The City publishes the Takoma Park Newsletter 12 times per year, once every month. The Postal Service delivers one newsletter to each household throughout the City, including single-family and multi-family units. Please call 301-891-7118 if you don't receive your newsletter by the 5th of each month. Click HERE for newsletter archives.
Weekly Status & Information Report: May 5 - 11, 2012
1. Official City Meetings Scheduled the Week of May 14, 2012: - City Council meeting, Monday, May 14, 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium
- Recreation Committee meeting, Monday, May 14, 7:00 p.m. in the Hydrangea Room
- Washington Adventist Hospital Land Use Committee meeting, Tuesday, May 15, 7:00 p.m. in the Hydrangea Room
- Tree Commission hearing, Wednesday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room
- Redistricting Task Force meeting, Thursday, May 17, 7:30 p.m. in the Council Conference Room
All meetings are held in the Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, and are open to the public unless noted otherwise. (City Clerk)
2. Ward 5 Special Election - Information for Candidates: Ward 5 City Councilmember Reuben Snipper has announced his resignation from the City Council effective Tuesday, May 22, 2012. A special election will be held on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at Washington Adventist University, Wilkinson Hall, 7600 Flower Avenue. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents interested in running to fill the vacant seat should review the information for candidates at: http://takomaparkmd.gov/clerk/election/2012-ward5/candidates/. (City Clerk)
3. Bike-In Movie Night - Tonight...Tonight...Tonight!: Please join the Recreation Department as we host our Bike-In move night at the park. This FREE community event is for the entire family to enjoy!! Event will be held at Lee Jordan Field (Behind Takoma Park Middle School), 7611 Piney Branch Road, Takoma Park MD. Movie will begin at 8:00 p.m. Free popcorn, raffles and giveaways will be available during the movie. Remember to ride your bike and bring your favorite blanket. Event is co-sponsored by Safe Routes to School and the Takoma Park Police Department. For additional information please contact Lew McAllister at (301)891-7284 or LewM@takomagov.org. (Recreation)
4. TONIGHT at the Takoma Park Community Center - Artists and Musicians: Two is the magic number in Takoma Park tonight with the opening of TWO new exhibits and the world premier of TWO works of music! From 6 to 8 p.m., explore "Azalea City Farewell" and celebrate the talented students of the nationally recognized and highly competitive Visual Art Center (VAC) program at Einstein High School: Aaron Fellows, Aimee Miller, Ben Hammer, Cameron Robinson, Carine Riley, Dylan Burke, Emily Ettlinger, Hayden Butler, Jackson Schaeffer, Lena Meyerson and Molly Sawyers. Just down the hall, is "curiouser & curiouser" featuring the work of jewelry designer and storyteller Jodie Bloom whose wearable art has been influenced by the circus, rock 'n roll, literature, Victoriana, and Andy Warhol, among many other people and places. Following the openings, Washington Musica Viva will perform "Takoma Park is the Place to Be" by Charley Gerard and "Violin Sonata" by William Sleator at 7:30 pm. For details http://www.facebook.com/TakomaParkMD/events(Housing and Community Development)
5. Banned Books: The Banned Books clubs will meet on Monday, May 14, at 7:30 p.m. to discuss racist stereotypes in some of the "Tintin" books by Herge. Is censorship ever justified? Karen MacPherson will lead this spirited discussion and Dave Burbank will show books on our Elmo digital projector. For grades 3 and up. All are welcome - registration is encouraged. (Library)
6. Tennis Clinic and MVP Assistant Coach: Next Tuesday, May 15, will be the first day of the Tennis Clinics. These clinics are anticipated to be a lot of fun and educational as well. The participants will be coached by Coach Eric of the Recreation Department along with volunteer assistant coach Cochise Lucas, who was named the MVP of his college tennis team. A few spaces are still available for youth ages 10 to 13 years old. Register online by visiting www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation. (Recreation)
7. The Ride of Your Life: On Tuesday, May 15, Takoma Bicycle is partnering with the Recreation Department to hold a spring/summer biking workshop for commuters, called Ride of Your Life. Bruce Sawtelle will be talking about basic safety concerns, bicycle maintenance, how to fix a flat, and things to take on rides. Its open to cyclists of varying skill levels. The workshop will conclude with a question-and-answer session. Registration is required. Event is free and open to all ages. Class will be held in the Azalea Room, located in the Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Avenue) at 6:00 p.m. For additional information please contact Lew McAllister at (301)891-7284 or LewM@takomagov.org. (Recreation)
8. F4/F6 Metrobus Line Study Public Meeting - May 16: Metro will host an open public meeting to discuss preliminary options for service improvements and ask participants for their feedback as part of the Metrobus F4/F6 Line Study. This meeting builds on feedback from the public meetings held earlier this year. The meeting will be "open house" style, meaning that participants may arrive at any time and will have the opportunity to speak individually with project team members, ask questions, and comment on the options. The meeting is Wednesday, May 16, 7-9 p.m. in the Azalea Room of the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue, Takoma Park. For more information, see http://metrobus-studies.com/F4-F6/F4-F6-Line.htm. (Housing and Community Development)
9. Register for Bike To Work Day - May 18: Takoma Park is joining the Bike To Work Day network this year with three 'pit stops' in the City: at the Old Town Gazebo, on Sligo Creek Trail, and at the Takoma/Langley Crossroads. Whether traveling to work, school, or Metro, anyone commuting by bike the morning of May 18 can participate in this free event. All registrants get a t-shirt at their pit stop, are treated to refreshments, and entered to win prizes like bikes and messenger bags. Join the 100+ people have already signed up for the Pit Stops in Takoma Park. Learn more about the event and register at www.biketoworkmetrodc.org. (Housing and Community Development)
10. Les Miserables: On Wednesday, May 16, Merrill Leffler returns to lead our concluding discussion of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables." All are welcome. Lilac Room at 7:30 p.m. (Library)
11. Be a Volunteer: Volunteers are still needed for the Friends of the Library Book Sale on Saturday, May 19. We especially need helpers for the 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. shift and at 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., or 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome to help set up from 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Come and buy our used books for all ages at bargain prices! Sale is from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the Library grounds. To volunteer, e-mail Ellen Robbins at ellenr@takomagov.org Service learning hours are available for high school students. (Library)
12. French Circle Time: French Circle Time with Madame Marie returns on Saturday, May 19, at 10:30 a.m. Come and sing songs and rhymes in French. Best for small children and their grown-ups. (Library)
13. Cardio Kickboxing Starts a New Session!: On Monday, May 7, the Takoma Park Recreation Center began a new session of Cardio Kickboxing. If you are looking for a total body workout and a way to increase your stamina, flexibility and strength, then Cardio Kickboxing is for you. This intense workout can improve strength, aerobic fitness, flexibility, coordination and balance. This class is a great alternative if you are bored with brisk walks or jogging on a treadmill. Register now and enjoy the workout. Get fit for summer. For more information contact John Webster @ 301-891-7289. (Recreation)
14. Community Garden at Takoma Park Recreation Center: On Saturday, May 5, the Takoma Park Recreation Center, led by Todd Leavitt, in partnership with the Takoma Park Recreation Committee took their first steps to implementing a Community Garden. The first phase was begun by tending to the garden and pulling weeds. We look forward to the next phase of this exciting project. For more information contact John Webster at 301-891-7289. (Recreation)
15. Balance Workshop for Seniors: A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls, is an eight-week program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. The Takoma Park Recreation Department, in partnership with Holy Cross Hospital, is offering this special program for seniors in Takoma Park. The program began this week on May 9, and takes place each Wednesday in the Senior Room through June 27, 2012. (Recreation)
16. Teen Bullying: This past week Recreation Department teen participants participated in a "stop the bullying movement." There were in-depth discussions about bullying and participants made T-Shirts that denounced bullying. There were a variety of unique phrases and slogans that were created for their t-shirts. For more information, please contact Bradley Williams at bradleyw@takomagov.org or 301-891-7283. (Recreation)
17. Girls Lacrosse Clinic and Takoma Parks Very Own: This clinic will be taught by a local high school varsity lacrosse player from Takoma Park and is sure to be a hit with the girls. Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the area and is great for anyone who wants to learn the sport. This five week clinic will also cover basic rules and interpretations of the game. Lacrosse sticks will be provided. No experience is required! Ages: 8 to 11 years. May 16 to June 13, 2012 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm, Wednesdays, T.P. City Residents $25, Non-Residents $35. (Recreation)
18. T-Ball Registration Is Nearing Capacity: With 85 youth already registered to play T-Ball, and only 35 open spaces remaining, you do not want to wait any longer. Register today to play T-ball. For more information, please visit this link: http://www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation/flyers/tball_2012.pdf. (Recreation)
19. Fall 2012 Class Proposals - Only Two Weeks Left: Are you interested in teaching a recreation program for the City of Takoma Park Recreation Department? We are looking for your skills and expertise to help us provide a wide variety of programs and activities for city residents. We are looking for all program areas especially tot classes, tumbling, art, music, and TV/ Video. Interested individuals should submit a resume and class proposal no later than Thursday, May 24 to LewM@takomagov.org. Any proposals submitted after the due date will not be reviewed. For additional information please contact Lew McAllister at Lewm@takomagov.org or (301)891-7284. (Recreation)
20. Summer Camp Spotlight - Super Sports Camp: Looking for a great way to keep your child ACTIVE in sports during the summer? Well.the Takoma Park Recreation Department has just that. Our qualified recreation staff eagerly awaits the arrival of your children for a week of fun, fun and more fun! In addition to some of our more traditional sports, our camp seeks to expose campers to new activities, develop recreational skills, and promote social growth. Camp will conclude with sport challenges and game competitions. All participants must wear sneakers and dress appropriately.To view session dates and times please visit: www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation. For additional information please contact Lew McAllister at (301)891-7284 or LewM@takomagov.org. (Recreation)
21. Grow Your Own Green Curtain: Interested in lowering your summer cooling bills by 20% to 30%? Conserving electricity? Reducing your carbon footprint? Attracting bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, or other beneficial insects? All while helping counter the urban heat island effect? Green curtains can do all of these things! Learn how to grow your own green curtain. No gardening experience necessary. Free organic non-G.M.O. and heirloom seeds provided. This exciting class will take place on Saturday, May 12 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the Lilac Room, located inside the Takoma Park Community Center (7500 Maple Avenue). Event is free and open to all ages. For additional information, please contact Lew McAllister at (301)891-7284 or LewM@takomagov.org. (Recreation)
22. Public Housing Waiting List - Open For Seniors - June 4 through June 15: The waiting list for senior public housing will be open beginning Monday, June 4. Applications will become available on that day at the Housing Opportunities Commission Customer Center, located at 8241 Georgia Avenue, 3rd floor, Silver Spring, any Montgomery County public library, on the HOC website http://www.hocmc.org/waitinglist2012/FAQ.asp and at senior centers. Your household income cannot exceed, for example, $37,650 for 1 person, or $43,000 for 2 persons. Applications must be received online or postmarked no later than June 15, 2012. If you are currently on the waiting list, YOU WILL NEED TO REAPPLY. All previously filed applications are discarded. (Housing and Community Development)
23. TKPK 5K Run: The Safe Routes to School Takoma Park 5 K Challenge was held Sunday, May 5 with 825 participants. Mayor Bruce Williams read a mayoral proclamation and Tom Hucker presented a Maryland General Assembly citation. The Police, Public Works, Recreation, and Housing and Community Development Departments all helped make the event a success. http://www.tkpk5k.com/(Housing and Community Development)
24. Bike to School Day: The first-ever National Bike to School Day had 130 students and 30 parents riding bikes, scooters and skateboards to Piney Branch Elementary School on Wednesday, May 9. Mayor Bruce Williams read a proclamation and the PBES Principal supported the effort along with city police and HCD staff. Takoma Park's participation was noted in Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's's blog
//usdotblog.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551eea4f588340168eb5bf8f7970c-popup and the Bike League blog http://blog.bikeleague.org/blog//blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/gracepic.jpg. (Housing and Community Development)
25. Officers in Training: - On May 7-8, 2012, Pvt. Jon Goldin attended training entitled "Ultimate Survival Instincts" at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission in Sykesville, Maryland.
- On May 7-11, 2012, Cpl. Rodriguez, Cpl. Black and Cpl. Gaskin attended the second week of a three week training class entitled "Leadership in Police Organizations" at the Public Safety Training Academy.
- On May 8-10, 2012, Cpl. Malarkey and Cpl. Hoetzel attended training entitled "Street Crimes" at the Maryland National Capital Park Police in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Police)
26. Community Outreach Officer (Pfc. Carla Magnaye): - On May 6, Community Outreach Officer Carla Magnaye hosted an informational booth at the Safe Routes to School 5K Race.
- On May 7, she attended a gang presentation conducted by the state community gang expert for parents and educators at Takoma Park Middle School. (Police)
28. Traffic Enforcement: Officers conducted at least 196 traffic stops, which resulted in citations, 11 vehicle impounds and 10 arrests from traffic.
May 10, 2012
- 7900 block of Flower Avenue (speeding) - conducted a 60-minute detail and issued two State citations for speed, four other State citations and three warnings. (Police)
WEEKLY NEWS (Status & Information Reports) as PDF files
