The City of Takoma Park is currently accepting applications for its Community Quality of Life Grants Program through Thursday, March 9, 2023. Click here to Apply  

The Community Quality of Life Grants Program provides financial support for specific programs, projects, and events that improve the quality of life for city residents by providing greater access and opportunities for participation in the arts and sciences. Projects are eligible for up to $10,000 in financial support.

Funding for FY23 is available for projects taking place between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024.

Resources

• For more information about the program and eligible projects, visit the Community Quality of Life Grants Program page.
• For further grant programs in the City, visit the Grants Programs page.
• Or email Makena Kirkham, Housing & Community Development Coordinator.

As Race Director for the TKPK5K, I, Lucy Neher, have a confession to make. I have never actually RUN the TKPK5K, even though I have been RUNNING it for 13 years! It’s not that I can’t run a 5K; I just can’t run the TKPK5K. Making sure so many others can run the TKPK5K takes up all my time and energy. And it has been sheer joy.

I don’t do it alone. I like to say serving on the Race Committee is the best kept PTA secret (not anymore!) because we have so much fun. Together with representatives from all 5 PTAs, the work begins in October. We plan out all the details and prepare for any eventuality, even a pandemic! We make it look easy, because that kind of work, with a congenial group of individuals all pulling their weight is so satisfying. By the time we reach our finish line we are exhausted from the joy of it all.

From the first year when 350 smiling runners ran in the pouring rain to 2019 when 1500 runners seemed oblivious to the pouring rain and everything in between, it has been pure joy to cheer at the start and finish lines. The TKPK5K is full of stories about running and how running impacts our lives. One Spring, a former participant wrote to tell me he couldn’t run that year. He was in Florida running a marathon. He went on to say the TKPK5K had saved his life. He was going through a dark time, received an email about the TKPK5K, signed up, ran and never looked back until he crossed the finish line of his first marathon. He thanked us for saving his life. There are many joyous stories like his.

We decided to shut down the race in 2020 and to bring it back virtually in 2021. In this time of certain uncertainty, one thing is clear, the TKPK5K is a beloved springtime rite of passage. As we watch the race roster grow this year, scrolling through the names of the many people who have signed up for the race already, we see a remarkable cross section of our community: young and old, veteran and first-time runners, and families deciding to run together in the joyful spring sunshine! We are all finding JOY again!

SIGN UP NOW if you’d like to get your JOY ON!

We Belong Here: Equity Walk, the educational and engaging walking activity offers residents a safe space for discussion and exploration of equity issues. The relaunch includes the following updates within the Equity Walk:

• Fresh new paint
• New term glossary
• Signage that includes QR codes and directions on how to use the QR codes
• Tell us about your experience by responding to the survey. Respondents will receive a free We Belong Here t-shirt.

How to visit:

• To view the map of each stations location, please click here.
• Each pin on the map represents an activity station. You can start or stop at any station. Visit the Equity Walk as often as you like.
• There are ten stations near the Takoma Park Community Center and seven stations on Anne Street near University Boulevard.
• Access We Belong Here via QR code on any smartphone device. QR markers are located on the ground and signage throughout the route. Walkers can click on any QR marker to pull up prompts for exploration and discussion.
• A print version is also available.

Our experience: Learn more about the Equity Walk from two city interns

As two new interns tasked with working on ways to improve the We Belong Here Equity Walk, we first began by reading up on the project. We knew that working on a project dedicated to creating safe spaces for individuals to learn and grow in regards to issues of inequality was necessary. Especially in current times and during Autism Awareness Month, we believed the project to be much needed to further educate ourselves, others, and future leaders of tomorrow on the importance of acceptance and celebrating differences. After all, education is the foundation of change. With this in mind, we thought it would be a good idea to go out into the community and take part in the activities of the project and experience it for ourselves.

Once we arrived at the Takoma Park Community Center, one of the locations of the We Belong Here Equity Walk project, we noticed QR codes on the ground next to the painted sidewalk station. We took out our phones, scanned the code with our cameras, and there it was! An interactive webpage with descriptions of each painted station and discussion questions for after the activity was completed in English, Spanish, and Amharic!

The painted sidewalks suddenly became alive! We jumped and popped bubbles to break stereotypes, leaped over logs to overcome fears of taking risks and standing out, and more. We asked ourselves questions like: “What makes me feel unique?”; “What makes you want to speak out?”; “What is an assumption?”. Such simple questions demanded a level of self reflection that pushed us to break down our walls. It highlighted what we value the most and how, despite being four people of different ages, abilities, and racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, we share similar perspectives.

We felt that with each station, although we did not have to complete them all, the discussions we had on race, equity, self worth, and more kept naturally flowing. These tough and necessary conversations must be had, and it is never too early or too late for them. The Equity Walk offered us a safe and active space to reflect on our lives and mentally reaffirm what we value the most in ourselves, in others, and in life. We are all united in our uniqueness. We are all valued because of our differences. For those reasons, and much more, we should work daily to remind ourselves that we do belong. We invite you to do the same, to step out of your comfort zone in this safe accepting environment, and to engage in these discussions with yourself, family, friends, quarantine groups, and loved ones.

-Two City Interns

For more information on how to visit We Belong Here: Equity Walk please click here

The Takoma Park Recreation Department offers extraordinary camp experiences at an exceptional value! We are always excited to bring you a fun filled summer, packed with lots of memories. Each week will have a theme and activities will include crafts, indoor and outdoor activities and much, much more. We will be following the CDC Guidelines for Covid-19 safety procedures.

Registration Dates:

• Monday, May 3 at 8:30 am for current scholarship participants
• Monday, May 10 at 8:30 am for Takoma Park residents
• Monday, May 17 at 8:30 am non-resident registration
• You can register for camps online through ActiveNet.

Camp Takoma will start on June 28th. You can choose from just 1 week up through the entire summer. Morning care and after care will be available.

As in previous years, you may choose to pay in full at the time of registration or select the payment plan option. This payment plan option, which must be chosen at the time of registration, divides the total amount due into two equal payments: 50% of the total fees will be due at the time of registration, with the remaining payments due on June 7.

To view more information please click here or contact The Recreation Department:

Phone: 301-891-7290
Email: recreation@takomaparkmd.gov.

April is designated ‘National Distracted Driver Awareness Month,’ and Takoma Park Police officers will be participating and focusing their efforts on distracted driving using traffic enforcement initiatives. Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving; this includes using:

• Hand-held cell phone
• Texting
• Wireless devices

All distractions endanger drivers, passengers, and bystanders. Takoma Park Police officers observing the above violations, as well as any other distracted driving activity, will issue citations to the driver of the vehicle as well as educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving.

This effort is part of a high-visibility enforcement initiative that combines intense enforcement with further educating the public of the dangers of distracted driving. The ultimate goal is to save lives by convincing motorists to obey the law.

Drivers are reminded to remove all distractions while driving including any wireless devices. A wireless device is described as a hand-held or hands-free device used to access a wireless telephone service or to send or receive electronic messages.

• The penalty for this violation is a fine not more than $83.00 for the first offense, not more than $140.00 for a second or subsequent offense or not more than $160.00 for a third or subsequent offense.
• Three points may be assessed by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) if the violation contributes to a motor vehicle crash.
• Texting while driving carries a fine of $70 and one point, however, if the texting and driving contributes to a motor vehicle crash, the fine is $110 and three points are assessed by the MVA.
• If distracted driving causes an accident and results in the death or serious bodily injury of another person(s), there could be 12 points assessed by MVA and there is a mandatory court appearance.

Takoma Park Police will continue their efforts beyond April to focus on drivers who are distracted using hand-held cell phones, or engaging in other distracting activities while driving. Please be safe and keep your eyes on the road for your safety and the safety of others!

As vaccine information is rapidly changing we encourage all residents to visit the Montgomery County Vaccine Website as well as Maryland State Vaccine Website for updated information. We also encourage all residents to text “MDReady” to 898-211 to get alerts from the State, including notices of when there are available appointments at the mass vaccination sites.

*Update* Starting April 6: based on the state’s accelerating vaccination rate and an anticipated increase in supply from the federal government, all Marylanders 16 and older are eligible for vaccination at Maryland’s mass vaccination sites.

Preregister for Maryland mass vaccination sites

To get Vaccinated at a Clinic Operated by Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services:

• Everyone must preregister.
• Preregistration expanded to all Marylanders 16 and older
• We are currently preregistering all groups in Phase 2C and Phase 3 in Montgomery County. Check the County vaccine webpage for preregistration information.
• Maryland state is currently in Phase 3

Preregistration information:

• Preregistration is NOT a vaccination appointment—it places you in the queue by priority group. When vaccine doses arrive, we contact residents from the preregistration list and invite them to make an appointment.
• When invited to make an appointment, preregistered individuals will receive an invitation to make an appointment by phone call or email directly from the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.
• Email invitations will come from c19vaccination@montgomerycountymd.gov

Other Vaccination Locations:

Preregistering on the County’s vaccine page does not mean you are registered with other venues.

In addition to the clinics operated by Montgomery County DHHS, hospitals and several community partners have COVID-19 vaccines available to the public. These clinics follow the State guidelines, and not the rules issued by the County. Vaccine supply continues to be limited at all venues in Montgomery County.

Please visit the Maryland State Website to view a list of vaccination clinics near you.

Hospitals include:

• Adventist HealthCare
• Holy Cross Hospital
• Kaiser Permanente
• MedStar Health
• Suburban Hospital, a subsidiary of Johns Hopkins (Suburban Hospital is prioritizing existing patients in the Hopkins system).

Retail partners include:

• Giant Pharmacies
• Safeway
• CVS
• Walgreens
• Walmart 
• Costco

Statewide Mass Vaccination Sites:

• Statewide Mass Vaccination Sites require Pre-Registration: Click here
• The pre-registration list will allow the state to contact you when you are eligible to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine at one of our Mass Vaccination Site locations: Six Flags America Theme Park, Regency Furniture Stadium (Blue Crabs Stadium), Wicomico Civic Center, Hagerstown Premium Outlets, M&T Bank Stadium, Montgomery College, Greenbelt Metro Station

Assistance for Spanish Speaking Communities: 

• Information provided on behalf of Por Nuestra Salud y Bienestar (PNSYB)
• Montgomery County community members who speak Spanish that need help in filling out the Montgomery County vaccine pre-registration form can call the PNSYB Helpline at 301-270-8432.
• Para ayuda llenando el pre registro para la vacuna de COVID-19 y para más información, comuníquese a la Línea de Ayuda al 301 270-8432, de lunes a viernes de 9:00 AM a 7:00 PM.

Telephone Assistance for Preregistering in both Spanish and English:

Residents are encouraged to assist their neighbors, family members, and friends to preregister if they need help.

• Montgomery County: Those  without internet access can call the Preregistration Helpline for assistance at 240-777-2982 seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Bilingual staff (English/Spanish) are available and call takers can also access a translation line to help callers with many other languages.
• Maryland Statewide: You can also schedule by calling 855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Representatives are available 7 days a week from 7 am to 10 pm. You will answer the same questions to determine eligibility by phone, as you would by going through the online process.

This line is for preregistration only.

• General questions about vaccinations and COVID-19 can be answered by calling 240-777-1755 seven days a week from
  8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Until the vaccine supply increases, we urge you to continue practicing social distancing, limiting your exposure to individuals outside your household, wearing masks and washing hands.

The Takoma Park Recreation Center on New Hampshire Avenue will be redeveloped into a new, state-of-the-art, community resource, and we need your input! The City of Takoma Park is conducting a community survey to understand the needs and priorities. Participants will have a chance to win one of several gift cards from local, Takoma Park businesses!

Click here to fill out the survey online! Now available 4 languages:

• English
• Español
• Francais
• አማርኛ Amharic

Paper copies are also available on-site the drop off locations. Drop them off at the locations below.

Drop-off Locations:

• Takoma Park Police Department – 7500 Maple Ave
• Hampshire Tower Apartments – 7401 New Hampshire Ave
• Takoma Overlook -7333 New Hampshire Ave

The deadline to complete the survey is March 31, 2021.

For more information contact housing@takomaparkmd.gov or 240-414-8177.

When:

• Starting Monday, January 4, 2021

Pick-up Times:

• Monday-Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Residents can place book orders in two different ways:

Email Request (Strongly Preferred)

Email: librarytakomapark@gmail.com

• The subject line: should include your name (even if it is part of your email address), the type of books you want (A for adult
  books, J for children’s/teen books), and either the last four digits of your library card or the month and day of your birthday.
•  In the body of the email:  list the books you are requesting. It will help us to help you if you first search our online catalog, and provide us with the title, and call number (not the barcode). Also, please make sure it is available. If it is a fiction work, please use what we have in the catalog. For instance, the call number for Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is FIC SALINGER. For a non-fiction book, such as Birds of Eastern North America by Paul Sterry, the call number is 598.097 STERRY.
• We will reply when we have fulfilled your request, and let you know when you may to pick up your books. Incomplete information will delay the process.

Phone Requests

To request books by phone, call 240- 507-0229 between 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.

•  We will ask you for your name and the last four digits of your library card number or the month and day of your birthday.
• When you give us the titles of the books you want, please give us the author and call number as well (if you are using the catalog).

Pick-up Procedures

When you arrive for pick-up, please call 301-580-0085. We’ll bring out your books and leave them on a table for you to pick up.