Dear Residents,
As I have been for almost every year for 27 years, I am at work on Christmas Eve, which is a half-day workday for City staff. I traditionally get some work done, talk to staff in different departments and then, at 12:30, make sure the doors are closed and the lights turned off. This year, most doors have been locked since March and the building has a few staff inside, although many are working at home or in the field. Very strange indeed. And yet we persist.
Holidays are always both joyous and hard. My heart goes out to all 
who have lost family members this year or who have had a difficult time. Although my husband died three years ago, I have felt his loss more this year. And, I lost a nephew to suicide two weeks ago – which I believe is an indirect COVID-19 death. Many City staff have lost loved ones this year and I so appreciate that they continue to work to serve the residents of Takoma Park despite the difficulty in doing so.
One thing that surprised me after my father’s death 20+ years ago is how his love continues. I didn’t know what to expect when he died, and it has been wonderful to know that the memories and counsel of my father, mother and husband remain. For those who are having a very difficult time, I recommend the book, Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman. I still find it useful.
There is much to be hopeful about as we move into the year 2021. Thank you to the researchers, scientists, volunteers and others who have developed COVID-19 vaccines! Over the next six months, everyone should be vaccinated unless there is a medical reason not to receive the vaccine. This is the only way to save lives, reopen schools and stores, and get back to the communal everyday life we so badly need.
I am reminded of a story I think I read in a Reader’s Digest years ago. A flood warning had gone out to a community and a resident said he wasn’t leaving his house because “God will protect me.” The floodwaters were at waist level when a man in a boat came by to get him and the man turned him away, saying “God will protect me.” As the floodwaters deepened and the man was on his roof, a helicopter came by to get him and the man said, “No, God will protect me.” The man drowned. When he then saw God, he said, “What happened? Why didn’t you save me?” God replied, “I sent you a warning, a boat and a helicopter, what more did you need!”
Whatever your faith, please heed the sound health care advice: wear a mask, avoid large gatherings, and get a vaccine as soon as you are able.
The City has a terrific COVID-19 resource page that you should check periodically. It includes information on testing, as well as food, financial and mental health resources. And, as we get information on vaccination plans, we will help share it.
One of my brothers wrote in a message to me this morning, “As in other countries, there are masses of people who are ready for more truth, more peace, more justice, more freedom, more environmental responsibility than our so-called leaders give us credit for.” This particular brother is one that I expected to die this year but now is out of hospice care. It is one of the best holiday presents I could have hoped for.
I hope the miracle of love comes your way this holiday season. We will get through all of this together!
Happy holidays!
Suzanne Ludlow
woman were shocking and appalling to witness. The Maryland-National Capital Park Police, who are handling the incident, have identified a suspect. Currently, the State’s Attorney’s office is reviewing the case to determine if charges will be filed. The City is working with the Old Town Business Association (OTBA), who commissioned the art, to ensure repairs are made. OTBA has stated that they are waiting to hear back on this and, once the information is available, will work with the artist, the City, and community leaders to determine what the next steps will be. OTBA and I have also been in contact with the Montgomery County Chapter of the NAACP regarding the incident. Our work cannot stop at restoring art. The defacement of this art starkly illustrates the need to continue to fight anti-Black racism.
morning and would encounter the garbage trucks. Like most young boys, both of our sons found the garbage trucks to be very cool. Over time this evolved from simple chance encounters to us going out in the morning to “hunt” the garbage trucks. This has been going on for years, and I must say has given both my wife and me some truly remarkable memories.
I’ve had countless people witness our interactions, and go out of their way to tell me how big of a smile it put on their face, and how great the workers are. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see two boys getting fist bumps from their heroes? COVID has forced us to pause on the fist bumps, but my boys will still run out of the house to greet the truck when we hear it pull up on Tuesdays. There have been times we’re in the front yard and we’ll see a truck on Philadelphia, and if they see us they’ll always give a honk and a wave — while it’s not a fist bump, my boys really do appreciate being acknowledged. I’ve even had instances where workers would be driving by our house (off work in their personal vehicle) and stop to say hello when we’re in the front yard.
gentlemen are having beyond just the service they provide — they are having a very positive in the community, and bring a great deal of joy to a lot of people, and I can attest that they make my boys feel special.
discussions and recommend changes to public safety policies and funding.
a community to support and help each other. This starts with wearing a mask when in public. Also, stay up to date on the 
