Hello! This is Suzanne Ludlow, Takoma Park Deputy City Manager. We're in the process of some significant changes in our Communications office, so we're going to suspend the blog for a bit until we get on our feet.
We will begin advertising to fill our vacant Media Specialist position this week and we are continuing to work on a new City website. When our Media Specialist position is filled, it shouldn't be long before we see some exciting changes on the communications side of City government, including, of course, social networking.
What would you like to see us do? Please let me know! E-mail me at: SuzanneL@takomagov.org.
And, keep your eyes open for the exciting activities scheduled for our new Auditorium in May. We will have a beautiful space and wonderful events. Thanks to Congressman Chris Van Hollen, our Maryland District 20 representatives, and Washington Adventist Hospital for the funding for this special new cultural resource for Takoma Park.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Monday, April 5, 2010
Ups and Downs
Last week had some ups and downs. On the down side, it is budget time and the City Manager has been preparing her budget for presentation to the City Council tonight. The proposed budget includes layoffs and a wage freeze. Some of our co-workers were notified last week that their positions are proposed to be eliminated or changed to part-time. Times are tough all over, but it is really hard when it hits home.
On the up side, the Community Center Atrium is filled with a wonderful art display of clocks and lamps created by Randall Cleaver. It is worth coming in to see them! Many have switches to turn on the light or get some whimsical part moving.
Another up, of course, is the weather. Get out and play!
Finally, if you haven’t sent back your Census form, please do so. It is so important! If you have any questions, stop by our Census Questionnaire Assistance Center in the Community Center Atrium. It is staffed Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm and mid-day Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
On the up side, the Community Center Atrium is filled with a wonderful art display of clocks and lamps created by Randall Cleaver. It is worth coming in to see them! Many have switches to turn on the light or get some whimsical part moving.
Another up, of course, is the weather. Get out and play!
Finally, if you haven’t sent back your Census form, please do so. It is so important! If you have any questions, stop by our Census Questionnaire Assistance Center in the Community Center Atrium. It is staffed Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6 to 8 pm and mid-day Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Reminders and memories: chat, take ten, hop & eat chocolate
Reminder that there is an informal chat opportunity tonight with the council to discuss alcohol beverage sales in the City - 7:30 - 9 at the Community Center.
Also, big reminder to fill out and mail in your Census form! Cool tool: If you are a data and map geek like your humble blogger, check out http://www.2010census.gov/ and click on the Participation Rate. If you enter the City zip code of 20912, you will see that participation in the City is so far pretty much under 30%, and is even under 20% in some areas. As our Deputy City Manager quipped, "We're not Lake Wobegon." But we'd like to be! (above average, that is). (The national average to date is 34%). So, if you are like me, with your census form clipped to your refrigerator, or like our newsletter editor, all ready to mail but it's at the bottom of her bag, Take Ten and finish it!
Speaking of taking ten, I doubt this event actually took that long. The Annual Recreation Department Egg Hunt was a chilly quick success last Saturday. To your left, Rec. staffer Leicia does a bunny hop.
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This is a photo from 2007, but it is iconic to me of the joy and glee experienced by the little ones at this event. Thanks to Rec Department Director Debra Haiduven for the awesome capture; she calls this one "Charge!"
Also, big reminder to fill out and mail in your Census form! Cool tool: If you are a data and map geek like your humble blogger, check out http://www.2010census.gov/ and click on the Participation Rate. If you enter the City zip code of 20912, you will see that participation in the City is so far pretty much under 30%, and is even under 20% in some areas. As our Deputy City Manager quipped, "We're not Lake Wobegon." But we'd like to be! (above average, that is). (The national average to date is 34%). So, if you are like me, with your census form clipped to your refrigerator, or like our newsletter editor, all ready to mail but it's at the bottom of her bag, Take Ten and finish it!
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Let's talk about beer & wine
That got your attention, didn't it? ;-)
Please join your neighbors and members of the City Council for a Listening/Discussion Session next Monday, March 29th between 7:30 - 9:00 p.m to discuss alcoholic beverage laws in the City of Takoma Park. This is an informal gathering which you can drop in; with Roundtable Discussions between 8-8:30 p.m.
Within the City limits, no business may sell alcoholic beverages to take out (except one business which was grandfathered in). Restaurants may serve alcohol with an appropriate license from Montgomery County.
The community has expressed some interest in exploring this in Takoma Park, so the Council has scheduled this important conversation instead of the regular Monday night Council meeting, so please plan to drop by. Background materials are here, and additional information is available from the City Clerk, Jessie Carpenter, 301-891-7267. Light refreshments will be available (non-alcoholic!)
Please join your neighbors and members of the City Council for a Listening/Discussion Session next Monday, March 29th between 7:30 - 9:00 p.m to discuss alcoholic beverage laws in the City of Takoma Park. This is an informal gathering which you can drop in; with Roundtable Discussions between 8-8:30 p.m.
Within the City limits, no business may sell alcoholic beverages to take out (except one business which was grandfathered in). Restaurants may serve alcohol with an appropriate license from Montgomery County.
The community has expressed some interest in exploring this in Takoma Park, so the Council has scheduled this important conversation instead of the regular Monday night Council meeting, so please plan to drop by. Background materials are here, and additional information is available from the City Clerk, Jessie Carpenter, 301-891-7267. Light refreshments will be available (non-alcoholic!)
Friday, March 19, 2010
Art Hop, Bunny Hop and Trees
Three quick items before the weekend:
Main Street Takoma's Art Hop this weekend happening Saturday and Sunday from 10 -7 looks like a lot of fun.
Save the date for the Annual Egg Hunt NEXT weekend (Saturday March 27) for the Annual Egg Hunt at Ed Wilhelm Field. This event starts at 11 AM SHARP, and they are NOT kidding. It's all over at 11:02, with lots of happy egg hunters in the under 2 group.
Third: Best deal in town is once again available from the City's Arborist division. The City arranges to bulk buy native shade trees - which normally retail for about $350. This cooperative purchase means you can buy trees and have them installed on your property for $195! Here is a PDF file with all the info and an order form.
Main Street Takoma's Art Hop this weekend happening Saturday and Sunday from 10 -7 looks like a lot of fun.
Save the date for the Annual Egg Hunt NEXT weekend (Saturday March 27) for the Annual Egg Hunt at Ed Wilhelm Field. This event starts at 11 AM SHARP, and they are NOT kidding. It's all over at 11:02, with lots of happy egg hunters in the under 2 group.
Third: Best deal in town is once again available from the City's Arborist division. The City arranges to bulk buy native shade trees - which normally retail for about $350. This cooperative purchase means you can buy trees and have them installed on your property for $195! Here is a PDF file with all the info and an order form.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Spring is Breaking Out All Over
Just returned from outside where the temperature is hovering around 70... it seems that Spring has really arrived this year!
And while the outdoors beckons, like most of you, I have to work, so here I am at my computer.
With the onset of Spring is the annual Spring Break. For folks who are parents who actually have to go to work during Spring Break rather than go to exotic beach destinations, the City of Takoma Park's recreation department offers.... Spring Break Camp!
From March 29 through April 2nd, you can deposit your little charges with our Rec. staff and they can enjoy a camp themed "Best of Summer..."
Highlights of this year's camp include the return of Jali-D to share his musical talents, camp fires, obstacles courses, swimming, rock climbing, DDR, outdoor play and arts and crafts! Sounds like fun! Unfortunately for me, the age range for this particular camp is 5 to 11.
The camp runs from 9 - 4 each day, with before- and after-care available so you can extend the day from 7 AM until 6 PM. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 301-891-7290, or go to their online registration page.
And while the outdoors beckons, like most of you, I have to work, so here I am at my computer.
With the onset of Spring is the annual Spring Break. For folks who are parents who actually have to go to work during Spring Break rather than go to exotic beach destinations, the City of Takoma Park's recreation department offers.... Spring Break Camp!
From March 29 through April 2nd, you can deposit your little charges with our Rec. staff and they can enjoy a camp themed "Best of Summer..."
Highlights of this year's camp include the return of Jali-D to share his musical talents, camp fires, obstacles courses, swimming, rock climbing, DDR, outdoor play and arts and crafts! Sounds like fun! Unfortunately for me, the age range for this particular camp is 5 to 11.
The camp runs from 9 - 4 each day, with before- and after-care available so you can extend the day from 7 AM until 6 PM. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 301-891-7290, or go to their online registration page.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Walk This Way
The Second Annual Takoma Park 5K Challenge has now opened registration for the May 2nd event.
Visit http://www.tkpk5k.com/ for all the updated information and links to registration materials. Watch a video from City TV's Takoma Snapshots about last year's race !
The race is part of the Safe Routes To Schools program, a Federal Highway Administration program funneled through each state.
Safe Routes to Schools in Takoma Park uses this grant money to create a number of activities with the local elementary schools. The main goal is to make it safer for students to walk and bike to school.
SRTS also sponsors a local International Walk to School Day with the PTAs from area elementary schools. Watch a video about the 2007 Walk To School Day.
Proceeds from the 5K race are used to help fund additional PTA programs on health and safety at East Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Rolling Terrace and Piney Branch Elementary Schools.
The National Center for Safe Routes to Schools makes the point that making it safer for kids to walk to school makes a community more livable for everyone. Kids who walk or bike to school get some exercise, traffic congestion is reduced, less pollution is created, in short, it's ALL GOOD!
So get off your computer (after you register online!) and start training to take the Takoma Park 5K Challenge to support Safe Routes!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Monday is Ward Two Night
The City Council is continuing its conversations with residents by ward. On Monday, March 15th, Ward Two folks are invited to join the councilmembers for snacks and chat at 7 PM in the Atrium lobby. At 7:30, the official Council meeting will convene in the Azalea Room, and the first item of business is open mic night for Ward 2 issues and concerns.
There is a link on the Council page to help you figure out which ward you live in, if you don't know.
There is a link on the Council page to help you figure out which ward you live in, if you don't know.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Stand Up and Be Counted! Census 2010
By now you will have received your first mailing from the U.S. Census.
Next week you'll get the official mailing from the Census with your survey questionnaire. Please take the time to answer ten simple questions about your household members on April 1, and mail it back right away!
The Census is safe and easy. A complete count is *really* important so that the City of Takoma Park can get its fair share of representation in Congress and the Maryland General Assembly. It is also critical for the City getting its fair allocation of federal and state funding for all kinds of services. The count affects the distribution of billions of dollars to be allocated over the next 10 years!
This funding goes for schools, transportation, social services, you name it, so it is important to get a complete count. We've posted some info to the City website.
Montgomery County has posted a terrific amount of information about the Census here One of the most interesting things to me is the map of "under-counted" census tracts. The County has a PDF map of the hard to count areas here and a list of profiles of these under-reported tracts here. If you visit these pages, you'll see that Takoma Park has quite a few areas which are under-counted, in all areas of the City. This translates directly into fewer dollars for the City, so it is in everyone's best interest to help get a complete count!
The Census itself has a lot of information online as well.
Also -- please be aware that there are scammers out there misrepresenting themselves as Census officials. Please visit the Takoma Park Police Department's blog for more information!
Also, save the date! March 27th: Hop on the Montgomery Census Be Counted Express which will have a stop in the Takoma-Langley Crossroads. Here is a flyer in English and Spanish.
Next week you'll get the official mailing from the Census with your survey questionnaire. Please take the time to answer ten simple questions about your household members on April 1, and mail it back right away!
The Census is safe and easy. A complete count is *really* important so that the City of Takoma Park can get its fair share of representation in Congress and the Maryland General Assembly. It is also critical for the City getting its fair allocation of federal and state funding for all kinds of services. The count affects the distribution of billions of dollars to be allocated over the next 10 years!
This funding goes for schools, transportation, social services, you name it, so it is important to get a complete count. We've posted some info to the City website.
Montgomery County has posted a terrific amount of information about the Census here One of the most interesting things to me is the map of "under-counted" census tracts. The County has a PDF map of the hard to count areas here and a list of profiles of these under-reported tracts here. If you visit these pages, you'll see that Takoma Park has quite a few areas which are under-counted, in all areas of the City. This translates directly into fewer dollars for the City, so it is in everyone's best interest to help get a complete count!
The Census itself has a lot of information online as well.
Also -- please be aware that there are scammers out there misrepresenting themselves as Census officials. Please visit the Takoma Park Police Department's blog for more information!
Also, save the date! March 27th: Hop on the Montgomery Census Be Counted Express which will have a stop in the Takoma-Langley Crossroads. Here is a flyer in English and Spanish.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
marching forth towards spring gardens
The forecast this weekend is most amazingly for temps to hit the mid-50s on Sunday and on Monday! Many of us will be doing final clean-up from the blizzard and starting to prepare our property for Spring Gardens! I'm thinking within 4 weeks or less we'll start seeing tulips and hyacinth, and then it'll be Azalea time in Takoma Park (make no mistake, your humble reporter is REALLY sick of winter!)
For those of you with some community minded gardening impulses, I want you to know about a grant program the City has for public space along New Hampshire Avenue. These gardening grants are part of a wider effort by the City to 're-brand' that dysfunctional space known as New Hampshire Avenue as somewhere people actually want to be.
I don't know if you've checked out the really stunning website: http://www.thenewave.com/is part of the City's efforts pump some economic blood into what is effectively the City's gateway corridor from DC. The gardening grants form part of the same New Ave campaign that has placed funky benches and chairs in brilliant colors along New Hampshire Ave.
The garden efforts supported by the grant have to be on or near (within a 1,000 feet of) New Hampshire Avenue. These can be vegetable gardens, decorative plots, or even a single tree.
One neighborhood (Hillwood Manor) has used the New Hampshire garden grant money to take an uber-boring stretch of grass and woods choked with weeds and diseased branches, and crafted it into a real park space where you can view the water and flowers from artsy benches. The program has also contributed to the community vegetable garden on Orchard Avenue.
According to Paul Grenier of the City's economic development/planning team: "The New Hampshire community gardening projects don't have to be big. Anything that adds color and life and beauty, and that plausibly can be called 'greening,' can potentially get a grant. If a group of scouts, or your bridge club, or a group of day laborers, or the Horticulture Club, wanted to grow cilantro in a container near New Hampshire Ave., we'll give it a serious look. (Sometimes, actually often, the best projects start out really small.) Getting people hanging out with one another, 'forming community,' as the phrase goes, is part of the idea behind the grants."
"These are not grants for growing stuff in your backyard. But that is about the only limitation. If you can get permission from the owner, the greening and gardening can take place on a church's front lawn, or on the asphalt parking lot of a business (containers can be funded too), or in the planting strip (the area between the sidewalk and the street) along the street, or on County or City land. The limiting factor is often access to water, so bear that in mind when coming up with your project. The other thing to bear in mind is that the funds for this grant WILL RUN OUT, definitely, this June."
So if you are even vaguely thinking of doing something garden related, call the City's garden grant coordinator ASAP. Contact info: Paul Grenier, 301-891-7220, pgrenier@takomagov.org
The grant info is available here.
Paul suggests the following inspiring resources: "To explore the idea, why not hold a viewing of the inspiring PBS documentary, “Philadelphia: The Holy Experiment,” which describes Philadelphia’s community garden experience? This beautiful film is now available at the Takoma Park library."
“How to Organize a Community Garden,” a talk by Judy Tiger (a leading expert in the field) is also available on request from Paul. City staff may even be able to link you up with interested gardeners in your area.
For those of you with some community minded gardening impulses, I want you to know about a grant program the City has for public space along New Hampshire Avenue. These gardening grants are part of a wider effort by the City to 're-brand' that dysfunctional space known as New Hampshire Avenue as somewhere people actually want to be.
The garden efforts supported by the grant have to be on or near (within a 1,000 feet of) New Hampshire Avenue. These can be vegetable gardens, decorative plots, or even a single tree.
According to Paul Grenier of the City's economic development/planning team: "The New Hampshire community gardening projects don't have to be big. Anything that adds color and life and beauty, and that plausibly can be called 'greening,' can potentially get a grant. If a group of scouts, or your bridge club, or a group of day laborers, or the Horticulture Club, wanted to grow cilantro in a container near New Hampshire Ave., we'll give it a serious look. (Sometimes, actually often, the best projects start out really small.) Getting people hanging out with one another, 'forming community,' as the phrase goes, is part of the idea behind the grants."
"These are not grants for growing stuff in your backyard. But that is about the only limitation. If you can get permission from the owner, the greening and gardening can take place on a church's front lawn, or on the asphalt parking lot of a business (containers can be funded too), or in the planting strip (the area between the sidewalk and the street) along the street, or on County or City land. The limiting factor is often access to water, so bear that in mind when coming up with your project. The other thing to bear in mind is that the funds for this grant WILL RUN OUT, definitely, this June."
So if you are even vaguely thinking of doing something garden related, call the City's garden grant coordinator ASAP. Contact info: Paul Grenier, 301-891-7220, pgrenier@takomagov.org
The grant info is available here.
Paul suggests the following inspiring resources: "To explore the idea, why not hold a viewing of the inspiring PBS documentary, “Philadelphia: The Holy Experiment,” which describes Philadelphia’s community garden experience? This beautiful film is now available at the Takoma Park library."
“How to Organize a Community Garden,” a talk by Judy Tiger (a leading expert in the field) is also available on request from Paul. City staff may even be able to link you up with interested gardeners in your area.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Mass Media Friday
Friday: end of the week, and in this case, end of the month. Lots of media for you today.
Each week, on Friday afternoon, City staff prepare the "Status & Information Report". Check it out here.
Each month the City publishes The Newsletter, which is delivered via snail mail to every household in the City. Sometimes folks don't receive it, but if you let us know you didn't get it (wait about a week), then we can bug the post office. In the meantime, you can read the Newsletter online here.
The latest edition of City TV's monthly magazine show, Takoma Snapshots, is now released. You can watch it online here or you can watch in on City TV cable channel 13 on Comcast and RCN; channel 28 on Verizon. The schedule is here. Segments this month include: Going Green: The Greenroof Project; Takoma Park Remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; and Jazz Band Brawl 2010 Highlights.
While you're surfing City TV online, you might want to visit our City TV pages, which link you to the live stream of the same thing folks at home with cable tv receive, and give you some more information about the channel.
Lots of City media for you to consume this weekend! Enjoy!
Each week, on Friday afternoon, City staff prepare the "Status & Information Report". Check it out here.
Each month the City publishes The Newsletter, which is delivered via snail mail to every household in the City. Sometimes folks don't receive it, but if you let us know you didn't get it (wait about a week), then we can bug the post office. In the meantime, you can read the Newsletter online here.
The latest edition of City TV's monthly magazine show, Takoma Snapshots, is now released. You can watch it online here or you can watch in on City TV cable channel 13 on Comcast and RCN; channel 28 on Verizon. The schedule is here. Segments this month include: Going Green: The Greenroof Project; Takoma Park Remembers Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr; and Jazz Band Brawl 2010 Highlights.
While you're surfing City TV online, you might want to visit our City TV pages, which link you to the live stream of the same thing folks at home with cable tv receive, and give you some more information about the channel.
Lots of City media for you to consume this weekend! Enjoy!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday is Half Fun
The Recreation Department wanted me to remind you that this Friday, Feb. 26 is a half day of school, and so they are offering a half-day Fun Day from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Registration is STILL OPEN. Here's what they say about this half-fun day: Discover Planet Earth as Mad Science explains geodes, the chemistry of crystal formation and metamorphic geology. Explore the atmosphere's relationship with our planet and make your own ultraviolet detectors! For more information please call Carey Antoszewski 301-891-7233. Cost is $15 for Takoma Park City residents and $20 for non-residents. Note: you can only have Mad Science fun if you are ages 5 - 11.
For more information about the recreation department's activities, check out their web pages!
For more information about the recreation department's activities, check out their web pages!
March is for Artists
The Arts and Humanities Commission is at it again, facilitating Public Art in Takoma Park!
Their latest scheme involves a Call for Public Art with three different projects. The deadline for submitting an entry is Monday, March 1 at 4:30 p.m. The three projects are described in PDF files: LONG BRANCH GATEWAY SCULPTURE, SITE SPECIFIC PUBLIC ART, and GATEWAY ART PANELS.
If you aren't familiar with the Arts and Humanities Commission, you just haven't been paying attention! Who do you think organizes the Third Thursday Poetry Series? And how about the on-going series of art exhibits in the Community Center?
Their guiding document, Creative Vision: A Cultural Plan for the City of Takoma Park, is the best example of a plan that gathers no dust -- i.e., it didn't get written just to sit on a shelf somewhere, these folks are serious! For example, the soon-to-be renovated Auditorium, well, guess whose idea that was? The AHC came to a Council meeting in March of 2007 and requested that the Council conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility of renovating the auditorium for use as both a venue for the performing arts and a meeting space for official Council proceedings. And three years later, the Auditorium is almost done! (more on that project another day).
They've established a Takoma Park Poet Laureate, celebrated Arts & Humanities Day in the Community Center, established public art in various places, and launched more exhibits in the Community Center than I can count - wow, these people are productive! Most recently the AHC convened Art Swoop 2010, a "mixer and incubator" for creative professionals in the Takoma Park area.
To get email notices of upcoming Arts & Humanities events, send an email request to SaraD@takomagov.org Stay tuned for a new web-based calendar of events coming to a computer near you soon!
Their latest scheme involves a Call for Public Art with three different projects. The deadline for submitting an entry is Monday, March 1 at 4:30 p.m. The three projects are described in PDF files: LONG BRANCH GATEWAY SCULPTURE, SITE SPECIFIC PUBLIC ART, and GATEWAY ART PANELS.
If you aren't familiar with the Arts and Humanities Commission, you just haven't been paying attention! Who do you think organizes the Third Thursday Poetry Series? And how about the on-going series of art exhibits in the Community Center?
Their guiding document, Creative Vision: A Cultural Plan for the City of Takoma Park, is the best example of a plan that gathers no dust -- i.e., it didn't get written just to sit on a shelf somewhere, these folks are serious! For example, the soon-to-be renovated Auditorium, well, guess whose idea that was? The AHC came to a Council meeting in March of 2007 and requested that the Council conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the feasibility of renovating the auditorium for use as both a venue for the performing arts and a meeting space for official Council proceedings. And three years later, the Auditorium is almost done! (more on that project another day).
They've established a Takoma Park Poet Laureate, celebrated Arts & Humanities Day in the Community Center, established public art in various places, and launched more exhibits in the Community Center than I can count - wow, these people are productive! Most recently the AHC convened Art Swoop 2010, a "mixer and incubator" for creative professionals in the Takoma Park area.
To get email notices of upcoming Arts & Humanities events, send an email request to SaraD@takomagov.org Stay tuned for a new web-based calendar of events coming to a computer near you soon!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Blood Pressure and Bingo
The City Recreation Department offers many activities for seniors in the Community Center. This Thursday, Feb. 25th, seniors can come and have their blood pressure checked, then play bingo, all in the Senior Room. Blood pressure screenings start at 11:30 a.m. and go until 12:30 p.m.; Bingo starts at noon and goes until 2 p.m. (This happens again on Thursday March 25th and Thursday April 22nd).
If you haven't been there, the Senior Room is one of the rooms in between the Library and the Community Center. Open to those 55 and older, it offers computers, comfy chairs, and tables for reading and game playing. There is also a Resource Center filled with info about all kinds of social and senior services. Many of the classes and activities are held in here too, but it is open for drop-in visits between noon and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m Saturdays, and 2 - 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Senior programs are also held in the Dance Studio of the Community Center - Bone Builders Exercise, Line Dance Exercise, and coming in March, Gentle Yoga.
I've just touched on some of the programs available - there are also cool trips, computer training, arts & crafts classes, and birthday parties! One more plug - a call for Volunteers. Many programs are taught by volunteer instructors, and currently volunteers are needed to teach Spanish, ESOL, arts & crafts, health & fitness, tai chi, history, science and jewelery making.
Have I mentioned that most of the above programs are FREE? But participants are asked to call to register for all but the drop-in activities: 301-891-7280 is the hotline for senior programs!
If you haven't been there, the Senior Room is one of the rooms in between the Library and the Community Center. Open to those 55 and older, it offers computers, comfy chairs, and tables for reading and game playing. There is also a Resource Center filled with info about all kinds of social and senior services. Many of the classes and activities are held in here too, but it is open for drop-in visits between noon and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 6 p.m Saturdays, and 2 - 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
Senior programs are also held in the Dance Studio of the Community Center - Bone Builders Exercise, Line Dance Exercise, and coming in March, Gentle Yoga.
I've just touched on some of the programs available - there are also cool trips, computer training, arts & crafts classes, and birthday parties! One more plug - a call for Volunteers. Many programs are taught by volunteer instructors, and currently volunteers are needed to teach Spanish, ESOL, arts & crafts, health & fitness, tai chi, history, science and jewelery making.
Have I mentioned that most of the above programs are FREE? But participants are asked to call to register for all but the drop-in activities: 301-891-7280 is the hotline for senior programs!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Monday funday
Mondays are always Council meeting days - except when they aren't, which is pretty much only when there is a Monday holiday or when they are on a recess.
Residents are always welcome to attend Council meetings. Visit here to see How To Participate in a Council meeting. While the Auditorium is under construction, Council meetings are held in the Azalea Room of the Community Center.
The Council agenda, and background materials for each item, are posted each week to the City Clerk's pages on the City website.
You can also stay home and watch Council meetings live on Takoma Park City TV - channel 13 on Comcast and RCN; channel 28 on FIOS. You can also watch the meeting on the internet with a live webstream, or later you can watch archived meetings on-demand. Visit here to see our web based video options.
While you're there, check out some of City TV's other programming, such as our monthly magazine show, Takoma Snapshots. The one running right now features The NewAve website project; Takoma-Langley Crossroads Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; and International Art Arrives in Takoma Park.
Residents are always welcome to attend Council meetings. Visit here to see How To Participate in a Council meeting. While the Auditorium is under construction, Council meetings are held in the Azalea Room of the Community Center.
The Council agenda, and background materials for each item, are posted each week to the City Clerk's pages on the City website.
You can also stay home and watch Council meetings live on Takoma Park City TV - channel 13 on Comcast and RCN; channel 28 on FIOS. You can also watch the meeting on the internet with a live webstream, or later you can watch archived meetings on-demand. Visit here to see our web based video options.
While you're there, check out some of City TV's other programming, such as our monthly magazine show, Takoma Snapshots. The one running right now features The NewAve website project; Takoma-Langley Crossroads Ribbon Cutting Ceremony; and International Art Arrives in Takoma Park.
Friday, February 19, 2010
We are not on an island
There are two opportunities next week to interact with other governmental agencies whose work affects Takoma Park residents, and both are on Wednesday, Feb. 24th.
From Montgomery County Park & Planning:
Long Branch Sector Plan Community Meeting
Have your say on a long-term vision for Long Branch! Tell planners what you would like to see in your community.
The Long Branch Sector Plan will explore ways to improve quality of life in the Long Branch community and create a safe, walkable community served by the proposed Purple Line stations.
Long Branch Sector Plan Community Meeting
7-9 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Avenue
Learn more: www.montgomeryplanning.org/LongBranch
Contact: MCP-LongBranch@mncppc-mc.org
301-495-4614
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From Montgomery County:
Public Hearing on Proposed Traffic Management Plan and Access Restrictions for Sligo Park Hills and Certain Takoma Park Streets - Feb. 24
A joint Montgomery County/City of Takoma Park public hearing will be held in the Community Center Azalea Room at 7 p.m. on February 24 to consider a proposed Residential Traffic Management Plan for the Sligo Park Hills and City of Takoma Park communities. For additional information see the complete public hearing notice and Ritchie Avenue Proposed Traffic Access Restriction Plan.
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City staff write a weekly "Status and Information Report" each week which comes out on Fridays. Check it out here.
From Montgomery County Park & Planning:
Long Branch Sector Plan Community Meeting
Have your say on a long-term vision for Long Branch! Tell planners what you would like to see in your community.
The Long Branch Sector Plan will explore ways to improve quality of life in the Long Branch community and create a safe, walkable community served by the proposed Purple Line stations.
Long Branch Sector Plan Community Meeting
7-9 p.m. Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Avenue
Learn more: www.montgomeryplanning.org/LongBranch
Contact: MCP-LongBranch@mncppc-mc.org
301-495-4614
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From Montgomery County:
Public Hearing on Proposed Traffic Management Plan and Access Restrictions for Sligo Park Hills and Certain Takoma Park Streets - Feb. 24
A joint Montgomery County/City of Takoma Park public hearing will be held in the Community Center Azalea Room at 7 p.m. on February 24 to consider a proposed Residential Traffic Management Plan for the Sligo Park Hills and City of Takoma Park communities. For additional information see the complete public hearing notice and Ritchie Avenue Proposed Traffic Access Restriction Plan.
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City staff write a weekly "Status and Information Report" each week which comes out on Fridays. Check it out here.
Enough snow, already!
We're all tired of the cold white stuff. This isn't Minnesota, after all!
As we can all no doubt agree, there are inherent conflicts between street-widening efforts and sidewalk clearing efforts. The City's snow removal teams have been working continually to recover from this record snowfall, but my guess is that we are at least a week away from "back to normal" - and that includes help from the sun, and no more snow!
Plows running up your street in these efforts may in fact push more snow back onto previously cleared sidewalks or driveways. While crew members are trying to avoid this, it is almost inevitable given the quantity of snow. It's been quite a challenge!
Nonetheless, the greater goal is to widen streets to get traffic moving at a semblance of a normal pace again, and to clear sidewalks for pedestrian safety. City code requires property owners to clear their sidewalks. Enforcement of this law has been suspended, but will be resumed on a limited basis starting Monday Feb. 22nd. Courtesy notices will be issued to property owners along streets which are primary routes to local schools, including Boston, Carroll, Ethan Allen, Flower, Grant, Holly, Maple, Philadelphia and Ritchie.
Please help clear your sidewalks, find the fire hydrants, help your neighbors, and understand we are all in this snowy mess together! Your patience and cooperation are much appreciated!
As we can all no doubt agree, there are inherent conflicts between street-widening efforts and sidewalk clearing efforts. The City's snow removal teams have been working continually to recover from this record snowfall, but my guess is that we are at least a week away from "back to normal" - and that includes help from the sun, and no more snow!
Plows running up your street in these efforts may in fact push more snow back onto previously cleared sidewalks or driveways. While crew members are trying to avoid this, it is almost inevitable given the quantity of snow. It's been quite a challenge!
Nonetheless, the greater goal is to widen streets to get traffic moving at a semblance of a normal pace again, and to clear sidewalks for pedestrian safety. City code requires property owners to clear their sidewalks. Enforcement of this law has been suspended, but will be resumed on a limited basis starting Monday Feb. 22nd. Courtesy notices will be issued to property owners along streets which are primary routes to local schools, including Boston, Carroll, Ethan Allen, Flower, Grant, Holly, Maple, Philadelphia and Ritchie.
Please help clear your sidewalks, find the fire hydrants, help your neighbors, and understand we are all in this snowy mess together! Your patience and cooperation are much appreciated!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
It's Melting.....
Now I know we're not in Kansas anymore....
As temps reached mid-40s today with delicious bright sunshine, the mountains of snow are starting to recede, a little. With a forecast of similar over-40 degree days through the weekend, we are all hopeful that soon there will be a lot less snow in our lives.
That being said, City Public Works crews are still hard at work moving snow around the City.
Sidewalks and crosswalks around the Community Center, schools, Old Town and Takoma Junction are tops on the list, as are sidewalks around City parks such as Spring, Forest, Jequie, and Jackson-Boyd. The Carroll Avenue bridge sidewalk - a State Highway responsibility - was cleared by City crew. Yesterday they also cleared a sidewalk on the Maple Ave. side of Memorial Park, and Philadelphia Ave. near Holly.
A number of streets are now widened to enable 2-lane traffic, with more streets to be completely widened by Friday.
You may see individual crew members out with pick-axes and shovels - in many places, the ice is so compacted that equipment won't fit or work, so this is the best solution.
As the big melt continues, please continue to exercise caution when driving or walking, and exercise patience as well as we all recover from this once-a-century snowfall!
As temps reached mid-40s today with delicious bright sunshine, the mountains of snow are starting to recede, a little. With a forecast of similar over-40 degree days through the weekend, we are all hopeful that soon there will be a lot less snow in our lives.
That being said, City Public Works crews are still hard at work moving snow around the City.
Sidewalks and crosswalks around the Community Center, schools, Old Town and Takoma Junction are tops on the list, as are sidewalks around City parks such as Spring, Forest, Jequie, and Jackson-Boyd. The Carroll Avenue bridge sidewalk - a State Highway responsibility - was cleared by City crew. Yesterday they also cleared a sidewalk on the Maple Ave. side of Memorial Park, and Philadelphia Ave. near Holly.
A number of streets are now widened to enable 2-lane traffic, with more streets to be completely widened by Friday.
You may see individual crew members out with pick-axes and shovels - in many places, the ice is so compacted that equipment won't fit or work, so this is the best solution.
As the big melt continues, please continue to exercise caution when driving or walking, and exercise patience as well as we all recover from this once-a-century snowfall!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Upcoming Arts & Humanities Events
The Takoma Park Arts & Humanities Commission is busy, busy, busy scheduling numerous opportunities for you to enjoy the arts in Takoma Park!
This week:
Third Thursday Poetry Reading - February 18
Do you write poetry? Are you interested in sharing your work? Consider participating in the open poetry reading on Thursday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Gallery 3 on the third floor of the Takoma Park Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.
New exhibit!
"This is Our Body" - Opening Reception Friday, February 19
Please join us as we celebrate “This Is Our Body", an exhibition of thematically linked multi-media work which explores human (often fraught) relationships with the physical body. The exhibit is Takoma Park’s third collaboration between poets and visual artist. The exhibit opens with a public reception on Friday, February 19, at 6 PM, and will be on display in the Atrium Gallery through March 29. Featured artists and poets include Marilyn Banner and Tiziana Lohnes; John Borstel and Greta Ehrig; Bonnie Lee Holland and Dan Vera; Stephane Janin and Anne Dykers; James Landry and Anne Becker; Michael Gessner and Regie Cabico; Nicole Salimbene and Regina Coll; Ruth Stenstrom and Teri Ellen Cross. The exhibit, co-curated by Takoma Park Poet Laureate Anne Becker and David Fogel, co-founder of studio 88, is funded in part with a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
All events are held at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue.
This week:
Third Thursday Poetry Reading - February 18
Do you write poetry? Are you interested in sharing your work? Consider participating in the open poetry reading on Thursday, February 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Gallery 3 on the third floor of the Takoma Park Community Center. The event is free and open to the public.
New exhibit!
"This is Our Body" - Opening Reception Friday, February 19
Please join us as we celebrate “This Is Our Body", an exhibition of thematically linked multi-media work which explores human (often fraught) relationships with the physical body. The exhibit is Takoma Park’s third collaboration between poets and visual artist. The exhibit opens with a public reception on Friday, February 19, at 6 PM, and will be on display in the Atrium Gallery through March 29. Featured artists and poets include Marilyn Banner and Tiziana Lohnes; John Borstel and Greta Ehrig; Bonnie Lee Holland and Dan Vera; Stephane Janin and Anne Dykers; James Landry and Anne Becker; Michael Gessner and Regie Cabico; Nicole Salimbene and Regina Coll; Ruth Stenstrom and Teri Ellen Cross. The exhibit, co-curated by Takoma Park Poet Laureate Anne Becker and David Fogel, co-founder of studio 88, is funded in part with a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
All events are held at the Takoma Park Community Center, 7500 Maple Avenue.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
City Council Ward Night for Ward 6 Residents Tonight!
Ward 6 residents are invited to join the City Council tonight at 7:00 p.m. for snacks and chat with Councilmembers. Gather in the Community Center Atrium before the 7:30 p.m. Council meeting for this second in a series of ward-focused events.
The first part of the Council meeting will be devoted to hearing from Ward 6 residents about issues of interest and concern to those living in the ward.
The next Ward Night will be Monday, March 15th for residents of Ward 2.
Don't know which ward you're in? Visit the Council page of the City website for a ward map, and a link to a street listing which identifies wards by street and house numbers. Check it out: http://www.takomaparkmd.gov/council/
Monday, February 15, 2010
City of Takoma Park: 2 hour delay Tuesday Feb. 16
The City of Takoma Park government follows the Federal government, so we'll be on a 2-hour delay, with unscheduled leave, Tuesday, Feb. 16th. Please call the inclement weather line at 301-891-7101 x 5605 to confirm any particular program or activity.
Friday, February 12, 2010
It's Snowver: On to the Holiday weekend
City Public Works crews worked around the clock over the last 10 days, and are now home resting for the three-day weekend. Major kudos to PW for a job well done with this extraordinary amount of snow!
Speaking of snow removal, City code requires residents & businesses to clear sidewalks in front of their property; however the enforcement of this regulation has been suspended until February 19th!
That being said, residents are asked to assist with digging out of fire hydrants for the safety of all. Check out this great online tool from Montgomery County: http://gis2.montgomerycountymd.gov/ims/mcgmaps/viewer.htm The first thing to do is select the ZOOM IN tool and draw a little window around Takoma Park. Then open the "Basemap" folder and click the box next to 'property', then open the "Public Safety" folder then the "Fire and Rescue" subfolder, and then click 'Hydrants', and then open the "Streets and Zip Codes" folder and select the box next to street names. Now use the Zoom In tool to get a closer view of your area. You should be able to view what lot the nearest hydrant is in front of at this scale. Then, get out your shovel ;-)
Monday is President's Day, which is a City holiday, so trash & recycling pickups will resume Tuesday, Feb. 16th. City offices are closed Monday, as are the Community Center and Library.
On Fridays, the weekly Status & Information report is released with news of the week and upcoming events. Take a look at it here
Speaking of snow removal, City code requires residents & businesses to clear sidewalks in front of their property; however the enforcement of this regulation has been suspended until February 19th!
That being said, residents are asked to assist with digging out of fire hydrants for the safety of all. Check out this great online tool from Montgomery County: http://gis2.montgomerycountymd.gov/ims/mcgmaps/viewer.htm The first thing to do is select the ZOOM IN tool and draw a little window around Takoma Park. Then open the "Basemap" folder and click the box next to 'property', then open the "Public Safety" folder then the "Fire and Rescue" subfolder, and then click 'Hydrants', and then open the "Streets and Zip Codes" folder and select the box next to street names. Now use the Zoom In tool to get a closer view of your area. You should be able to view what lot the nearest hydrant is in front of at this scale. Then, get out your shovel ;-)
Monday is President's Day, which is a City holiday, so trash & recycling pickups will resume Tuesday, Feb. 16th. City offices are closed Monday, as are the Community Center and Library.
On Fridays, the weekly Status & Information report is released with news of the week and upcoming events. Take a look at it here
Support the Takoma Jazz Fest!
Join Takoma Park City TV crews at the 14th Annual Jazz Band Brawl this Saturday, Feb. 13th from 2:30 - 6:00 p.m at McGinty's in downtown Silver Spring. Three bands will compete for headliner status at the annual Takoma Park JazzFest, to be held on June 13th in Old Town Takoma. For more information, visit http://www.tpjazzfest.org/
Thursday, February 11, 2010
City of Takoma Park: 2 Hour Delay, Liberal Leave Friday Feb. 12th
The City of Takoma Park government will open two hours late (10:30 a.m.) on Friday, February 12. Employees may take "unscheduled leave". Please call to verify any specific program or activity at our Weather Cancellation line, 301-891-7101 x 5605.
Sanitation services (trash & recycling pickup) are cancelled. The Police Department will be in operation 24/7 as always.
Sanitation services (trash & recycling pickup) are cancelled. The Police Department will be in operation 24/7 as always.
PEPCO outages
If your power is still out, PEPCO is requesting that you re-notify them of the outage, so that they can be sure they have it recorded for action. If you know your neighbor is out, please pass this request on to them. The number to call is 1-800-737-2662.
As of 11:00 PM last night PEPCO showed only seven customers in Takoma Park without power, and the TPPD is assisting them in their efforts to restore them all. It will help to make sure that PEPCO has your outage information.
As of 11:00 PM last night PEPCO showed only seven customers in Takoma Park without power, and the TPPD is assisting them in their efforts to restore them all. It will help to make sure that PEPCO has your outage information.
Washington Post: Mayor and Council feed PW crews!
After digging out Takoma Park, public works crews get to dig in
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams looked out his window Tuesday night and had a thought.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/10/AR2010021003623.html
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams looked out his window Tuesday night and had a thought.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/10/AR2010021003623.html
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Cell Phone and Email Alerts from the City of Takoma Park
The City uses a service provided by Roam Secure which enables sending messages to cell phones, pagers and/or email addresses. It has been used a few times this week to provide updates on the snow emergency.
You are encouraged to sign up by visiting the following page: http://aviso.takomagov.org/
All the instructions are there on how to sign up, and you can control which types of messsages you receive from the City. Montgomery County also offers an alert system. Information about that system is available here: https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/
You are encouraged to sign up by visiting the following page: http://aviso.takomagov.org/
All the instructions are there on how to sign up, and you can control which types of messsages you receive from the City. Montgomery County also offers an alert system. Information about that system is available here: https://alert.montgomerycountymd.gov/
City of Takoma Park Closed Thursday, Feb. 11
City government offices and buildings will be closed again on Thursday February 11th. The Public Works snow removal crews are hard at work clearing streets.
The Police Department is open as always. Please check out the TPPD Blog at http://tppolice.blogspot.com/ for important Public Safety Updates.
The Police Department is open as always. Please check out the TPPD Blog at http://tppolice.blogspot.com/ for important Public Safety Updates.
New Press Release from Pepco
Blizzard Conditions Interrupt Pepco Power Restoration
http://www.pepco.com/welcome/news/releases/archives/2010/article.aspx?cid=1360
http://www.pepco.com/welcome/news/releases/archives/2010/article.aspx?cid=1360
Blizzard Resources: Emergency Numbers
- If people have hot or sparking power line issues, they should dial 911
- For police related matters within the City of Takoma Park, please call 301-270-1100
-For shelter information, or to have the DFRS performa a "check the welfare" service to at Takoma Park or Montgomery County resident, please call the County at 240-777-6000
- For police related matters within the City of Takoma Park, please call 301-270-1100
-For shelter information, or to have the DFRS performa a "check the welfare" service to at Takoma Park or Montgomery County resident, please call the County at 240-777-6000
Blogging in the Blizzard
Greetings and welcome to the City of Takoma Park's new blog.
To the extent that we have access to power and internet, we're going to use this blog to help keep you updated on City news, with our first focus on the only possible topic right now: BLIZZARD!
The City's Public Works crews have been working around the clock to clear City streets. Crew members are staying locally so that shift changes occur smoothly with minimum disruption.
As of this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning until 7 PM.
According to PEPCO: We have confirmed that the National Weather Service has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for the Pepco Service area until 7PM. Part of this warning is that there should be no travel at this time in the warning area. MD-SHA and County Plows are being pulled from the street at this time until conditions subside. Pepco is holding all crews at Service Centers or Staging Areas or they are sheltering in place.
Pepco continues to encourage our customers to prepare for this forecasted winter storm. Customers with special needs should make arrangements to prepare for a possible service interruption.
As of this writing, the City plows were still working, but this might change for safety reasons.
We hope you are warm and safe!
To the extent that we have access to power and internet, we're going to use this blog to help keep you updated on City news, with our first focus on the only possible topic right now: BLIZZARD!
The City's Public Works crews have been working around the clock to clear City streets. Crew members are staying locally so that shift changes occur smoothly with minimum disruption.
As of this time, the National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning until 7 PM.
According to PEPCO: We have confirmed that the National Weather Service has issued a BLIZZARD WARNING for the Pepco Service area until 7PM. Part of this warning is that there should be no travel at this time in the warning area. MD-SHA and County Plows are being pulled from the street at this time until conditions subside. Pepco is holding all crews at Service Centers or Staging Areas or they are sheltering in place.
Pepco continues to encourage our customers to prepare for this forecasted winter storm. Customers with special needs should make arrangements to prepare for a possible service interruption.
As of this writing, the City plows were still working, but this might change for safety reasons.
We hope you are warm and safe!
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