All posts by Sean Gossard

“Stop the Bleed”: Be the help until help arrives

By Claudine Schweber, co-chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC)

Having Happy Holidays could mean you helped someone stay alive. Did you know that you have the power to help someone from bleeding to death? Yes, you can stop the bleed.

Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death from trauma. Therefore, the sooner severe bleeding is controlled, the greater the chance someone has of surviving. The “Stop the Bleed” training program was created by the American College of Surgeons, federal agencies and military personnel in the aftermath of the 2012 Sandy Hook shooting to train community members to enhance survival after mass casualties and active shooter events.

This training has been attended by emergency preparedness persons, police and fire departments, high school students, and community members. The campaign to spread the awareness and training about basic actions to stop life-threatening bleeding continues so that the members of the public can take action and make a difference in the case of every day emergencies, shootings, and natural and man-made disasters. Advances in military medicine and research in hemorrhage control provide the basis of the information in the training course. For more information, visit www.bleedingcontrol.org.

What can we in Takoma Park do? Take the one-hour training course on how you can control severe bleeding offered by The Takoma Park Emergency Preparedness Committee. This course offers a video plus hands on experience in the ABC’s of bleeding control: A – Alert, B – find the Bleeding injury; C – Compression (apply pressure). And of course, call 911.

This article appeared in the December 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Takoma Park Holiday Art Sale Returns for 13th Year

Dec. 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Takoma Park Community Center
7500 Maple Ave.
Free event

Why shop for holiday gifts in a mall or on Amazon when you can support local artists and our creative community?

The 13th annual Takoma Park Holiday Art Sale makes that goal easy and affordable with more than 30 local artists and artisans gathered at the Takoma Park Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Unlike some art sales, there is no admission fee, and you will find a broad array of creative gifts for your friends and family (and yourself!), including paintings, pottery, photography, handmade clothes, jewelry, toys and more.

The Holiday Art Sale has become a tradition in Takoma Park that has expanded into a juried competitive event featuring vendors from across the D.C. area, according to photographer Rob Rudick, who started the art sale 13 years ago with Sara Daines, director of the City of Takoma Park’s Housing and Community Development Department. “I like getting all of these great artists together,” Rudick said. “It’s really exciting when everyone is in the community center and their work is up.”

The City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Commission hosts the art sale each year to support the local artist community. City staff also organize many events throughout the year at the Takoma Park Community Center in the We Are Takoma series, including art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, poetry readings, concerts, and theater. There is more information about our upcoming events at www.takomaparkmd.gov/arts, and you can sign up for the weekly We Are Takoma e-newsletter here.

The art sale represents as many different mediums as possible. “We have some vendors who come back every year, but we also look for new vendors so there is something new every time,” Rudick said. “I talk it up all year long.” During the Holiday Art Sale, the Friends of the Takoma Park Maryland Library will hold their fundraiser where people can support the library by buying new or used books at low prices.

This article appeared in the December 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

LED streetlights approved: City taking its biggest step yet to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

After many years of extensive research, pilot projects, expert consultations and public discussion, the Takoma Park City Council voted unanimously at its Oct. 24, 2018, meeting to move forward with replacing 1,505 streetlights with new high-efficiency LED streetlights. The new LED streetlight fixtures will save the City up to $100,000 per year while also significantly reducing light pollution and municipal carbon emissions.

Pepco has ordered the new fixtures, and installation is expected to begin this month. Due to the number of fixtures being replaced, it is likely installation will continue through the first few months of 2019. The City will post up to date information on the project and implementation timeline here.

Mayor Kate Stewart said of the decision, “Today we take a huge step forward as a community in fighting climate change and reducing our energy consumption. Converting all of our streetlights to LED is the equivalent of eliminating 912,031 miles driven by car, each year. This project will also reduce our light pollution, increase public safety and save us money. Making this switch has been a community effort and is an example of our longstanding commitment to sustainability and innovation.”

The City currently pays approximately $233,000 per year for its streetlights; $180,000 is paid to Pepco for maintenance and operation, taxes and fees; $53,000 is paid to WGL for the electricity use (100% Wind). Based on Pepco’s calculations, the reduction in energy use and maintenance costs will result in annual savings of up to $100,000. The overall cost of the conversion project is expected to be $372,000, and the City anticipates a $260,000 rebate from the Empower Maryland Program, leaving the total cost to the City at just $112,000. Based on the projected annual savings, the program will “pay for itself” in less than two years.

Pepco, which owns and maintains the City’s streetlights, is equally excited about the project.

“We are pleased to partner with Takoma Park in taking these important steps that will result in lower streetlighting costs and provide a safer environment for the local community,” said Jerry Pasternak, Pepco Maryland Region vice president of governmental and external affairs. “LED streetlight technology is one of the many ways Pepco is advancing innovative technologies that are transforming the future energy experience for our customers.”

The LED streetlight fixtures selected for Takoma Park’s project are 3,000K and will range in wattage from 24 Watts for residential streets to 135 Watts in high traffic commercial areas. All of the fixtures will be International Dark Sky Association certified, reducing light pollution in the City. The new LED streetlight fixtures were selected taking into account the Illumination Engineering Society of North American (IES) guidelines for illumination levels and will help create more uniform lighting at the street and sidewalk level, correcting areas that are currently over or under lit. Pepco is also providing additional field-installable shields to address instances where light from the new streetlight fixtures is found to shine directly into the windows of adjacent properties. Once installation is complete, if residents would like to request the additional shielding, they can contact Public Works at 301-891-7633 or publicworks@takomaparkmd.gov.

This article appeared in the December 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Exercise classes at the recreation center

Now that the weather is becoming less than ideal, exercising outside will be more of a challenge. Here are a few options you may want to consider: Karate, Zumba, Ladies Bootcamp or Teen Fitness. Each of these classes is held at the Takoma Park Recreation Center on New Hampshire Avenue.

The practice of martial arts not only boosts physical fitness and teaches self-defense skills, it also improves discipline, focus, confidence and mindfulness. Classes typically cover basic kicking and punching techniques, kata and some sparring drills. Students can expect to be encouraged to challenge themselves while in class. You have will have the opportunity to take advantage of more than 40 years of combined instructor experience.

As a result of taking this class, students said they felt stronger, more agile and confident. You are welcome to observe the class. Stop by the Takoma Park Recreation Center on Mondays or Wednesdays between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The Isshin-Ryu Karate Club has been practicing at the center since 2008.

Looking for an upbeat exciting class that will get your heart rate going? You may want to try our Zumba class. Laura Stewart is a certified Zumba instructor with more than four years of experience. A combination of Merengue, Cumbia, Soca and Reggaeton dance moves, along with some upbeat Latin style music, will move you through the class and make you forget you are exercising. “I love this class,” said Debbie Gibbs, a long- time student. “The music, the instructor and the convenience of the location are the reasons I keep coming back.” Laura will cue you through the workout, so you will know exactly which way to turn and travel. Bring your energy and feel free to sing along to the music and have fun while you burn calories and make new friends.

Ladies Bootcamp is one of the best classes at the Recreation Center. This class is led by a professional trainer, Tony Sharpe from KJ Fitness. Tony has been a trainer for more than 10 years. He will start you off with a dynamic warm up and some indirect stretching. Leg, core and upper body exercises will follow. Some exercises are body-part focused, and others will work the total body. Tony will finish the class with a cool-down session to bring your heart rate back down. Teri Tucker, a faithful student said, “The comradery between classmates is the best thing about the class. It’s like a family.” She loves the way the ladies motivate and encourage one another through the challenging workout.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years old are eligible to join our Teen Fitness class. Stop by the Takoma Park Recreation Center on Mondays at 6 p.m., and our staff will be happy to assist you through a workout. If you are trying to be a part of your school or community team, this class will help you get in shape, improve your footwork and build strength. Exercises using your own body weight by doing pushups, sit ups and dips is a staple of this class along with other challenging exercises that include our floor ladder and hurdles.

Please feel free to stop by the Recreation Center and take a class or sign up for our Fitness Room. Just stop by the front desk, and a staff member will be happy to assist you. There is a complete listing of classes in the enclosed Winter City Guide. Registration for most classes begins Friday, Dec. 14 for Takoma Park Residents and Friday, Dec. 21 for Nonresidents. We look forward to seeing you at the Takoma Park Recreation Center located at 7315 New Hampshire Avenue.

This article appeared in the December 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

At Takoma Park Presbyterian, 125 years of service

By Sean Gossard

For 125 years, Takoma Park Presbyterian Church has grown alongside the community, giving back and striving to speak out against social injustice and be a place of inclusion.

The church celebrated its 125th anniversary with a gala in late October, and each month this year has focused on a different decade in the church’s history. The church’s organist also composed a special anthem for the milestone that premiered during a Sunday service after the gala.

The church’s roots can be traced back to the founding of Takoma Park when congregations originally met in a tent on the site. “Someone would bring an organ in a wheelbarrow,” said Elder Jill Feasley, who joined the church with her husband 25 years ago during its 100th anniversary. “And in winter they would meet in people’s homes.”

“From the 1890s through the 1950s the church mission was very outward. They sponsored refugees and missionaries in other countries.”

In 1888, a few years after the creation of Takoma Park, the city’s founder Benjamin Franklin Gilbert donated land on what is now Maple Avenue for the congregation’s original church building. Several years after the original wooden church was built for non-denominational worship and the congregation began having trouble pay bills, the Presbyterians took over the mortgage and provided a minister.

By 1922, the congregation had moved the church down the road to the stone building that’s there now on the corner of Tulip and Willow avenues. “From the earliest days it was a place for people to go for lectures and plays and where the town council held its first meetings,” Feasley said. “And when the stone sanctuary was built that tradition continued on.”

The high-point of the church came in the early 1950s in terms of membership, when the congregation was around 1,500 people. And by the 1960s, the church began to change its focus and direction. “From the 1890s through the 1950s the church mission was very outward,” Feasley said. “They sponsored refugees and missionaries in other countries.”

But in the 1960s under Minister John Patterson, whose wife Katherine Paterson wrote the children’s book “Bridge to Terabithia,” the congregation took steps to integrate and become more diverse. The congregation now includes families and individuals from all over the globe, including Cameroon, the Congo, India, Jamaica, Russia and South Korea to name just a few.

And that level of social awareness and diversity has continued through the years at TPPC. When CASA de Maryland, a Latino and immigrant advocacy organization, was founded in 1985 the basement of the church served as its original headquarters.

“CASA may no longer be housed at the church, but we always describe our origin story as one in which North American and Central American activists came together in a church basement at Takoma Park Presbyterian to provide sanctuary and support to those fleeing oppression,” said CASA Executive Director Gustavo Torres.

“We always describe our origin story as one in which North American and Central American activists came together in a church basement at Takoma Park Presbyterian to provide sanctuary and support to those fleeing oppression.”

The building is currently the headquarters of Community Mediation Maryland, which advances conflict resolution through education, training and research. And the Takoma Park Child Development Center, the county’s first day-care center, started there in the early 1980s.

The church also has a “Black Lives Matter” banner that it hangs prominently upfront, carrying on a tradition of speaking out on social injustice that dates back to the 1970s when the church spoke out on apartheid policies and racial discrimination. “We’ve been using the space to speak out on issues,” Feasley said. “Before that in the 1960s, the sign just read ‘Welcome.’ “

They’ve also hosted several Girl Scout troops and for nearly 100 years have been the home and sponsor of Boy Scout Troop 33.

In the past few years, the church renovated its kitchen area and is now working with Takoma Park Silver Spring Community Kitchen to support and empower low-income food entrepreneurs. Now those starting a food business can get training and work out of the kitchen to help cut start-up costs.

“Without the partnership between the church and Crossroads Community Food Network, we wouldn’t be able to offer this critical infrastructure, and many of the food entrepreneurs we serve would need to defer their dreams,” said Christie Balch, executive director of Crossroads, which helps run the kitchen.

Balch says that 11 businesses are now using the kitchen, with many sourcing their produce from farms in Maryland and neighboring states. “They produce food for farmers markets and catering gigs, and many users are low-income, so the space is made available for free,” Feasley said.

The church is also open to Buddhist and Jewish groups as well as meditation classes and Masons. The church’s gym is used by soccer and basketball teams in the winter and as a home court for a couple of nearby schools. “There’s something going on there every day,” Feasley said.

And what’s in store for the next 125 years for Takoma Park Presbyterian Church and its roughly 200 members?

The church currently has an interim pastor, and Feasley says part of that involves revisioning and thinking about what they want to do next.

“We need to think about what kind of church we want to be,” Feasley said. But it seems like its goals for social justice and inclusion will always remain, much like the spirit of Takoma Park itself. And like its mission says, it is a “Church for ALL People.”

This article appeared in the November 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

High-Rise Living … Being Prepared

By Claudine Schweber, Co-Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee

What do you call someone who lives on the 12th floor and gets up at 5 a.m. each day? A high-riser. All kidding aside, what makes a building a high-rise? That’s the designation for buildings with seven floors or more. According to the U.S. the National Fire Protection Association, a high-rise building is higher than 75 feet (23 meters) or about 7 stories (www.fireline.com).

Do you live on the 8th floor of a building or know someone who does? What would you do if there’s a fire? Where would you go if you needed to get out of the apartment or if you are ill and need to call for help? Do you have flashlights nearby in case the electricity is out? NOTE: Most firetruck ladders only reach to the 7th floor.

Basic safety

  • Whether you just moved in or have lived in a high-rise for years, make sure you have and read the emergency plan for your building.
  • Learn about your building’s safety features, including smoke alarms, sprinklers, voice communication, and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Identify all the exits near your apartment, since the one closest to you may be blocked. Make sure you can open them. Find the special fire doors.
  • Know the evacuation plan. If you will need help, tell management in advance. Plan and practice two ways out of the building. Get on the stay-in-place list if you are not mobile.
  • In cases of evacuation, go outside away from the building. Do not return until the firefighters say it’s ok. If you think someone is still inside, tell the firefighters or other emergency personnel.
  • Stay away from windows, glass, exterior walls, or things that might fall, such as file cabinets or book shelves.
  • Have emergency contact and medical information posted in plain sight.
  • Don’t use the elevators!

Fire safety

  • Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires. Surprised? Stay in the cooking area until you’ve turned the heat off completely. If a fire does start, get out, close the door, and call 911.
  • If you need to test heated doors, use the back-of-hand technique. Instead of touching a door with your palm, gently use the back of your hand to test for heat.
  • Check if your apartment has sprinklers. New building codes require all residential buildings above 100 feet to have working sprinklers by 2019.
  • “Close before you doze.” Keep bedroom doors closed when you are inside. This could prevent smoke from entering the room and give you time to call 911.
  • When calling 911, be sure to clearly give the apartment number. If you cannot get out, make sure to tell the 911 operator immediately.

If you cannot evacuate, go to a window if possible, wave a white sheet/towel to alert the firefighters. If you can open the window a bit, hang the white item on the window sill, and close the window. Do not keep window open since that may feed the fire. Thank you to Adam Bearne of the Takoma Park Volunteer Fire Department and Jacqueline Davison at Victory Tower for your help with this article. And to the entire TPVFD for always being ready!

Join EPC on WOWD radio for Dear Bea(trice) Prepared at 1 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month.

This article appeared in the November 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

In search of more American Indian voices

By Karen MacPherson

November is American Indian Heritage Month. One way that we’ve celebrated for almost two decades is by hosting Eaglebear, who share stories, songs and dances from his Xicano and Apache heritage. This year, our program featuring Eaglebear will take place on Monday, Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

Another way we celebrate each year is by putting up a display of books by and about American Indians and encouraging young readers to check them out. In the past few years, we’ve put more emphasis on finding and purchasing books by American Indians as opposed to books about them by authors of other races or cultures. This is both a reflection of the Library’s effort to mirror our local community’s wonderful diversity as well as the larger push for “#OwnVoices” within the children’s literature world.

The #OwnVoices movement calls for more cultural authenticity in children’s books, which means, for example, having more books about American Indians written by American Indian authors – not by authors of other races or cultures. There’s a good reason for this effort. One example: two of the best-known children’s books featuring American Indians are the 1975 Caldecott Medal winner, Arrow to the Sun, written and illustrated by Gerald McDermott, and the 1979 Caldecott Medal winner, The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses, written and illustrated by Paul Goble. Neither author, however, was American Indian, and in recent years, American Indian scholars have found major flaws in the way Native culture is presented in both books.

While children’s publishers are – after decades of stops and starts – now clearly making a determined effort to search out more authors of color and publish more culturally authentic books, there’s still a long way to go. The latest statistics from the University of Wisconsin’s Cooperative Children’s Book Center show that, of the 3,700 children’s books the Center received from publishers in 2017, only 72 had “significant” American Indian/First Nation content or characters. And, of those 72 books, only 38 were by American Indian/First Nations authors and/or illustrators.

However, there are some wonderful children’s and teen books by American Indian authors that have been published in recent years, and we are happy to purchase them for the Library. One great source of information about the best American Indian books for kids is the blog American Indians in Children’s Literature, created and maintained by Debbie Reese, a children’s literature scholar and member of the Nambe Pueblo in New Mexico. Using Reese’s lists of recommended books, we are building our Library’s collection of #OwnVoices American Indian books.

Among our newer books by American Indians are picture books such as We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Bowwow Powwow by Red Lake Ojibwe author Brenda Child; the award-winning kids’ novel, How I Became a Ghost, by Oklahoma Choctaw author Tim Tingle; and #Not Your Princess: Voices of Native American Women, a collection of stories, poems and artwork by women authors of various tribes. These are just a few of the new books we have by American Indian authors. Come browse our collection and check some out!

This article appeared in the November 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Register Your Owner-Occupied Group House

An Owner Occupied Group House is a single-family home:

  • Occupied by the owners or a family members as their primary residence; and
  • One or more unrelated individuals who pay rent or share the costs of utilities.

The ability to rent out a private bedroom and then share common space in single-family homes creates affordable housing opportunities in our terrific Takoma Park neighborhoods as well as providing income for homeowners.

These houses are not considered rental properties by the City, although they are required to be registered. This is the same registration that is required for homeowners who rent rooms in the homes they live in through short-term services, such as Airbnb. Registration lasts for three years, expiring December 31 of the third year.

Register in three easy steps
  1. Complete a brief application, on the City website.
  2. Pay the $50 registration fee.
  3. Pass an inspection conducted by City staff to ensure the home meets health and safety standards.

The inspector will test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, both of which need to be either hard-wired or the ten-year, tamper-proof type. They will verify that each bedroom has a key- operated lock on the exterior and a thumb turn on the interior and as well as a window that provides safe exit in case of a fire or other emergency. The inspector will also check that the cooking and sanitation facilities are in good working order. This inspection is repeated at the time the registration is renewed, every three years.

Do you have questions about the registration process or want to verify that your group house is already registered? Contact Housing and Community Development at 301-891-7119 or housing@ takomaparkmd.gov.

This article appeared in the November 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

Tips for Emergency Preparedness

By Claudine Schweber, Co-Chair, Emergency Preparedness Committee

No, we did not get Hurricane Florence. Yes, we did get periodic heavy rain, some flooding and downed trees. So, don’t applaud too soon. Are you prepared for serious storms, tornados and/ or power outages, which we do get? Here’s a review of some key tips, so you can be prepared, not scared. First, sign up for Takoma Park Alerts at takomaparkmd.gov/services/takoma-park-alert.

Make a basic preparedness kit. This is the go-bag that you set up in case you have to evacuate, or you have to stay indoors without power. It should include food for three days, safe drinking water (one gallon per person per day) and a first aid kit. Here’s a video you can watch for more information on what to include in your kit: weloveweather.tv/video/dos-donts-hurricane-prep-kit.

Be prepared for a power outage. Make sure you have lanterns, a battery-powered cell charger, a battery- or solar-powered radio, extra batteries, canned food with water inside and pull-up opener. Make sure computer systems are backed up; shut down and unplug systems before the storm.

Make a communication plan. Decide where to meet if you are separated; maintain a list of phone numbers for contact people; determine who contacts whom; keep a list of contact numbers for emergency personnel in your area. Designate an out-of-area contact person.

Be medical care ready. Get an extra supply of medication as soon as you hear there may be a natural disaster (or if you are going away). Make a copy of the prescription and keep it in a safe and easily accessible place along with a list of doctors, medications and health insurance information. Give a copy to your out-of-area contact.

Make preparations for your pets. Do you love your dog/cat and refuse to be separated? Now, while it’s calm, check which shelters take pets, not all do; same with hotels. Create an emergency preparedness kit for your pet. Check out this video, “Emergency Preparedness for Pet Owners.”

Befriend a neighbor. Whether the person is elderly, disabled or alone, this is Takoma Park where we know our neighbors and care about each other. Check in with him or her before the disaster and check to see how well prepared he or she is. Here’s a video on the subject.

Questions or ideas? Contact us at tpepc@takomaparkmd.gov or 301-891- 7126.

This article appeared in the October 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.

The Road to success: Preparing teens for an effective transition into adulthood

By Leicia Monfort, Recreation Supervisor

Is my child on the right track to gaining a successful career and a life full of joy, love and prosperity? Parents of young adults ages 11–18 often wonder if they’ve made the right decisions in preparing their children for the future. Did I register them in the right programs? Have I provided enough support? Is my child comfortable speaking to me? Well, it’s not too late. Sean Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens” and Dr. Tim Elmore’s “7 Life Skills Students Need to Succeed” give us a few pointers on how we can help mold our youth and encourage positive outcomes for a successful transition into adulthood. In summary, here are the seven habits or skills (combined) needed to be successful effective teens:

  1. Be a proactive leader. A proactive leader is someone who is not afraid to stand up for what he or she believes in and take initiative to do things that others may not view as favorable.
  2. Begin with the end in mind. It’s like playing chess. You must know your next move before you make your initial move. Learning to plan strategically is vital to making the right decisions no matter what stage you are in life. Strategic thinking helps not only with completing tasks but with building relationships with people as well.
  3. Put first things first; don’t get distracted in the flood of things. This means being able to set priorities and not get deterred and lose focus. The essence of time management is to organize and execute around priorities. It’s easy to get caught up with trying to multi-task to seemingly accomplish more, but the less time you spend on the necessary things, the more it takes away from the quality.
  4. Think win-win. You need to look for or create a win/win situation. How can both parties benefit from this decision? You must maintain a perspective beyond your own vision to be able to change the culture.
  5. Seek first to understand then to be understood. Everyone wants to know that their voice is being heard. Make sure that in your interactions you are listening to understand before pushing for your agenda to be understood.
  6. Synergize. Steven Covey, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Encouraging our youth to value the differences and opinions of others is important to teaching them the dynamics of great teamwork and the importance of having an open mind in the decision-making process.
  7. Sharpen the saw. Dr. Tim Elmore. “People learn best in community and in relationship…” Steven Covey, “To maintain and increase effectiveness, we must renew ourselves in body, heart, mind, and spirit.” It is important to teach our youth that it’s okay to rest and attack things in a different manner. There are times where the answer you’re looking for comes right when you allow yourself to breathe, relax and look at the situation another way. Research new ways and don’t be afraid to ask for advice.

The Takoma Park Recreation Department continues to seek ways that we too can help support youth during their transition into adulthood. This fall we have quite a few programs geared towards enhancing certain skills as well as providing resources needed to prepare for them for their next phase in life. The Young Entrepreneurs Program, Healthy Cooking for Teens and the Teen Lounge Power Hour are just a few. Visit our website at www.takomaparkmd.gov/recreation to see what program and services are of interest to you or your teen. For more information on Teen Programs, please contact Leicia Monfort at leiciam@takomaparkmd.gov.

This article appeared in the October 2018 edition of the Takoma Park Newsletter. The Takoma Park Newsletter is available for download here.