure date could change if the construction process moves faster or slower.

A temporary location for the Hy-attsville branch will be nearby in a space at University Town Center. According to Gannon, the county leased a space across from Bon-chon on the ground floor facing the splash fountain. In July 2014, library officials speculated the temporary location could have been complicated by a possible large overlap with the New Car-rollton renovation and could have been placed somewhere between the two branches. The New Car-rollton branch is now expected

to reopen at the end of summer 2017, Gannon said.

Gannon told library friends that the goal is to have no single-use spaces in the library. He said sto-ry areas are becoming children’s interactive areas. “We only have story time two times a day, so that space gets wasted,” he said, adding that they are also com-bining bookstores with vending machines and cafe areas.

Many libraries are being fitted with play areas that PGCMLS wants to promote as destinations. The overall theme is “Discovery,” with the Hyattsville branch theme being “Discovery Village,” which will be based on children’s literature, Gannon said. Features will include a castle wall, a yellow brick road, little houses that children can read

in with sticks and brick and hay from the Three Little Pigs, a knight in shining armor, and a dragon.

According to Gannon, “Dis-covery Town,” the children’s area which will open after the Bowie library renovation, will include a number of exhibits PGCMLS has inherited from the National Children's Museum (NCM). NCM was located at National Harbor until it closed indefinite-ly to find a new space.

PGCMLS said it has already opened “Ready to Read” cen-ters at 10 area libraries, includ-ing the Hyattsville branch. According to a press release, “Ready to Read centers encour-age young children to talk, sing, read, draw/write and play.” Re-cent visitors of the Hyattsville branch may have noticed a play kitchen and other hands-on re-sources in the children’s section.

Earlier this year, the Hyattsville branch changed its storytimes to “Ready 2 Read” storytimes.

Patrons can check out Ready 2 Read backpacks for up to three weeks, which include an assortment of books and activities on a theme. The Hyattsville branch also has an Advanced Workstations in Education (AWE) Literacy Station for some time, which is a touch screen learning station toddlers and preschoolers can use for interactive learning.

According to PGCMLS, The Prince George’s County Coun-cil passed a proclamation com-mending the library system’s contribution to the community in honor of National Library Week (April 10 to 16). For a complete list of National Library Week activities, visit www.pgc-mls.info/website/1042.

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By Gabriela Martínez

High school and middle school stu-dents from Prince George’s County showed o� their dance skills dur-ing the Prince George’s County Schools 19th Annual Dance Show-case on Saturday, March 19. With the help of their dance instructors, the students created elaborate cho-reographies, some of which took months to prepare.

� is year, the showcase was held at Northwestern High School and featured performances by nearly 200 students, representing schools from across the county.

� e Prince George’s County Public Schools High School Hon-ors Dance Ensemble — which includes students from Oxon Hill High School, Suitland High School, and Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School — were selected by their dance teachers based on their experience and level of exper-tise. A� er performing to the song “Dances with Wood”, by Mickey Hart and Zakir Hussain, members of the ensemble received medals for their accomplishments.

Eighth grade dance majors from Hya� sville Middle School per-formed a ballet piece entitled “De-gas,” in which the students had the opportunity to recreate the artistic process of painting through dance. � e dancers — Nailah Barnes, Sim-one Benjamin, Cassandra Figueroa, Noe Gomez-Cruz, Emperess Johnson, Kevin McDougald, Kath-erina Miranda, Amelia Parchment, Courtney Richardson, Bianny Ro-driguez, and Bryan Huerta-Morales — represented various paintings by the French impressionist mas-ter Edgar Degas: “� e Rehearsal,” “� e Statue,” “Girl with Shoe,” and “Dancers in Class.”

Included as research for their dance project, the students re-viewed all of Degas’ other paintings, in addition to the four artworks they represented through dance.

“Degas painted so many bal-lerinas, that you have bring his paintings to life somehow,” said Anneliese Parisi, dance instruc-tor at Hya� sville Middle School.

� e Degas dance piece was a collaborative between the visual arts, dance, and TV production

students from Hya� sville Middle School. � e visual art students researched impressionist artists and painted their own work while dance majors served as models.

Dance showcase brings books and paintings to life

TV production students � lmed a video that featured the dance ma-jor’s choreography, Parisi said.

� e dance students from Northwestern High School per-formed a dance piece entitled “� e Strange and Peculiar Chil-dren” to Maroon 5’s version of the Willy Wonka classic “Pure Imagination.” � e choreography for the piece was based on “Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children” — a novel that dance instructor, Nicole Cho, selected for class. Performing students were Victorina Baptiste, Ray-onna Dixon, Joshua Gray, Jenora Singh and Savanna Williams.

“Our theme this year for our concert was books alive and so we chose a book to choreograph our dances from. I chose “Miss Per-egrine’s Home for Peculiar Chil-dren. � ere was a very interesting scene where these soul-sucking monsters come out and a� ack the two characters,” Cho said.

� e two lead dancers in the per-formance were Northwestern sophomores, Jenora Singh and

Joshua Gray. In the dance, Gray played a character who has secret powers he does not know about. Singh plays the character of a girl who manipulates � re, water and air.

Baptiste, one of the younger per-formers in the piece, enjoyed play-ing the role of one of the monsters.

“I liked how I am always so happy, but I could be dark in this piece,” Baptiste said.

Singh originally saw herself go-ing to to law school a� er college. Her experiences participating in Northwestern High School’s dance program, however, pre-sented a new opportunity.

“I just like the fact that I actually get the opportunity to dance every day. And although my body gets really, really tired, I just have to remember that people don’t get this opportu-nity,” Singh said. “Being here just drives me. It makes me realize that dance is a career. It can be a career if you want it to be, and that’s what I love to do. If I apply myself, I can make a living and be happy.”

Temisha Kinard, who works as the supervisor for all dance pro-grams at Prince George’s public schools and coordinates the show-case every year, remembers when she participated in the showcase as a senior at Suitland High School in 1998. In the beginning, the show-case had a multicultural focus, but now is open to all themes.

“Students can use the vehicle of dance to express themselves when they don’t know how to. It’s im-portant for students to have that mind-body connection,” Kinard said. “� ere’s so much more to learning about dance than the ac-tual movement onstage. � ere’s a history behind it, there’s geog-raphy behind it, you’re learning a foreign language when you learn ballet, you’re learning about anat-omy, you’re learning how to care of your internal body as well as your external body as a dancer.”

To view a photo slideshow, visit www.Hya� svilleLife.com.

GABRIELA MARTINEZHigh school and middle school students from Prince Georgeʼs County showed off their dance skills during the Prince Georgeʼs County Schools 19th Annual Dance Showcase


By Andrew Marder

Local resident and former Hyattsville Life & Times editor Rosanna Weaver recently published her first book, Weav-ing a Family: Genetics, Identity, and Adoption. The mother of three adopted children, Weaver worked on the book for over three years before it was released.

The book centers on the topic of nature versus nurture. As her children grew, Weaver began to notice differences between the three. Like many parents of multiple chil-dren, Weaver was initially lulled into the belief that after the first child, things would begin to repeat themselves.

"As with a lot of parents, I think you have the first and think, 'this is what kids are like,'" she said. "Then you have the second and they're completely different."

Not only were they different from each other, they were also different from their parents.

"My oldest is very, very musical," Weaver says. "She could sing 'Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,' from Oklahoma when she was little. That was something innate in her. We helped by exposing her to arts and giving her lessons, but if some-one had done the same for me, I would still be a bad singer."

Curious about the nature of their differences, Weaver and her husband Don began looking into the role that ge-netics plays in a child’s development.

For Weaver, genetics had always been a hobby; it has been her husband's profession for years. Don is a molecular bi-ologist, working for the National Institute of Health. When they first met, Weaver — an English major — read genetics books and wrote up book reports to give Don as presents.

In 2012, Weaver left her high stress job to focus on the transitions happening at home. Her oldest was about to go into high school, her youngest was moving into kin-

dergarten, and the middle child was off to middle school.Not long after, she met with Nell Minow, a corporate gover-

nance expert and publisher. Over coffee, Weaver mentioned her interest in working on a book about adoption and genetics.

"That sounds like a great book," Minow told her. "If you write it, I'll publish it."

With that encouragement, Weaver researched and began writing Weav-ing a Family over the next three years.

"I love doing the reading and the re-search," Weaver says. "It was hard to stop that part and to move on to the writing."

When she finally did finish the book, she found herself taking a mixed view of nature and nurture.

"Everyone will tell you it's not nature versus nurture — it's nature and nur-ture or it's nature via nurture," she says. "As a society, we're learning more and more about genetics and we're going to be wrestling with some difficult ques-tions. Adoptive parents and children might be on some of the front lines of that thinking."

Weaver sees it as an evolving issue that only gets more complicated as DNA testing gets easier and cheaper.

Setting nature aside, Weaver still sees a clear role for nur-ture in adopted children's lives.

"Every parent's task is helping a child understand their strengths and mitigate their weaknesses," she says. "I think that a lot of our values — like kindness and inclu-

siveness — are getting picked up by the kids."The book takes all these points into account, with the

goal of helping parents — both adoptive and non-adoptive — better understand the roles nature and nurture play in their chil-dren's lives.

So far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Favor-able reviews on Amazon and personal messages have shown Weaver the impact the book is having on readers.

"One of the nice surprises has been that even people without adopted children have found it an interesting or useful book to read," she says.

Asked if she has plans to expand the book or publish again, Weaver says, "I would love to do more on the topic. I'm also thinking about ex-panding into a print version,

but I want to see if the kids are comfortable with the idea. They might also be able to contribute to that."

For now, the whole family is simply happy to have the first hurdle cleared. With her oldest child graduating from high school this year and a planned trip to Korea this summer, there's enough going on without another book in the works.

Weaving a Family is currently available in the Kindle format

Weaving a family through adoption

City Anniversary Celebration!The City turns 130 years old this year, and we’re celebrating with a parade, concert, teen dance, fire-works and carnival! Carnival: Thursday, April 14, 4-9 p.m., Fri-

day, 5-10 p.m., Saturday, noon-10 p.m., Sun-day, noon-5 p.m. - Magruder ParkTeen Dance: Friday, April 15, 8-10 p.m. -

Magruder ParkParade: Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m. - Hyattsville

Middle School to Magruder ParkConcert: Black Masala - Saturday, April

16, 6:30 p.m. - Magruder ParkFireworks: Saturday, April 16, dusk - Magruder Park

To participate in the pa-rade, volunteer at the event, or for more infor-

mation or questions, please visit http://www.hyatts-ville.org/144/City-Anni-

versary-Parade-Carnival or contact Cheri Everhart at 301-985-5021 or [email protected].

Movin’ With the MayorTo encourage health, and have some fun, Mayor Candace Hollingsworth is partnering with local businesses to offer free wellness classes and activi-ties to City of Hyattsville residents. Ageless Grace is the City’s seated exercise program for seniors and

people with disabilities. It helps the mind and body and is set to energetic music. Participants should meet at the 2nd floor Prangley Room of the munici-pal building at 4310 Gallatin Street at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. For more information, please contact Ellarose Preston at 301-985-5006 or [email protected].

Tax-Rate HearingA public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate will be held at 7:00 p.m., on April 27, 2016, in the Council Chambers on the 3rd floor of the City Municipal Building located at 4310 Gallatin Street. The City is proposing to maintain the current tax rate of $0.63 per $100 of assessed property value.

Hiring Police OfficersInterested in becoming a Hyattsville Police Officer? The Hyattsville Police Department is currently re-cruiting experienced officers and others interested in starting a career in law enforcement. The City offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits. For more information please visit www.hyattsville.org/jobs.

Free Legal Consultation for SeniorsHyattsville seniors are invited to meet with a lawyer to discuss advance directives and health care power of attorney on May 2. The service is being provided by a partnership between Hy-attsville Aging in Place, the Maryland State

Bar, Prince George’s County and the City of Hyattsville. Free, individual, half-hour appoint-ments will be available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on May 2 at 4310 Gallatin Street. Reserva-tions are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, please call the City of Hyattsville at 301-985-5000.

Green Expo – SAVE THE DATE!On September 17, the City will share information and best practices for environmental sustainabil-ity. Stay tuned for more details on this FREE fam-ily event!

Hyattsville ReportertheNo. 332 • April 13, 2016 www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Page HR1 Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2016 Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2016 Page HR2

Creative Minds Parent-Child ProgramTuesdays and Thursdays, 10 AM – 12 PMMagruder Park Recreation Center, 3911 Hamilton Street, More information: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

Ageless Grace Senior Exercise ClassesWednesdays and Fridays, 10 AM – 11 AMHyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Galla-tin Street, More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

City Council Budget Work SessionWednesday, April 13, 8 PM, Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

City Anniversary Celebration at Magruder Park!Carnival – Thursday, April 14, 4-9 PM, Fri-day, 5-10 PM, Saturday, 12-10 PM., Sun-day, 12-5 PM; Teen Dance – Friday, April 15, 8-PM; Parade – Saturday, April 16, 11 AM; Concert – Black Masala – Saturday, April 16, 6:30 PM; Fireworks – Saturday, April 16, dusk. More information: Cheri Everhart at 301-985-5021, [email protected]

City Council Meeting Monday, April 18, 8 PM. Hyattsville Mu-nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street

More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Hyattsville Planning CommitteeTuesday, April 19, 7:30 PM, Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, [email protected]

Code Compliance Advisory MeetingWednesday, April 20, 7 PM, Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, [email protected]

Call-A-Bus Trip to Safeway & AldiThursday, April 21, 1 PM. Pick up and drop off at your home. Reservations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Teen Advisory CommitteeThursday, April 21, 5 PM. Prince George’s Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Road. More information: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

Community Yard SaleFriday, Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24City Wide.More information: Kiomara Ri-vera, 301-985-5000, [email protected]

Movin’ With the Mayor – Ageless Grace Seated Exercise ClassSaturday, April 23, 1 PM. Hyattsville Mu-nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, [email protected]

Call-A-Bus Trip to GiantThursday, April 25, 1 PM. Pick up and drop off at your home. Reservations: 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Residential Parking Zone Committee MeetingTuesday, April 26, 7PM. Hyattsville Mu-nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Tax-Rate HearingWednesday, April 27, 7 PM.Hyattsville Mu-nicipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected] Council Meeting: FY17 BudgetWednesday, April 27, 8 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Education Advisory CommitteeThursday, April 28, 6:30 PM. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street

More information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Free Movie Monday for SeniorsMonday, May 2, 9 AM. Call-A-Bus will transport. Reservations required at 301-985-5020. More information: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Free Legal Consultation for SeniorsMonday, May 2, Between 10 AM and 2 PMHyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. Reservations and more information call the City of Hyattsville: 301-985-5000.

City Council MeetingMonday, May 2, 8 PM. Hyattsville Munici-pal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Board of Supervisors of Elections MeetingTuesday, May 3, 4 PM. Hyattsville Munici-pal Building, 4310 Gallatin StreetMore information: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Teen Advisory CommitteeThursday, May 5, 5 PM. Prince George’s Plaza Community Center, 6600 Adelphi Road. More information: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

Mentes Creativas – Programa de padres e hijosMartes y Jueves, 10 AM – 12 PM, Centro de Recreación del Parque Magruder, 3911 Hamilton Street. Más información: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

Gracia Eterna - Clases de ejercicios Miércoles y Viernes, 10 AM – 11 AM. Edifi-cio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected] Reunión de trabajo del Concejo Municipal sobre el PresupuestoMiércoles, 13 de Abril, 8 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Celebración del Aniversario de la Ciu-dad en Parque Magruder!Carnaval – Jueves, 14 de Abril, 4-9PM; Vi-ernes, 5-10 PM, Sabado, 12-10 PM, Domin-go, 12-5 PM; Baile de Jovenes – Viernes, 15 de Abril, 8-10 PM; Desfile – Sábado, 16 de Abril, 11 AM; Concierto – Black Masala – Sábado, 16 de Abril, 6:30 PM; Fuegos Ar-tificiales – Sábado, 16 de Abril, atardecer; Más información: Cheri Everhart, 301-985-5021, [email protected]

Reunión del Concejo MunicipalLunes, 18 de Abril, 8 PM. Sesión cerrada a las 7 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Viaje con el Llama-Un-Bus a Shoppers y Price RiteMartes, 19 de Abril, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Reunión del Comité de PlaneaciónMartes, 19 de Abril, 7:30 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Jim Chandler, 301-985-5013, [email protected]

Reunión de Comité de Cumplimiento de CódigosMiércoles, 19 de Abril, 7 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Chris Giunta, 301-985-5017, [email protected]

Viaje con el Llama-Un-Bus a Safeway y AldiJueves, 21 de Abril, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Comité Asesor de AdolescentesJueves, 21 de Abril, 5 PM. Centro de Comunidad de Prince George’s Plaza, 6600 Adelphi Road. Más información: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

Venta de Garaje de la ComunidadViernes, Sabádo y Domingo, 22-24 de AbrilPor toda la ciudad. Más información: Kio-

mara Rivera, 301-985-5000, [email protected]

Moviendo Con la Alcaldesa – Gracia Sin Edad Ejercicios en SillaSábado, 23 de Abril, 1 PM. Edificio Munici-pal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Ellarose Preston, 301-985-5006, [email protected]

Viaje con Llama-Un-Bus al GiantLunes, 25 de Abril, 11 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Reunión del Comité de Estaciona-miento Residencial Martes, 26 de Abril, 7PM. Edificio Munici-pal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Más información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Audiencia Publica de la Tasa de Los ImpuestosMiércoles, 27 de Abril, 7 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Reunión del Concejo Municipal: Presupuesto del año fiscal 2017Miércoles, 27 de Abril, 8 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Comité de EducacíonJueves, 28 de Abril, 6:30 PM. Edificio Mu-nicipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Lunes de Pelicula Gratis Para MayoresLunes, 2 de Mayo, 9 AM. El bus les recoge y deja en la casa. Reservaciones: 301-985-5020. Más información: Beryl Johnson, 301-985-5058, [email protected]

Consulta Legal Gratuita para La Tercera EdadLunes, 2 de Mayo, entre 10 AM-2 PM Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin Street. Reservas y más infor-mación, por favor llame a la Ciudad de Hyattsville al 301-985-5000.

Reunión del Concejo MunicipalLunes, 2 de Mayo, 8 PM. Edificio Municipal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Reunión de los Supervisores de EleccionesMartes, 3 de Mayo, 4 PM. Edificio Munici-pal de Hyattsville, 4310 Gallatin StreetMás información: Laura Reams, 301-985-5009, [email protected]

Comité Asesor de AdolescentesJueves, 5 de Mayo, 5 PM. Centro de Co-munidad de Prince George’s Plaza, 6600 Adelphi Road. Más información: Saarah Abdul-Rauf, 301-985-5065, [email protected]

CALENDAR CALENDARIO

Reportero de HyattsvilleelNo. 332 • 13 de abril, 2016 www.hyattsville.org • 301-985-5000

Mes Nacional de la NutriciónNo se trata de añadir años a la vida, sino de dar vida a los años!

Los beneficios de la actividad física son enormes. No sólo reduce el riesgo de varias enfermedades crónicas, tales como, enferme-dades del corazón, la diabetes, el cáncer y la depresión, sino que también mejora la circu-lación sanguínea, aumenta la energía y la fuerza muscular, ayuda a controlar el estrés y la ansiedad, y ayuda a dormir mejor.

Es importante hacer al menos 150 minu-tos de ejercicio de intensidad moderada por semana. Algunos ejemplos de ejercicios para mejorar su calidad de vida: usar las escaleras en lugar del elevador, ir de paseo, practicar deportes, bailar, o inscribirse en una clase de ejercicio.

National Nutrition MonthDon’t just add years to your life…add LIFE to your YEARS!The health benefits of physical activity are

astounding. Not only does it reduce the risk for various chronic diseases such as, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and depression, it also improves blood circulation, increases energy and muscle strength, helps to man-age stress and anxiety, and helps you sleep better! Get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Try these tips to optimize your quality of life: Take the stairs instead of the elevator, Go for a walk, take up a sport, go dancing, or sign-up for a exercise class.

Celebracion del Aniversario de la Ciudad!La Ciudad cumple 130 años este año, y estamos celebrando con un desfile, concierto, baile para jovenes, fuegos artificiales, y carnaval!Carnaval: Jueves, 14 de Abril, 4-9 p.m., Vi-

ernes, 5-10 p.m., Sábado, mediodía -10 p.m., Do-mingo, mediodía-5 p.m. - Magruder ParkBaile de Jovenes: Viernes, 15 de Abril, 8-10

p.m. - Magruder ParkDesfile: Sábado, 16 de Abril, 11 a.m. - Hyatts-

ville Middle School a Magruder ParkConcierto: Black Masala - Sábado, 16 de

Abril, 6:30 p.m. - Magruder ParkFuegos Artificiales: Sábado, 16 de Abril, at-

ardecer - Magruder ParkPara participar en el desfile, ser voluntario en

el evento, o para mas información o preguntas, por favor visite http://www.hyattsville.org/144/City-Anniversary-Parade-Carnival o contacte a Cheri Everhart a 301-985-5021 o [email protected].

Moviendo con la AlcaldesaPara apoyar la salud publica, y divertirse, Al-caldesa Candace Hollingsworth y negocios lo-cales están ofreciendo clases de ejercicio y salud gratis a los residentes de la Ciudad de Hyatts-ville. Gracia Sin Edad es un clase de ejercicio sentado de la Ciudad para mayores y personas con discapacidades. Tiene música energética para para mejorar la mente y el cuerpo. Sábado, 23 de abril, se reunirán en el segundo piso del edificio en la 4310 Gallatin Street empezando

a las 1 PM. Para más información, por favor contacte a Ellarose Preston en 301-985-5006 o [email protected].

Audiencia Pública Sobre Tasa de ImpuestosUna audiencia pública sobre el propuesto a la tasa de impuesto a la propiedad real se llevará a cabo a las 7:00 p.m. el 27 de abril de 2016, en la Cámara del Concejo en el 3er piso del edifi-cio municipal de la ciudad en 4310 Gallatin. La Ciudad está proponiendo mantener la tasa de impuesto actual de $ 0.63 por $ 100 de valor de la propiedad.

Consulta Legal Gratuita para La Ter-cera EdadLas personas mayores de Hyattsville están in-vitados a reunirse con un abogado para hablar de las directivas anticipadas de antención de la salud y el poder notarial de salud. El servicio está siendo prestado por una colaboración entre Hyattsville Aging in Place, abogados del estado de Maryland, Condado de Prince George y la Ciudad de Hyattsville. Sesiónes individuales gratuitas de media hora estarán disponibles de 10 a.m.-2 p.m. el 2 de mayo en 4310 Gallatin Street. Reservas son necesarias y el espacio es limitado. Para hacer una reserva por favor lla-me a la Ciudad de Hyattsville al 301-985-5000.

Exposición Verde - Reserva la fecha!El 17 de septiembre, la ciudad quiere compar-tir información y mejores prácticas para la sos-

tenibilidad del medio ambiente. Estén atentos para más detalles sobre este evento familiar la cual sera GRATIS!

Contratación de Policía¿Tiene interes en ser Policía de la ciudad de Hy-attsville? El Departmento de Policía de Hyatts-ville está reclutando policias con experiencia y personas interesadas en iniciar una carrera como Policía. La ciudad ofrece salarios com-petitivos y excelentes beneficios. Para más in-formación, por favor visite www.hyattsville.org/jobs.


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Renovations at HES and HMS were at the top of the city’s legislative priorities during a Nov. 2015 presentation to local o� cials, business owners and community leaders.

Northwestern High School (NHS) isn’t targeted for a major renovation at this time. In FY 2015, it underwent roof replacement, in FY 2016, grease traps were budged to be replaced, and in FY 2017, Taveras said the school is budgeted for some exterior struc-tural repair and security upgrades.

Two new middle schools and a high school to be located outside of the City of Hya� sville would draw students away from Nicholas Orem Middle School (NOMS) and NHS.

� e new middle schools will serve approxi-mately 1,200 students each, which is ex-pected to help with overcrowding at schools, such as NOMS. PGCPS held a public hear-ings in March about a site feasibility analysis that was done for the middle schools, which is still pending board of education approval. Completion for those schools is planned for 2019 to 2021, Taveras said.

Taveras also said the closing of 28 schools in the southern part of the county was a contentious issue.

Hya� sville City Councilmember Ed-ouard Haba (Ward 4) said that NOMS is falling apart.

Board of Education Member Dinora Her-nandez (District 3) said NOMS is on the list for renovations, but it’s not on the pri-ority list. She also said some of the NOMS students will be going to a new school.

“All I’ve heard about is Hya� sville Mid-dle and Hya� sville Elementary for the last two or three years,” Taveras said.

According to Taveras, the county ex-ecutive approved $93 million of Prince George’s County School (PGCPS) CEO Kevin Maxwell’s proposed $182 million budget increase over last year. � e total public school operating budget for FY 2017 is estimated at more than $1.9 billion and the six-year capital investment program is proposed at approximately $2.7 billion.

Overall for Prince George’s County, the FY 2017 projected revenues and expen-

ditures are listed as balanced at more than $3.1 billion. Taveras said County Execu-tive Rushern Baker recti� ed a $65 million budget de� cit. � e county’s own source revenue is projected at approximately $1.8 billion, which is from real property ($716 million), income tax ($585 mil-lion), transfer tax ($106 million), person-al property ($71 million), and energy tax ($69 million), according to the county’s online budget brief.

Public schools and libraries are projected to cost more than $2 billion. County agen-cies, such as � re, police, human services,

etc., are projected to cost $996 million, ac-cording to the March 10 presentation.

Total state aid to the county is estimated at $1.343 billion as of March 10, which is a 6.6 percent increase over last year. Of that, more than $1.2 billion will go to public schools.

County Executive Rushern Baker, III submi� ed his version of the budget on March 10 and it is being reviewed by the Prince George’s County Council. Public hearings will be held on May 5 and 10.

� e � nal Prince George’s County FY 2017 budget is scheduled to be adopted on May 26.

REBECCA BENNETTPrince Georgeʼs County Councilmember Deni Taveras (District 2) presented an overview of the county budget to the City of Hyattsville on March 10.

BUDGETcontinued from page 1

Hyattsville Life & Times | April 2016 Page 11

Raymond Joseph CaRon, eaTax pRepaRaTion and RepResenTaTion

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By Mark Goodson

What do seven years in the Ma-rine Corp, a job in New York’s Latin Quarter — the Mecca for hip hop in the late 80’s — a ride in Donald Trump’s personal he-licopter, a role in Asia Argento’s Film Scarlet Diva, the subject of a full-page article in Germany’s most popular print newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, a radio show on Italy’s Radio Capitol Music Network, and a two-year stay with the Prince of Morocco all have in common? They all are part of the life experience of Jahlex Alexander, partner, man-ager, and curator of Bird Kitchen and Cocktails in Mount Rainier.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Alex-ander moved to Long Island. “I went from street life to listening to Lynyrd Skynyrd and wearing Jethro Tull t-shirts,” he said. This adjustment began a series of life-style changes for Alexander. “I adapted,” he said.

From a Jamaican mother and Syrian-Lebanese-Indian father, Alexander opted for the Marine Corp instead of college. Although it took him only a brief stint back home in Long Island at the Rock-ville Center Police Department to realize that he was not destined for law enforcement.

Working as a bouncer in New York’s midtown, he was exposed to the initiators of hip-hop: Pub-lic Enemy, Biz Markie, KRS-One. When director Oliver Stone later asked Alexander’s opinion of the original hip hop artists, Alexander drew from experience: “Grand-master Caz? The Sugarhill Gang?”

“No. Dr. Seuss,” Alexander said he did not know at the time that Stone had taken hallucinogenic mushrooms.

A combination of timing and charm has landed Alexander in eclectic roles, befitting of his chameleon abilities. After some friendly banter with Donald Trump at first base of a char-ity softball game, Alexander was grateful for the lift back to New York in Trump’s helicopter. As for how he landed a job work-ing for the Prince of Morocco? “I knew a lot of models,” he said

with a laugh. A zest for new experience pro-

pelled Alexander around the world. Even working for the Mo-roccan prince got old after a year, although it took another year to gracefully part from him. “The job drove me crazy,” he said. He wrote a song about his troubles called Paradise. “Paradise driving me insane / spend my day in an ocean of pain. … I can’t take it no more,” are some of the lyrics.

The question inevitable to un-derstanding Alexander’s world-view is: why Mount Rainier? Alexander believes that life is a kaleidoscope of experience. The universe propels him in the right direction. “There is a vortex here,” he said of Mount Rainier. Alexander’s life has slowed down from the frenzy of celebrity it once was. “I qualify to get here. And my presence here will be only as integral as my meeting people,” he said.

Alexander’s first restaurant ex-perience in the area was at Mar-vin on 14th and U Streets NW. He still found time to pursue his musical interests, laying down

A culturally culinary duo

the last track of Thievery Corpo-ration’s Culture of Fear. He met Eric Hilton at Marvin. “He’s been here too,” Alexander said of Bird Kitchen and Cocktails.

Alexander joined forces with Bird owner and chef Lenny Rob-inson in Jan. 2016. Robinson was an acclaimed French-style chef in Atlanta, Ga. before mov-ing to the DC area. Bird Restau-rant is his project; Alexander has helped the restaurant’s service and aesthetic. Like Alexander, there is no separation between Robinson’s life experience and his work. Take a popular brunch menu item: Fried Chicken and Doughnuts. “I know a lady in Atlanta named Patricia. She’s got the best fried chicken I’ve ever eaten. Knock on her door, and

she’ll make you a plate,” Robin-son said. His restaurant boasts the same casual, quality, and family-friendly dining.

“Traditional kitchens are con-crete and systematic. Those are cookie cutter restaurants to me. I cook off the cuff,” Robinson said. Take the beet salad. “Roasted beet and goat cheese salad, but there’s some art to it. [The beets are] roasted in apple cider, and there’s pumpkin seed dressing. And we’re putting it down on the plate the right way.” Robin-sons sous-chef is also trained in French cuisine.

Of the Bird dining experience, Robinson said “we’re trying to provide a little something for everyone at all times of the day. We’ve added some new staff

members. We’re bringing it.”So while Alexander meets with

a local DC artist to provide a full-wall mural on Bird’s light beige-brick exterior, Robinson is in the kitchen cooking what he knows. “See that salad,” Rob-inson said, pointing to a custom-er’s dish. “Those brussel sprouts have a Vietnamese seasoning. I brought that up from Atlanta, from some Vietnamese chefs I knew.”

Alexander summed up the cul-ture and fare of Bird this way: “Everything’s stripped away and it’s made with love.”

Bird Kitchen and Cocktails is lo-cated at 3801 34th Street, Mount Rainier. Find out more information at www.bird-kitchen-cocktails.com.

PHOTO COURTESY BIRD KITCHEN AND COCKTAILSLenny Robinson and Jahlex Alexander are the managing partners behind Mount Rainier’s Bird Kitchen and Cocktails.


NANCY GILLETTEOn Sunday, March 13, Hyattsville Cub Scout Pack 224 held their an-nual Pinewood Derby at St. Jerome Academy.


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Now through Oct 23In the spring of 1816, members of Washington society mingled with artists and collectors. They flocked to Riversdale to see the first blockbuster art exhibit in this country, "Some of the Fin-est Paintings Ever in Ameri-ca," the Stier-Peeters collection of fine European paintings. In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of this historic show-ing, Riversdale will be exhibiting 16 high-quality reproductions throughout the museum. Fridays and Sundays. 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. $5 adult; $4 senior; $2 student; free for children 4 & under. Riv-ersdale House Museum, 4811 Riverdale Road, Riverdale Park. 301.864.0420.

April 14The Kennedy Center Educa-tion Division is hosting a series of listening sessions and will be stopping in Hyattsville. It is an opportunity to provide feed-back on select parts of its stra-tegic plan. Input provided in these participatory sessions will inform the center’s future plans as it strives to become more central and relevant in the local community. Free. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Northwestern High School auditorium, 7000 Adelphi Road. Register at www.kennedy-center.org/listeningtours.

Come transform yourself at the library at Get Inked! Become a favorite character from chil-dren's literature via face paint and masks or get a library "tattoo" to celebrate National Library Week. Free. All ages. 4 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

April 14 to 21 and April 26April 26 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. is Maryland’s primary election day, but early voting is open from April 14 to 21 from 10 a.m. to 8p.m. For information about polling locations and to view sample ballots, visit www.elec-tions.state.md.us.

April 16The 15th Annual Azalea Clas-sic is a popular community event that supports University Park Elementary School. It includes 3 races: the 1 Mile Challenge Run (8:30am); the 1K “Val Creigh-ton Memorial” Family Fun Run (8:45am); and the 5K Run/Walk (9:05am). The 5K is a USATF certified course. The race finishes with a DJ, raffle and prizes at the post-race party. $30 for the 5K and $15 for the 1M and 1K. Reg-istration goes up after April 14. www.azaleaclassic.com.

Pyramid Atlantic Art Center will lead a hands-on journal mak-ing activity where participants make a simple book that they can take home and use as a journal. Free. 3 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

April 18Rosenwald, featured by the In-dependent Film Series at the Hyattsville Library, is film by Aviva Kempner that tells the story of Jewish philanthropist Julius Rosenwald. He partnered with African American educator,

Booker T. Washington, to build 5,400 Southern schools in Afri-can American communities in the early part of the 20th century. Sponsored by the Creative Edge Studio and the Friends of the Hyattsville Library. Free. 7 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690. April 20Come and learn more about ar-cheology here in Prince George’s County during Maryland Ar-cheology Month. Dr. Jennifer Stabler will be presenting on her Historic Preservation work

as the Prince George’s County Planning Department’s Archeol-ogist. Free. 7:30 p.m. Hyattsville Branch Library, 6530 Adelphi Road. 301.985.4690.

Spend Election Day off from school diving into the history of the political "zoo" in hands on history, from elephants to don-keys to moose and more! Partici-pants will enjoy crafts, cooking, and games. County resident $18, non-resident $22. Payment re-quired by April 19. Ages 8 to 12. 10 a.m. Riversdale House Muse-um, 4811 Riverdale Road, River-dale Park. 301.864.0420.

April 30Hyattsville Aging in Place has organized a thinking ahead fair called “The Talk.” The things you need to consider to give you choices as you age, includ-ing home modifications, housing costs, home care costs, docu-ments needed in advance, Medi-care choices, etc. Free. 9:30 a.m. to noon. Hyattsville Municipal Building, 4310 Gallatin Street. 301.887.3101. www.Hyattsvil-leAginginPlace.org

Prince George’s County has a long history of supporting our military personnel. Join the Brentwood Arts Exchange for the opening reception of “The Art of Freedom: War, Peace, and Everything in Between” exhibition, which seeks to cul-tivate artistic support for veter-ans and active duty members to highlight the role art can play in the healing process of return-ing from deployment. Free. 2 p.m. Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex, 8001 Sheriff Road, Landover. 301.583.2400.

May 7Community Crisis Services Inc. is hosting a yard sale. Donations of unwanted items welcome. They are looking for gently used household items, furniture, jew-elry, baked goods and holiday items. Books and clothing should be donated to another worthy organization. Donations tax de-ductible. Proceeds benefit much needed programming in our communities, such as the Warm Nights Hypothermia Shelter Program. Yard sale location: 5324 Riverdale Road, Riverdale. Contact [email protected] for drop off location and more infor-mation.

At the annual Fiesta de Green-wood & Auction, your ticket includes entry and yummy food and drinks provided by local es-tablishments. At the party you will be able to bid on a diverse set of items from local businesses and extra special items made by Greenwood School students. All proceeds support the Tu-ition Assistance Program at the Greenwood School. $20 per per-son, $30 per couple. Greenwood School, 6525 Belcrest Road, Suite G-90.

OngoingJoin the College Park Aviation Museum on second Wednes-day of each month at noon for a brown bag lunch discussion. Bring your lunch and join them for a different topic each month. Apr. 13 is “Soaring over Wash-ington” and May 11 is “Zep-pelins, Blimps, and Airships.” Free. 18 and up. 1985 Corporal Frank Scott Drive, College Park. 301.864.6029

CAROLINE SELLEEarly voting in Maryland’s primary begins April 14.


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By Lauren Flynn Kelly

Shortly a� er moving to Hya� sville in 2012, I a� ended my � rst fam-ily picnic organized by the online group Hya� sville Nurturing (HN) Moms. As children played and fam-ilies mingled in King Park, I recall browsing various children’s items laid out on a blanket — bibs, burp cloths, shoes, even a Halloween costume or two — all up for grabs. Having just moved from a commu-nity where the only secondhand shop in town was an upscale chil-dren’s boutique that wouldn’t even look at my hand-me-downs, I knew I’d landed in the right place.

Fast forward to four years later and the freebies are displayed on much more than a blanket, thanks to several motivated members of the HN Moms sub-group Knu� e Moms who host the bi-annual HY-SWAP. Event organizer Emily Palus explained that the “� rst iteration” of the swap was at a picnic hosted by the Knu� es in Spring 2014. A� er witnessing a successful exchange of used goods there, Palus sensed that a stand-alone swap would be welcomed by the community.

And it was. Approximately 90 fam-ilies shopped the � rst o� cial HY-SWAP in the fall of 2014, which was held at the Masonic Lodge next to King Park on Gallatin Street. Palus said the volume of goods received kept the swap going for several hours and encouraged the group to make it a bi-annual event.

� e spring swap is on April 9 and will take place in the multi-purpose room of the Hya� sville Municipal Building to accom-modate the ever-increasing num-ber of swappers. Palus was quick to praise the Masonic Lodge — Mount Hermon Lodge No. 179 — for being an “awesome partner” in sharing their space as well as providing CHIP, the free program which provides parents an expedited means to � nd their children should they ever go missing. � e spring swap is open to all Hya� sville families, mem-

bers of HN Moms and its sub-groups and those belonging to Hy-area babysi� ing co-ops and other local parent groups. And to keep kids entertained through-out the day, the event featured an arts project with ArtWorks Now from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a story hour.

Another new addition this year is a “preview reception” for new and expecting moms, held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on April 8. Palus recalled that at previous swaps, there’s usually a “mad rush at the beginning, which is understand-

SecondhandNews

HY-SWAP re� ects community spirit

REBECCA BENNETTThe spring kids swap took place on April 9 at the Hyattsville Municipal Building.

able but can be overwhelming for some, especially new moms who aren’t even sure what they need.” As a result, they can now shop the swap in a more relaxed environment, where some “vet-eran mom” volunteers will be on-hand to answer questions, and a few will even give “spoken mom” performances, telling sto-ries of pregnancy, motherhood and other adventures, said Palus.

� e HY-SWAP now has 30 vol-unteers, including six families that o� ered their homes as drop-o� sites throughout March and held “sorting soirees” to wade through everything. Items collected in-clude maternity and children’s clothing, which will be sorted by type and size at the swap, as well as gently used toys, bedding, books and nursing supplies. Although many o� -season items will be held for the next swap, other surplus goods will go to three area chari-ties: � e Homeless Children’s Playtime Project, Pregnancy Aid Center and Community of Hope – the Family Health and Birth

Center. Palus added that she ex-pects there will be enough dona-tions to replenish the inventory throughout the four-hour event, so there won’t be any need to stake out a spot on line before it starts.

So why doesn’t the HY-SWAP charge for the items, like other nearby secondhand sales? “It’s the Hya� sville way…to give and exchange, to pay it forward,” said Palus with a smile. “We really like that it’s free. And you don’t have to give to take.”

Palus said her hope for the fu-ture of the swap is that it contin-ues to exist and evolve as long as there are organizers and volun-teers willing and able to take it on. “We have now wri� en down a lot of our process, so it can be a ‘cook book’ for others to take up.” And while she’s game for organizing a few more herself, she imagines that another “swap maven” will surface in the next few years. In the meantime, Pa-lus is already gearing up for the fall swap slated to take place on September 24.


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LOCAL RESIDENT OPENS NEW DENTAL OFFICE

Dr. Madhu Venkata R. Nadimpalli and Dr. Sapna Nandyala will host a grand opening event for their new dental office, Healthy Dental Care for Kids and Adults, on Sat-urday, April 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The dental office is located at 3114 Queens Chapel Road, in The Shops at Queen Chillium shop-ping center. Hyattsville Council-member Deni Taveras (District 2) and Mount Rainier Councilmem-ber Shivali Shan (Ward 2), along with members from the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce will attend. For more information, visit www.healthydental.com or call 301.338.8888.

RESOLUTION IN ACCEPTANCE OF SYRIAN REFUGEES

The Hyattsville City Council ap-proved a resolution on March 21 that states the city welcomes all people, regardless of national origin or refugee status.

“WHEREAS, all refugees should be treated with dignity, care, and compassion that every person deserves and the federal govern-ment’s response to the potential deportation of children and fami-lies should be executed in the most humane and respectful manner possible … ” the resolution stated.

In Nov. 2015, CNN reported that governors of 31 states said Syrian refugees were not wel-come. A copy of the resolution will be sent to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who made a state-ment in November asking the

federal government not to send more Syrian refugees to Mary-land until it could be guaranteed that they are not a safety threat.

SUSPECTS FLEE ROBBERY TOWARDS POLICE STATION

According to the Hyattsville City Police Department (HCPD), of-ficers responded to an armed rob-bery at approximately 10 a.m. on April 7. Police said two suspects entered the T-Mobile at 3601 East West Highway, displayed a gun and demanded phones.

A silent alarm alerted police, who located the suspects’ vehicle — a stolen van — and began pursuing them, authorities said. The sus-pects then bailed out of the car not far from HCPD headquarters in the 4300 block of Gallatin Street. Police pursued them on foot and apprehended both suspects.

According to police, a K-9 dog was requested to search for T-Mobile property. HCPD said several phones were recovered and officers are trying to link those phones to the suspects.

Authorities said the investiga-tion is ongoing.

REPORT ON SENIORS AND DISABILITIES SERVICES

At the March 21 Hyattsville City Council meeting, Community Services Director Jake Rollow presented a report from a re-cent survey regarding services for senior citizens and people with disabilities. The city said it gathered information from inter-views with residents, community

groups and officials from other cities. The city also mailed out a printed survey to more than 8,000 residents, from which 600 were completed, only 22 of those received being in Spanish.

To view more information and the entire report, visit www.Hy-attsvilleLife.com.

TREE CITY FOR 25TH YEAR

The Arbor Day Foundation has named the City of Hyattsville a 2015 Tree City USA. It is the 25th year the city has been given the honor.

“I am proud that the Arbor Day Foundation recognized what a beautiful canopy we have here in Hyattsville, as well as the work and care that our city staff and residents have dedicated to our trees for so many years,” Hyattsville Mayor Candace Hollingsworth said.

The program has four require-ments, which includes having a tree board or department, a tree-care or-dinance, an annual community for-estry budget of at least $2 per capita, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation, a press release said.

LOCAL RESIDENT NAME DC POLICE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Hyattsville resident Jon Faye was named the Citizen Volunteer Corps Member of the Year by the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He was presented with a plaque at an awards ceremony on March 3 at Gallaudet University. Faye said he worked more than 1100 unpaid volunteer hours in

NEWS BRIEFS READ THE FULL STORY AT HYATTSVILLELIFE.COM2015 alone.

MPD said his work allows de-tectives more time to handle their caseloads. “Mr. Faye is not only instrumental in the day-to-day operations of the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit, but is also heavily relied upon by detec-tives and the supervisors on his expertise on identity theft and fraud,” the awards program said.

CITY ADOPTS NEW SIDEWALK POLICY

On March 21, the Hyattsville City Council voted to adopt a new sidewalk policy after con-cerns were raised about the ap-plication of the original 2006 sidewalk policy.

One of the major changes to the policy include specifically stipulating that new sidewalks should typically be paid with city funds (not a special assessment of adjacent property owners). The policy lays out several crite-ria for which the city may forego sidewalks in a particular location, which takes into consideration right-of-way, stormwater man-

agement, tree canopy and other concerns. It also stipulates in writing the process for residents to petition for sidewalk installa-tion, maintenance and removal.

To read the full sidewalk policy, visit www.HyattsvilleLife.com.

UH NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

The University Hills Area Civic As-sociation (UHACA) has created a "neighbors helping neighbors" net-work. According to UHACA Pres-ident Ron Pedone, the volunteer network is meant to provide recip-rocal help for small items, including but not limited to: needing a ride, checking the mail, watering plants, keeping an eye on houses during vacation, caring for pets, and help with snow or leaf removal. The list of volunteers is not meant to be a substitute for existing formal net-works, help organizations, or pro-fessional help, he said.

University Hills residents wishing to join the network can send their name, street address, phone num-ber, and e-mail address to Ron Pe-done at [email protected].


and move Congress in the right direction.

Matthew Fogg wound up draw-ing the next straw and noted that he “grew up in the Civil Rights movement.” A retired U.S. mar-shal, Fogg recounted his experi-ence as “a change agent,” as a U.S. Marshall. Ultimately he “blew the whistle within a bureaucratic system,” filing and winning a dis-crimination lawsuit. Fogg, who since his retirement has worked on behalf of other whistle blow-ers said he would “stand up” to Washington.

As if on cue, the next candi-date, retired Army Lt. Col. War-ren Christopher stood up to introduce himself. Christopher described himself as someone outside the political system, noting that he was tired of see-ing “the same results from the same circle of career and estab-lishment politicians.” He refer-enced his personal experience as a single father of two daughters, very familiar with the struggles of tuition, and raised the need for the area to get “our fair share of federal dollars.” Throughout the evening Christopher made several references to others with more political experience who “had the opportunity to deliver” but failed to solve the county’s problems.

These subtle jabs seemed to be primarily aimed at former Lieuten-ant Governor Anthony G. Brown, who lost his run for Governor.

Brown introduced himself as a first generation American and the story of his father’s travels from a life of poverty in Jamaica to becoming a doctor, raising five children in a three-bedroom home. Brown spoke of his ser-vice in the Maryland House of Delegates and as lieutenant gov-ernor trying to make a differ-ence in our community. Brown said he is running for Congress because he wants to strengthen

the already wonderful communi-ties through creating economic security, greater educational op-portunities, and safer neighbor-hoods.

Terrence Strait, the last of the candidates to be introduced noted his relative youth, having graduated in high school in 1999 and his long term vision. He be-lieves that, “We are a country that has stopped planning for the future. We simply act, crisis to crisis.” In his introduction, he in-voked past successes from split-ting the atom to the Mars Rover. Throughout the evening, Strait offered historic illustration, not-ing for example that the discus-sion of free community college echoed past debates about free public elementary schools and high schools.

The candidates had an oppor-tunity to answer questions on several topics, including immi-gration reform, education, gun

control and the war on ISIS.The military and legal back-

ground of the candidates led to a fairly heated debate on issues such as the treatment of sexual assault in the military. Ivey noted that a military prosecutor’s deci-sion to file sexual assault charges can be overridden by the supe-rior officer, and that needs to be eliminated.

Brown, who stated that he spent time in the military and also in the military court sys-tem, jumped in with a call to “go even further than that ... I wouldn’t just take the sexual assault cases out from under the prevue of the commander. I would take all non-military offenses away from the com-mander.”

Christopher noted that he be-lieved in holding everyone ac-countable, but urged caution on “taking authorities away from combatant commanders or

DEBATE continued from page 1

ground commanders,” express-ing concern that discipline could be eroded.

In one of the most lively ex-changes of the evening, Strait re-sponded that, “it really damages discipline when women in the military think their commanders aren’t going to look out for them ... It damages discipline when men think they can get away with these abuses and any damage to discipline by moving matters away from military command needed to be compared to dam-age already being done.”

After the debate Jolene Ivey, wife of candidate Glenn Ivey, complimented the structure of the event that allowed such ex-

changes. “It was a forum that had chal-

lenging questions that gave the candidates the opportunity to display their policy chops on a wide range of issues. Having each candidate answer a separate question was a refreshingly dif-ferent twist.” She noted that at several of the debate candidates were each asked identical ques-tions, “But as a spouse who al-ready knows everyone's answers, different questions was an inter-esting format.”

The full debate can be watched at www.hyattsville.org/councilagendas. As we went to press the debate had been viewed by 117 on Face-book, and 18 on Periscope.

ANDREW MARDERFive of six 4th congressional district Democratic candidates faced off in Hyattsville on April 7.


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daily. The store also carries double-battered chicken fried daily, an ex-panded selection of Hispanic food products, a dedicated natural and organics section, as well as sugar- and gluten-free options.

New features offered in the Hyatts-ville store include a deli equipped with a pizza bar, which utilizes a new quick bake oven and offers toppings such as sriracha or pesto as well as classics pizzas like margherita and meat-lovers. A new Asian bar offers cashew chicken, beef and broccoli, lo mein and egg rolls.

Store Director Benita Jenkins thanked Safeway for its invest-ments into the community and for entrusting her with the store, stating that a total of $17 million had been invested into the new facility. According to Jenkins, she has been with Safeway for 10 years and has worked in the retail industry for over 22 years.

“We wanted customers to see that we listened,” said Jenkins. She said foods such as crawfish, vari-ous ethnic foods and special of-ferings such as bulk food and the China kitchen were put in place to appeal to a variety of customers. Jenkins also said that the cooks at the kitchen previously worked in the kitchen at the Pentagon.

The new store has already hired 171 employees and is looking to hire more. “They are hiring and keeping dollars in this commu-nity,” said Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, III. “This is the anchor of what will happen around this metro station. We will make this a place where people want to stay and do well.”

For long-time Safeway employ-ees, like Front-End Store Manager

Christopher Newman, the new store is a great opportunity. “I love Safeway. This is my first big store and an opportunity to prove my-self,” says Newman, who has been with the company for 13 years. Newman says that the store plans to hire as many employees as pos-sible, of ages 16 years and older. To apply for a job, visit www.safeway.com/careers.

The previous Safeway store left the city eight years ago. The grocer was once located at 3511 Hamilton Street, which is now Bestway. Burnham encouraged the community to support the new Safeway location.

“We have to continue to earn your business and we plan to do that everyday,” he said.

Baker lauded the efforts of Safe-way and the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation for making the idea of bringing the store back to the re-gion a reality. The new store, devel-oped by Echo Realty, will serve as the anchor for a mixed-use project.

It is one of the first stores built since the merger of Safeway with grocery conglomerate Alb-ertsons LLC was announced in January 2015.

The new Gateway at UTC de-velopment will include a Med-Star Health primary and urgent care facility and stores such as Town Center Wine & Spirits, Unleashed by Petco, Le’s Nails, and Phenix Salon Suites. The opening date for these businesses has not been announced.

Safeway’s Eastern Division employes more than 14,000 people and currently operates 126 stores, including 67 stores in Maryland, 41 in Virginia and 14 in the District of Columbia, ac-cording to a press release.

SAFEWAY continued from page 1

HYATTSVILLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONOn April 4, the “Ribbon of Life,” public art crafted by artist Alan Binstock and facilitated by the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, was installed at the new Gateway at UTC development in front of an entrance to Hyattsville’s new Safeway.

REBECCA BENNETTOn March 19, more than 30 residents met up with Hyattsville City Mayor Candace Hollingsworth, who took her Movin with the Mayor health and wellness program on a bike ride with the help of Arrow Bicycle. Visit www.hyattsville.org for the schedule.


We put the community in Doctors Community Hospital with healthcare services conveniently located throughout Prince George’s County. So, you don’t need to leave your neighborhood to get high-quality medical care.

As a healthcare leader, our experienced and compassionate professionals provide exceptional care:

+ Joslin Diabetes Center – the only multidisciplinary program in the county accredited by the American Diabetes Association

+ Bariatric and Weight Loss Center – the county’s first hospital to provide bariatric weight loss options using the daVinci® surgical robot + Doctors Community Breast Center – the first program in the county with a dedicated breast surgeon

+ Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services – the area’s largest lymphedema program

In fact, your neighborhood hospital has a broad range of medical and surgical services that also include:

When you need high-quality health care, we’re here for you... And here. And here.

For more than 40 years, Doctors Community Hospital has provided comprehensive and high-quality care right in your backyard. We’ll continue to be here when you need us . . . wherever in Prince George’s County you happen to be.

+ Cardiology Services and Outpatient Vascular Studies + Center for Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine + Comprehensive Orthopedic Services + Doctors Community Practices at District Heights + Doctors Community Practices at Greenbelt + Doctors Community Practices at Landover Hills + Doctors Community Practices at Laurel + Doctors Community Rehabilitation and Patient Care Center (transitional care) + Doctors Community Surgical Associates + Doctors Regional Cancer Center + Emergency Department (24/7) + Imaging Services + Infusion Center + Metropolitan Medical Specialists + Sleep Center + Vascular Health Program

Lanham

Laurel

Largo

District Heights

Clinton

Camp Springs

RiverdaleBowie

Suitland

Greenbelt

Landover Hills

Main Campus 8118 Good Luck Road Lanham, Maryland 20706DCHweb.org

Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

301-DCH-4YOU | 301-324-4968

DoctorsCommunityHospital DCH4YOUDCHweb

april 2016 hyattsville life & times

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