Issuu

ADENTRO: YOUR LOCAL NEWS EN ESPAÑOL! READ VIDA Y HISTORIAS DE HYATTSVILLE — P. 13 HAVING A LAUGH: The history of backyard comedy in Hyattsville, P.3 STAG MIGHT: DeMatha High School football gets new coach, P. 4 GOOD BUY: County unveils new homebuyerassistance programs, P. 5

VOL. 23 NO. 9

HYATTSVILLE’S AWARD-WINNING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

SEPTEMBER 2026

Hyattsville begins 30-day warning period for stop-sign cameras By NIGEL F. MAYNARD On Sept. 1, the City of Hyattsville will activate an official 30-day grace period before it starts to issue citations at four automated stop-sign cameras throughout the city. During this time, the city will issue warnings to motorists who do

not come to a complete stop, but it will start issuing citations after that time is up. The cameras have been deployed for a few weeks. To spread the word about the September “grace period,” the city is launching a public awareness campaign titled “Be a hero. Get to zero.” The Hyattsville Police Department said the campaign will

include videos on social media and signage throughout the city, encouraging motorists to make a full stop at stop signs. Lt. Edwin Ramirez, the commander overseeing the rollout of automated stop-sign cameras, said the cameras are not running the tags of motorists at the moment, but they are gathering in-

County bans YouTube on elementary school computers

formation. “They’re recording the number of times that vehicles are passing,” he said. “If [motorists] exceed a certain speed then it’s capturing those moments or instances that it’s happening. That gives me the opportunity to go in and verify whether it would be or it wouldn't be a citation once we get to that phase of the program.”

SEE YOUTUBE ON 10 

SEE STOP SIGN ON 12 

Latino-led environmental group opens HQ in city By NIGEL F. MAYNARD

By KIT SLACK This fall, elementary school students at Prince George’s County Public Schools will not have YouTube on school-issued computers because of a new policy announced this summer. Hyattsville parents who are part of a group called PG Parents For Smart Tech Use advocated for the change. County students have had access to YouTube on their school-issued Chromebooks since the pandemic. Now, teachers will still be able to assign specific videos; however, elementary students will no longer be able

Based on the deployment so far, the police department is seeing a variety of actions. “So what I’ve been seeing is a number of people are completing stops,” Ramirez said, adding that there are also several instances where vehicles are not stopping at all. “The biggest

Defensores de la Cuenca gives the Latin American community volunteer and educational opportunities to learn about the environment. DARIANA GUZMAN

Defensores de la Cuenca is a Latino-led nonprofit environmental group that runs programs in Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The group has now opened an office on Farragut Street in Hyattsville. Established around 2020 by Abel Olivo and Herlindo Morales, the group (whose name means “defenders of the watershed” in English) is all about giving the Latin American community volunteer and educational opportunities to learn about nature and the environment. “The purpose is to provide access for the Latino community, the Spanish-speaking community, immigrant community and the bilingual community to engage with nature, whether it’s recreation like camping or going to the river or education,” SEE DEFENSORES ON 8 

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

Hyattsville Headlines Issue 463 | September 2026 | A City of

Hyattsville publication | La versión en español empieza Labor Day Service Changes City of Hyattsville offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. There will be no compost or yard waste pickup that week. County recycling routes will move from Monday to Tuesday; Tuesday to Wednesday; Wednesday to Thursday; Thursday to Friday and Friday to Saturday. There are no changes to the City’s trash collection schedule. More information at hyattsville.org/trash.

Hispanic Heritage Month

HMB stands for Hyattsville, Mount Rainier and Brentwood, and HMB soccer is an outgrowth of the HMB Boys and Girls’ club that dates back to the 1960’s. Some kids currently playing in our league have parents and even grandparents that were involved in the original version of HMB soccer.

How did you get involved with HMB

ter gave the misimpression I would help run the league... She’s now a senior in high school and playing for the Roosevelt High School soccer team! What has impressed you most about the program over the years? I love that the people who participate in the league are so helpful and kind. The beauty of an all-volunteer league is that when things don’t go right, people understand they just need to improvise. We’ve had games played on makeshift fields, with borrowed players, and with parents as referees. We like to say that recreational soccer is a team sport - we the grownups are all on a team whose job it is to make this a great experience for the kids. What about the league is unique to Hyattsville? There is nothing cooler than seeing almost a thousand kids and their families out on a Saturday morning all playing soccer at Driskell Park. No one is spread out all over the County, or driving an 8-year-old to one location and a 12-year-old to another one thirty

minutes away. That huge, beautiful park is such a wonderfully unique thing that we have that very few communities in the area do. And the City does so much work to take care of it and make the fields available! How can people get involved in upcoming seasons? Our fall season is underway, but we play every spring and every fall. Kids

can sign up to play at https://pgsisoccer.sportngin.com. If you’re interested in

en la página 3

NEWS FLASHES

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! (Sept 15 – Oct 15) Hyattsville is home to a large and diverse Latino community, representing many cultures and experiences. We’re proud to celebrate and recognize their rich contributions to our community! Find local Hispanic Heritage Month events and resources at hyattsville.org/hhm.

Bulk Waste Pop-Up

Clean out your garage this fall! The next bulk waste pop-up day is on September 19, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m or until containers reach capacity. Hyattsville residents can bring bulk trash to the dumpsters at 4633 Arundel Place for FREE! A list of acceptable items is available at hyattsville.org/ bulk-waste.

Yuck Old Paint will also be on-site to recycle unwanted latex paint cans for $5 per can. Paint must be wet and in its original container. Have cash, a check, or card ready. The City’s recycling drop off center at 4631 Arundel Place will also be open during the event accepting electronics, clothing, bulbs, batteries, and Styrofoam. A reminder that normal drop-off hours at the center are Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Fridays, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. City of Hyattsville residents only; please bring a photo ID with your address. Find details and a list of

accepted items at hyattsville.org/recycling.

Be a Hero! Get to Zero!

The City of Hyattsville recently installed stop sign cameras at 40th Avenue and Oglethorpe Street, 42nd Avenue and Oglethorpe Street, Jamestown Road and Nicholson Street, and 31st Avenue and Nicholson Street to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. These intersections were chosen based on their proximity to schools and reports of frequent stop sign violations. As students return to school this fall you can be a hero by getting to zero! Make sure your speedometer gets to zero at every stop sign to keep our community safe. The stop sign cameras will begin issuing warnings for violations on September 1. They will begin issuing fines starting October 1. Learn more at hyattsville.org/stop.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

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Shortly before we went to press, we at the Life & Times were saddened to learn of the sudden passing this August of Stuart Eisenberg, our former history columnist. Eisenberg was also the longtime executive director of the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation (2005–2025), a former Hyattsville city councilmember (2001– 2005) and the first board chair of the Anacostia Trails Heritage Association (2010–2012). Additionally, Stuart was a skilled woodworker and a proud grandfather. Stuart worked tirelessly throughout his career for the revitalization of Hyattsville and surrounding areas. He was incredibly generous with his staggering wealth of knowledge about local history and politics. He will be irreplaceable in the Hyattsville community and will be greatly missed. We plan a longer retrospective for our October edition. Please send memories of Stuart to heather@hyattsvillelife.com.

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Federal Judge orders FBI headquarters to Greenbelt

The Hyattsville Life & Times is published monthly. We welcome reader input, tips, articles, letters, opinion pieces and photographs, which may be submitted to nigel@streetcarsuburbs.news Managing Editor Nigel F. Maynard nigel@streetcarsuburbs.news Associate Editor Heather Wright heather@hyattsvillelife.com Columnists Imke Ahlf-Wien, Jessica Arends, Victoria Boucher, Paul Ruffins Writers & Contributors Alison Beckwith, Dariana Guzman, Chris McManes, Sydney Ware Layout & Design Editors Valerie Morris, Ashley Perks Spanish translation by University of Maryland Department of Translation and Interpretation Services

Business Manager Catie Currie Catie@streetcarsuburbs.news Executive Director Kit Slack Kit@streetcarsuburbs.news Marketing Director Ashley Perks ashley@streetcarsuburbs.news Board of Directors President: Marta McLellan Ross Secretary: Melanie Dzwonchyk Treasurer: Joe Murchison Nora Eidelman, Merrill Hartson, Alec Lynde, Salome Peters, John Pfeifer, John Rigg, Carter Ross, Paul Ruffins Ex Officios: Joshua Garner, Nigel F. Maynard, Sharon O’Malley, Kit Slack The Hyattsville Life & Times is a member of the National Newspaper Association and the Institute for Nonprofit News. Copies are distributed by U.S. mail to every address in Hyattsville. Additional copies are available at popular gathering spots around town. Total circulation is 11,700. ISSN 3069-2822 (Print); ISSN 3069-2830 (Online)

A federal judge restored Greenbelt as the site of a new FBI headquarters, on Aug. 17, overturning plans by the Trump administration to move the agency to the Ronald Reagan Building in D.C. In November 2023, Greenbelt was selected to host the new headquarters under President Joe Biden’s administration, beating out Landover and Springfield, Va., which had also been considered. In 2022, Congress approved funding for a consolidated FBI headquarters at one of the three sites. Trump had cancelled a previous plan to relocate the bureau to a suburban location back in 2018. Yet in July 2025, the FBI and U.S. General Services Administration announced the new headquarters would remain on Pennsylvania Avenue, relocating from the Hoover Building to the Ronald Reagan Building, which would be renovated to accommodate the move at a cost of approximately $555 million, according to the judge’s order. U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Ch-

CORRECTION

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PO Box 132, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Correction: In the August 2026 edition, the cover article on data centers stated that data center development increases local tax revenue. Whether or not a local jurisdiction derives tax benefits from data center development depends on local tax laws and exemptions. State law in Maryland exempts data centers from some taxes.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Held on Aug. 4 at the Mall at Prince George's, the National Night Out had food, fun and lots of dancing. DARIANA GUZMAN

uang overturned that 2025 decision on Aug. 17, calling it “unlawful.” “If the Reagan Building project moves forward, plaintiffs will lose the opportunity to have the substantial economic benefits that would have a positive impact not just on individual private parties, but on the community in Prince George’s County,” Chuang wrote in the order. The ruling is unlikely to be the end of the tug-of-war for the headquarters. The Trump administration could appeal the decision to a higher court, which would further delay the move.

No sample ballot this summer? Not just you An unknown number of county voters did not get sample ballots in the mail from the Prince George’s County Election Board until after the June 23 pri-

mary election. According to reporting from Anna Bedford-Dillow of The Greenbelt News Review, reasons for the delay included bad address lists, lack of response from the county election board to the mailing vendor and a lack of funds in a county postage account. Maryland law required the ballots to be mailed by June 4 for the June 23 election. Some were still not mailed as of June 17, and may not have been sent until June 22, according to emails obtained by The Greenbelt News Review. The election board told the Greenbelt weekly paper that the last batch was sent June 19, a federal holiday on which the post office was closed. The county election board had a $370,000 no-bid contract with Indiana Printing & Publishing Company for the ballots.

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How backyard comedy shows started in Hyattsville

FALL SPECIALS

By ALISON BECKWITH editor of The Hyattsville Wire During the pandemic, Kevin Blackerby and his wife were part of a group that hosted backyard bonfires to help neighbors connect safely. One day, he decided to add comedy. On May 1, 2021, the first Hyattsville Backyard Comedy show was held, giving residents something to do and helping comedians struggling due to the closures of comedy clubs. “Before the pandemic, I had hosted comedy shows at businesses, so I was familiar with putting shows together,” Blackerby said. “We asked some friends who had a big backyard if they’d be willing to host, and it worked out so well that we kept doing it.” Since then, Blackerby has organized more than 15 comedy shows with roughly 45 comedians in different backyards around Hyattsville and even as far as Laurel. Each one features three comedians and lasts an hour and a half. Four shows are scheduled each summer, about six weeks apart. An average of 50 people come to each show, some from as far away as Silver Spring. Blackerby took the DC Improv Stand-Up Comedy Course years ago and has performed around the greater D.C. area. He also hosted an open mic in Silver Spring for about three years, which gave him connections to the comedy scene to find performers. Before inviting comedians, Blackerby watches their performances, looks at videos and checks out their social media to see if they would be a good fit both for Hyattsville and for the more intimate setting of a backyard show. The comedians are paid with audience tips on Venmo and PayPal, although on the rare occasion when that’s fallen short, Blackerby has made up the difference himself. “It’s important to me that the performers are compensated for their work,” he noted. The final show for this summer will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 5715 39th Avenue, featuring comedians Izzy Gelfand, Jamal Russell and Mike Kurtz. Kids, pets, video recording and flash photography are not allowed. You can learn more about future events on the Hyattsville Backyard Comedy Facebook page. This article originally appeared in The Hyattsville Wire, hyattsvillewire.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

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DeMatha football under new leadership as Stags seek third-straight championship By CHRIS MCMANES DeMatha Catholic High School is expected to field one of the nation’s top football teams again this season. But for the first time since 2018, the Hyattsville powerhouse will be without head coach Bill McGregor. McGregor, who has guided the Stags to the past two Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championships, is taking a leave of absence to help care for his wife, Brenda, who is undergoing medical care for an undisclosed condition. He will remain with the program as head of football operations. Bryce Bevill, who most recently worked in the NFL for the New York Jets, is the interim head coach. He played for McGregor before graduating in 1990 and is a former head coach at WCAC rival Bishop McNamara. In 2011, he was inducted into the DeMatha Hall of Fame.

Bevill recently guided the Stags through two-a-day practices and scrimmage games with Coolidge and Carroll high schools. DeMatha opens the season Friday Aug. 28 against Archbishop Spalding at Wilson Stadium in Landover. The Cavaliers are the last team to beat the Stags, 26-10, on Aug. 31, 2024. Malik Washington, now Maryland’s starting quarterback, was Spalding’s signal caller that night. DeMatha wanted to play the Severn school last season, but it refused. The Stags proceeded to go wire-to-wire as The Washington Post’s No. 1 team and won their 26th conference football championship. McGregor, Maryland’s alltime winningest high school football coach by percentage (.860), has led DeMatha to 19 of those titles. His first came in 1982 when he was elevated from defensive coordinator to replace Jerry Franks. He re-

mained head coach until leaving for other coaching opportunities in 2011 and returned to the Stags’ sidelines in 2019. DeMatha, which retained defensive coordinator Deno Campbell and offensive coordinator Luke Casey, has won 21 consecutive games, one shy of the school record. Senior quarterback Tristan Sabb also returns. Terrance Grant will bolster the ground game as a top-flight senior running back. He transferred in the spring from Las Vegas powerhouse Bishop Gorman. He has been targeted by several top college football programs. Langston Pridgeon, a junior cornerback, is another highly prized transfer. He will join a DeMatha defense that already features corner Knyair Crumb and fellow senior James Pace. Crumb and Pace have committed to Auburn University. Last season, Crumb led the Stags with seven interceptions and forced two fumbles. Pace

is DeMatha’s version of Green Bay Packers superstar edge rusher Micah Parsons. He was The Post’s 2025 Defensive Player of the Year and a MaxPreps’ second-team All-American. Junior defensive lineman Nikolas Stevens rounds out the Stags’ five legitimate NFL prospects. Every school in the SEC has already shown interest in him, and he recently picked up a scholarship offer from Notre Dame.

DeMatha grad takes the reins Bevill, who worked as manager of player engagement for the Jets, was an assistant at DeMatha until becoming head coach at McNamara for nine seasons (2004–12). He led the Mustangs to four consecutive playoff berths (2006–09). Bevill graduated from Syracuse (N.Y.) University in 1995 and played four seasons in the Canadian Football League, one with the Winnipeg Blue Bomb-

ers and three for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. He was director of football operations at Howard University and was Maryland’s character coach, while also serving as director of campus ministry for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Campbell said he thinks Bevill will do a “great job” in leading a DeMatha team that will be seeking the school’s first threestraight championship season since the Stags completed a four-year title run in 2016 under Elijah Brooks. “He brings a lot of football knowledge and leadership to DeMatha and is a man of faith,” said Campbell, the Stags’ longtime and highly respected defensive coordinator. “He understands how to coach players to give maximum effort and can help guide them in making important life decisions. “Plus, he demonstrated an ability to produce winning teams when he coached at McNamara. I think we have a very good man leading the program, and I’m looking forward to another great season.” Chris McManes (mick-maynz) is in his 12th consecutive year covering DeMatha football.

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 5

County launches new buyer-assistance programs By NIGEL F. MAYNARD The Prince George's County housing department has announced two new homebuyerassistance programs aimed at increasing homeownership. Together with the existing Pathway to Purchase program, the new initiatives provide assistance with down payments and closing costs (up to $50,000) to help more residents own their own homes, especially among eligible critical workforce professionals, such as teachers and firefighters. “Homeownership remains one of the most effective ways for families to build generational wealth and achieve longterm financial stability,” said Jonathan R. Butler, director of the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development. Each program has different requirements. Butler said the Pathway to Purchase is an income-restricted program designed to help first-time home buyers, which dictates that a buyer’s income may not exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). AMI is the middle point of what households in a region earn — half make more, and half make less. “A household of one [in Prince George’s County] can make no more than $93,000,” Butler explained. “And a household of two can make no more than $106,000, so it’s really for low- to moderate-income [buyers].” The Homeownership Equity Program is designed to increase homeownership opportunities for moderate-income country residents and to encourage investment in communities

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located inside the Capital Beltway. Eligible applicants must be first-time homebuyers or county residents who are public-sector employees; former renters from designated ZIP codes or neighborhoods inside the I-495 Capital Beltway; or multi-generational caregivers. Butler said qualified buyers may receive up to $30,000 for down payment and closing cost assistance through a zero-percent interest loan that is “forgiven” at 20% annually over five years. If the buyers live in the home for five years, they do not have to repay the loan. Eligible homebuyers cannot exceed 120% of the AMI — $139,500 for

a single buyer or $159,450 for a family of two. Finally, the Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program is designed to recruit and retain essential workers by helping them purchase homes in the communities where they serve, according to county documents. Eligible buyers include full-time teachers employed by county public schools; full-time nurses employed by county hospitals or medical offices; and full-time first responders and public safety personnel, such as firefighters, EMTs, police officers and dispatchers, employed by a public safety agency of Prince

George’s County government. (Prince George’s County Police Department officers would be eligible for this program, but not Hyattsville Police Department officers, who are employed by the City of Hyattsville. In contrast, Hyattsville firefighters would be eligible, as they are employed by the county and not by the city.) Qualified first-time homebuyers may receive up to $50,000, or 25% of the home’s purchase price (whichever is less), in the form of a zero-interest deferred loan for down payment and closing costs. The loan is forgiven 10% annually for 10 years, which means if the buyers live in the home for 10 years, they do not have to repay the loan. Moreover, eligible homebuyers

again cannot exceed 120% of the AMI. Unlike a market rate transaction, these programs do not heavily rely on buyers’ credit scores. They consider debt-toincome ratios and income and require buyers to go through homebuyer education. “Here at the Department of Housing and Community Development, we really believe that a stable, safe home is the foundation of a really thriving life,” Butler said. “The initiative that we have with these homebuying assistance programs is called Stepping into Home Ownership, and it is our commitment to making that foundation accessible to every resident regardless of income, background or ZIP code.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

Page 6 | HyattsvilleLife.com

Cultural Academy for Excellence celebrates 30 years By SYDNEY WARE The Cultural Academy for Excellence (CAFE) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, but the nonprofit youth development organization, located on Queens Chapel Road in Mount Rainier, might have flown under your radar if you’re not versed in the world of percussive music. Founded by Lorna Green in 1996, CAFE provides kids with the opportunity to become musicians, as well as to better themselves in their academic pursuits. Combining creative expression and musical development, the nonprofit stands out for its featured instrument — the steelpan drum. The steelpan drum emerged in the late 1930s in Trinidad and Tobago as musicians began using oil drums to replace banned percussive instruments. The instrument has versatile capabilities like that of a piano, despite being lesser known. Much like hip-hop, playing these instruments was regarded as “thug-like” and “low-life.” Now, nearly a century later, the drums are featured in orchestras all over the world. Green started CAFE after her then 6-year-old daughter, who had already begun piano lessons, went to visit relatives in Trinidad and Tobego, and returned with a newfound love for the steelpan drum. “She promptly informed me that she will not be playing the piano anymore; she will now be playing the steel drums,” said Green, CAFE’s executive director. Though her daughter continued playing the piano along with the steel drum, Green noticed that her daughter’s regard for the drum was influential on her performance in other areas. “Once I said I was taking away [the steelpan], she would straighten up,” Green explained. “She was an excellent child and excellent

VIDEO

Scan to see our video of CAFE.

The Cultural Academy for Excellence, located on Queens Chapel Road in Mount Rainier, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. SYDNEY WARE

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student, but it kept her on track.” Seeing her daughter’s passion and motivation for playing the instrument, Green expanded her approach. “I said, ‘Well, if this worked with her, I would like to experiment with it and see if it would work with other kids.’ That is how the idea came about, and I’ve been doing that for 30 years.” The Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra (PVYSO) was formed during the first year of CAFE’s existence and is the nonprofit’s “flagship performing ensemble,” according to its website. Green founded the ensemble in 1996, with the original group consisting of 14 students. Two weeks after the group’s first rehearsal, they found themselves performing the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the Olympic torch relay ceremony in Largo. Since then, the PVYSO has performed internationally and in venues like the Kennedy Center, the Strathmore Music Center, the Smithsonian and the Maryland governor’s mansion. The group is also a three-time grand champion of the Virginia Beach International PANfest. CAFE prides itself on providing participants with more than just an opportunity to play steelpan. It offers a weekday afterschool academy and a Saturday academy that will start up again in early September. The afterschool program, for students ages 6 to 14, focuses on homework assistance and arts activities, while the Saturday academy for students ages 6 to 18 offers math and reading tutoring, SAT prep and coding, along with musical instruction. CAFE Music Director Khandeya Sheppard explained the role programs like CAFE can play in shaping a young person’s life. “A lot of students have come here and got a lot of academic help,” she said, “and we have over a 99% success

rate where students graduate and are matriculating to college and going on to do anything in their wildest dreams.” Alumni Hannah Browne graduated from high school and CAFE eight years ago, but still values the memories she made and the lessons learned, prompting her return to celebrate its 30th anniversary. “CAFE not only taught me how to play the steel drums and to embrace my culture,” she said, “but it also provided a space to make friends, build connections, and also have very meaningful mentorship relationships.” Though the program caters to school-age students, CAFE also teaches adults and has an adult orchestra, the PanTones Steel Orchestra. Shepphard noted that this mix of ages can benefit each individual. “This is an intergenerational space,” Sheppard explained. “It is very community blending. You may have somebody older than you teaching you or somebody younger than you teaching you, but you have to be able to listen.” Green is retiring as executive director this year, but she is confident the continued support of the community, staff, parents and students will continue the success of the group. “I want my students to walk out of [CAFE] and see that we are all one in the same, to understand that we do not discriminate against anyone and there is equal opportunity here for everyone, [to know] that it is their duty to give back and to help one another,” Green said. “They’re entitled to a good life and opportunity to pursue their dreams — but never forget to support one another.” As this paper was going to press, CAFE was scheduled to have an Aug. 22 performance commemorating its anniversary, and the group is excited to continue being a resource for the community and a safe, creative space for people of all ages and backgrounds. Sydney Ware is a senior at Trinity Washington University majoring in journalism and media studies.

Hyattsville Headlines Issue 463 | September 2026 | A City of Hyattsville publication | La versión en español empieza en la página 3

NEWS FLASHES Labor Day Service Changes City of Hyattsville offices will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. There will be no compost or yard waste pickup that week. County recycling routes will move from Monday to Tuesday; Tuesday to Wednesday; Wednesday to Thursday; Thursday to Friday and Friday to Saturday. There are no changes to the City’s trash collection schedule. More information at hyattsville.org/trash.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hyattsville Spotlight: Jared Marx & HMB Soccer Every fall and spring, Driskell Park turns into an expanse of soccer fields on Saturday mornings. Since 2018 Hyattsville resident Jared Marx has helped shepherd thousands of families through the PGSI HMB soccer league, which coordinates with the City and Prince George’s County Public Schools to host games and practices on public fields. The league is entirely volunteer run, making it an affordable and accessible entry point for kids interested in the sport. Beyond that, it has built a community network of friends and neighbors and has become one of the defining features of life in Hyattsville. For this Hyattsville Spotlight, we spoke with Jared about what makes this league special and how local families can get involved! What is HMB Soccer? HMB soccer is Hyattsville’s local all-volunteer recreational soccer league for kids. Everyone aged 4 through 18 can play! Over three hundred kids play with the HMB club every season, and nearly 1,000 play in the regional league we host called PGSI, which includes teams from Greenbelt, University Park, Cheverly, and elsewhere. HMB stands for Hyattsville, Mount Rainier and Brentwood, and HMB soccer is an outgrowth of the HMB Boys and Girls’ club that dates back to the 1960’s. Some kids currently playing in our league have parents and even grandparents that were involved in the original version of HMB soccer. How did you get involved with HMB soccer? When our oldest child was 5 and we had just moved to Hyattsville, I signed her up to play with HMB and agreed to help coach her team. I guess I thereaf-

Bulk Waste Pop-Up Clean out your garage this fall! The next bulk waste pop-up day is on September 19, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m or until containers reach capacity. Hyattsville residents can bring bulk trash to the dumpsters at 4633 Arundel Place for FREE! A list of acceptable items is available at hyattsville.org/ bulk-waste.

Be a Hero! Get to Zero! The City of Hyattsville recently installed stop sign cameras at 40th Avenue and Oglethorpe Street, 42nd Avenue and Oglethorpe Street, Jamestown Road and Nicholson Street, and 31st Avenue and Nicholson Street to improve traffic and pedestrian safety. These intersections were chosen based on their proximity to schools and reports of frequent stop sign violations. As students return to school this fall you can be a hero by getting to zero! Make sure your speedometer gets to zero at every stop sign to keep our community safe. The stop sign cameras will begin issuing warnings for violations on September 1. They will begin issuing fines starting October 1. Learn more at hyattsville.org/stop.

What about the league is unique to Hyattsville? There is nothing cooler than seeing almost a thousand kids and their families out on a Saturday morning all playing soccer at Driskell Park. No one is spread out all over the County, or driving an 8-year-old to one location and a 12-year-old to another one thirty minutes away. That huge, beautiful park is such a wonderfully unique thing that we have that very few communities in the area do. And the City does so much work to take care of it and make the fields available! How can people get involved in upcoming seasons? Our fall season is underway, but we play every spring and every fall. Kids can sign up to play at https://pgsisoccer.sportngin.com. If you’re interested in helping out on the administrative end, there is contact information at that site as well. Hope to see more people out there!

Hyattsville Headlines | September 2026 | Page 1

HYATTSVILLE HEADLINES

It was a family-friendly gathering of community and fun at this year’s National Night Out at Driskell Park! Residents came out to meet and talk with Hyattsville police officers, firefighters, City Councilmembers, and their fellow neighbors! For more information on the Hyattsville Police Department, visit hyattsville.org/police.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Free Zumba Classes

Free NARCAN Training

Older adults can join on Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m. at the City Building. hyattsville. org/seniors

September 12 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. at Driskell Park as part of the regional iNaturalist Bioblitz weekend. The event will start with an overview of the iNaturalist app followed by an accounting of the plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife in the park. Please RSVP to environment@hyattsville.org to be notified of weather related event updates.

Traffic Calming Meetings

Produce Distribution

Community members are invited to meet with the City’s Department of Public Works to discuss proposed traffic calming strategies for the following streets: Sept 10, 6:30pm: 42nd & Kennedy, Meet at City Building, 4310 Gallatin Street Sept 16, 6:30pm: Lancer & Longfellow, Meet at intersection of 36th Ave & Longfellow Sept 23, 6:30pm: 41st & Emerson, Meet at intersection of 41st & Emerson More info at hyattsville.org/calendar.

Pick up free produce on September 15, 12 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville. hyattsville.org/calendar

Summer Jam season is coming to a close! We’re ready to go out with a bang by celebrating Hyattsville’s diversity at our international-themed Summer Jam on September 18 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Heurich Park. Learn more by visiting hyattsville.org/summerjam.

CERT Skills Session

Hyattsville Arts Festival

The next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) skills practice session is on September 16, 6:30 p.m., at the City Building. Anyone is welcome to attend. hyattsville.org/CERT

The annual downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival will take place on Saturday, September 19, from 12 – 6 p.m., along Gallatin and Farragut Streets. The Arts Festival is led by the Hyattsville Community Development Corporation and supported by regional sponsors. Visit hyattsvilleartsfestival.com to learn more. Please note that Gallatin and Farragut Streets will be closed between Route 1 and 43rd Avenue for the event.

Mondays & Wednesdays, 4 - 5 p.m. at the City Building! hyattsville.org/calendar

Seated Exercise Classes

Community Health and Wellness Fair Join us at the 16th annual Community Health and Wellness Fair hosted by the First United Methodist Church of Hyattsville, City of Hyattsville, and other community partners on September 12, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., at 6201 Belcrest Road. Bring the family for free health screenings, wellness information, and community resources! Learn more at hyattsville.org/calendar.

Hyattsville BioBlitz Be a citizen scientist! The City of Hyattsville is hosting conservationist and iNaturalist ambassador María Isabel Dabrowski on

Seniors on the Go Older adults can enjoy a trip to the Laurel Dutch Market on September 17, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Register: hyattsville.org/seniors or call (301) 985-5000.

Free NARCAN community training at the City Building on September 18 at 10 a.m. Register: hyattsville.org/NARCAN.

International Summer Jam!

Free CPR & NARCAN Training

Forest Maintenance/Invasive Vine Removals

Take a free CPR & NARCAN combined training on September 17, from 6 – 8:30 p.m. at the City Building, Prangley Room – 2nd floor. Registration required at hyattsville.org/CPR

Help with park clean-up and forest maintenance at Melrose Park on September 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Student service-learning hours are available. Details at hyattsville. org/vine-removal.

Care Partner Support Group

Cyclocross

Connect with other caregivers on September 18, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m. at the City Building. hyattsville.org/seniors

The Hyattsville Cyclocross Bike Race, sponsored by the Route 1 Velo/Arrow Bicycle team, is on September 20 in Driskell Park! Learn more and register before the

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September 18 deadline at bikereg.com/ hcx. Proceeds benefit the Prince George’s County Special Olympics. Please note that portions of the park and surrounding trails will be closed the day of the race.

CPR/AED Training for Older Adults The City of Hyattsville is offering a free CPR & AED training for older adults on September 21, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the City Building. This class is limited to adults 50+ who reside in Hyattsville. Registration required at hyattsville.org/seniors or by calling (301) 985-5000.

Teen Center Grand Opening! You’re invited to the grand opening of the new Hyattsville Teen Center on September 26 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.! Attendees can participate in family-friendly activities and tour the new facility at 5812 40th Avenue. Teen Center drop-in hours begin October 5 and are available to Hyattsville middle and high schoolers with a free membership, available through the City’s RecDesk platform. Details at hyattsville.org/teen-center.

Business Strategy Session Maryland’s Economic Development Week is September 28 through October 2! The City is celebrating with a Business Strategy Session for local businesses and non-profits on September 30. More details to come. Visit hyattsville.org/business for the latest information.

Titulares de Hyattsville Asunto 463 | Septiembre de 2026 | Una publicación de la ciudad de Hyattsville

NOTICIAS DE ÚLTIMA HORA Cambios en los Servicios por el Día Del Trabajo

En Primer Plano en Hyattsville: Jared Marx y Fútbol HMB Cada otoño y primavera, el parque Driskell se convierte en una extensa zona de campos de fútbol los sábados por la mañana. Desde 2018, Jared Marx, residente en Hyattsville, ha ayudado a guiar a miles de familias a través de la liga de fútbol PGSI HMB, que colabora con el Ayuntamiento y las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George’s para organizar partidos y entrenamientos en campos públicos. La liga está gestionada íntegramente por voluntarios, lo que la convierte en una vía de acceso asequible y accesible para los niños interesados en este deporte. Además, ha creado una red comunitaria de amigos y vecinos y se ha convertido en uno de los rasgos distintivos de la vida en Hyattsville. Para este especial sobre Hyattsville, hemos hablado con Jared sobre qué hace que esta liga sea especial y cómo pueden participar las familias locales.

su equipo. Supongo que a partir de ahí di la impresión errónea de que ayudaría a dirigir la liga... ¡Ahora está en el último año de la preparatoria y juega en el equipo de fútbol de la Preparatoria Roosevelt!

¿Qué es el fútbol HMB? El fútbol HMB es la liga local de fútbol recreativo para niños de Hyattsville, formada íntegramente por voluntarios. ¡Pueden jugar todos los niños de entre 4 y 18 años! Más de trescientos niños juegan en el club HMB cada temporada, y casi 1.000 participan en la liga regional que organizamos, llamada PGSI, que incluye equipos de Greenbelt, University Park, Cheverly y otras localidades.

¿Qué tiene esta liga que la hace única en Hyattsville? No hay nada más genial que ver a casi mil niños y a sus familias un sábado por la mañana jugando al fútbol en el parque Driskell. Nadie tiene que dispersarse por todo el condado, ni llevar a un niño de 8 años a un sitio y a uno de 12 a otro a treinta minutos de distancia. Ese parque tan grande y bonito es algo maravillosamente único que tenemos y que muy pocas comunidades de la zona pueden presumir. ¡Y el Ayuntamiento se esfuerza mucho por cuidarlo y mantener los campos disponibles!

HMB son las siglas de Hyattsville, Mount Rainier y Brentwood, y el fútbol HMB es una evolución del club HMB Boys and Girls, cuyos orígenes se remontan a la década de 1960. Algunos de los niños que juegan actualmente en nuestra liga tienen padres e incluso abuelos que formaron parte de la versión original del fútbol HMB. ¿Cómo te involucraste con el fútbol de HMB? Cuando nuestra hija mayor tenía 5 años y acabábamos de mudarnos a Hyattsville, la inscribí para que jugara con HMB y acepté ayudar a entrenar a

¿Qué es lo que más te ha impresionado del programa a lo largo de los años? Me encanta que la gente que participa en la liga sea tan servicial y amable. Lo bonito de una liga formada íntegramente por voluntarios es que, cuando las cosas no salen bien, la gente entiende que solo hay que improvisar. Hemos tenido partidos jugados en campos improvisados, con jugadores prestados y con padres haciendo de árbitros. Nos gusta decir que el fútbol recreativo es un deporte de equipo: los adultos formamos parte de un equipo cuya misión es hacer que esta sea una experiencia fantástica para los niños.

Las oficinas de la Ciudad de Hyattsville estarán cerradas el lunes 7 de septiembre en conmemoración del feriado del Día del Trabajo. No habrá recolección de desechos de jardín ni compostaje durante esa semana. Las rutas de reciclaje del condado se moverán de la siguiente manera: las del lunes pasarán al martes; las del martes al miércoles; las del miércoles al jueves; las del jueves al viernes; y las del viernes al sábado. No habrá cambios de la recolección de basura de la Ciudad. Más información en hyattsville.org/trash.

Mes de la Herencia Hispana ¡Feliz Mes de la Herencia Hispana! (15 de septiembre – 15 de octubre) Hyattsville es hogar de una comunidad latina grande y diversa, que representa muchas culturas y experiencias. ¡Estamos orgullosos de celebrar y reconocer sus valiosas contribuciones a nuestra comunidad! Encuentra eventos locales y recursos del Mes de la Herencia Hispana en hyattsville.org/hhm.

Dia de Recogida de Desechos Grandes ¡Limpie su garaje este otoño! El próximo día de recogida de basuras grandes es el 19 de septiembre, de 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. o hasta que los contenedores alcancen su capacidad. Los residentes de Hyattsville pueden llevar sus desperdicios grandes a los contenedores situados en 4633 Arundel Place ¡GRATIS! La lista de artículos aceptables está disponible en hyattsville. org/bulk-waste. Yuck Old Paint también estará en el lugar para reciclar latas de pintura de látex no deseados por $5 por lata. La pintura debe

estar húmeda y en su envase original. Ten preparado dinero en efectivo, un cheque o una tarjeta. El centro de recolección de reciclaje de la ciudad, ubicado en 4631 Arundel Place, también estará abierto durante el evento y aceptará aparatos electrónicos, ropa, bombillas, baterías y poliestireno. Les recordamos que el horario habitual de entrega en el centro es de lunes a jueves, de 8 a.m. a 3 p.m., y los viernes, de 8 a.m. a 12 p.m. Solo para residentes de la ciudad de Hyattsville; por favor, traigan una identificación con foto que incluya su dirección. Encuentren más detalles y una lista de los artículos aceptados en hyattsville.org/recycling.

¡Sé un Héroe! ¡Lleguemos a Cero! El Ayuntamiento de Hyattsville ha instalado recientemente cámaras en las señales de stop situadas en la 40.ª Avenida y la calle Oglethorpe, la 42.ª Avenida y la calle Oglethorpe, Jamestown Road y la calle Nicholson, y la 31.ª Avenida y la calle Nicholson, con el fin de mejorar la seguridad vial y de los peatones. Estas intersecciones se eligieron por su proximidad a los colegios y por las denuncias de frecuentes infracciones en las señales de stop. Ahora que los estudiantes vuelven al colegio este otoño, ¡puedes convertirte en un héroe reduciendo a cero las infracciones! Asegúrate de que tu velocímetro llegue a cero en cada señal de stop para mantener la seguridad de nuestra comunidad. Las cámaras de señales de stop comenzarán a emitir advertencias por infracciones a partir del 1 de septiembre. Comenzarán a imponer multas a partir del 1 de octubre. Más información en hyattsville.org/stop.

¿Cómo puede la gente participar en las próximas temporadas? Nuestra temporada de otoño ya está en marcha, pero jugamos cada primavera y cada otoño. Los niños pueden inscribirse para jugar en https:// pgsisoccer.sportngin.com. Si te interesa colaborar en las tareas administrativas, en ese sitio también encontrarás la información de contacto. ¡Espero ver a más gente por ahí!

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TITULARES DE HYATTSVILLE

¡La edición de este año de la «National Night Out» en el parque Driskell fue un encuentro familiar, comunitario y divertido! ¡Los vecinos acudieron para conocer y charlar con los agentes de policía de Hyattsville, los bomberos, los concejales del Ayuntamiento y sus propios vecinos! Para obtener más información sobre el Departamento de Policía de Hyattsville, visita hyattsville.org/police.

CALENDARIO DE EVENTOS Clases Gratuitas de Zumba Lunes y miércoles, 4 - 5 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal! hyattsville.org/calendar

Ejercicios Sentados Los adultos mayores pueden participar los miércoles, 10 - 11 a.m., en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/seniors

Reuniones sobre la Pacificación del Tráfico Se invita a los miembros de la comunidad a reunirse con el Departamento de Obras Públicas del Ayuntamiento para debatir las estrategias propuestas para la moderación del tráfico en las siguientes calles: 10 de sept, 6:30 p.m.: 42nd y Kennedy, Edificio Municipal, 4310 Gallatin Street 16 de sept, 6:30 p.m.: Lancer y Longfellow, punto de encuentro en el cruce de la 36th Ave. con Longfellow 23 de sept, 6:30 p.m.: 41st y Emerson, punto de encuentro en el cruce de la 41st con Emerson Más información en hyattsville.org/calendar.

Feria Comunitaria de Salud y Bienestar Acompáñenos en la decimosexta Feria Anual de Salud y Bienestar Comunitario organizada por la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Hyattsville, la ciudad de Hyattsville y otros socios comunitarios el 12 de septiembre, de 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., en 6201 Belcrest Road. ¡Trae a la familia para recibir exámenes de salud gratuitos, información sobre bienestar y recursos comunitarios! Información en hyattsville.org/calendar.

¡«BioBlitz» de Hyattsville! ¡Conviértete en un científico ciudadano! La ciudad de Hyattsville recibirá a la conservacionista y embajadora de iNaturalist, María Isabel Dabrowski, el 12 de septiembre, de 9 a 11:30 a.m., en el Parque Driskell, como parte del fin

de semana regional del Bioblitz de iNaturalist. El evento comenzará con una presentación general de la aplicación iNaturalist, seguida de un recuento de las plantas, los insectos, las aves y otros animales silvestres del parque. Por favor, confirma tu asistencia a environment@ hyattsville.org para recibir notificaciones sobre cambios en el evento debido al clima.

Distribución de Alimentos Recoja bolsas de productos agrícolas gratuitos el 15 de septiembre, 12 p.m. en la Primera Iglesia Metodista Unida de Hyattsville. hyattsville.org/ calendar

Sesión de Habilidades de CERT La próxima sesión de habilidades de la organización del Equipo Comunitario de Respuesta a Emergencias (CERT) se celebrará el 16 de septiembre a las 6:30 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal. Todos son bienvenidos. hyattsville. org/CERT

Paseos para Adultos Mayores Los adultos mayores pueden disfrutar de una excursión al Mercado Holandés de Laurel el 17 de septiembre, de 12 a 2 p.m. Inscríbase en: hyattsville.org/seniors o llame al (301) 985-5000.

Formación Gratuita en RCP y NARCAN Toma un curso gratuito combinado en RCP y NARCAN el 17 de septiembre, de 6 - 8:30 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal, Sala Prangley – segunda planta. Es necesario inscribirse. hyattsville. org/CPR

Grupo de Apoyo para Cuidadores Conecta con otros cuidadores el 18 de septiembre, 9:30 - 10:45 a.m., en el Edificio Municipal. hyattsville.org/seniors

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Entrenamiento de NARCAN Entrenamientos gratuitos NARCAN en el Edificio Municipal el 18 de septiembre, a las 10 a.m. Inscribirse: hyattsville.org/NARCAN.

Olímpicos Especiales del condado de Prince George. Tenga en cuenta que algunas partes del parque y los senderos circundantes estarán cerrados el día de la carrera.

¡Fiesta de verano: Celebración internacional!

Entrenamiento de RCP y DEA para Adultos Mayores

¡La temporada de Summer Jam está a punto de terminar! Acompáñanos a celebrar la rica diversidad de Hyattsville en nuestro Summer Jam con temática internacional el 18 de septiembre, de 5:30 a 8:30 p.m. en Heurich Park. Habrá música en vivo, comida deliciosa, bebidas y mucho más. Más información en hyattsville. org/summerjam.

La Ciudad de Hyattsville está ofreciendo entrenamiento gratuito en RCP y DEA para adultos mayores el 21 de septiembre, de 10 a.m. a 12 p.m. en el Edificio Municipal. Esta clase está reservada para adultos mayores de 50 años que vivan en Hyattsville. El espacio es limitado. Regístrese en hyattsville.org/seniors o llame (301) 985-5000.

Festival de Arte de Hyattsville

¡Inauguración del Centro para Adolescentes!

El Festival Anual de Artes del centro de Hyattsville tendrá lugar el sábado 19 de septiembre, de 12 a 6 p.m., a lo largo de las calles Gallatin y Farragut. El festival es organizado por la Corporación de Desarrollo Comunitario de Hyattsville con el apoyo de patrocinadores regionales. Visite hyattsvilleartsfestival. com para obtener más información. Tenga en cuenta que las calles Gallatin y Farragut estarán cerradas entre la Ruta 1 y la Avenida 43 por el evento.

Mantenimiento Forestal y Eliminación de Enredaderas Invasoras Limpieza del parque y mantenimiento forestal en Parque Melrose el 19 de septiembre, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Se ofrecen horas de aprendizaje mediante servicio para estudiantes. Información en hyattsville.org/vine-removal.

Carrera de Ciclismo La carrera de ciclismo de Hyattsville, patrocinada por el equipo Route 1 Velo/Arrow Bicycle, tendrá lugar el 20 de septiembre en Driskell Park. Infórmate e inscríbete antes de la fecha límite del 18 de septiembre en bikereg.com/ hcx. La recaudación se destinará a los Juegos

¡Te invitamos a la inauguración oficial del nuevo Centro para Adolescentes de Hyattsville el 26 de septiembre, de 11 a.m. a 1 p.m.! Los asistentes podrán participar en actividades para toda la familia y visitar las nuevas instalaciones, situadas en el 5812 de la 40th Avenue. El horario de acceso libre al Centro Juvenil comienza el 5 de octubre y está disponible para los alumnos de secundaria y bachillerato de Hyattsville con una suscripción gratuita, que se puede obtener a través de la plataforma RecDesk del Ayuntamiento. Más información en hyattsville. org/teen-center.

Sesión sobre Estrategia Empresarial ¡La Semana del Desarrollo Económico de Maryland se celebra del 28 de septiembre al 2 de octubre! La ciudad lo celebrará con una sesión sobre estrategia empresarial dirigida a empresas locales y organizaciones sin fines de lucro del 30 de septiembre. Próximamente daremos más detalles. Visita hyattsville.org/ business para obtener la información más reciente.

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Find more local events all month long in our continuously updated online calendar at StreetcarSuburbs.News/events.

ere’s our September list of events sponsored by local nonprofits, arts organizations and performance venues; all information is current as of Aug. 20. For events and meetings organized by the City of Hyattsville, see Hyattsville Headlines in the newspaper’s centerfold. We’ve changed our format to provide you with a more comprehensive list of events. For even more, visit StreetcarSuburbs.News/events. Please send notices of October events to heather@ hyattsvillelife.com by Sept. 24.

CONCERTS > Sept 2: Campfire Session (listening room), 7 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 3: Band Brûlée, eclectic jazz, 4:30 p.m., Riversdale Farmers Market > Sept. 4: Tom Teasley & Chao Tian, improvisational percussionist and Chinese dulcimer player, 8 p.m., Brentwood Arts Exchange > Sept. 5: Marcus Johnson, jazz with FLO vibe, 7 p.m., Busboys & Poets; The Chromatics, highenergy a capella, 8 p.m., Maryland Meadworks; Zydeco Jed, East Coast roots, 8 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 6: The Nighthawks, a stew of blues, R&B, honky-tonk country, doo-wop, gospel and rockabilly, 6 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept 7: DC Labor Chorus, music ensemble for solidarity, 2 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 9: Band Brûlée, summer jazz on the lawn, 7 p.m., Riversdale House Museum > Sept 10: Sadia, singersongwriter and multi-

Event details change! For more info, end times, ticket prices and cancellations, call venues or visit websites. > Archie Edwards Blues Heritage Foundation, Hyattsville, acousticblues. com > Bladensburg Waterfront Park, pgparks.com > Brentwood Arts Exchange, pgparks.com > Busboys and Poets, Hyattsville, busboysandpoets.com > City of Hyattsville, hyattsville.org > Greenbelt Arts Center, greenbeltartscenter.org > Hyattsville Aging in Place, hyattsvilleaginginplace.org > Hyattsville Branch Library, pgcmls.info/events > Hyattsville Community Development Corporation, hycdc.org > Joe’s Movement Emporium, Mount Rainier, joesmovement.org > Maryland Meadworks, Hyattsville, marylandmeadworks.com > Maryland Native Plant Society, mdflora.org > New Deal Cafe, Greenbelt, newdealcafe.com > Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Bladensburg, pgparks.com > Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center, Hyattsville, pyramidatlanticartcenter.org > Riversdale Farmers Market, rpkfarmmkt@gmail.com > Riversdale House Museum, Riverdale Park, pgparks.com > Streetcar 82 Brewing Co., Hyattsville, streetcar82brewing.com

instrumentalist, 4:30 p.m., Riversdale Farmers Market; Swampgrass, classic bluegrass/ gospel/rock, 7 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 11: Bad Influence, blues and roots music, 8 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 12: Local Band Showcase, 7 p.m., Maryland Meadworks; Magical Mystery Four, guitar-heavy/early Beatles, 8 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 13: Dede & The DoRights, rock ’n’ roots country, 6 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 17: The Glen Echoes, a capella, close-harmony quartet, 4:30 p.m., Riversdale Farmers Market; O’McPub Band, Irish acoustic duo, 6 p.m., Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. > Sept. 18: Hyattsville Jazz Collective, 7 p.m., Maryland Meadworks; The Roustabouts,

blues with dynamic lead fiddle, 8 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 19: Lou Black Trio, eclectic pop, rock, folk, electronic music, 7 p.m., Maryland Meadworks > Sept 23: Fall concert series, 7 p.m., Riversdale House Museum lawn > Sept. 24: Teresa Jiménez, versatile singer-songwriter, 4:30 p.m., Riversdale Farmers Market; Shannon Leigh and The Good Bygones, bluegrass, 7 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept 25: Gary Bouchie & GXB, hook-laden Southern rock ’n’ roll, 8 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 25 & 26: IZIS la Enfermera de la Salsa, Friday 11:30 a.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m., Publick Playhouse > Sept. 26: Janine Wilson and Arch Alcantara, acoustic roots rock and Americana, 7 p.m.,

Maryland Meadworks; Built 4 Comfort, Wammie-nominated blues and roots rock group, 8 p.m., New Deal Cafe

JAMS > Sept. 3: Wolf's Thursday Blues Show & Sit-in Jam, 6:30 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 10: Indigo Girls + more acoustic jam with Eric Maring, 7 p.m., Maryland Meadworks > Sept. 13: Hyattsville Irish Session, 11 a.m., Maryland Meadworks; InstaBand Live Jam, 3:30 pm, Maryland Meadworks > Sept. 15 & 29: Acoustic Jamming Class, 7 p.m., Joe’s Movement Emporium > Sept. 17: Classic Jam with The Low Rent Quartet, 7 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 19: Saturday Jazz Jam, 3 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept 23: UMD Jazz Jam house band 7:30 p.m., jam 8:30 p.m., Busboys and Poets > Sept. 27: Hyattsville Irish Session, 11 a.m., Maryland Meadworks > Saturdays ongoing: acoustic blues jam, 1 p.m., Archie Edwards Blue Heritage Foundation

OPEN MICS > Sept 1: Songwriters Association of Washington open mic, 6 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept 19: Poetry open mic, 11 a.m., New Deal Cafe > Sept. 24: Singer and songwriter open mic, 6:45 p.m., Maryland Meadworks > Tuesdays ongoing: Music open mic, 6 p.m. signup, 6:30 p.m. performance, New Deal Cafe > Thursdays ongoing: poetry, music, other performance, 8 p.m., Busboys and Poets

KARAOKE & SING-ALONG > Sept. 6: Yiddish sing-along, 3 p.m., Maryland Meadworks > Sept 7: Monday Mauveness (live band) Karaoke, 6 p.m., New Deal Cafe > Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun ongoing: Karaoke DJ, 8 p.m., The Hideout

ART EXHIBITIONS

Exhibitions run all month unless otherwise noted. Check websites or call for hours. > Brentwood Arts Exchange: “The Craftsmen Group: A Visual History” explores the intersection of technical mastery and communal legacy; “Trial by Fire” celebrates 25 Years of the Washington Glass School (both

start Sept. 8) > Publick Playhouse: Catherine Rupan Mapp explores diasporic identity in “Diasporic Frequencies” (starts Sept. 10) > Pyramid Atlantic Arts Center: “Ruminations: Our Stories in Paper” celebrates the first decade of Reading Road Studio and the possibilities of papermaking

THEATER & COMEDY > Sept. 4–19: The Lion in Winter by James Goldman, Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m., Greenbelt Arts Center > Sept. 12: Hyattsville Backyard Comedy, 7:30 p.m., 5715 39th Ave., facebook.com/ Hyattsvillecomedy

DANCE > Sept. 19: Latidos del Caribe: Rhythms of the Caribbean, interactive dance program, 2 p.m., Hyattsville Branch Library > Sept. 27: Family Square Dance with Becky Hill and the Hamlin Street Band, 3 p.m., Joe’s Movement Emporium

NATURE & OUTDOORS > Sept. 10: History Boat Tour: The Audacious Joshua Barney, noon, Bladensburg Waterfront Park > Sept. 12: Maryland Native Plant Society native plant sale, 10 am to 2 pm, outside UMD Stamp Student Union > Sept. 15: Anacostia River Paddle Sport Tour, 6 p.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park

SENIORS > Sept. 14: Senior Lunch Bunch Boat Tour, 11:30 a.m., Bladensburg Waterfront Park > Sept. 26: Route 1 Corridor Conversations (virtual) “Spring Garden Planning Starts in the Fall,” 2 p.m., hyattsvilleaginginplace.org/events

DON’T PUT ME IN A BOX Events that defy categories

> Sept. 12: Streetcar 82 8th Anniversary Party, noon, Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. > Sept 18: International Celebration Summer Jam, 5:30 p.m., Heurich Park > Sept. 19: Riversdale Hispanic Heritage Community Day, 11 a.m., Riversdale House Museum; Hyattsville Arts Festival, noon, Hyattsville Municipal Building and beyond > Sept. 20: Hyattsville Cyclocross race, 10 a.m., Driskell Park

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

Page 8 | HyattsvilleLife.com

DEFENSORES FROM PAGE 1

Defensores de la Cuenca also collaborates with other environmental groups and nonprofits, such as Green Latinos, Latino Outdoors (a California-based group with a presence in D.C.) and Comite Latino de Baltimore, and it hopes to expand its partnerships over time. DARIANA GUZMAN

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Programs Director Jorge Abraham Lopez Trejo told the Life & Times. “We offer these opportunities in our various programs.” Lopez Trejo says the formation of the group is significant because it’s not common to see Latino-led environmental groups. Defensores is an opportunity for young people to learn about nature, but, hopefully, it helps them realize that they could pursue a career in environmental sciences and conservation. “We are building a network of leaders who are taking action to support Madre Tierra, our Mother Earth,” the group says on its website. “We create familyfriendly events that are welcoming and inviting to ensure that participants have fun and make positive connections to nature. We share information about the many ways the environment impacts us and how we impact the environment.” Olivo and Morales came up with the idea for the group around the time of the pandemic, Lopez Trejo explained. They saw a need to provide access to Latino communities who, for various reasons, may not feel comfortable in other environmental groups. “I’m an immigrant from Mexico, and I got here when I was 16 years old,” Lopez Trejo said. “I remember coming here and not knowing the language first and not knowing what resources are out there that are free for our communities.” To that end, the group’s programs are intentionally multigenerational, designed to appeal to kids, youths and adults. “We want to make sure that when we are inviting either the adults or the kids to any of our programs, we’re also providing aspects that will include everyone, regardless of age.” The group engages with the public in various ways. Defensores Youth Corps is focused on raising environmental stewardship and awareness. According to its website, the program provides more opportunities for young people to get involved, experience more of the natural world and earn community service hours. The Baltimore Youth Program provides camping opportunities and festivals along the river, and the kids also help maintain green spaces in Baltimore City. Embajadores de los Árboles is a program that invites participants to serve as paid ambassadors who find places where trees can be planted. Tree Ambassadors complete approximately 10–12 hours of training before beginning outreach to identify planting spaces, said Gabriela Rivera, the group’s events and partnership director. Defensores has another pro-

Defensores is an opportunity for young people to learn about nature, but, hopefully, it helps them realize that they could pursue a career in environmental sciences and conservation. gram with a more tangential — yet vital — connection to the environment: food distribution. Once a month, the group distributes free boxes of fresh produce to the community. “I like to tell people that there are a lot of barriers that hold back the Latino community to be able to participate in nature, whether it's for joy or to take environmental action,” Lopez Trejo said. “And one of those barriers has to do with having to work, being able to afford groceries, being able to pay the bills and sustain your family. Our hope through these food distributions is that we’re able to alleviate a little bit of that stress that they have with food, so they’re able to maybe think about other things besides surviving.” Much of the group’s initial funding came from the federal government, but Defensores is diversifying its strategy. It accepts donations to help fund its activities and applies for state grants. “It's not the same as the federal government, but we fully acknowledge that the work we're doing needs to keep happening,” Lopez Trejo said. Defensores also collaborates with other environmental groups and nonprofits, such as Green Latinos, Latino Outdoors (a California-based group with a presence in D.C.) and Comite Latino de Baltimore, and hopes to do more. Its partners may not always be directly related to the environment, Lopez Trejo said, but they’re dedicated to expanding opportunities and access for the Latino community. The group’s staff totals less than 20 people in the Farragut Street office, but it adds more during busier times. And they are always looking for volunteers. “There are always opportunities,” Lopez Trejo said. Do volunteers need to know how to speak Spanish? No, Lopez Trejo jokes. “We welcome everyone,” he said. “We do hope that they like working with Latino communities.” To volunteer at Defensores de la Cuenca, visit tucuenca.org/ volunteers.

Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 9

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

Page 10 | HyattsvilleLife.com

YOUTUBE FROM PAGE 1

to search and scroll through YouTube videos, according to county schools staff. Middle and high school students will still have access to YouTube on school-issued computers. PG Parents for Smart Tech Use, which has about 150 mem-

bers from around the county, formed with the help of the national advocacy group Distraction Free Schools, according to Hyattsville parent Sarah Weber. This spring, the group helped pass a state law that will require counties to restrict student phone use during the school day by 2027. Weber herself was part of a group of parents who

advocated for students’ phones to be put away during the day at Hyattsville Middle School. While a plan we reported on to put students’ phones in sealed pouches has not yet come into effect, Weber says new policies did reduce student phone use during the day there last school year. At the state and local level, parents are advocating for limits to screen time for young children at school. In a July 30 virtual town hall, members of the parent group advocated for other immediate changes this fall. They asked county schools to prohibit screen use during recess, lunch and countysponsored after-school programs. They also asked schools to stop sending elementary students

home with computers. Anna Yong, a parent at University Park Elementary School, said she was concerned her child spent long hours on a screen during school and aftercare and then in the evening had to meet homework requirements on the reading program IReady and the math program Dreambox. Parents also asked that county schools move towards only allowing students to access a specific list of websites, rather than removing access to sites found to be problematic. During the July town hall, Andrew Zuckerman, head of technology for county schools, said that he is a parent of teens and is worried about screen use, too. “I am genuinely look-

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ing forward to working on this issue with this group,” he said. “I know our superintendent is, and I know our school board is.” Zuckerman said that in a recent focus group, principals told him that prohibiting device use during unstructured time, like lunch and indoor recess, would be challenging for staff whose careers started during the pandemic and who did not know how to manage students without letting them use devices. Principals also said materials for children to play with during indoor recess, other than Chromebooks, might not be available. Nevertheless, Zuckerman said that county schools would work to limit device usage during unstructured time this fall, and would give clearer direction on what is good use of technology in the classroom. County schools will also work to determine what is not good use, something he referred to as balanced instruction. Further examination and data collection, Zuckerman said, would be needed before limits could be put on YouTube for middle and high school students, and before other restrictions that parents suggested could go into place. “A lot of our curriculum is digital now,” Zuckerman said. Without laptops open in front of students, “we may not literally physically have the materials to teach.” Zuckerman said he anticipated that the school board would be active on the issue when they begin meeting this fall. “We understand that technology certainly has its place in our schools,” said School Board Vice President Phelton Moss (District 7), a former English teacher who attended the July town hall. “It’s simply a tool and not really a substitute for the real classroom community and physical books and handwriting that children need to do.”

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

HyattsvilleLife.com | Page 11

MISS FLORIBUNDA

Deadhead reckoning Dear Miss Floribunda,

outlived their usefulness. What do you think?

I have a nice garden of annuals such as zinnias, marigolds, Shirley poppies, cosmos and cornflowers, as well as perennials like black-eyed Susans, coneflowers and daisies. This year, I added mammoth sunflowers, which are attracting goldfinches and cardinals now that the plants are going to seed. I usually clip off spent flowers to keep my plants blooming, but I haven’t decapitated the sunflowers because they would not rebloom. Now that I see these beautiful birds, I wonder if I let the other flowers go to seed, would they also attract some feathered friends. To tell the truth, I think I enjoy seeing the birds as much as I enjoy the flowers. It’s getting late in the season anyway, so maybe the flowers haven’t all that long to go. My fall chrysanthemums will be blooming soon, and I’m getting tired of the summer deadheading chore anyway. I feel a little guilty, but I think the summer flowers have

Ungrateful Deadheader on Hamilton Street Dear Ungrateful Deadheader, Every last one of the flowers in your garden would bring grateful birds if you let them go to seed. Cardinals and finches of all kinds adore the seeds of zinnias, poppies, cosmos, cornflowers and marigolds, as do the less colorful, but charming, sparrows and linnets, or house finches. In addition to these birds, black-eyed Susans attract black-capped chickadees, darkeyed juncos, doves and nuthatches. Coneflowers will bring Carolina wrens, cardinals, tufted titmice, doves and dark-eyed juncos, as well as goldfinches and purple finches. In the future, you might consider cultivating such native plants as wild bergamot, which feeds goldfinches and redpolls. Milkweed, so necessary to the survival of monarch butterflies,

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benefits birds, as well. For example, the silky down from its seed pods is used by goldfinches to line their nests. My Aunt Snapdragon does not weed out thistles, whether native noninvasives or those that have sprouted from the bird seed of past years. Even if she didn’t find their prickles congenial, she would tolerate them because — in addition to attracting goldfinches — they are a lifeline for redpolls and pine siskins. Joe Pye weed attracts almost all local birds, and, in addition, provides winter cover for those that do not migrate. Its stalks, with their fluffy seed heads, are not unattractive in winter, and harbor the pupae of the native bees so important in pollinating crops. If you can persuade your neighbors not to complain, you would do many pollinating insects a favor if you also let the stalks of your sunflowers stand. Native bees and beneficial wasps lay their eggs in them, as well as in Joe Pye weed, and as you already have sunflowers in this year’s garden, you might as well make the most of them. You might add asters and goldenrod to your fall selections. I’m

UNSPLASH

afraid your elegant chrysanthemums offer little or nothing to birds or other pollinators. Asters provide seeds for goldfinches, indigo buntings, dark-eyed juncos and tree sparrows, and their dense foliage harbors caterpillars and insects that birds like to eat. Goldenrod feeds goldfinches, purple finches, juncos, whitebreasted sparrows and, late in the season, rose-breasted grosbeaks and pine siskins, as well. By the way, it is calumny to accuse goldenrod of causing hay fever. The heavy pollen of goldenrod is spread by bees and butterflies. It would have to be wind-borne to aggravate allergies. I am cautioned by Wendy Wildflower and Capability Green, the most ardent advocates for pollinator welfare, that it is not at all necessary to let the whole garden go to

seed and completely eliminate continued bloom. In their own gardens, they don’t spare every single plant and do let a number of expendable flower heads roll. In fact, because cosmos are at their best late in the season as days grow shorter, they are kept mostly clipped and are encouraged to flower until frost. In general, as the year advances, the plants you have allowed to go to seed will contribute to the survival of those lovely creatures you affectionately call “feathered friends.” In the meantime, you can admire the birds’ graceful and colorful presence in your garden, flitting among an intriguing melange of interesting stalks and seed heads and continuing greenery and flowers. For upcoming events presented by the Hyattsville Horticultural Society, please consult its webpage: hyattsvillehorticulture.org. Miss Floribunda writes about gardening for the Life & Times. You may email her at Floribundav@gmail.com.

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Hyattsville Life & Times | September 2026

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STOP SIGN FROM PAGE 1

issues are the mopeds and scooters,” he said. “They pretty much disregard the stop signs and continue going on as if the signs were nonexistent.” Ramirez says it’s possible that some motorists may be unfamiliar with the area or maybe they’re seeing the stop sign too late. “Those people are just blatantly not stopping, or they register that there’s a stop sign late and end up stopping in the mid-

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dle of an intersection,” he said. “The objective with the warning period is to give the community and to give drivers enough time to know that we are paying attention and we are reviewing and monitoring those different stop signs,” Ramirez said. The idea is to help change the behavior of the drivers, the officer explained. Once the grace period is over, motorists will incur a $40 fine for each stop-sign violation. The fine remains the same, whether it’s a motorist's first violation or fifth. Ramirez recommends that motorists come to a complete stop to avoid a fine. Motorists should make sure the wheels are not moving forward and, if need be, count to three

to be certain. The traffic enforcement cameras have been under consideration for two years. In September 2024, the Hyattsville City Council voted to authorize the mobile stop-sign monitoring cameras in school zones. According to the city, the installation is starting with “a small, carefully selected group of locations focused on high-risk intersections.” At the moment, the cameras are located at 42nd Avenue and Oglethorpe Street, Nicholson Street and Jamestown Road, 31st Avenue and Nicholson Street, and 40th Avenue and Oglethorpe Street. The city has four cameras deployed, but Ramirez said the number is dependent on the availability of trailers on which they are mounted and whether the location allows a deployment. “We have a list of 36 preapproved locations that we can deploy them to, and so, essentially, we would wait to make sure that a trailer is available, identify what the next location would be and see if there's enough lighting and enough space to actually safely place that trailer.” Ramirez said that all 36 locations are in school zones.

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EL PERIÓDICO COMUNITARIO DE HYATTSVILLE — AHORA EN ESPAÑOL

SEPTIEMBRE 2026

Grupo ambientalista liderado por latinos abre sede en Hyattsville Por NIGEL F. MAYNARD Defensores de la Cuenca es un grupo ambientalista sin fines de lucro liderado por latinos que desarrollan programas en Maryland, Pensilvania y Virginia. La organización acaba de abrir una oficina en Farragut Street, en Hyattsville. Fundado alrededor del 2020 por Abel Olivo y Herlindo Morales, Defensores de la Cuenca tiene como objetivo brindar a la comunidad latinoamericana oportunidades de voluntariado y educación para aprender sobre la naturaleza y el medio ambiente. “El propósito es facilitar que la comunidad latina —incluyendo a los hispanohablantes, a los inmigrantes y a las personas

Defensores de la Cuenca es un grupo ambientalista sin fines de lucro liderado por latinos que ha abierto una oficina en Farragut Street. DARIANA GUZMAN

Este otoño, los alumnos de primaria de las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Prince George no tendrán acceso a YouTube en las computadoras proporcionadas por la escuela debido a una nueva política anunciada este verano. Padres de familia de Hyattsville, integrantes del grupo “PG Parents For Smart Tech Use”, impulsaron este cambio. Los alumnos del condado han tenido acceso a YouTube en sus Chromebooks escolares desde la pandemia. Ahora, aunque los maestros podrán seguir asignando videos específicos, los alumnos de primaria ya no podrán realizar búsquedas ni navegar libremente entre los videos de YouTube, según informaron funcionarios del sistema

escolar del condado. Los alumnos de escuela media y secundaria seguirán teniendo acceso a YouTube en las computadoras proporcionadas por la escuela. El grupo “PG Parents for Smart Tech Use”, que cuenta con aproximadamente 150 miembros de todo el condado, se formó con la ayuda de una organización nacional de defensa llamada “Distraction Free Schools” según comentó Sarah Weber, madre de familia de Hyattsville. Dicha organización ayudó a aprobar una ley estatal esta primavera que exigirá a los condados restringir el uso de teléfonos por parte de los estudiantes durante la jornada escolar para el año 2027. La propia Weber formó parte de un grupo de padres YOUTUBE / 15 

DEFENSORES / 15 

Cómo surgieron los espectáculos de comedia en patios traseros de Hyattsville

El condado prohíbe YouTube en las computadoras escolares de los alumnos de primaria Por KIT SLACK

bilingües— interactúe con la naturaleza, ya sea a través de actividades recreativas, como acampar o visitar el río, o mediante la educación”, declaró a Life & Times Jorge Abraham López Trejo, director del programa. “Ofrecemos estas oportunidades a través de nuestros diversos programas”. López Trejo señala que la creación de este grupo es significativa, ya que no es común ver organizaciones ambientalistas lideradas por latinos. Defensores representa una oportunidad para que los jóvenes aprendan sobre la naturaleza y, con suerte, se den cuenta de que pueden seguir una carrera en ciencias ambientales y conservación.

Por ALISON BECKWITH, editora de The Hyattsville Wire

Desde mayo de 2021, Kevin Blackerby, residente de Hyattsville, ha organizado más de 15 espectáculos de comedia con cerca de 45 comediantes en diversos patios particulares de Hyattsville e incluso hasta en Laurel. CORTESIA DE KEVIN BLACKERBY

Durante la pandemia, Kevin Blackerby y su esposa formaron parte de un grupo que organizaba fogatas en los patios traseros para que los vecinos pudieran reunirse de forma segura. Un día, decidió añadir comedia a los encuentros. El 1 de mayo de 2021 se celebró el primer espectáculo de Hyattsville Backyard Comedy, ofreciendo a los residentes una actividad de ocio y ayudando a los comediantes afectados por el cierre de los clubes de comedia. “Antes de la pandemia, había presentado espectáculos de comedia en establecimientos comerciales, así que ya estaba familiarizado en la producción de este tipo de eventos”, mencionó Blackerby. “Le preguntamos a unos amigos que tenían un patio grande si estarían dispuestos a ser anfitriones, y funcionó tan COMEDIA / 15 

Vida e Historias de Hyattsville | Septiembre 2026

Pagina 14 | HyattsvilleLife.com

El condado lanza dos nuevos programas de asistencia para compradores de vivienda Por NIGEL F. MAYNARD El Departamento de Vivienda del condado de Prince George ha anunciado dos nuevos programas de asistencia para compradores de vivienda con el objetivo de fomentar la propiedad de viviendas. Junto con el programa existente Pathway to Purchase, las nuevas iniciativas ofrecen hasta $50,000 de asistencia para el pago inicial y los costos de cierre. De esta manera, más residentes podrían adquirir su vivienda propia, especialmente profesionales elegibles que desempeñan labores esenciales, como maestros y bomberos. “Ser propietario de una vivienda sigue siendo una de las formas más efectivas para que las familias generen patrimonio generacional y alcancen estabilidad financiera a largo plazo”, dijo Jonathan R. Butler, director del Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario (DHCD) del condado. Cada programa tiene requisitos diferentes. Según explicó Butler, Pathway to Purchase es un programa sujeto a límites de ingresos diseñado para ayudar a quienes compran vivienda por primera vez. El programa establece que los ingresos del comprador no pueden superar 80% del Ingreso Promedio del Área (AMI).

El AMI representa el punto medio de los ingresos de los hogares en una región: la mitad gana más y la otra mitad, menos. “Un hogar de una sola persona (en el condado de Prince George) no puede tener ingresos superiores a 93,000 dólares”, explicó Butler. “Y un hogar de dos personas no puede superar los 106,000 dólares, por lo que realmente está dirigido a compradores de ingresos bajos o moderados”. El Homeownership Equity Program está diseñado para aumentar las oportunidades de acceso a vivienda propia para los residentes de ingresos moderados del condado y fomentar la inversión en comunidades ubicadas dentro del Capital Beltway. Los solicitantes elegibles deben ser compradores de vivienda por primera vez o residentes del condado que sean empleados del sector público; antiguos inquilinos de códigos postales o vecindarios designados dentro de la circunvalación I-495 (Capital Beltway); o cuidadores de familias multigeneracionales. Butler señaló que los compradores que cumplan con los requisitos pueden recibir hasta $30,000 para ayudar a cubrir el pago inicial, así como los gastos de cierre, mediante un préstamo con una tasa de interés de 0%, que se condona a 20% anual durante cinco años. Esto significa que, si

los compradores residen en la vivienda durante cinco años, no tienen que devolver el préstamo. Los ingresos de los compradores elegibles no pueden superar 120% del AMI: $139,500 para un comprador individual o $159,450 para una familia de dos personas. Por último, el Critical Workforce Housing Assistance Program está diseñado para atraer y retener a trabajadores esenciales, ayudándoles a comprar viviendas en las comunidades donde viven y prestan sus servicios, según documentos del condado. Entre los compradores elegibles se encuentran maestros de tiempo completo empleados por las escuelas públicas del condado; enfermeros de tiempo completo que trabajen en hospitales o consultorios médicos del condado; y personal de tiempo completo de primeros auxilios y seguridad pública, como bomberos, paramédicos, agentes de policía y operadores de 911, empleados por una agencia de seguridad pública del gobierno del condado de Prince George. Los compradores de vivienda por primera vez que cumplan con los requisitos pueden recibir hasta $50,000, o 25% del precio de compra de la vivienda (lo que sea menor), mediante un préstamo diferido sin intereses para el pago inicial y los costos de cierre. El préstamo se condona en 10% anual durante

10 años, lo que significa que, si los compradores permanecen en la vivienda durante ese período, no tendrán que devolverlo. Además, los ingresos de los compradores elegibles no pueden superar 120% del AMI. A diferencia de una transacción inmobiliaria a precio de mercado, estos programas no dependen en gran medida del puntaje de crédito de los compradores. “Lo que se analiza durante el proceso de evaluación son los índices de deudaingresos, así como los salarios”, explicó Butler. Además, cada programa exige que cada comprador pase por ocho horas de formación para compradores de vivienda. “Aquí, en el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario, creemos firmemente que un hogar estable y seguro es la base de una vida próspera”, afirmó Butler. “La iniciativa que llevamos a cabo mediante estos programas de asistencia para la compra de viviendas se llama ‘Stepping into Home Ownership’ y nuestro compromiso es hacer que esa base sea accesible para todos los residentes, independientemente de sus ingresos, antecedentes o código postal. El lema que ven, ‘Everyone Belongs, Welcome Home’, es más que un eslogan. Es el motor que impulsa cada uno de los programas que ofrecemos”.

¡Ayúdanos a que sigan llegando noticias en español a Hyattsville/College Park! Buscamos voluntarios emprendedores para formar parte de nuestra junta directiva, que hablen español con fluidez y estén dispuestos a ayudarnos a generar ingresos para apoyar las noticias en español en nuestra ciudad. También buscamos escritores voluntarios y esperamos poder contratar pronto a un organizador comunitario. Si está interesado en alguno de estos puestos, póngase en contacto con nosotros: kit@ streetcarsuburbs. news.

Vida e Historias de Hyattsville | Septiembre 2026

YOUTUBE VIENE DE PÁG. 13

que abogó para que los teléfonos de los alumnos se mantuvieran guardados durante el día en la escuela media Hyattsville. Aunque un plan sobre el que informamos anteriormente, que contemplaba guardar los teléfonos de los estudiantes en bolsas selladas, aún no ha entrado en vigor, Weber señaló que las nuevas políticas sí redujeron el uso de teléfonos celulares entre los estudiantes durante la jornada escolar el año pasado. Tanto a nivel estatal como local, los padres están promoviendo límites al tiempo que los niños pequeños pasan frente a las pantallas en las escuelas. Durante una reunión comunitaria virtual celebrada el 30 de julio, los miembros del grupo de padres propusieron otros cambios inmediatos para este otoño. Pidieron que las escuelas del condado prohíban el uso de pantallas durante el descanso, el almuerzo y los programas extracurriculares organizados por el condado. Asimismo, solicitaron que las escuelas dejen de enviar a los estudiantes de primaria a casa con computadoras. Anna Yong, madre de un estudiante de la escuela primaria University Park, expresó que le preocupa que su hijo pase largas horas frente a una pantalla durante la jornada escolar y en los programas de cuidado después de clases, para luego tener que cumplir en

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“Estamos construyendo una red de líderes que toma medidas para apoyar a la Madre Tierra”, afirma el grupo en su sitio web. “Organizamos eventos familiares, acogedores e inclusivos, para asegurar que los participantes se diviertan y establezcan vínculos positivos con la naturaleza. Compartimos información sobre las múltiples formas en que el medio ambiente nos afecta y cómo nosotros impactamos en él”. Según explicó López Trejo, la idea del grupo surgió durante la pandemia. Olivo y Morales vieron la necesidad de brindar acceso a las comunidades latinas que, por diversas razones, tal vez no se sentían cómodas en otros grupos ambientalistas. “Soy inmigrante de México y llegué aquí cuando tenía 16 años”, comentó López Trejo. “Recuerdo haber llegado sin conocer el idioma y sin saber qué recursos gratuitos existían para nuestras comunidades”. Nosotros buscamos ser un espacio seguro para jóvenes y adultos que de-

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casa con tareas en el programa de lectura IReady y el programa de matemáticas Dreambox. Los padres también solicitaron que el sistema escolar del condado avanzara hacia un modelo en el que los estudiantes solo pudieran acceder a una lista específica de sitios web, en lugar de simplemente bloquear el acceso a aquellos sitios que resultaran problemáticos. Durante la reunión pública de julio, Andrew Zuckerman, jefe de tecnología de las escuelas del condado, comentó que, como padre de adolescentes, también se preocupa por el uso de las pantallas. “Realmente espero con interés trabajar en este asunto con este grupo”, dijo. “Sé que nuestro superintendente también está interesado, al igual que nuestra Junta Escolar”. Zuckerman señaló que, en un grupo de discusión reciente, los directores escolares le manifestaron que prohibir el uso de dispositivos durante periodos no estructurados, como el almuerzo y el descanso en espacios interiores, representaría un desafío para el personal que comenzó su carrera durante la pandemia y que no aprendió a supervisar a los estudiantes sin permitirles utilizar dispositivos electrónicos. Asimismo, los directores señalaron que es posible que no haya materiales disponibles para que los niños jueguen durante los descansos en espacios interiores, aparte de los Chromebooks. No obstante, Zuckerman ase-

guró que las escuelas del condado trabajarán para limitar el uso de dispositivos durante los periodos no estructurados este otoño y proporcionarán instrucciones más claras sobre lo que constituye un uso adecuado de la tecnología en el aula. También trabajarán para definir qué usos no son adecuados, como parte de un enfoque que Zuckerman denominó “enseñanza equilibrada”. Zuckerman indicó que será necesario realizar más análisis y recopilar datos antes de establecer límites al acceso a YouTube para los estudiantes de escuela media y secundaria o de implementar otras restricciones sugeridas por los padres. “Gran parte de nuestro plan de estudios ahora es digital”, explicó Zuckerman. Sin las computadoras portátiles abiertas frente a los alumnos, “es posible que literalmente no tengamos los materiales físicos necesarios para enseñar”. Zuckerman indicó que espera que la Junta Escolar participe activamente en este asunto cuando retome sus reuniones este otoño. “Entendemos que la tecnología tiene, sin duda, su lugar en nuestras escuelas”, declaró el vicepresidente de la Junta Escolar, Phelton Moss (Distrito 7), exmaestro de inglés que asistió a la reunión comunitaria. “Es simplemente una herramienta y no sustituye realmente a la comunidad que se crea en un salón de clases, ni a los libros físicos ni a la escritura a mano que los niños necesitan practicar”.

seen involucrarse en la conservación del medio ambiente. Con este fin, los programas son deliberadamente intergeneracionales y están diseñados para atraer a niños, jóvenes y adultos. “Queremos asegurarnos de que, al invitar a adultos o niños a cualquiera de nuestros programas, también ofrezcamos elementos que incluyan a todos, independientemente de su edad”. El grupo interactúa con el público de diversas maneras. El Defensores Youth Corps se centra en fomentar la conciencia y la responsabilidad ambiental. Según su sitio web, el programa ofrece a los jóvenes más oportunidades para participar, conocer mejor nuestro entorno natural y acumular horas de servicio comunitario. Un programa juvenil en Baltimore ofrece oportunidades para acampar y hacer festivales a orillas del río; además, los jóvenes ayudan a mantener los espacios verdes de la ciudad de Baltimore. Embajadores de los Árboles es un programa que invita a los participantes a actuar como embajadores remunerados

encargados de buscar lugares donde plantar árboles. Tras un proceso de selección y capacitación, estos “Embajadores de los Árboles” ayudan a identificar espacios y anfitriones donde plantar especies nativas en sus comunidades. Los participantes completan entre 10 y 12 horas de formación a través de cuatro talleres antes de comenzar la labor de búsqueda de espacios de plantación, explicó Gabriela Rivera, directora de eventos y alianzas del grupo. Defensores cuenta con otro programa que guarda una relación más indirecta —aunque vital— con el medio ambiente: la distribución de alimentos. Una vez al mes, el grupo reparte cajas de productos frescos gratuitos a la comunidad. “Quisiera decir a la gente que existen muchas barreras que impiden a la comunidad latina disfrutar de la naturaleza o participar en acciones ambientales”, señaló López Trejo. “Una de esas barreras está relacionada con la necesidad de trabajar, de costear la compra de alimentos, de pagar las facturas y de mantener a la familia. Nues-

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bien que seguimos haciéndolo”. Desde entonces, Blackerby ha organizado más de 15 espectáculos de comedia con aproximadamente 45 comediantes en diferentes patios de Hyattsville e incluso hasta Laurel. Cada espectáculo cuenta con tres comediantes y dura una hora y media. Cada verano se programan cuatro eventos, con aproximadamente seis semanas de diferencia entre cada uno. En promedio, cerca de 50 personas asisten a cada función, algunas llegan incluso desde Silver Spring. Blackerby realizó el curso de comedia Improv Stand-Up de DC hace años y se ha presentado en distintos lugares de la zona metropolitana de Washington D.C. También organizó eventos de micrófono abierto en Silver Spring durante aproximadamente tres años, lo que le permitió establecer conexiones en el mundo de la comedia y encontrar artistas para sus espectáculos. Antes de invitar a los humoristas, Blackerby observa sus presentaciones, revisa vídeos y consulta sus redes sociales para ver si encajan tanto con el público de Hyattsville como con el ambiente más íntimo de un espectáculo realizado en un patio trasero. Los comediantes reciben como pago las propinas que el público envía a través de Venmo y PayPal. Sin embargo, en las pocas ocasiones en que el dinero recaudado no

tra esperanza, a través de estas distribuciones de alimentos, es aliviar un poco el estrés que les genera la alimentación para que así puedan pensar en otras cosas más allá de la simple supervivencia”. Gran parte de la financiación inicial del grupo provino del gobierno federal; sin embargo, debido a la actual administración y a su falta de prioridades ambientales, Defensores está diversificando su estrategia. La organización acepta donaciones para financiar sus actividades y solicita subsidios estatales. “No es lo mismo que el apoyo del gobierno federal, pero somos plenamente conscientes de que la labor que realizamos debe continuar”. Defensores también colabora con otros grupos medioambientales y organizaciones sin ánimo de lucro, como Green Latinos, Latino Outdoors (un grupo con sede en California y presencia en Washington D.C.) y el Comité Latino de Baltimore, y espera ampliar sus alianzas con el tiempo. Según López Trejo, es posible que sus socios no siempre estén directamente relacio-

El último espectáculo de este verano tendrá lugar el sábado 12 de septiembre a las 7:30 p.m. en 5715 39th Avenue y contará con la participación de los humoristas Izzy Gelfand, Jamal Russell y Mike Kurtz. fue suficiente, Blackerby ha cubierto personalmente la diferencia. “Para mí es importante que los artistas reciban una remuneración por su trabajo”, señaló. El último espectáculo de este verano tendrá lugar el sábado 12 de septiembre a las 7:30 p.m. en 5715 39th Avenue y contará con la participación de los humoristas Izzy Gelfand, Jamal Russell y Mike Kurtz. No se permite la presencia de niños ni mascotas, así como tampoco la grabación de video ni el uso de flash al tomar fotografías. Puede obtener más información sobre futuros eventos en la página de Facebook de Hyattsville Backyard Comedy. Este artículo apareció originalmente en The Hyattsville Wire, hyattsvillewire.com

nados con el medio ambiente, pero todos se dedican a ampliar las oportunidades y el acceso para la comunidad latina. El equipo cuenta con unas 12 o 13 personas en la oficina de la calle Farragut, aunque incorporan más personal en las épocas de mayor actividad. Además, siempre buscan voluntarios. “Siempre hay oportunidades”, señaló López Trejo. “El proceso consiste en suscribirse al boletín informativo o enviarnos un correo electrónico directamente indicando que desea ser voluntario. Nosotros le avisaremos cuando surjan oportunidades de voluntariado, ya sea para la distribución de alimentos, actividades de campamento o cualquier otro programa que tengamos”. ¿Es necesario que los voluntarios hablen español? No, responde López Trejo en tono de broma. “Damos la bienvenida a todo el mundo”, afirmó. “Eso sí, esperamos que les guste trabajar con comunidades latinas”. Para ser voluntario en Defensores de la Cuenca, visite tucuenca.org/ volunteers.

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Vida e Historias de Hyattsville | Septiembre 2026