Published on: Thursday, February 16, 2012

By Peggy Dee

May he rest in peace

So many of us were sorry to hear of the death of long-time city resident, Jim Davis. He was born and raised in Hyattsville and his father was one of the early police chiefs. He was a resident of Friendship Arms on 42nd Avenue and was usually seen at the McDonald’s on Baltimore Avenue. He had a very lively personality and leaves behind many friends. May he rest in peace.

Parent and child Sweetheart Dance

Parents and children are invited to rock around the clock at the city’s annual Parent and Child Sweetheart Dance at the Hyattsville Municipal Building on Gallatin Street. The fun-filled event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, from 5 to 7 p.m. Tickets are just $5 per guest and include refreshments and photos. Please call the city at 301-985-5020 to make your reservations.

Pancakes and Easter eggs

Aw, spring is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 7, for our annual Pancake Breakfast at Magruder Park from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by the big Egg Hunt. This is a Hyattsville tradition which goes back many years.

Lowering local body temperatures to raise money

More than 50 students and faculty from Northwestern High School participated in the annual Polar Bear Plunge, which takes place at Sandy Point Beach in Annapolis each February. The purpose of the plunge is to raise money for the Special Olympics. English teacher, Jason Scott, said the students raised $6,445.76 for this worthy cause. Our police chief, Doug Holland, is also known to be a participant each year. We are so proud of all of them, but I am afraid I could never be a volunteer. Brr!

Black History Month at the mall

The Mall at Prince Georges will celebrate Black History Month with an entertaining calendar of free events. On Saturday, Feb. 18, from noon to 4 p.m., the African American Museum & Cultural Center invites area residents to help create a Community Quilt. On Feb. 22-24, area students will entertain shoppers with their musical talents during their lunch breaks. There will be a Women’s Health Fair on Saturday, Feb. 25 from noon to 4 p.m.

Hyattsville history: 1956

Hyattsville was destined to grow this year. In January, the Council adopted a resolution proposing annexation of the nine-acre College Heights Terrace section. The area-which bordered Colesville Road, Northwestern High School, and the Heuich tract-was being developed by the Wood Manor Company which anticipated construction of 38 homes there.