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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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.

Metro - About Metro - News - First stretch of above-ground Metrorail track reopens on the Red Line

Metro - About Metro - News - First stretch of above-ground Metrorail track reopens on the Red Line

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.

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

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/

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.

New Press Release from Pepco

Blizzard Conditions Interrupt Pepco Power Restoration

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

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!