Ruthie and the Wranglers did an excellent job of entertaining us at the Summer Jam Session Aug. 13. Even though it was a hot, humid August evening, the event was very well attended. Outback Steakhouse did their usual outstanding job of preparing chicken, burgers and hot dogs. I hope to see everyone on Friday, Sept. 10, for our last Jam Session for this year.

I attended the Safeway meeting Aug. 16 at the old BB&T building on Hamilton Street. Two gentlemen from the corporate offices of Safeway were in attendance. Such issues as outdated merchandise, low quality produce, inoperable freezers, half empty shelves, and trash and debris on the parking lot, were just a few of the items discussed. The gentlemen from the corporate offices promised to take the issues back to their home base and would do the best that they can to correct the problems. Kudos to Ward One Councilman Doug Dudrow for chairing the meeting.

The EYA Arts District Project has brought new life to the Route 1 Corridor within our city. The new development features retail, new townhomes, rooftop terraces, studios, a fitness center and streetscapes. The construction of the final phase of the project has commenced and will include retail establishments and additional townhomes. The EYA project will include the first Busboys and Poets Restaurant in our state, Tara Thai restaurant and a Yes! Organic Market. These establishments are scheduled to open for business in early 2011. If you take a ride down Route 1, you will not believe what is happening.

I attended a delicious pasta dinner at the Franciscan Monastery Aug. 20. As it is only fifteen minutes from Hyattsville, I saw many of my neighbors in attendance. The tickets are only $7.00 per person, if purchased in advance at the Monastery’s Gift Shop, and $10 if you purchase them at the door. The two remaining dinners for this year are Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

The issue of the street names was raised again when the city requested that the state legislature draw up a bill exempting Hyattsville from the M-NCPPC jurisdiction for changing street names and house numbers. No action was approved by the General Assembly. Refusing to give up the fight, the citizens hired attorneys J. Frank Lillard, Jr. and Dr. Robert W. McCullough to handle their case. As a result, a court order was requested requiring the park and planning commission to restore the old names in the metropolitan area. Meanwhile, the fire department made a public appeal for persons reporting a house fire to give their old street name and number.