Published on: Wednesday, September 02, 2009

By Peggy Dee

New principal

Our congratulations to Mary Pat Donoughe who has been named the new principal of St. Jerome’s School. She has faithfully served the school for the last eight years in the capacity as assistant principal. Having grown up on Manorwood Drive, Mary Pat is a Hyattsville native who attended St. Jerome’s herself. We extend our very best wishes.

The Hyattsville City Council issued a proclamation during its August 3rd meeting to show appreciation for the work done by St. Jerome School Principal Sister Joyce Volpini.

Sister Joyce recently changed positions at the school after serving as principal for 33 years. She will now be serving as counselor and will perform community outreach. Mayor Bill Gardiner said that Sister “served the school with distinction and has enhanced the school” through her work with clubs, alumni development and academic departments. She reflected on her career and the partnership with the city, including the many times when mayors asked her to involve students in volunteer initiatives. I know families who have has two generations taught by Sister Joyce.

Maryland Fashion Week

City resident and clothing designer Paul Koko was one of 18 designers featured during the recent Maryland Fashion Week. Designers from around the world presented their looks during the event, which ran from August 3 to 9. Paul operates the Paul Koko Fashion Design Gallery on Baltimore Avenue in Riverdale.

Mighty Mo

Thanks to all who called me regarding the old Mighty Mo on Queens Chapel Road. Each time I drive by that spot, I think of the old “Mo.” Several people remembered, as I did, those delicious “Mighty Mos,” which was a double decker cheeseburger with sauce. The ice cream fudge cake was another big favorite, hmmmmm, good. Like all drive-in restaurants, the food would be brought to your car and placed on the tray that was attached to your car door. The person in the driver’s seat would have to pass the food back to the passengers in the back seat. I really miss those drive-in restaurants and our good times of the 1950s. It seems as though drive-in restaurants went out when fast food restaurants came in.

Farmers’ market

Last Tuesday evening, I visited our farmers’ market behind Queens Chapel Road and Hamilton Street. I purchased two large cantaloupes, peaches and fresh tomatoes. Does anyone remember when and how the first farmer’s market came to Hyattsville? If you so, please give me a call as I would love to hear from you. I remember the first farmer’s market like it was yesterday.

Hyattsville history

Although heavy spring rains earlier in the year of 1903 had caused mud slides in some areas, within several months, Mother Nature had turned the tables and the city faced a potential water shortage. At its May meeting, the Council discussed efficient use of water during the drought. Town Bailiff Edward McFarland was asked to check on the use of water for sprinkling lawns, gardens, and streets. The use of water for such purposes was a strain on the supply, and mud was being pumped into the water tank. When Mr. McFarland resigned due to lack of time to investigate the water situation as the Council had requested, Charles W. Barr was appointed bailiff.