Category Archives: News Alert

Category for Takoma alert items.

News Alert, Public Notices

The Bell Family Sons “Hunt” Garbage Trucks From an Early Age and Find Real Treasures!

The following is from an email sent to the City Manager from Takoma Park
resident Jeff Bell, used with permission

Hello Suzanne,

My name is Jeff Bell, and I’m a resident here in Takoma Park.  For years, I’ve meant to reach out on this topic, but have never taken the step.I want to share with you how delightful our experiences have been with the crews that handle trash removal/recycling/compost collection.

For a little background, I have two sons, who are now 6 and almost 4.  Since our oldest was a baby, we would often go on walks in the neighborhood early in the 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.

What I find special is how incredibly warm and engaging every member of this team has been over the years.  Several will know our kids by name, and all will take a second to chat with us when they’ve been found.  In Pre-COVID times, my kids were very excited to get fist bumps from the crew.  At one point, they would report to their daycare teachers at morning drop-off how many trucks we found and how many “knucks” we got.  It certainly brightened everyone’s day that heard tales of our adventures garbage truck hunting.  I even had people in my office inquire as to how many garbage trucks we found on a particular morning.  There were times during hot summer months where my boys insisted that we take a couple of extra Gatorades with us that we could share to make sure the guys were staying hydrated.

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.

I think it’s important to recognize the impact these hard-working 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.

I’ve included a few pictures from over the years, including one that was taken just this morning.

News Alert, Public Notices

The City of Takoma Park Announces the Public Safety Task Force Facilitation Team

 

The City of Takoma Park recently issued a request for proposals (RFP) to solicit the services of a facilitator or facilitator team to manage the City’s Public Safety Task Force, established by City Council Resolution 2020-21. This Task Force will reimagine the structure and role of public safety in Takoma Park through engaged discussions and recommend changes to public safety policies and funding.

After a review of proposals and team interviews, the City has selected the joint facilitation team of LINK Strategic Partners (LINK) and Expectant Advisory, LLC. LINK is a social impact strategic communications and community engagement firm with demonstrated commitment to the community and civic-based work for causes that matter.  Expectant Advisory, LLC, is a Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) led consultancy with experience facilitating dynamic discussions across the United States and around the world.

In light of the sensitive nature of the topics the Public Safety Task Force will address, the City selected a partner who was able to demonstrate their capacity for and experience with strategic planning, racial equity, and community-building efforts across the country. This year alone, LINK and Expectant Advisory have convened national action-oriented discussions on equity, facilitated discussions on public safety reform, and have worked with partners to apply a Black history and culture lens to the history of policing.

Additionally, it was critically important that the project team selected was diverse and reflected the diversity of our community. LINK’s organization reflects the pluralistic, multi-ethnic composition of not only Takoma Park, but the United States of America. LINK’s youngest employee is 17 years old and their most senior staff member is 92. More than half of LINK’s staff is female and nearly 70% are people of color. This project will be led by a diverse group of facilitators, who can provide context and framing for a discussion and connect with the communities with whom we will engage as part of this process.

Given that the City of Takoma Park has long been a leader in inclusive approaches to policies and engagement, we are honored to partner with LINK and their partner Expectant Advisory, LLC as they help us reimagine public safety.

Links of Interest:
Website and Social Media Info
www.linksp.com

Local Insight. National Know-how.
Facebook • LinkedIn • Twitter

Recent News:
https://linksp.com/news/

City Council & Mayor Blog, News Alert

A Message From Mayor Stewart: We Are Here for Each Other – Updated 12/18/2020

 

The Mayors Blog is updated – December 18, 2020
Mayor Stewart updates her blog with translations in Amharic, French and Spanish languages to help share her message throughout other communities.

We are in the tenth month of the uncertainty and enormity of the COVID-19 crisis. While a vaccine appears on the way, we continue to witness the impact the virus is having every day on our families, friends, neighbors, and local businesses.

More than ever since this crisis began, we need to come together as a community to support and help each other. This starts with wearing a mask when in public. Also, stay up to date on the Montgomery County public health guidelines on gatherings, and while I know it can be difficult this time of year, please do not travel for the holidays.

As we have been over the last ten months, the City is here for all of you and will continue to be here.

I am deeply appreciative of all the support, patience, and compassion as we face this crisis together. Our City staff continues to work around the clock to make sure our government keeps running and residents, especially those most vulnerable, are being cared for.  We are working in coordination with County, State, and regional groups, as well as non-profits because we cannot do this alone.

When the crisis first began, we worked on getting reliable testing in our community and we have achieved that.

Every Wednesday and Saturday we have no appointment necessary for FREE COVID-19 testing at

  • Takoma Park Recreation Center
    7315 New Hampshire Avenue
    10:00 am – 5:00 pm
    View the flyer

Addressing food insecurity is also one of our top priorities. We have been working with non-profits to get food to those in need. Grayce Wiggins, our Housing and Community Development Manager, sits on the Montgomery County Food Council to assist in the coordinating of food distribution.

We also know residents need assistance paying their rents, condo fees, receiving unemployment benefits, and much more. Our City staff continues to provide one-on-one support. Personally, I have seen them in action late at night and on the weekends. Together we have been on the phone, talking with building managers and owners to ensure buildings are properly maintained during the pandemic, and assisting residents with accurate information in different languages.  You can see the latest on the City’s efforts here.

City staff continues to keep updating the Information and Resources: COVID-19  page where you can get information about:

  • City facilities and services
  • Resources including where to get masks, food distribution, and much more.
  • Information and resources for businesses
  • Things to do
  • And More!

There are also recommendations on how you can support local organizations and businesses during this time. Check back frequently because we are constantly adding and updating the information.

A few things to highlight for the next couple of weeks:

  • Toy Drive. Our City Police Department accepts toys for children aged 2-12 years old through noon December 23, as well as monetary donations and gift cards.
  • Winter Coat Drive. Bring clean, gently used warm coats and jackets in any size, gloves/mittens, and scarves, to the lobby of our City Police Dept. at the Community Center, for those in need this year, in partnership with Adventist Community Services. Ends Friday, December 18.
  • Volunteers Needed for Food Distribution on Saturday, December 19. Please join me on Saturday, December 19 to help the Shepherds of Zion Ministries Intl. Church in partnership with the Capital Area Food Bank and the United States Veterans Reserve Corps and the Maryland Medical Reserve Corps distributes food at Takoma Park Elementary School (TPES). For more details email me at kates@takomaparkmd.gov

To stay connected with the City, please be sure you are signed up for:

Facing this crisis together also requires taking time to take care of yourself. As we enter the upcoming week and continue to check-in and care for others in our community, make sure you are also checking-in and caring for yourself. I continue to go back to this Washington Post article for helpful reminders of how to care for yourself and others during this time.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also provides great resources. Here are some things they suggest you can do to support yourself:

This time of year my family observes Advent, and each Sunday evening in the weeks leading up to Christmas we light a candle in our Advent wreath. When my children were younger they wrote this poem that we recite when lighting the candles each week:

  • On the 1st week I have hope.
  • On the 2nd week I have love.
  • On the 3rd week I have joy.
  • On the 4th week, I wish for peace for all, through winter, spring, summer, and fall.

As we enter the final weeks of 2020, I wish you all hope, love, joy, and peace for the coming year.

 

 

News, News Alert, Public Notices

20th District Delegation and City Council Joint Priorities Meeting – Wednesday, Dec. 9, 7:30 pm

The 20th District Delegation and the City Council will hold a Joint Priorities Meeting on Wednesday, December 9, 7:30 PM.  The complete agenda for the meeting is below.

7:30 PM
Welcome and Overview – Mayor Kate Stewart

7:40 PM
Public Comments – District 20 Residents and Organizations*

(Opportunity for the community to inform the Delegation of needs and priorities for the 2021 Legislative Session. Speakers are limited to 3 minutes each. Advance sign up by 5:00 PM on the day of the meeting is required, and space is limited.) Link to sign up to comment.

8:10 PM
Presentation of Takoma Park Legislative Priorities

8:30 PM
Delegation Comments

9:15 PM
Summary and Closing

9:30 PM*
Adjournment

Due to the public health crisis, the meeting will be held remotely on Zoom. The public may view the meeting on City TV (RCN – 13, HD 1060; Comcast/xfinity – 13, HD 997; Verizon Fios – 28), on the City Council Video Page of the City Website; on YouTube, or on Facebook.

*Immediately after the Joint Priorities Meeting is adjourned, the City Council will begin its final regular meeting of the year.

News, News Alert

City of Takoma Park Police Department Joins National ABLE Project

 

The City of Takoma Park Police Department has been accepted into the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project, Georgetown University Law Center’s national training and support initiative for U.S. law enforcement agencies committed to building a culture of peer intervention that prevents harm.

By demonstrating agency commitment to transformational reform with support from local community groups and elected leaders, the

City of Takoma Park Police Department joins a select group of more than 60 other law enforcement agencies and statewide and regional training academies chosen to participate in the ABLE Project’s national rollout. To date, hundreds of agencies across the country have expressed interest in participating.

Backed by prominent civil rights and law enforcement leaders, the evidence-based, field-tested ABLE Project was developed by

Community

Georgetown Law’s Innovative Policing Program in collaboration with global law firm Sheppard Mullin LLP to provide practical active bystandership strategies and tactics to law enforcement officers to prevent misconduct, reduce officer mistakes, and promote health and wellness.

ABLE gives officers the tools they need to overcome the innate and powerful inhibitors all individuals face when called upon to intervene in actions taken by their peers.

We are very excited to have our staff participate in the ABLE training,“ said Chief Antonio DeVaul. “We always seek out training that will increase trust and transparency within our community.”

“As we work to reimagine public safety and seek to rectify injustices in our institutions, we must also ensure individuals have the ability and skills to take action against bias and violence,” said Takoma Park’s Mayor Kate Stewart.  “Our participation in the ABLE Project is an important step to ensure accountability and continue the culture change in our police department needed to serve every member of our community.”

Those backing the City of Takoma Park Police Department’s application to join the program included the NAACP Montgomery Chapter and the Washington Adventist Church.

Professor Christy Lopez, co-director of Georgetown Law’s Innovative Policing Program, which runs ABLE, explained: “The ABLE Project seeks to ensure every police officer in the United States has the opportunity to receive meaningful, effective active bystandership training, and to help agencies transform their approach to policing by building a culture that supports and sustains successful peer intervention to prevent harm.”

Chair of the ABLE Project Board of Advisors, Sheppard Mullin partner Jonathan Aronie, added: “Intervening in another’s action is harder than it looks after the fact, but it’s a skill we all can learn.  And, frankly, it’s a skill we all need – police and non-police.  ABLE teaches that skill.”

The ABLE Project is guided by a Board of Advisors comprised of civil rights, social justice, and law enforcement leaders, including Vanita Gupta, the president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights; Commissioner Michael Harrison of the Baltimore Police Department; Commissioner Danielle Outlaw of the Philadelphia Police Department; Dr. Ervin Staub, professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the founder of the Psychology of Peace and Justice Program; and an impressive collection of other police leaders, rank and file officers, and social justice leaders.

  • See the complete list of the ABLE Project Board of Advisors.
  • For more information about the ABLE Project, visit the program’s website.
  • See a list of the ABLE Standards to which every participating agency must adhere.
  • These articles share more information about active bystandership generally, and the ABLE Project in particular.

The ABLE Project Train-The-Trainer event begins later this month.  By the end of December, the City of Takoma Park Police Department instructors will be certified as ABLE trainers; and over the coming months, all of the Department’s officers will receive 8 hours of evidence-based active bystandership education designed not only to prevent harm, but to change the culture of policing.  Look for our progress in this critical area that will be on the web page soon.

For more information regarding the City of Takoma Park Police Department, contact Catherine Plevy, Public Information Officer at cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov

For more information on the ABLE Project, contact Liza, ABLE Program Manager, at lba17@georgetown.edu.

City Council & Mayor Blog, News Alert

A Message from Mayor Stewart: This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for our community. Our family.

 

Thanksgiving 2020

2020 has been a year. Together, we have faced many challenges, and continue to combat a virus that impacts the members of our community who are most in need. We know that while there is hope of a vaccine, we still have many months ahead and a long recovery.

In our darkest moments, we may be questioning and asking what there is to be thankful for.

But then we remember and express gratitude for:

  • The members of the community who provide food, housing, medical care to those in need.
  • The reuniting of families after a long battle with the virus.
  • Our frontline workers who continue to provide medical care, pickup our trash and recycling, serve us in restaurants and stores, drive buses and metro, and so many more to keep us going.
  • Each other. For the small acts of kindness from raking a neighbor’s leaves to planting a few extra flowers, or dropping off groceries to the kind word when needed the most.

These are the things that allow us to continue on. If you need help, reach out. If you see a neighbor who is struggling, reach out. Be mindful of your own wellbeing, including your mental health and the mental health of those around you. The City is here as a resource for all.

The City staff continues to keep the COVID-19 website page updated. Please use it and let us know if you can’t find something you need.

For the members of our community with family and friends in Ethiopia, we are here for you and pray for peace.

During the holidays, I spend time thinking of the Thanksgivings I had as a child. My grandfather always reminded us of the importance of family, helping one another, and being there for each other.

Takoma Park is a family. Our residents, staff, businesses – we are family. We are there for each other and we will continue to be there for each other.

On this Thanksgiving, I am thankful for our community. Our family.

I also wanted to share the picture above with all of you as a reminder of our family. I commissioned Chris Ha, a young graphic designer in Takoma Park, to design this art piece, and for me, it is a reminder of what we have to be thankful for this season.

With thanks,
Mayor Kate

 

News Alert

Help TPPD Bring Joy This Holiday Season: Donate Unwrapped Toys, Cash/Giftcards

 

 

Help local families in need; partner with the Takoma Park Police to give joy this holiday season!

From Monday, November 16 through noon December 23, we are collecting unwrapped toys for girls and boys between 2-12 years old. We are also accepting monetary donations to shop for kids in need and/or gift cards. Due to COVID concerns, we cannot accept toys that are not in their original packaging.

Please drop off toys and/or cash/gift card donations:

Police Department
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912 –

there will be a box in the police lobby.

** If donating cash and/or gift cards:

  • Please visit the Administrative Desk (only between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday) to drop off directly with a Police Department employee;
  • Please do not put these items in the box with toys.
  • Please place cash and/or gift cards in an envelope addressed “Holiday Toy Drive.” **

Thank you for your generosity. Be safe!

Contact:
Catherine Plevy
Public Information Officer
Takoma Park Police Department

Email: cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov
Phone: 301-891-7142
Cell:  240-338-2901

News, News Alert

Winter Coat Drive Begins Monday, November 2

1 Comment

 

Do you have coats, gloves or scarves that you don’t need anymore…Please consider donating them!

 

 

The Takoma Park Police Department, in partnership with Adventist Community Services, is collecting clean, gently used warm coats in any size from infant to adult. The coats will be donated to people in need. This coat drive can make a difference in the lives of others by simply donating coats and jackets that are no longer needed. We will also accept clean, gently used gloves/mittens and scarves.

Drive Duration

Start date: Monday, November 2
End date: Friday, December 17, at 4:00 pm

A large box will be in the lobby of:
Takoma Park Police Department,
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland

Takoma Park Police Department will ensure that they are given to those in need during and after the drive.

Give warmth to those in need this winter! Thank you for your generosity.

Contact Info:

If you have questions, please contact Catherine Plevy at 301-891-7142 or cathyp@takomaparkmd.gov.