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Arts & Humanities, News, News Alert

Takoma ARTery Spring Art Fair this Saturday at Girl & the Vine

Takoma ARTery Spring Art Fair 

Saturday, April 10 from 11 am-5 pm
Girl & the Vine at 7071 Carroll Avenue

You can celebrate spring and support local artists at the Takoma ARTery Spring Art Fair this Saturday. Fifteen local artists will be selling their work across a wide range of mediums in this covid-conscious free outdoor event. Some artists also will create artwork live and explain their artmaking process. Masks are required and 35 people will be allowed into the art fair at any time.

The City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division is providing city funding and promotion for the ARTery, which also arranges storefront displays with artwork by a diverse range of local artists. The displays, which feature changing bimonthly exhibitions, can be seen at at the Historic Takoma building at 7328 Carroll Avenue at the Takoma Junction and the Takoma Masonic Center at 115 Carroll Street in downtown.

The storefront displays support the livelihoods of local artists and improve the appearance of local business districts by filling vacant or underused storefronts with arts and handicrafts from Takoma Park’s creative community. Artists arrange sales directly with buyers and aren’t charged any commission. Artists who are interested in showing their work or anyone with possible locations for more storefront displays should email takoma.artery@gmail.com. There also is more info at takomaartery.com.

“The City of Takoma Park is happy to support the Takoma ARTery’s important work,” said Arts and Humanities Coordinator Brendan Smith. “Artists are small business owners who are responsible for Takoma Park’s reputation as an arts-friendly city, and they stimulate economic development both for the city and other businesses. We’re hoping for a good turnout at the Spring Art Fair this Saturday.”

Historic Takoma Window Display 

 

Arts & Humanities, News, News Alert

Sidewalk Poetry Contest Winners Announced

After receiving more than 150 entries, the winners of the Takoma Park Sidewalk Poetry Contest have been selected, including 10 children and 10 adults ranging from 6 years old to seniors. The winners will receive a $100 award and a chance to have their original poems stamped into a local sidewalk in the contest organized by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division.

“We were impressed by the diverse breadth of poetry displaying the creativity, intellect, and whimsy of so many Takoma Park residents,” Arts and Humanities Coordinator Brendan Smith said. “This is a fun public art project which brings poetry to the streets and under people’s feet. We hope the poems will provide a laugh or a moment of reflection as people walk around town.”

Local residents could submit one or two poems in English or Spanish. The selection committee included Takoma Park Poet Laureate Kathleen O’Toole and local poets Bernardine Watson and Vladimir Monge.

Seven poems have been stamped so far and more poems will be stamped in the spring of 2022 when sidewalk work begins again.

A new online map provides a looping 4.2-mile walking or biking route which connects the seven sidewalk poems located across Takoma Park.

Child/Teen Winners

Ari Bernstein -10 years old

From the sky to the earth

and the nature in between

you can see the beauty

in which it is woven

and the space you may weave

 

Sofia Dalanda Crandall -14 years old

Poetry is not a chair

Until you eat it

From a freshly shined plate

In a rickety old bus

On a blanket of snow

 

Edwige Ghembesalu -16 years old

sunshine honeydew

drip drops from the sky

and we shimmy in the rain

by the creek and on the bridge

slippin cause we mean to

 

Graham Gould -8 years old

Joy is what I feel within

It burns right through my thin tan skin

Those I love I share my gift

You just need a hopeful lift

 

Hector Herrera -6 years old

People love

people hug

the love is strong from above

 

Ash Hewchuck -15 years old 

Song of moon, I take your hand

In dusk of sweet July night

Dappled thoughts and silver emotions

We’ll dance until first light

 

Nala Miller -7 years old

Little green ball in the tree

Bouncing and rolling free

Off the branch in the grass

Down the hill that’s all we see.

 

Maeve Monahan -11 years old

Takoma

Instead of a park

It’s more like a sea

Flowing from every

Green leafy tree

 

Ida Shaeffer-Allen -9 years old

Carving out rock

Cutting through land

Soft tender touch

Transforms more than seen.

 

Aissatou Thiam -7 years old

Six Legs

Tiny Ants

Don’t crawl up my pants!

 

Adult Winners

Sally Brucker

So here is the thing

not getting any younger

flowers

still budding

 

Chris Carson

If I had my way,

love and money would grow

All over the ground,

Like wild strawberries.

 

Colleen Cordes

Late light shines

through dusk dark pines.

Everywhere silence,

everywhere song.

Sing, silence, sing.

 

David Alberto Fernandez

(Spanish poem with English translation)

Las palabras que importan

no se imprimen,

ni están talladas o estampadas

Arden en nuestros corazones

 

The words that matter

are not printed,

carved or stamped

They blaze in our hearts

 

Rosemary Ferreira

If there is one thing I hold constant,

it is that I belong to this city

as much as it belongs to me.

 

Veronica Jackson

What will you have today?

I would like tomorrow

Ok that will cost you a day

Just give me yesterday

Sorry no refunds

 

Emily Kombe

You call it nappy,

I call it being able to breathe

for the first time

through my curls

 

Samantha Magrath

my footsteps sound

on hard surfaces

crisp and regular as a dealer

laying down card after card

on the city’s table

 

Maja Tokic

long ago

they walked this road

cold wind chilling their bones

over the ground hard as stone

long ago

 

Richard Weil

Know, that a valley,

Is a mountain resting

 

 

 

 

News

Announcing Takoma Park’s New Public Safety Task Force Members

I am pleased to announce our Reimagining Public Safety Task Force:

Thank you to all of the residents that expressed interest in serving on the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force. We are grateful to have such a talented group of residents that are willing to serve on this important topic. I am pleased to announce the City Council’s selection of participants for the Task Force.

To learn more about the Task Force including the Task Force Members, bio’s, and how you might be able to watch Task Force meetings, please see the Reimagining Public Safety web page.

Why is Reimagining Public Safety Important?

The City of Takoma Park recognizes the history and impact of racism on Black and Brown people in our community. Systemic racism is at the root of racial disparities in education and job attainment, housing, and healthcare, as well as police stops, and incarceration rates. Moreover, the deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd, along with many other Black and Brown people at the hands of the police highlight the need to reform and a reimagining of public safety in our country. In light of what is happening in our country on public safety and race equity, we are taking an evidence-based approach to assessing the City’s public safety policies and established a resident-led task force to inform the City Council’s decision-making on public safety reform.

The Purpose of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force:

The purpose of the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force is to develop recommendations that make Takoma Park a safer, more livable community for all residents, with an emphasis on addressing racial inequalities that exist in government and services evolving around public safety. This Task Force is our opportunity to bring new voices into the process as we take stock of what is working, what is not, and as we explore best practices in public safety.

Nearly 40 people applied for the 15 member Task Force. The applicant pool was very diverse in terms of race, age, ward representation, renters/ homeowners, education, and professional affiliation. The majority of applicants (72%) self-identified as a person of color. Applicants were reviewed based on the following factors:

  • Residency,
  • Written Expression of Interest in the Task Force,
  • Organization and Community Affiliations,
  • Diversity and Inclusion, and
  • The overall composition of the Task Force

I look forward to the recommendations that come from this effort. Congratulations to the Reimagining Public Safety Task Force Members for your service. Your valuable work will inform the transformation of public safety in the City of Takoma Park as we know it.

News, Uncategorized

Time to Renew! The Takoma Park Recreation Department Scholarship Program

 

The Takoma Park Recreation Department scholarship program is designed to assist individuals and families accessing our programs, by providing an opportunity to apply for a lesser fee than the published amounts. Scholarships give Takoma Park residents an opportunity to learn, grow and have fun. Scholarship applications are valid for the calendar year in which you apply and all applications will need to be resubmitted every year, three weeks before registration. Take a moment to review the FAQ section as it may answer some questions you have.

Available Programs

Most programs offered by the Takoma Park Recreation Department are eligible including child care, day camps, and many other programs covering all ages. However, there are important exceptions please click here to view the list.

Eligibility

The Recreation Department’s scholarship opportunity is available to families who reside within Takoma Park City limits who are in need.  Please note that some may have a Takoma Park mailing address but not live within City limits. To verify which Ward you live in visit our interactive map.

How To Apply

  • Applications are valid for the calendar year in which you apply (Dec applications rollover).
  • Completed applications, income chart, and accompanying documentation should be emailed to  recreation@takomaparkmd.gov
  • All applications will need to be resubmitted every year, three weeks before registration.
  • Applications are available in Amharic, English, French and  Spanish.
  •  Click here to find the applications in Amharic, English, French and Spanish.

 

The Recreation Dept. is feverishly working behind the scenes on reopening procedures for Childcare and Summer Camp. While you wait, if you are a Takoma Park resident in need review the new scholarship page and submit the application if interested. We know COVID has effected many families and we want to remove all the barriers for participation in our recreation programs.

Please Note: This scholarship application is only valid for City of Takoma Park Recreation Department programs.
News, News Alert

Grants and rebates available for weatherization, energy savings

 

The City offers residential sustainability grants to Income-qualified residents for FREE weatherization (insulation, draft reduction, and potentially heating and cooling equipment and appliances) by applying here.

Additional rebates are available for all residents who make energy efficiency improvements.

All residents looking to keep the cold air out, warm air in, and reduce utility bills at home can get a FREE ENERGY SAVING KIT from Montgomery County: https://mygreenmontgomery.org/2021/lwyl/

Kits contain:

  • door sweeps,
  • rope caulk for those leaky windows,
  • window insulations kits, and more.
  • requests must be received by March 31, 2021.
News, Public Notices

Sleet and ice! The City Manager’s message is to stay home if you can

 

 

Dear Residents,

Once again we have strange winter weather. I really wanted a good snowfall and then we could start thinking of spring and flowers, but instead we have accumulating sleet, freezing rain and ice.

Because the temperatures will stay cold, ice will be a problem for several days. Some warmth on Friday afternoon will help, but then there will be a refreeze. Expect dangerous walkways and roads. If you can stay home, please do so.

Our regular Public Works staff are the employees who also treat and plow the streets and clear sidewalks along City facilities when there is a storm. When we have round-the-clock road treatment work, we often need to make adjustments to the trash, recycling and food waste collection schedule. For this storm, there will be NO collections of trash, recycling and food waste today (Thursday). The normal Thursday collection will take place on Saturday. Friday’s collections are expected to take place on Friday, but may be a bit delayed.

Another change is that the Library’s Books-To-Go and Books-To-You delivery program is canceled for today. We hope to be able to provide the services on Friday, but please check before you go.

Please help make the sidewalks safe in front of your homes. Use ice melt or sand – not rock salt! – for areas that are slippery. Please also help your neighbors if you can. The Difference Makers’ Snow Angels program will not be able to help the residents on their service list for this winter event. Their program focuses on the removal of snow, not ice, and the students and coordinator are not available. So, we all need to make a special effort to ensure the safety of our seniors and other community members who may need to go outside for work, doctor’s appointments or food.

As always, please call 301-270-1100 to report slippery conditions so our Public Works crews can be dispatched to address them. Call 9-1-1 if there is an emergency.

And, join with me in thanking our crews! Take a photo of our crews at work and post it on social media or send it to me in an email (SuzanneL@takomaparkmd.gov).  Also, let me know what we can do better. We want Takoma Park to continue to be the place that handles storms right.

Finally, consider contributing to a legitimate charity to help folks in Texas who are having a simply horrible experience with winter weather, and lack of heat, water and food. I’m not happy with today’s weather here in Takoma Park, but this is nothing in comparison.

Stay safe!

Suzanne

Arts & Humanities, News, News Alert

B.Y. Morrison Park Transformed Into Kid-Friendly Space

Gallery

Kids and kids at heart should visit B.Y. Morrison Park to play games, eat lunch, or share their creativity on a new chalkboard mural.

A new public art project organized by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division has enlivened the underused park at the Takoma Junction at the corner of Carroll Avenue and Ethan Allan Avenue. The pavilion features a new chalkboard mural outlined by colorful flowers that was painted by artist Chris Pyrate. Chalk and erasers are available in mailboxes next to the mural.

Pyrate said his design was inspired by the need to get children outside for exercise and social interaction during the coronavirus pandemic. “It’s been difficult for kids because many of them are stuck at home staring at computer screens all day for online learning,” he said. “Play is important for children. I wanted the mural to be interactive so kids could draw and write to express themselves, and they can meet other kids outside.”

City of Takoma Park employees painted colorful stencils on the concrete in the park, including a giant hopscotch robot, balloons to jump on, and animal tracks to follow. The picnic tables in the park also have been painted with colorful designs to encourage people to eat or relax there.

Public art is an important source of inspiration, creativity, and solace during difficult times, especially during this ongoing pandemic, Arts and Humanities Division Coordinator Brendan Smith said.

“We all need to get outdoors and take a break during the day, especially kids,” Smith said. “Anyone who wants to have some fun or just relax should visit the park. People should wear masks and practice social distancing as long as those restrictions are in place.”

News, News Alert, Uncategorized

Join Us for Martin Luther King, Jr. Week of Service and Kindness January 16-24

 

 

News from the MLK Committee.

Due to the pandemic, we regret to report that we aren’t holding our annual celebration with food and music this year nor are we organizing formal service activities.  But we hope you still honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s holiday on Monday, January 18th.

You can help:

  • Local groups that are distributing food (see list below)
  • You can venture to Sligo Creek or any public area and do your own cleanup (use gloves and take trash and recyclables home)
  • You can offer assistance to the elderly or infirm neighbors.
  • You can perform any act of kindness.
  • And you can shine a light into the darkness, symbolically and literally.
  • Please go outdoors onto your front stoop or balcony 7:00-7:15 pm on MLK Jr. Day and lift a flashlight or a candle or your phone into the evening sky.

To quote Dr. King, “Even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow I still have a dream.”

MLK Committee members Jackie Frazier, Cherwanda Oliver, Cindy Dyballa, Jay Keller, Annie Mozer, Howard Kohn

Acts of Kindness or Service
  • Adventist Community Services distributes food and addresses other basic needs. On MLK Jr. Day (Jan. 18th) they will be sorting food and clothing outdoors at 501 Sligo Ave, Silver Spring. (In case of rain or snow, they will cancel.) Contact Terry or Joyce Seamens at 240-793-5108 to schedule a time to volunteer — 3 one-hour shifts each with 15 volunteers (at least 3 must be adults). Shifts will start at 10 am, 11 am and Noon.
  • Small Things Matter distributes fresh food and staples, with assistance from the TPSS Coop, Takoma Park Presbyterian church and the 9:30 Club. Currently they are looking for teens to earn SSL hours by making casseroles, baking, and bagging bulk items, and they ask that donations of canned foods and other nonperishable items be deposited in a grocery cart near the Coop service desk.  Volunteers can sign up at  https://montgomerycountymd.galaxydigital.com/need/?agency_id=81036
  • We Belong Here: Takoma Park Equity Walk is designed to challenge family and friends to explore equity by examining who we are and what makes us feel valued and included. Each station engages you in a fun, physical activity, then prompts discussion. Additional resources enhance understanding about ourselves and others.
Arts & Humanities, News, News Alert

Sidewalk Poetry Contest Needs Your Poems!

2 Comments

SIDEWALK POETRY CONTEST

Deadline: Feb. 28, 2021 

Would you like to see your original poem imprinted in a city sidewalk? Takoma Park residents can enter their short original poems in a contest organized by the City of Takoma Park’s Arts and Humanities Division. The contest is open to adults and children, and no poetry experience is needed. Just write a poem and enter it!

Winners will receive a $100 award and a chance to have their poem stamped into a local sidewalk. You can find more details in the online submission form. 

Sidewalk Poem in St. Paul, MN  Photo credit:Thaiphy Phan Quang

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.