Published on: Thursday, December 06, 2012

By Peggy Dee

20 years of Franklins

Many of my neighbors stopped by Franklins Restaurant, Brewery and General Store on Baltimore Avenue on Saturday, Nov. 24, to celebrate the local eatery’s 20th anniversary. They enjoyed a delicious lunch, free samples and discounts on the novelty items. Mike Franklin, the owner, and his family, are residents of our fair city. Mike converted the old Hyattsville Hardware Store to a beautiful new restaurant and novelty shop, 20 years ago. Franklins is also a fun place to gather and watch the election returns. I have taken my out of town guests there, and they have loved it.

A worthy cause: Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department

I have received in the mail a request for a donation to the Hyattsville Volunteer Fire Department. I never turn down our Fire Department in its annual drive, as it is one of my favorite charities.

The Hyattsville VFD is a volunteer, nonprofit fire, rescue and EMS department with a primary response area that includes Hyattsville, University Park and the surrounding communities. The department responds to nearly 6,000 calls for service annually across the northern part of Prince George’s County and into Takoma Park. It is staffed 100 percent by volunteers on evenings, overnight, weekends and holidays, and is supported by county-provided staffing during weekday business hours only.

The Hyattsville VFD is proud to celebrate 125 years of dedicated volunteer emergency service to the community. We hope that their drive is a success, as they are most worthy of our donations.

St. Jerome’s Academy

Thanks to everyone who shared memories of St. Jerome’s with me. Several families, such as City Councilwoman Ruth Ann Frazier’s, had three generations attend the school. In Ruth Ann’s case, she attended the school, as did her daughter and her daughter’s three children.

Several callers stressed how much they enjoyed the beautiful May processions that paraded each year through the streets of Hyattsville. Having had an excellent sports program, the students have won many titles through the years.  The current principal, Mary Pat Donough, is herself a graduate of the school. 

A few years ago, the format was changed, and the school became an academy and has a waiting list. I congratulate the school administration and wish them many more years of success.

Hyattsville history: 1962 

Another local citizen, George “Boots” Aman, editor and publisher of The Prince George’s Post, was recognized by the Citizens Association at a testimonial dinner. The staff of the newspaper had surreptitiously prepared a special edition which contributed to the “This is Your Life” segment of the celebration.